Two Cruise Ships Seized in the Bahamas Over Unpaid Fuel Bill; Cruise Company to Pause Operations

Two cruise ships have been seized in the Bahamas over unpaid fuel bills.

According to NBC News reports, two Hong Kong-based cruise ships called Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity were taken into custody by Bahamian authorities because their parent company Crystal Cruises hasn’t paid its fuel bill. The company reportedly owes the Bahamas millions. The U.S. court ordered the ships to be seized last month.

To avoid the U.S. Court order and to allow passengers to exit the cruise, the cruises changed their courses from Miami to Bimini in the Bahamas. According to cruise industry publications NBC News reports, the ships were taken on Friday in Freeport waters.

“Following recent developments of Genting Hong Kong, Crystal’s parent company, Crystal has paused its operations for its Ocean and Expedition Cruises through April 29, 2022, and for River cruises through May 2022,” the company said in a statement. “Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony’s voyages ended last month and there are no guests onboard.”

The company continued: “The officers and crew on board are being well cared for and staying in single accommodations some of which are guest staterooms. We are making sure they are comfortable and able to enjoy the various amenities on board. Crew members have been paid all wages due and we are meeting and exceeding all contractual obligations.”

A third ship called the Crystal Endeavor was held at Ushuaia on Thursday.