Sarah Bretz, ContributorLuxury cruise line Crystal recently replaced a range of itineraries that were previously scheduled to sail in the Red Sea late this year and in early 2025 aboard Crystal Symphony.
In a statement sent to booked guests, the line said that the decision to cancel the cruises was made due to security and safety concerns in the region. “We have been closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and have been evaluating all options. Due to the uncertainties, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming voyages. This choice was made with careful thought and consideration, as the safety and security of our guests and crew is paramount to us.”
Affected departures include voyages that were scheduled to begin on November 24, December 6, December 23, and January 7.
Guests who were booked on those sailings were offered alternatives, including moving their bookings to other sailings in 2024 or 2025. If a 2024 voyage was chosen, they’d receive a 20 percent savings on the cruise fare. If a 2025 voyage was chosen, a 15 percent discount would apply.
Passengers could also cancel their bookings entirely to receive a full refund.
Passengers were also reimbursed for non-refundable expenses related to the change, including up to $500 per person for airfare fees, $250 per person for hotel expenses, and $100 per person for transportation, visa, and other reasonable expenses.
The canceled cruises are being replaced with new sailings in the Indian Ocean, western Mediterranean, and Africa. They will take place between November 2024 and January 2025.
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