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Luxury Line Debuts New Itineraries, More Port Time and More Seven-day
Departures
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- In keeping with its penchant for
choices, Crystal Cruises ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal
Serenity will visit 70 ports of call in 27 countries on 30 different European
itineraries in 2006. From May through November, Crystal Cruises is showcasing
the best of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe with more seven-day
departures, intriguing maiden calls, new extended land programs ashore and
more overnight stays in the worlds best destinations.
Complementing the majority of 10- to 14-day cruises in Europe are new
seven-day cruises in the Mediterranean and the Baltic, and maiden calls
include visits to Ayr & Troon, Scotland; Tripoli, Libya; Gijon, Spain;
Trieste, Italy; Spitsbergen, Norway; La Rochelle, France; and Riga, Latvia.
In Southern Europe from spring through fall, 15 itineraries explore the
romance and history of the Mediterranean from the west -- Spain, Portugal, the
Canary Islands, France, Monaco; to the east -- Italy, Greece, Croatia, Turkey
and Egypt; and on up into the Black Sea. In summer months, travelers will
discover the majesty of Northern Europe on 15 enriching itineraries through
the British Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic and even the Arctic
Circle.
"Crystal Cruises has individually crafted each European cruise itinerary
to provide a rich combination of destinations with more overnight stays and
more time in ports," says Bill Smith, Crystals senior vice president, sales &
marketing. "Whether taking a shorter seven-day jaunt or combining several
unique cruises to create the ultimate European exploration, luxury travelers
will enjoy the grandeur of Europe and the warmth and luxury of the Crystal
experience."
Highlights of Crystals Mediterranean season include:
* A new 11-day itinerary to Tripoli and Egypt travels from Rome to Athens,
October 13-24, 2006;
* Three seven-day cruise options in May and July are offered in addition
to 10-, 11- and 12-day itineraries;
* For the first time, some of Crystals Mediterranean cruises will begin
or end in Monte Carlo; cruises also depart from Venice, Lisbon, Athens,
Rome and London;
* All itineraries offer at least one overnight port call, and several
offer two or three overnight stays and/or late nights in cities such as
Bordeaux and Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Sorrento and Venice,
Italy; Athens, Greece; Istanbul, Turkey; and Alexandria, Egypt;
* Intriguing ports in Croatia, Turkey and the Canary Islands are featured
along with the most romantic cities in Italy, France, Monaco, Spain,
Portugal and Greece; and,
* Crystal Symphony will spend late spring and summer in the Mediterranean,
while Crystal Serenity will cruise the region in the fall.
Highlights of Crystals Northern Europe and Baltic season include:
* A new seven-day Baltic itinerary offered August 1st, traveling from
Stockholm to Copenhagen, in addition to four 11-day Baltic cruises
departing from London, Stockholm or Copenhagen;
* Two nights, three days in St. Petersburg on all Baltic itineraries;
* Five itineraries conveniently round-trip from London: a cruise in
Western Europe, Northern Europe and three British Isles cruises, one of
which offers a new overnight in Dublin;
* A 14-day North Cape itinerary from Copenhagen to London crosses the
Arctic Circle en route to Spitsbergen; and,
* For the first time, Crystal Serenity will cruise the Baltic and North
Cape region.
New Crystal Adventures Ashore
For those seeking to venture farther inland, Crystal is debuting two new
Extended Land Programs, which are offered pre- or post-cruise with selected
itineraries:
* A journey into the world of ancient castles, palaces and monuments in
Prague & Budapest for five-nights on Mediterranean voyages from Rome.
* Five nights in Vienna & Salzburg showcase Austrias musical history on
Mediterranean cruises from Venice.
The onboard travel experience is enhanced with the lines renowned Crystal
Visions(R) Enrichment Program including a Distinguished Speaker Series, a
PGA-hosted Golf Cruise, guest speakers from the Sothebys Institute, and
Crystals acclaimed Wine & Food Festival offered on several European
itineraries. Guests will also enjoy the progressive programming offered in
conjunction with the lines Creative Learning Institute, providing language
lessons and piano classes.
The Crystal Difference
Aboard the ultra-luxurious ships of Crystal, refined elegance meets casual
simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the
renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant
space, extensive choice, and quality, providing worldwide vacations that
bridge the best of land and sea.
The 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton
Crystal Serenity are among the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising in
the luxury market. Their unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide
range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations.
The Six-Star rated liners feature grand lounges, a lavish spa outfitted in
accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, extensive exercise facilities,
complimentary golf, yoga and Pilates instruction, Asian and Italian specialty
restaurants, and the popular Computer University@Sea(R), offering 24-hour
e-mail and internet access, as well as hands-on instruction. Other
distinguishing features include expansive decks, two pools, award-winning
cuisine and entertainment, and exquisitely appointed staterooms, more than
half of which offer private verandahs.
Crystal Cruises enjoys a reputation for excellence, grounded in a decade
of prestigious accolades including having been voted "Worlds Best Large-Ship
Cruise Line" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure
magazines -- the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such
distinction.
European cruise fares start at $1,995, per person, double occupancy. For
reservations made by March 31, 2006, Crystal Cruises travellers can enjoy low
business class air transportation at fares up to 50% lower than unrestricted
published fares to Europe.
For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call
888-799-4625. Visit the luxury lines website at http://www.crystalcruises.com.
CONTACT: Mimi Weisband 310-203-4302
publicrelations@crystalcruises.com
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