Crystal Cruises has celebrates the resumption of ocean cruising with the first voyage of Crystal Serenity. The luxury vessel set sail for the first time since 2020.
Crystal Cruises has celebrated the resumption of its ocean cruise operations as Crystal Serenity set sail from the Port of Nassau on her Luxury Bahamas Escapes, a seven-night voyage exploring the islands of The Bahamas. Crystal Serenity will now homeport in The Bahamas through November for her series of Luxury Bahamas Escapes cruises, featuring a unique all-Bahamian itinerary.
After more than a year of anticipation and planning, the long-awaited return to cruising was celebrated with a Homeporting Inauguration Ceremony in Nassau by Crystal executives, Bahamian government officials and dignitaries from the Port of Nassau.
Guests boarded Crystal Serenity for the first time since spring of 2020 and were enthusiastically welcomed back by the joyous and eager officers, staff and crew of Crystal’s flagship. A Junkanoo parade entertained guests in a lively Bahamian tradition of music, dancing and colorful costumes at the pier.
The ship received a water cannon salute as she left the harbor with the sounds of Crystal Cruises’ signature sail away song “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong as the musical backdrop for this milestone moment.
“We are delighted to celebrate this historic day in Nassau as Crystal Serenity resumes sailing and welcomes our guests, who we consider our Crystal Family, back on board,” said Carmen Roig, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Crystal who was in The Bahamas for the festivities.
“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.” Roig continued.
Crystal Serenity will homeport in Nassau through November 13, 2021, departing round-trip every Saturday for the line’s Luxury Bahamas Escapes. Guests will also have the option of sailing round-trip from Bimini for Luxury Bahamas Escapes. The seven-day voyages feature a unique all-Bahamian itinerary exploring the island nation’s ‘Out Islands’ also knowns as the ‘Family Islands’ with calls in Great Exuma, San Salvador and Long Island.
Exclusive enclaves of pristine natural beauty, the ‘Out Islands’ feature gorgeous beaches, incredible ocean reefs for snorkeling and diving, and a relaxed vibe all their own. Crystal has partnered with more than 30 local Bahamian businesses to offer guests small group experiences that are both local and authentic, with the additional goal of contributing to the reinvigoration of tourism in these island destinations.