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Recently, Crystal Cruises announced its Crystal Serenity ship will begin sailing The Bahamas this summer, home-porting in Bimini and Nassau. This enables the cruise line to bypass CDC requirements for sailing into U.S. ports. Vaccines are required for all passengers.
The Details
The Crystal Serenity will sail at a reduced capacity of 900 guests. The 7-night Bahamian cruises run July through October. Ports of call include Bimini, Nassau, Harbour Island, San Salvador, Long Island and Great Exuma.
Prices start at $1999 per guest for double occupancy. A single supplement costs 125%. Bookings open on March 18, 2021. A downpayment is required by April 5, 2021. Final payment is due 60 days prior to sailing.
Guests have the option of flying directly to Nassau for embarkation or taking a ferry to Bimini from Fort Lauderdale.
The Requirements
All guests must be fully vaccinated. Passengers cannot sail until two weeks after the final dose of the vaccination. Since children under 16 are not approved for existing vaccinations, they will not be allowed to sail at this time. See the FAQ here.
Crystal Cruises requires two negative Covid tests prior to sailing. Guests must show proof of a negative PCR test prior to leaving home. In addition, guests are subject to an antigen test at embarkation.
Two temperature checks will be performed prior to embarkation. Guests are subject to further temperature checks throughout the cruise.
Masks are required in certain venues where social distancing is not possible.
My Thoughts
With no start to U.S. cruising in sight, cruise lines are getting creative with itineraries to keep business alive. Cozumel is in talks with a few lines to home port there, so I’m not surprised that The Bahamas struck a deal with Crystal Cruises.
A recent survey on Cruise Critic found that 81% of people would cruise if vaccines were required. It’s been a year without cruising, and cruise fans are chomping at the bit. I believe these cruises will sell out quickly.
And honestly, with required vaccinations, multiple negative tests and all the other safety precautions, these cruises seem very safe to me. Kudos to Crystal Cruises for thinking outside the box and stepping up to meet the demand for this type of vacation.
What do you think? Would you sail on one of these Bahamian cruises?
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
No thanks! I don’t want to jump through all the hoops. Glad I’ve had a chance to take a lot of cruises when I didn’t need to meet all these requirements, plus mask and social distance.
@Lynn I understand. It does seem like a pain, although I’m sure the cruise line will try to make it as easy as possible.