In partnership with The Bahamas, Crystal Cruises will reinvigorate tourism in the region, as the first ocean cruise line to return to sailing in the Americas, with a series of voyages from Nassau and Bimini beginning July 2021.
Crystal Cruises will restart cruising with new close-to-home Bahamas Escapes beginning July 3, 2021, with a series of 16 seven-night, round-trip cruises from Nassau on its award-winning flagship, Crystal Serenity. In addition to its Nassau itineraries, Crystal will also offer 16 seven-night voyages round-trip from Bimini beginning on July 4, 2021.
With her new Bahamas Escapes cruises, Crystal Serenity becomes the first ship to homeport in The Bahamas, as well as the first ocean ship to sail from the Americas since the cruise industry’s voluntary halt in operations almost a year ago.
Crystal Serenity will return to sailing with reduced capacity, providing guests with a passenger space ratio that is twice that of contemporary cruise lines and allowing for the best social distancing aboard any cruise ship. The onboard Crystal Family will welcome guests back home to a shipboard experience that features spacious guest staterooms and suites and social areas; abundant choices for activities and enrichment; elegant surroundings and amenities; and most importantly, the genuine, personalized service provided by Crystal’s celebrated crew.
The new itineraries highlight the enchanting, romantic nature of The Bahamas and its islands, where guests will find a bevy of sun-drenched pursuits that showcase the destination’s ecotourism; thousands of miles of irresistible beaches and blue waters; scuba diving and snorkeling; world-class fishing; dining; resort experiences; and much more.
The new voyages departing from either Nassau, a hub of art, nightlife, history, beaches, vibrant reefs, and home to the third-largest wine cellar in the world built by notorious pirate Howard Graysmith; or Bimini, a Hemingway favorite known as the sportfishing capital of the world where cruisers can also enjoy the resort amenities of The Beach Club at Bimini, a private island oasis with a lagoon-style pool, hammocks, cabanas, and cocktail lounges. In addition to Nassau and Bimini, the Bahamas Escapes feature four idyllic Bahamian destinations, including Harbour Island, called the Nantucket of the Caribbean because of its colorful New England architecture and famed Pink Sand Beach; and Great Exuma, the largest island of the Exumas, home to waters so stunning they can be seen from outer space and the famous swimming pigs. Guests can island-hop among pristine isles, snorkel gorgeous reef-fringed cays, escape to secluded beaches and hidden caves, enjoy an ATV adventure, and dive clear waters.
Itineraries will also include San Salvador Island, which features more than 50 dive spots and splendid beaches, and offers guests the chance to hike up to the ruins of Watling’s Castle and gaze out at French Bay from the lookout tower; and Long Island, an 80-mile-long island straddling the Tropic of Cancer that’s known for its white-sand beaches, technicolor waters and lush greenery. Here, guests can explore the geological and ecological exploration of Hamilton’s Cave and Dean’s Blue Hole and enjoy some of the bluest waters in the islands at Gordon’s Beach. These ports of call are subject to final confirmation and enhancement and may also vary according to the captain’s discretion due to weather or other conditions.
Guests can also extend their cruise vacations by choosing Crystal’s Extended Land and Hotel Programs, which features carefully selected shoreside partners to ensure a seamless vacation from ship to shore. For Crystal Serenity’s new voyages, these include Nassau’s SLS Baha Mar and Hilton Resorts World Bimini, where guests will enjoy luxury accommodations and daily breakfast, as well as the stylish amenities of each. Guests can also indulge in spa days, golf rounds, casino nights and a host of dining experiences inf each tropical paradise.
The new Bahamas cruises will replace Crystal Serenity’s previously scheduled itineraries that were set to sail July 8 through and including October 19, 2021. Guests who were booked on these voyages have the option to transfer their bookings to one of the new cruises with an applicable 115 percent cruise credit based on cruise fare paid.
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