Late last month, Genting’s Crystal brand joined the increasing number of cruise operators to introduce enhanced health and safety protocols on board their ships.
The cruise operator unveiled Crystal Clean+®, an initial set of safety and health protocols to be implemented on ’Crystal Serenity’ and ’Crystal Symphony’ once they resume sailing.
This set of Crystal Clean+ protocols was dubbed the 2.0 version – the initial expansion of Crystal’s already stringent health and safety policies – developed with the latest data from health experts to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19, and will be continually evaluated as new information becomes available.
Crystal said that it was committed to full compliance with the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and global health measures and, as such, will update these protocols according to their recommendations when they are available.
The new measures introduced include reduced capacity; new embarkation procedures; enhanced cleaning protocols; social distancing and facial covering guidelines; health monitoring for guests and crew; new testing equipment and on board medical resources; isolation staterooms in case of illness with separate air filtration system; shoreside partner collaborations and more.
“When travellers choose to sail with us, they are entrusting Crystal to keep their well-being as our top priority and we take this trust and responsibility very seriously,” said Crystal’s President and CEO, Tom Wolber. “The Crystal Clean+ programme is an enhancement of the rigorous systems to which our teams have always adhered and offer our guests peace of mind and the assurance that Crystal is committed to ensure a healthy and safe experience aboard our ships.”
Crystal Clean+ protocols are also under development for Crystal’s river, yacht and expedition vessels. These details will be made available soon.
Crystal later announced that the expansion of its Crystal Clean+ safety and health protocols to the vessels operated by Crystal River Cruises.
The protocols comprise enhanced cleaning procedures; social distancing and facial covering requirements; health monitoring for guests and crew members; new streamlined embarkation procedures; shoreside partner collaborations and more.
“We are looking forward with great anticipation to welcoming our guests back on board and are working to ensure their wellness and peace of mind when that day comes,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “Crystal Clean+ is an extension of the exceptional standards to which Crystal has always adhered, augmented with the best scientific data and expert guidance currently available.”
