Virtuoso “disappoints” Crystal

CRYSTAL Cruises says it is disappointed at a letter sent by the Virtuoso consortium to its members, with the cruise line reaffirming that despite the disruption caused by COVID-19 it “remains committed to honouring our contractual obligations with guests and travel partners”.

Last month Virtuoso emailed its travel agency owners/managers and advisors across the globe, noting the announcement by Crystal’s parent company Genting Hong Kong (CW 21 Aug) in which it said it would be making no further payments to financial creditors apart from what it described as “critical services” for its business operations.

“Virtuoso is also aware of some delinquent payments that Crystal Cruises has to Virtuoso member agencies, member agency clients, and Virtuoso,” the update noted.

“At the current time, we recommend that each member carefully consider whether or not it is advisable to book any Crystal Cruise on behalf of any client or make any payments to Crystal Cruises,” the organisation said.

Virtuoso also noted it had initiated discussions with the owners of Crystal “to attempt to resolve this financial situation for the benefit of the Virtuoso network”.

In a formal response received overnight Crystal told Cruise

Weekly it was aware of the Virtuoso letter, and reiterated that “it is important to understand that the company is not going out of business”.

“The actions taken by our parent company are a balance sheet restructuring and with the support of its lenders, Genting Hong Kong will emerge from this a stronger company.”