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Crystal Cruises officially announces closure
Cash-strapped Crystal Cruises has officially confirmed its demise.
It said all 238 employees at its Miami base have been laid off and is winding down operations.
It filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act with Florida authorities and has concluded the lay-offs.
"We are taking the action because we will be undertaking an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or seeking similar relief," Crystal said in a letter last to week addressed to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
Interim president and CEO Jack Anderson said: "This was an extremely difficult decision but a prudent one given the current business environment and recent developments with our parent company, Genting Hong Kong."
Two Crystal ships were seized in the Bahamas over $4.6 million in unpaid fuel bills.
A Florida court appointed Michael Moecker & Associates to handle creditors’ claims.
This includes valid claims of passengers, travel agents, suppliers and employees.
The US Federal Maritime Commission said it has been fielding inquiries from customers about claiming refunds.
The FMC is advising customers to make a claim with their credit card issuer, or via their insurer to speed up processing.
The FMC’s refund claim process only covers cruises departing from a US port.
Anderson estimated over $100 million is being held by VISA, Mastercard and American Express.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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