Crystal Cruises’ Silver Celebration Fares Available for the Holidays

Crystal Symphy, Sydney, Australia

In celebration of its 25^th Silver Anniversary, Crystal Cruises is featuring an array of luxury cruises just in time for holiday gifting and personal travel – at incredible fares. And, to accommodate last minute shoppers, Crystal Cruises has extended its book now fares deadline for itineraries through 2017 to December 30, 2015 with a bounty of special offers:

• Savings up to $6,000 per stateroom as well as Silver Celebration “As You Wish” shipboard spending credits up to $500 per stateroom on select voyages. This credit can be used towards onshore adventures, one-of-a-kind dinners in The Vintage Room, treatments at the only Feng Shui-inspired spa and more

• And, for those with their sights on 2017 voyages, all fares have been lowered for bookings made in the line’s Silver Anniversary year

Itineraries include Antarctica, South America the Caribbean and beyond.

Other enticing Crystal Cruises experiences on all cruises include:

• Limited-time Book Now Cruise-Only Fares from just $1,485 per person
• Complimentary select fine wines, champagne and premium spirits
• Complimentary gratuities for all dining, bar, housekeeping and Penthouse butler staff.
• Complimentary evening of specialty restaurant dining at least once in Silk Road or the Sushi Bar celebrating the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa, and at least once in Prego. (Additional reservations or visits available for a modest fee*)
• Complimentary enrichment via the innovative Creative Learning Institute® and the Computer University@Sea® classes in diverse topics such as world affairs, art, wine appreciation, digital photography and iPad filmmaking
• Complimentary fitness programs with classes in yoga, mat Pilates, Spinning®

Enticing itineraries that travelers can look forward to include a Canary Island Classic, November 13^th to 22^nd (nine days) – Inviting beaches and lush gardens, exceptional wines and delicious ports are key highlights of this cruise. Guests start-off in the beautiful city of Lisbon and then on November 15^th explore Madeira and Funcal. On November 16^th, the ship sails to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands and onwards to Arrecife, Lanzarote on November 17^th.  Stops will be made in Malaga, Spain on November 19^th and then you cruise the Mediterranean Sea before arriving in Monte Carlo where you will stay until November 22^nd. Priced at $2,945 per person.

There is also an Iberian Jewels trip from November 29^th to December 11^th (12 days) – This cruise includes overnights in magical Marseille, Barcelona, Mallorca, Cartagena (Spain), Gibraltar, Cadiz/Seville, Portimao and Lisbon. Guests will be able to savor world-class cuisine in these locations and also visit castles, monasteries and museums. Priced at $3,375 per person.

Crystal Cruises is one of the world’s most awarded luxury cruise lines, having been honored with prestigious accolades from trusted national outlets and their readers such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure for more than 20 consecutive years.

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

 

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The 10 Most Praised Ultra-Luxury Cruise Ships in 2014 – Insider Report from CruiseCompete

Crystal Cruises has two ships in CruiseCompete’s list of Top 10 Ultra-Luxury ships.

SeaDream I tops the Top 10 List for ultra-luxury cruise vacations, according to CruiseCompete, which analyzed reviews from thousands of cruise travelers, who provide insight into cruise lines, ships, amenities, service, dining and the destinations visited.

CruiseCompete has tabulated the ratings given to ultra-luxury cruise ship category:

 

Line	Ship	Rating
1. SeaDream Yacht Club	SeaDream I	5
2. Crystal Cruises	Crystal Serenity	4.89
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises	Seven Seas Voyager	4.83
4. Paul Gauguin	MS Paul Gauguin	4.81
5. Regent Seven Seas Cruises	Seven Seas Mariner	4.78
6. Regent Seven Seas Cruises	Seven Seas Navigator	4.75
7. Silversea Cruises	Silver Shadow	4.57
8. Crystal Cruises	Crystal Symphony	4.56
9. Seabourn	Seabourn Sojourn	4.56
10. SeaDream Yacht Club	SeaDream II	4.25

 

Read full reviews of these ships, and others, here.

Want to know more about the worldwide ports these ships visit? Read port reviews here.

One of the most significant aspects of the ultra-luxury lines is the amenities included in their cruise packages. These ships are designed to feel like floating country clubs or boutique hotels; one where a passenger’s every whim is indulged and there’s no need to keep a wallet handy for extra expenses.

To see what’s included on the Ultra-Luxury lines, click here.

To learn more about the luxury lines, or to book and Ultra-Luxury Cruise, visit www.CrusieCompete.com.

 

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New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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CLIA Cruise Lines Offer Last-Minute Availability on Easter, Spring Break Sailings

Enjoy the thrilling zipline on Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island on Haiti’s north coast © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Easter Bunny, parades, special Easter menus and egg decorating are just part of the festivities and family fun aboard select cruise ships exploring the world this April.

Here are cruises that are still available from the North American fleet of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for Easter and Spring Break departures:

Follow the Easter Bunny

MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina has a 7-night departure leaving from Miami on April 19 visiting Phillipsburg, St. Maarten; Road Town, Tortola; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, with a variety of “Easter themed” activities. Kids “Easter hunt”, costume parades, Easter chef classes, chocolate Easter eggs and special Easter menus in the main restaurants make the week particularly festive. Seven-night departures from Miami on April 12 and April 26 visit Falmouth, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico, and the private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas for other spring break options. An added plus, is that kids sail free year-round on MSC Cruises.

The Easter Bunny will pass out chocolates and will be available for photo ops on select Holland America Line’s April sailings. There will also be an Easter bonnet competition, egg decorating, a Jelly bean count and Easter mass. The Maasdam will sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale for an 11-day Southern Caribbean itinerary on April 11 with port stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Kingstown, St. Vincent; Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-De-France, Martinique; Frederiksted; and the private island of Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. A 14-day Panama Canal sailing on Westerdam departing on April 15 travels from Fort Lauderdale, FL to San Diego, and will include Cartagena, Colombia; through the Panama Canal; with ports of call in Costa Rica and Mexico, ending in Cabo San Lucas. Also departing on April 15, the 11-day Adriatic Dream itinerary on Noordam departs from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, and includes the Strait of Messina, Italy; Greece and Croatia with an overnight and disembarkation in Venice, Italy.

Celebrate the Sun

Those who have suffered through the cold winter will be especially ready to celebrate spring in the sun. Disney Cruise Lines’ four ships will all be in the Caribbean this April. Disney sails from Port Canaveral with three options: a 3-night Bahamian cruise on April 18 on Disney Magic with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island; a 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on April 19 on Disney Fantasy with stops in St. Maarten, St. Thomas/St. John and Castaway Cay; and a 4-night Bahamian cruise with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay on Disney Dream on April 20. Disney Wonder sails from Miami on April 18 on a 5 -night Western Caribbean itinerary with stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Norwegian Cruise Line is currently offering free Balcony upgrades, reduced deposits and e-coupons worth $300 on these Easter sailings: 7-night Mexican Rivera from Los Angeles on Norwegian Star on April 13; 7-night Western Caribbean from New Orleans on Norwegian Jewel on April 13; 3-night Bahamas from Miami on Norwegian Sky on April 18; 7-night Eastern Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Getaway on April 19; 7-night Inter-Island Hawaii on Pride of America on April 19; 7-night Western Caribbean from Tampa on Norwegian Dawn on April 20; and 7-night Western Caribbean from Miami on Norwegian Epic on April 20.

Royal Caribbean International‘s Navigator of the Seas sails April 20 from Galveston, Texas, on a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling at Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. Allure of the Seas sails April 20 from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, FL, on a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, calling at Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island on Haiti’s north coast. Enchantment of the Seas sails April 18 from Port Canaveral on a 3-night Bahamas cruise, calling at Nassau and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamian-island. Guests also can combine a cruise aboard Enchantment of the Seas with a 3- to 4-day stay at Universal Orlando Resorts, enjoying savings and inclusive Universal Express Unlimited ride access among many more theme park privileges.

Cultural Odyssey

Guests of Paul Gauguin Cruises’ m/s Paul Gauguin can combine sun with culture when they travel to Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands on a 14-day cruise departing April 12 from Papeete, Tahiti. They’ll experience a true glimpse of the Polynesia of the old including Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha’a (Motu Mahana), and Huahine.

Tauck River Cruising has limited space on its 10-day April 18 departure of “Belgium & Holland in Spring” aboard the ms Treasures. The itinerary begins with an included overnight in Brussels before embarkation in Maastricht and sailing to Amsterdam. Special experiences along the way include Keukenhof Gardens and the Rijksmuseum, a scenic Amsterdam canal boat cruise, the Netherlands American Cemetery, a culinary experience at Chateau Neercanne, chocolate and beer tastings, and a private dinner at and tour of the In Flanders Fields Museum to observe the WWI Centennial.

Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit departs April 19 on a 16-day repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona. Ports of call include Bermuda, the Azores, Malaga, Cartagena and Valencia. There is still availability on Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria during the 12-day Transatlantic Crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton, England on April 16.

Guests dine on Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s cuisine while sailing through Japan with Crystal Cruises during the 15-day “Skyscrapers & Shoguns” itinerary. Starting April 16, Crystal Symphony sails from Beijing to Tokyo, with a 3-day overnight land program in Beijing included, followed by visits to Shanghai (two nights docked locally), Nagasaki, Osaka (local overnight), Shimizu, and, finally, Tokyo (local overnight—a rare call for the cruise line.) The cruise is also available without the Beijing land program, and as a shorter 7- or 8-day “Getaway.”

For expert advice, travelers can turn to a CLIA Cruise Agent, who stays current on the latest offerings and trends and is an expert in helping clients selects a cruise of their dreams. To find a CLIA Cruise Agent or Agency in your area, visit www.cruising.org and click on Vacations and use our Cruise Expert Finder.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines and travel agents before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA’s Associate Member and Executive Partner program includes the industry’s leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit http://www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association’s Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed @CLIACEO and cruising.org/ceoblog.

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Crystal Unveils Itineraries for Entire 2015 Thru Early 2016

Crystal Symphony in Sydney Australia

From Ambodifotatra to Aomori and Belawan to Burgas, Crystal Sets New Sights Including 22 Maiden Calls

Sailing to all seven continents, ultra-luxe global cruise specialist Crystal Cruises has revealed its complete and comprehensive collection of cruises for 2015 through Winter/Spring 2016.  In 2015, Crystal will celebrate its 25^th anniversary with 64 voyages calling in 248 ports in 79 countries — with its most ever maiden calls.  Crystal Symphony begins 2016 immersed in South America and Antarctica, while Crystal Serenity kicks off the year with a grand Panama Canal cruise that precedes a new World Cruise.

Until now Crystal had only released itineraries through spring 2015, which include a dazzling Asia series and a 108-day “Silver Celebration” World Cruise circumnavigating the globe round-trip from Miami.

Among the new and distinctive highlights for 2015 are:

• · 22 maiden calls to lesser-known locales like Albany, Australia; Ambodifotatra and Taolanaro, Madagascar; Burgas, Bulgaria; Chania/Souda, Greece; Macapa, Brazil; Richards Bay, South Africa; Rijeka, Croatia; Sanary-sur-Mer, France; Santo Domingo, Dominician Republic; Aomori, Japan; Archangel, Korsakov and Solovetsky Islands, Russian Federation; Belawan, Indonesia; Bodo, Narvi and Øye/Hjørundfjord, Norway; Helgoland, Germany; Kochi, Japan; Sanya, China and Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago.
• · Overnight stays with most itineraries – often conveniently scheduled in the port of embarkation or disembarkation – and several feature double overnight calls (three days!) in Shanghai, Bordeaux’s port of Bassens, Hong Kong, Monte Carlo, St. Petersburg, and Yangon, Myanmar.
• · A dozen voyages are conveniently round-trip from the world’s most coveted destinations like New York, London’s port of Dover, Monte Carlo, Singapore, Los Angeles, Montreal, and, for the first time, Copenhagen (for a new Baltic route) and Istanbul (for a new Black Sea cruise).
• Brand new 18-day North Cape & White Sea cruise from Reykjavik features five maiden calls.
• New Holy Land & Mediterranean cruise visits Ashdod and Haifa, Israel.
• New European cruises to and from Amsterdam and Marseille.
• New TransAtlantic cruise calling overnight in Bermuda.
• Both ships will cruise the British Isles with a new combination of ports.
• Mexico is back on the roster, along with an expanded convenient Caribbean collection.
• Approximately a third of the cruises are 10 days or less.
• A new Christmas/New Year cruise from San Juan to Rio de Janeiro joins Crystal’s popular holiday roster.

In keeping with its recent practice to release its full year schedule with the first quarter of the following year, Crystal is also revealing the first quarter of 2016, which includes:

• Two January/February cruises cruising Antarctica and South America, including a new route round-trip from Buenos Aires.
• New Panama Canal cruises: from Chile to Miami and Miami to San Francisco.
• New Caribbean cruises that begin and/or end in Colon, Panama.

102-day World Cruise that, for the first time, follows a route round-trip from San Francisco, with segments beginning in Sydney, Bali, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo.

Crystal’s 2015/early 2016 cruise schedule is available for savoring – and planning – at www.crystalcruises.com.  Pricing details, with compelling, limited-time Book Now fares, will be released on August 31, 2013, when the 2015/16 cruises will be available for booking.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company 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.

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Crystal Offers Summer Savings on Cruise Bookings Before Fares Rise August 31

Crystal Symphony in Sydney, Australia.

This summer, savvy travelers can save big on Crystal’s fall, winter, spring even next summer cruises.  Compelling Book Now promotions – available through August 30 — are promising fares as low as $1,520 per person for a “Crystal Getaway” to savings as high as $8,710 per person for a World Cruise.  Five- to 89-day applicable voyages offer intriguing choices throughout Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony’s autumn Mediterranean, Caribbean/Panama Canal, New England/Canada, South America; winter Australia/New Zealand and Asia/Africa (including the 2014 World Cruise); and spring/summer European seasons.  Come August 31, Crystal is promising that fares will rise on more than 30 cruises.

Summer savings on select 2013 and 2014 sailings include:

• · 2-for-1 Asia/Australia Air: Two can fly for the usual price of one between Asia/Australia and North America, with all the ease of flight handling and airport/ship transfers by Crystal’s expert staff. Example: To Singapore and back from Hong Kong (economy class) for just $2,100 per couple.
• · Book Now Fares: Save up to $3,800/person off already attractive low fares.
• · Crystal Getaways: Starting from only $1,520/person, shorter Crystal luxury options for time-strapped travelers.
• · Explorer Combinations: Enhanced discounts — up to 25% off — for combining select back-to-back voyages.
• · Reduced Solo Fares: Ultra-low 10% single supplements on solo occupancy staterooms offer savings of up to $1,750 and fares starting from just $2,995.
• · Kids Sail Free: Kids sail free in a third berth with two full fare adult cruisers.
• · Crystal Family Memories: Shipboard credits and other perks for family/friends groups of 6 or more – plus a free berth when the group expands to 10.
• · World Cruise Savings: Everyone can now save $3,800 off the full 2014 World Cruise;  repeat Crystal guests can save an additional $4,910,  while even new-to-Crystal cruisers can enjoy additional savings of $3,930.
• · BONUS Share the Experience: Guests referring and sailing with someone new-to-Crystal can earn $400 shipboard credit per referred guest (up to $1600 total).
• · Early Payment Savings: Save an additional 2.5% by paying in full 180 days prior to sailing.
• · Double Crystal Society Savings: Returning Crystal guests can enjoy double Crystal Society savings of up to $1,380 per person.

“Crystal guests seek exceptional travel experiences at a great value,” says Jack Anderson, senior vice president of marketing and sales. “As evidenced by recent bookings, the promotions we’ve set for 2013 and 2014 cruises are hard to resist.  Veteran Crystal cruisers know that our ‘Book Now’ savings are only guaranteed through August 30.  There are already more than 30 cruises that will definitely see fare increases.”

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company 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.

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Top 10 Destinations for New Crystal Adventures in Southern Europe; Save up to $4200 for Booking by Aug. 30

 

With its Mediterranean cruise season in full swing through the fall, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises is highlighting 10 top destinations that are springboards for new excursions in Southern Europe.  From exclusive, only-to-Crystal Boutique Adventures that explore the arts to full days of athletic pursuits, nearly 100 brand new Crystal Adventures are available this season in both popular and up-and-coming destinations throughout Spain, France, Italy, the Adriatic, the Canary Islands, and more.  The Crystal Adventures are offered on 25 Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity sailings from July through December, with savings of up to $4,200 if booked by August 30.

New outings are featured in:

1.       Castellón de la Plana (maiden call): Hunt for, then feast upon, black truffles from the Morella countryside.

2.       Bilbao:  See areas and exhibits typically off-limits to the public, “backstage” at the iconic Guggenheim Museum.

3.       Montenegro: Bike the Luštica Peninsula around Kotor, past olive groves and the Adriatic coastline, to a lunch of local specialties.

4.       Palermo: Listen to classical strings in the Versailles-like ballroom of a Baroque ancestral palace during an exclusive Crystal-only concert.

5.       Marseille: Master the making of French bouillabaisse or enjoy a French impressionist art show deep inside a limestone quarry.

6.       Cartagena: Learn to sail, with the magnificent Spanish coastline as backdrop.

7.       Venice: Enjoy a private, off-hours view of Tintoretto paintings adorning one of six medieval Venetian “great schools.”

8.      The Canary Islands: Explore the villages and salt flats of Lanzarote by dune buggy or become a certified (or more experienced) scuba divier in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

9.       La Spezia (maiden call): Explore Cinque Terre, lunching or wine tasting along the way.

10.   Barcelona: Go behind-the-scenes from locker room to dugout at Fútbol Club Barcelona’s famous Camp Nou Stadium.

“Whether one is traveling to the area for the first time or his tenth, our collection of adventures offers so many less expected ways to experience the Mediterranean region as never before,” says John Stoll, vice president of land and port operations.

The voyages, ranging from five to 29 days in length, are available in shorter, convenient Crystal Getaways and extended combination cruises for additional savings.  All-inclusive cruise fares start at $1,950 per guest if booked by August 30.  Fares for the new Crystal Adventures start at $48.

Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures program, earning 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.

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Crystal Offering Discounts up to $12,200 on Back-to-Back Itineraries Booked by June 28

For those for whom one luxury cruise just isn’t enough, Crystal Cruises is offering incredible new discounts of up to 25% off the best cruise-only fares for combining select 2013 and 2014 voyages. The new Explorer Combinations promotion boasts savings of up to $12,200/person for travelers who combine two to three of the Crystal Serenity Mediterranean cruises back-to-back. Itineraries feature calls in Dubrovnik, Sicily, Montenegro, Malta, Mykonos, St-Tropez and more, with overnight stays in Venice, Monte Carlo, Lisbon, Istanbul, Barcelona and Sorrento.

“Extending one’s vacation via an Explorer Combination allows one to see more of Europe, in an extremely convenient and luxurious way,” says Jack Anderson, senior vice president, marketing and sales. “All-inclusive fares start from just $217 per person per day – an incredible value for a Six-Star vacation visiting so many of Europe’s most storied and charming locales.”

Combo options include:

2013

• · October 17 & October 26: Istanbul to Rome (16 total days) from $3,770
• · October 26 & November 2: Venice to Lisbon (20 total days) from $4,535
• · October 17, October 26 and November 2: Istanbul to Lisbon (29 total days) from $6,320

 

2014

• · May 30 & June 8: Barcelona to Venice (16 total days) from $3,975
• · June 8 & June 15: Rome to Istanbul (14 total days) from $3,640
• · May 30, June 8 and June 15: Barcelona to Istanbul (23 total days) from $5,795

All fares are per person, and must be booked by June 28, 2013. Individual cruises and Crystal Getaways offer luxury vacations starting from just five days in length in the Mediterranean, as well as the Baltic, North Cape, Western Europe, British Isles, and Black Sea. Crystal also offers 5% savings for all other back-to-back cruises.

Crystal Cruises’ award-winning “World’s Best” ocean resort experience always includes a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and all-inclusive beverages and gratuities.

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

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Kids Sail Free on 17 Additional Crystal Cruises in Europe this Year

Crystal Cruises had added 17 European cruises where kids 17 and under can sail for free sharing parents’ stateroom.

Due to popular demand, Crystal Cruises is adding17 voyages to the ultra-luxe line’s “Kids Sail Free” program. With the promotion, kids age 17 and under can sail for free when sharing a third berth stateroom with two adults.

Previously offered on just four luxury European cruises during June and July, families can now choose from seven- to 15-day voyages in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, North Cape, Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, and across the Atlantic from May-December aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

New Magic Castle at Sea “junior cruisers” shows and classes will be offered on board during summer cruises, in addition to all-ages shows on every cruise.

“While summer break is a key time for a ‘whole family’ vacation, many families enjoy sharing the history, beauty, and educational journey of Europe at non-break times like autumn, when airfares may be more attractive,” says Jack Anderson, Crystal’s senior vice-president of marketing and sales. “With visits to some of Europe’s most storied and breathtaking locales, such as Monte Carlo, Casablanca, Venice, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Stockholm, and Edinburgh, the additional savings make these voyages an incredible value, sure to create lifelong memories.”

In addition to the new Magic Castle at Sea enrichment, every Crystal cruise offers family-friendly learning and entertainment, from iPad Digital Filmmaking classes (in association with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts) to dedicated on-board kids and teens spaces — a rarity among luxury cruise lines. During school vacation times, junior activities directors host complimentary supervised activities on board, ranging from behind-the scenes tours to cooking classes and scavenger hunts. Every cruise also has babysitting services, “finicky eater” foods, movies, library books, family-friendly excursions, and more available.

All-inclusive, “Book Now” fares for “Kids Sail Free” applicable voyages begin at $2,495/person if booked by April 30. The “Crystal Family Memories” program also offers additional free berths and perks for groups of six or more.

With sophisticated tours worldwide, enriching learning opportunities, international gourmet cuisine, complimentary voluntourism excursions, and a host of other activities for all ages, the Crystal experience gives families exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime access to creating intimate bonds, gleaning a global education, and building lifelong memories while sailing in elegance, making Crystal Cruises the leader in family-friendly luxury cruising.

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

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Crystal Cruises Debuts New Exclusive ‘Boutique Adventures’ Shoreside Excursion Collection

Among the new “Boutique Adventures” shore experiences Crystal Cruises is debuting is opera up-close with a special operatic performance at the smallest historic public theater in the world.

Crystal Cruises, an ultra-luxury cruiseline, is launching a new, “uber-exclusive” collection of “Boutique Adventures” — shoreside experiences only available to Crystal travelers and not available with any other cruise lines.

Debuting this spring with its Mediterranean cruises, the intimate Boutique Adventures take guests inside private estates, art studios, museums, castles and well-known businesses for exclusive, insider meals, lessons, workshops, and behind-the-scenes tours with fascinating, eminent local experts.

Accommodating only 1-15 guests, the specially-designed outings provide cultural opportunities for deeper connections with local hosts and greater schedule flexibility “in-the-moment.”

Kicking off the Mediterranean season aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity voyages are:
Florence: View the Uffizi Gallery’s private (normally closed to the public) Contini Bonacossi Collection, featuring Bernini sculpture, Bellini and Savoldo paintings, majolica, furniture, and more.
Funchal: Lunch with a local celebrity at the elegant Reid’s Palace or enjoy a private visit to a family-run Madeiran winery, followed by a leisurely, homemade lunch with the owners.
Rome: Create unique souvenir jewelry under the tutelage of a Valentino model-turned-museum jewelry designer, opening her workshop for the first time ever only for Crystal guests.
Corfu: Be one of just six guests per outing to receive a private painting lesson from the President of the Corfu Painters Society.
Vetriano (near Florence): Appreciate opera up-close with a special operatic performance at the smallest historic public theater in the world.
Sorrento and Taormina: Improve your international kitchen skills via hands-on cooking lessons and meals with local, Michelin-star chefs.
Taormina: Dine and listen to a private classical concert at an ancient Sicilian castle.

“Crystal’s luxury guests can savor the exquisite all-inclusive amenities and exceptional space of Crystal ships, yet, ashore, share intimate, immersive experiences with just a handful of other like-minded companions — particularly nice for more independent travelers,” says John Stoll, vice president of land and port operations. “Crystal’s reputation for excellence has persuaded people and places that are nowhere to be seen on the tourist map to open their doors for us in unique ways. These Adventures may be small in size, but they’re huge in rare experience and memory value.”

Prices range from $223 to more than $1000 per person, with exact excursion details and pre-booking available online at crystalcruises.com six months before each cruise. Participation is first come, first serve, so early booking is recommended. Plans include Boutique Adventures in Northern Europe, North America, and other destinations throughout the world.
Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures program, earning the line top ratings for two decades.

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

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Crystal Cruises Tops 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Magazine Gold List

Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers have voted Crystal Cruises first in Service, Cuisine, and Design, and #1 overall, among all small-, mid-, and large-size cruise lines in the magazine’s 2013 Gold List.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers have voted Crystal Cruises first in Service, Cuisine, and Design, and #1 overall, among all small-, mid-, and large-size cruise lines in the magazine’s 2013 Gold List. Crystal’s Service and Design scores are not only its highest ever, the ultra-luxe line was also named a “superstar” in the U.S. magazine’s “Platinum Circle” for having made the Gold List every year for the past five years running. The full list appears in the magazine’s January 2013 issue and on its website.

Crystal earned its highest scores in years in all of the seven voting categories:

• · Service: 97.7
• · Cuisine: 96.5
• · Design: 96.4
• · Itineraries: 94.5
• · Activities: 94.2
• · Staterooms: 91.6
• · Shore Excursions: 88.4

“Our highest-ever scores in Design and Service — tabulated in the same year we completed our $100 million, multi-year extreme ship makeover, and made so many service and product enhancements, like All Inclusive — affirms how much our guests appreciate our eye for contemporary design and our Six Star attention to detail,” says Crystal President Gregg Michel. “We are always looking at ways to rethink our product, while still continuing to deliver the sophisticated travel experience discerning world travelers have come to expect from the Crystal brand. It’s wonderful to know guests recognize our devotion to making their vacations extraordinary in every way.”

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List selects the “gold standard” in travel with a carefully-reviewed roll call of the “World’s Best Places to Stay” (hotels, resorts, and cruise lines).

Crystal has been rated “World’s Best” more than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history, with the latest Gold List honors joining several others in the line’s size category from the U.S. magazine in 2012, including the top #1 and 2 Cruise Ships, #1 Cruise Ship Spa, and Readers’ Choice for Best Cruise Line, both in the U.S. and U.K.. With two dozen awards given this year by the travel industry, trade associations, the design community, cruisers themselves, and more, 2012 has been Crystal’s most decorated in years.

Luxury cruises of 5-108 days, up to early 2015, on the line’s Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, are available in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, British Isles, Scandinavia/Baltic & Russia, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, South America, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, and a sumptuous World Cruise. Until December 28, all-inclusive, value-priced “Book Now” fares start at just $1,365 per person, double occupancy.

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

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

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