Luxury line Crystal Cruises has announced it will require all guests to be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to sailing. 

Guests will have to provide proof of their vaccination before they can embark, and must have received both doses of the vaccine. 

The line said its crew would also be expected to be vaccinated, although admitted this may not be a viable option given the age of crew members and the availability of vaccines in their home countries. 

Crystal has further delayed the resumption of operations to allow passengers time to be fully inoculated, with the deployment of vaccines varying in different source markets.

It has paused operations until May for its river fleet, into June for its ocean ships, until August 1 for Crystal Esprit and until August for Crystal Endeavor.

Other health and safety measures include having negative Covid-10 tests for passengers and crew, temperature checks before boarding, the use of masks, social distancing and enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures. Reduced capacity will a measure taken by Crystal. 

Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and chief executive, said “We know that peace of mind is the greatest luxury; and the vaccine requirement is simply the best way to ensure the safest possible Crystal experience for all on board.

“This sentiment is underscored by conversations with our guests and travel partners and a recent Cruise Critic survey of cruisers that revealed that more than 80% of respondents would cruise if a vaccine were required.”

Speaking about crew members, Anderson added: “Crew members will be tested for Covid-19 prior to leaving their home location to join the ship and must receive a negative result.

“They also will take a Covid-19 test at embarkation; quarantine for seven days upon arrival; be tested again at the end of that seven-day period and must receive a negative result before beginning their duties.

“When vaccines are widely available, they will be a requirement of employment for crew which must be completed at least 14 days prior to service.”