Crystal Caribbean restart

CRYSTAL Symphony (pictured) will return to sailing in Aug with new Luxury Caribbean Escapes, Crystal Cruises has announced.

Symphony will be the first ship to ever homeport in Antigua & Barbuda, and will offer 10-night voyages exploring the island locales of Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, St. Maarten and the British Virgin Islands, beginning 05 Aug.

Travelling through Dec, and including a 23 Dec departure,

Symphony’s return to sailing marks the resumption of service for 97% of Crystal’s oceangoing fleet for the northern summer.

“[Antiguan Minister of Tourism and Investment] Charles Fernandez and his team, and the local tourism businesses throughout the islands, have been working to renew travel to the islands safely and we are thrilled to partner with them to support economic growth in the region and to deliver the kind of luxuries and hospitality Crystal guests have been craving for the past year,” said interim President & Chief Executive Officer Jack Anderson.

Fernadez added the country is delighted to welcome Symphony and her guests to the Caribbean - an important milestone in reinvigorating the country’s tourism industry and economy.

“Together with the local health authorities, we have developed the requisite health and safety protocols to ensure the protection of residents and our guests,” he said.

“With the continued commitment of the government of Antigua & Barbuda and our port operator, Global Ports, we are certain that Crystal guests will find themselves at home here, as our local businesses and tourism specialists share Crystal’s spirit of hospitality and relish sharing the rich culture and beauty of our islands with travellers.”

Best available cruise fares start at $2,999pp, with a range of savings also currently on offer reservations open on Tue 20 Apr.