Posts Tagged ‘luxury cruising’

Crystal Cruises Launches New Private Adventure Option for Land Tours

June 13, 2011

Crystal Cruises is introducing a private shore excursion alternative for individualistic adventurers.  Crystal’s new “Private Adventure Option” enables guests to take already-organized group excursions – in a more intimate fashion.

Beginning this August/September, parties of two, four or six can opt for a personal guide and private vehicle to tour Ephesus, Pompeii or the city of Barcelona, for example – on a shore-side itinerary already carefully crafted by Crystal’s Land Programs team and its worldwide tour operators.

Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations, Thomas Mazloum, was inspired to create the program by his own Crystal cruise vacation.  “While I heard how much guests appreciated the ‘creative content’ of our Crystal Adventures, some said they would love to take the same tour by themselves to make it even more personal,” says Mazloum.  “At Crystal, we are committed to giving our guests choices.  Being able to really personalize your experience is the hallmark of a perfect luxury vacation.”

For several years, Crystal has offered guests a “Crystal Private Adventure” program, which offers the opportunity to design customized land itineraries for individuals, their families and friends.  The new “Private Adventure Option” is similar, but follows established excursions in a private way.  If guests prefer to modify their “Private Adventure Option” or expand the group, the trip would then become a custom “Crystal Private Adventure.”

Launching August 14 and September 13 on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, respectively, the “Private Adventure Option” can be pre-reserved at least one week prior to embarkation by emailing crystaladventures@crystalcruises.com.  Prices will be at least 25% more than group tour fares, but vary depending on excursion length, vehicle size, guide costs and sites visited.

This fall/winter, Crystal ships cruise the Mediterranean, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast, and Hawaii. Crystal’s huge Fall Fare Sale offers savings up to $8,000/couple.

Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences is a cornerstone of its Crystal Adventures program, helping earn the line top ratings for two decades.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent., call 888-799-4625., or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

For more travel features, visit

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

Crystal’s New Standby Fares Mean Huge Discounts for Last-Minute Luxury Cruising

April 10, 2011

Crystal Cruises is announcing a rare “Standby” program that enables last-minute travelers to sail the ultra-luxe line at up to 75% off brochure fares on five May-June sailings in Alaska, the Baltic and North Cape.  Greatly reduced tiered pricing offers fares as low as $2995 for 12-day cruises.

Standby fares are based on availability, require a $500 per guest deposit upon reservation, and will be confirmed on a “first requested, first confirmed” basis no earlier than 45 days prior to departure.

Eligible cruises include:

  • 12-day Alaska cruises — round-trip from San Francisco — Departing May 9, 21 and June 2
  • 11-day Scandinavia/Russia sailing — Hamburg to Stockholm – Departing May 22

$2995 for Deluxe Stateroom with large picture window

$3995 for a Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah

 

  • 14-day North Cape/Arctic Circle voyage — Copenhagen to Stockholm – Departing June 13

$4995 for Deluxe Stateroom with large picture window

$5995 for a Deluxe Stateroom with Verandah

Standby fares on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are cruise-only, for new bookings as of April 7, and do not include air transportation; port, security and handling charges; or “All Inclusive – As You Wish” spending credits.  Fares quoted are per person, based on double occupancy accommodations, and other restrictions apply.  Final payment is due within three days of confirmation.

“We haven’t offered anything like this in almost a decade,” says Bill Smith, Crystal’s senior vice president, sales & marketing.  “There is no doubt that travelers who make their decisions early are rewarded with early confirmation, a greater choice of accommodations, and value-added spending credits.  However, there are people making travel decisions closer in, and this is an extraordinary opportunity for luxury travelers who just can’t plan their vacations far in advance.”

Crystal Cruises’ resort experience always includes a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment workshops to pampering pillow menus and specialty dining featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio.  The company’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned Crystal more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history. 

 For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

See more cruise features at www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate


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