Crystal Cruises has resumed ocean cruise operations with Crystal Serenity sailing from Nassau around the islands of The Bahamas.
The ship is running a series if seven-day cruises around the islands until November after a year of planning.
Passengers boarded Crystal’s flagship for the first time since spring 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic brought the cruise industry to a halt.
The Bahamas cruises opened to record demand in March, representing the biggest single day of bookings in the company’s history within the first 24 hours of being released.
Crystal Serenity will homeport in Nassau until November 13, departing every Saturday to the nation’s ‘Out Islands’ with calls in Great Exuma, San Salvador and Long Island.
Crystal has partnered with more than 30 local Bahamian businesses to offer passengers, who must be vaccinated, small group experiences.
Passengers will also be able to explore ashore independently because of the mandatory vaccination requirement.
Senior vice president of marketing and sales Carmen Roig said: “This is a historic moment for Crystal, our employees, and especially for our officers and crew and we are happy to be back where we belong, sailing the oceans of the world and creating experiences that become cherished lifelong memories.
“We want to thank our travel partners for their support during this long journey back to sailing and our loyal Crystal guests for standing with us and cheering us on to this joyful moment.”