Which Cruise Lines Have Gone Out Of Business?

Over 12 small cruise lines, including Vantage Deluxe, Crystal Cruises, Dream Cruises, Star Cruises, and Blount Small Ship Adventures, have shut down since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. The most-awarded luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises, unceremoniously shuttered its doors without any word to consumers or travel agents. Boston-based Vantage Deluxe World Travel filed for bankruptcy after laying off nearly all of its 70 shoreside operations. The Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings filings painted a bleak picture of the company’s current business after declaring bankruptcy in 2022.

India-based one-ship operator, American Queen Voyages, has also shut down, with all cruises canceled as of February 20, 2024. Creditors have placed the company’s only vessel, the 1590 Cruise and Maritime Voyages, in receivership, ending several weeks of struggling to find financing. American Queen Voyages (AQV) announced its swift and subtle exit as of February 20, 2024, with all voyages canceled.

Jalesh Cruises went into bankruptcy and folded after just one year in service, with its single ship, Karnika, sold for scrap. At least 12 mostly small cruise lines, including Vantage Deluxe, Crystal Cruises, Dream Cruises, Star Cruises, and Blount Small Ship Adventures, have faced closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

American Queen Voyages, a major Mississippi River cruise company, announced last week it is shutting down, canceling all future cruises and instructing future guests to apply for refunds. 18 months after Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy, the cruise lines relaunched as Crystal and are now sailing once again.