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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Crystal Cruises Sets New Standard of Voluntourism Excursions for Fall New England, Canada, and Caribbean Sailings

This September/October, Crystal Cruises’ guests and staff will help international refugees resettle in Canada, Massachusetts children-in-need survive winter, feed the hungry in Halifax, and care for stray/rescued donkeys in Antigua—all as part of the ultra-luxe cruise line’s “You Care, We Care” program in New England, Canada, and the Caribbean this fall.

This September/October, Crystal Cruises’ guests and staff will help international refugees resettle in Canada, Massachusetts children-in-need survive winter, feed the hungry in Halifax, and care for stray/rescued donkeys in Antigua—all as part of the ultra-luxe cruise line’s “You Care, We Care” program in New England, Canada, and the Caribbean this fall.

Volunteer opportunities are offered gratis on every 2011 sailing, giving guests and crew an easy, hands-on way to “give back” to local communities, while simultaneously providing an alternative cultural perspective to traditional shore excursions.

Participants may assist four aid organizations on five east coast Crystal Symphony voyages:

• Cradles to Crayons (9/16 and 10/8—Boston): Prepare vital winter items for homeless/low-income children, from schoolbags to warm coats and shoes.
• Romero House (9/30—St. John, New Brunswick): Provide kitchen aid for a housing community that assists less-fortunate locals and resettling refugees.
• Feed Nova Scotia (10/20—Halifax): Help food bank preparation/distribution.
• Donkey Sanctuary at the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society (10/31—Antigua): Feed, clean, or walk the shelter’s stray donkeys, dogs and cats. Launched in January, 2011,

Launched in January, 2011, Crystal’s “You Care, We Care” program has been widely recognized as a trailblazing effort for socially responsible tourism.

“While we always seek unique adventures for our guests, we created this program as a very personal way for Crystal travelers to give back to the many destinations that have given us so much through the years,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president operations. “We’ve already seen incredibly positive ripple effects in peoples’ lives, and we can’t wait to continue our efforts through the year.”

Crystal’s voluntourism efforts thus far in 2011 have helped orphans, animals and the environment. June/July projects include caretaking cats and birds at the oldest independent animal protection organization in Norway and a summer-long project of rehab-ing an eco-friendly salmon hatchery and education facility in Alaska.

A cornerstone of Crystal Cruises’ culture is its genuine hospitality and service that has been internationally-celebrated for two decades. This spirit of generosity extends to its respectful treatment of the environment, oceans and communities in which it travels.

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

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Crystal Cruises Slashes Fares on ‘Symphony’ Oct. 25 NY-Caribbean Cruise

The ultraluxe cruise line Crystal Cruises has marked down its October 25 New York-Miami Caribbean cruise even further, with savings of up to 67% off brochure fares. Fares for the 12-day sailing on Crystal Symphony now start at $2,995 per person, including $1000/couple “As You Wish” shipboard spending credits.

Crystal’s “Pink Sands and White Beaches” voyage begins with a scenic sail-away from New York followed by visits to Bermuda; St. Maarten, Antigua, Aruba, and the Cayman Islands.

Throughout, guests will be stimulated and enriched with an array of complimentary workshops and classes:

• · A “Digital Filmmaking” theme offers camera buffs hands-on tutelage in travel video production from Travel Channel Academy founders throughout the sailing.
• · News junkies will relish insights from Shelby Coffey, formerly editor of the L.A. Times, president of CNN Business News and executive vice president of ABC News.
• · Veteran U.S. State Dept Senior Foreign Service Officer, Robert Warne will enthrall world affairs enthusiasts with his vast experience in international economics
• · Animal lovers can help care for stray donkeys via Crystal’s gratis “You Care, We Care” voluntourism excursion in Antigua.

“This unique Crystal departure from New York was designed with an appealing balance of sea and port days – the perfect resort from which to enjoy inspiring enrichment, complimentary classes, a spacious spa, exquisite dining, and non-stop fitness opportunities, says Nitsa Lewis, vice president, marketing. “One’s vacation can be as stimulating or relaxing as one prefers, while newly reduced fares make this an extraordinary value.”

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. With a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, a Crystal cruise always offers tremendous value in luxury resort vacationing.

Availability is limited; special fares are capacity controlled and subject to change.

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

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Crystal Symphony Sets Course for First Ever Hawaiian Islands Golf Cruise

On Crystal Symphony’s first-ever Golf Experiences of Discovery to the Hawaiian Islands, golfers can tee off at three of the region’s most stunning courses, and perfect their swings with instruction from PGA pros on the way.  The 14-day itinerary conveniently sails round-trip from Los Angeles April 24, with play in Kauai, Oahu and Maui.  The courses, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery on the islands, include:

Poipu Bay Golf Course (Kauai) – Named one of the top courses in Hawaii by the likes of Golf.com and The Los Angeles Times, where one is just as likely to reach the surf as the green.

Ko’olau Golf Course (Oahu) – Listed as one of Golf Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Places You Can Play’, the course encompasses over 280 acres of plush forest, and poses a fun challenge for low-handicappers.

Ka’anapali Golf Resort (Maui) – The Royal Course at Ka’anapali has hosted greats from Arnold to Nicklaus, featuring broad fairways and sloped greens.

In addition to play at the destination’s top-rated courses, Crystal’s “Hawaiian Dreams” golf programming also features on board presentations and tips from former U.S. Open champion Ken Venturi and golf historian Jack Mishler.

The Crystal Golf Program includes onboard practice with brand new TaylorMade equipment – the No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour – cocktails, caddy and cart service on the greens, and complimentary cleaning and storage of golf clubs and golf shoes after each round.

The cruise calls in Hawaii/Hilo, Kauai/Nawiliwili, Oahu/Honolulu, Maui/Lahaina, Hawaii; and Ensenada, Mexico.  Promotional, Two-for-One cruise fares start at $4,955 per person, double occupancy, and include complimentary air transportation and $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credit. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.