The Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity that diverted to the Bahamas last month, were seized by authorities in Freeport over unpaid fuel bills.
Last month Peninsula Petroleum Far East filed a lawsuit against Crystal Cruises, saying the company owes more than $4.6 million in unpaid fuel bills. Following the lawsuit, a U.S. judge issued an arrest warrant for the Crystal Symphony, who owes $1.2 million of the unpaid debt.
In order to avoid being seized by U.S. Marshals, the Crystal Symphony diverted to Bimini, Bahamas, instead of Miami where it was supposed to disembark passengers. The cruise line provided a ferry for passengers from the Bahamas to Florida.
Then last weekend, the Crystal Serenity was denied entry into Aruba, where it was scheduled to dock. The ship had to abruptly end its voyage shortly after departure due to financial issues, and Crystal Cruises said the company spoke to local authorities in Aruba about finances and making sure there were no reasons the ship wouldn’t be allowed in the port, but it was still not able to get permission.
It then rerouted to the Bahamas and like its sister ship, disembarked passengers there and provided a ferry to bring them back to the U.S.
Crystal Cruises is owned by Genting Hong Kong. Genting filed for liquidation on January 18, and its financial issues have left the future of Crystal Cruises uncertain.
