In light of the impact COVID-19 has had on the travel industry, cruise companies alike are doing their bit to introduce safer vessels to make (healthier) travelling accessible during a global pandemic. Crystal Cruises has followed suit, announcing last week the expansion of it’s Crystal Clean+ safety and health protocols to the sister ships of Crystal River Cruises.
Built upon previous health and safety standards put in place, the Crystal Clean+ 2.0 Protocols have been implemented “using the latest data from health experts to meet the unique challenges posed by COVID-19” the announcement said. Complying with all local regulations set by European cities and states the vessels visit, the expanded protocols include enhancing cleaning procedures, social distancing, health monitoring for passengers and crew, facial covering requirements, and more.
“We are looking forward with great anticipation to welcoming our guests back aboard 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.”
The protocols affect each aspect of the cruising process. Guests will now check-in online and complete a health questionnaire. Before boarding temperature checks will be undertaken for all passengers and crew, and each location of the vessel will be monitored for social distancing. Cleaning procedures of rooms and facilities will be rigorous and frequent.
Masks will also be provided to all guests and crew and will comply with all destination health authorities, which may require wearing masks. As for dining experiences, self-service (buffets) will be eliminated, and guest’s seating will ensure the spacing and social distancing. As for air ventilation, Crystal River ships will now feature HEPA filters, which remove 99.95% of airborne pathogens, and thorough filter checks will help maintain the highest standard of air quality.
Crystal Clean+ will be put into effect on all of Crystal’s river fleet along the Danube, Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers in 2021. Crystal has paused operations through the end of 2020.
Recently named World’s Best River Cruise Line by the readers of Travel + Leisure, Crystal River cruises are some of the most spacious river ships made. The fleet is the industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, butler-serviced ships in Europe.
