Crystal Cruises is reportedly shutting down US operations: What happens to your bookings?
Crystal Cruises is reportedly shutting down at least its U.S. operations weeks after an arrest warrant was issued for one of its ships over unpaid fuel bills, according to Bloomberg, Travel Weekly and numerous other trade publications.
The Federal Maritime Commission said Friday it is aware of media reports that the cruise line has ceased operations and is receiving inquiries on how to obtain booking refunds.
While the cruise line has not commented, an inside source familiar with the matter told USA TODAY termination notices were issued to U.S. staff effective. Multiple Crystal Cruises employees have also posted about the shuttering on social media, but declined comment.
As of Monday, the luxury cruise line’s website still said, “we will continue to take new reservations for future voyages via our website with no money down until March 1, 2022.”
Crystal Cruises had already suspended sailings through late April and May after its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, declared bankruptcy in early January.
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Singapore-based Peninsula Petroleum Far East has sued Crystal Cruises and Star Cruises, also owned by Genting Hong Kong, for over $4.6 million in unpaid bills.
A Jan. 19 statement from Crystal Cruises said suspending operations would give management time to “evaluate the current state of business and examine various options moving forward.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Peninsula Petroleum Far East, its lawyers, Genting Hong Kong and Crystal Cruises, among others, who have all either declined comment or not responded.
trip protection coverage. Travelers who purchased travel insurance should check with those coverage providers as well.
The Federal Maritime Commission requires cruise lines to have “a bond or other financial surety available to refund passenger deposits in the event of nonperformance” for cruises embarking from U.S. ports with enough beds for at least 50 passengers. Claims would be processed by the bond or surety provider, not FMC.
But the FMC noted Friday that third-party insurers and credit card companies are known to provide “quicker and fuller” reimbursements.
“Any claims process established by the Commission currently limits reimbursement to only the ocean portion of the cruise fare and not any ancillary charges such as air fare, ground transportation, tours, or lodging,” the FMC said.
Additional information about the claims process “will be forthcoming,” according to the FMC. Affected customers can contact its offices at pvo@fmc.gov.
Laziza Lambert, director of strategic communications and public affairs for Cruise Lines International Association, says cruise-line-specific refund policies can be found in booking contracts available from travel advisors and cruise lines themselves.
For now, Crystal Cruises’ website says its call center is “paused until further notice.” It’s encouraging customers to reach out via email, listing several addresses based on the type and method of booking.
Contributing: Morgan Hines, USA TODAY