Crystal Symphony and sister ship Crystal Serenity have been seized by authorities in the Bahamas.
The Symphony, which had been scheduled to dock in Miami on January 22, diverted to Bimini in the Bahamas instead, to avoid an arrest warrant issued after a fuel supplier filed a civil lawsuit in federal court. It's not clear whether the seizures relate to that claim or something else.
Crystal Serenity diverted to the Bahamas last week rather than returning to Florida. Passengers aboard each ship were ferried to Port Everglades.
This weekend, the two ships were taken over by authorities in the waters off Freeport. Only crew members were aboard.
'We are unable to comment on pending legal matters at this time," Crystal Cruises spokesman Vance Gulliksen told The Daily Mail. "Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony's voyages ended last month and there are no guests onboard.
"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 per their normal schedules and we are meeting and exceeding all contractual obligations."
Crystal Endeavor, the only remaining Crystal Cruises ship still sailing, also ran into problems over the weekend. Seatrade Cruise News reported that the ship was seized in Ushuaia, Argentina, due to "some type of unpaid bill." Passengers were disembarked, but reports say the issue was settled as of Saturday night and the Endeavor was allowed to head to its next port in Uruguay.
Crystal Cruises is owned by Hong Kong-based conglomerate Genting Hong Kong, which filed for liquidation in Bermuda after it became clear is was running out of cash to fund operations.
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