Crystal Cruises, LLC (Crystal) filed a petition for Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors in Florida state court in Miami-Dade County (case number: 2022-002742-CA-01) on February 11, 2022.

Crystal maintains an escrow account in compliance with Federal Maritime Commission regulations for the purpose of refunding applicable passenger fares and deposits for cruises departing from a U.S. port in the event the cruise line fails to perform the cruise. The escrow account does not provide reimbursement for payments for air travel, shore-side hotel expenses, or other expenses that do not constitute water transportation or its related services.

An escrow claims process has yet to be established by Crystal’s assignee (liquidator) and its escrow agent. There is no mandated deadline for the assignee and escrow agent to initiate the claims process or when refunds will be disbursed from escrow to eligible passengers. The Federal Maritime Commission has no role in establishing the escrow claims process. Once the Commission is advised of the claims process, it will issue an updated advisory notice.

Affected passengers seeking reimbursement should consider:

• For Credit Card Payments Made to Book Travel with Crystal – Place a claim with credit card issuers.
  • Note: The Federal Trade Commission has additional information regarding consumer rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act.
• If Third-Party Travel Insurance was Obtained for a Crystal cruise – Place a claim with the insurer.
  • Note: Please read the terms and conditions of your insurance policy as reimbursement might not apply.

Additionally, please review the Commission’s Guidance for Cruise Passengers.

For additional inquiries, you may contact the Commission’s Passenger Vessel Operators (PVO) office via email at pvo@fmc.gov.