On 27 September 2021, the MV Crystal Symphony had a few guests test positive with COVID-19 en route to Bermuda. During the crossing from New York City to Bermuda, PCR nasopharyngeal tests are administered onboard Crystal Symphony.
On arrival in Bermuda and following Ministry of Health guidance and protocol, the Ship was quarantined while the crew and guests were tested again. The Ministry of Health gave the Ship the all-clear at 2 p.m. The guests resumed scheduled tours and on-island activities.
It should be noted that all Crystal crew and guests onboard Crystal Symphony are fully vaccinated. All guests have a pre-departure PCR test taken as part of the Bermuda travel Authorization process, and only negative PCR test result passengers may board the Ship following a negative Antigen test result conducted in the terminal by Crystal Cruises before embarkation in New York City.
Minister of Transport, the Hon. Lawrence Scott, JP, MP, said, “Crystal Cruises has followed the framework and response plan as agreed by the Ministry of Health. Public health guidelines were executed and managed well. I am proud of the coordinated effort by the Ministry of Health working alongside the Ship’s agent, Meyer Agencies.”
With the assistance of Crystal Cruises, guests who tested positive along with close contacts were transported to a local hotel for an assessment and retesting. Positive guests and their immediate close contacts remain at the local hotel to complete their quarantine period, and the remaining contacts who received a negative test result on 28 September 2021 were free to fly home or re-board the Crystal Symphony.