Beloved Bebopper Benny Golson To Kick Off Crystal’s 2013 Jazz Cruise Line-Up

Two 7-day Jazz Itineraries in Spring and Fall to Sail West and East Coasts

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --World-famous bebop/hard bop saxophonist, composer, and arranger Benny Golson will thrill music lovers as the headliner aboard Crystal Cruises' April 29 jazz-themed voyage from Vancouver to Los Angeles. Throughout the seven-day sailing, nearly a dozen internationally-renowned jazz artists will perform with, and pay tribute to, the Jazz Hall-of-Famer, who counts Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane among his contemporaries and former band mates. Exploring the Pacific Northwest and California coasts, the voyage features esteemed jazz musicians including nine-time Grammy-nominated pianist Kenny Barron and his trio; Grammy-nominated guitarist Henry Johnson; the celebrated Don Braden Quartet; and other notable vocalists and instrumentalists. 

Guests will enjoy live performances nightly in Crystal Symphony's posh lounges and theaters, including classic and new arrangements of favorite jazz standards, several of which were composed by Golson himself. 

"To hear some of the best-known jazz compositions from the man who made many of them famous, along with this collection of great modern musicians on one voyage, is not only an honor for us, but truly an exclusive, Crystal-caliber treat for our guests," says Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment. 

From Vancouver, the itinerary offers calls in Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington; Astoria, Oregon; San Francisco andSanta Barbara, California before disembarking in Los Angeles. 

A second jazz cruise with almost two dozen musicians offers an intimate French-Canadian journey, round-trip from Montrealstarting September 26. Calling in Sept-Îles, Magdalen Island, and Quebec City, Quebec, plus maiden calling in Saint Pierre & Miquelon, the marquis includes multi-talented musicians Eddie Metz and Antti Sarpila, bassists Phil Flanigan and Nicki Parrott, trumpeter Duke Heitger, renowned band leader Pieter Meijers and others. 

Until December 28, all-inclusive "Book Now" fares for the Experiences of Discovery U.S.-Canada cruises start start at $2,505and $2,780 per guest, respectively.

For a full list of Crystal's extraordinary 2013 theme cruises, from Food & Wine to Big Band, and everything in between, visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Crystal Cruises' award-winning entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray-viewing, for all world travelers.

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

Crystal's Edible Adventures Give Taste Of Ultra-Local Europe In 2013

Crystal guests can learn how to make traditional
paella with a hands-on cooking class in
Barcelona this year. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

Food-focused Visits to Villages, Countrysides, and "Old Towns" Offer Authentic European Stew of Flavors

LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises is celebrating "la buona cucina" (good cuisine) inEurope this year, with more than 60 shore excursions that offer an ultra-local taste of the rich culinary regions in which Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are sailing. Hands-on cooking classes, multi-course meals, comestible history lessons, food sourcing, and sampling will be hosted in traditional homes, farms, chateaus, Michelin-starred restaurants, and markets. From spring through fall, Crystal offers 65 five- to 15-day European cruise itineraries visiting Spain, Italy, France, Malta, Greece, the UK, Sweden, Norway, Russian, Estonia, Romania, and Morocco.

"Today, there are more and more Crystal 'foodies,' who relish connecting with the culinary nuances and culture of a region in a very authentic, memorable and intimate way," says John Stoll , vice president of port and land operations. 

Ports offering edible excursions include:

SOUTHERN EUROPE/NORTH AFRICA

• Valetta: Shop at a local open-air market with a Maltese culinary ambassador, then join her at home for a group cooking and dinner party.
• Agadir: Create regional family recipes with Berber chefs, among olive groves.
• Malaga: Glean signature Andalusian dish secrets from the chef/owner of Andalusia's only two-star Michelin restaurant.
• Sicily: Study Sicilian cuisine such as arancine di riso (rice and tomato croquettes) and pennette alla eoliana (pasta with capers, olives, and tomatoes) with mandarin plantation owners.
• Constanta: Cook "sarmale cu mamaliguta," a Romanian dish of minced pork, spices, pickled cabbage, and corn flour, at a local restaurant.
• Casablanca: Prepare traditional lamb with plums and honey while sipping orange juice in orange flower water.
• Barcelona: Learn Catalan recipes, from paella to Crema Catalana, in the Gothic Quarter.
• Corfu: See how bread is baked in a traditional garden wood-fire stove, in a private home in one of the island's most traditional old villages.
• Mykonos: Go on a tasting tour of local bakeries, with mouth-watering morsels including amygdalota almond pastry and koulouri sesame buns.
• Sorrento: From a typical farm house to Michelin-starred restaurants, learn from the best local chefs, including the nuances of different mozzarella cheeses, and their application on pizza.

WESTERN/NORTHERN EUROPE

• Bordeaux/Bassens: Sample wild nettle pie, dandelion flower jelly, and multi-course gourmet dinners in a wide range of excursions with topics ranging from the Slow Food Movement to chateau visits.
• Bilbao: Indulge in Basque Country cheese, one of the world's finest, in the land of Laxta sheep, or explore three types of pinchos, a typical bread-based appetizer of the region.
• Akureyri: Nibble Icelandic carpaccio, ice cream, and smoke hut lamb during a local farm crawl.
• Tallinn: Assist a Master Confectioner in creating Estonian chocolates and truffle fillings.
• Honningsvag: Eat King Crab you just pulled fresh from the North Cape waters.
• Stockholm: Follow a modern-day Viking guide through medieval Old Town for Smorgasbord treats.
• Hellesylt/Geiranger: Taste homemade goat caramel from a 300 year-old goat farm on a fjord.
• Bergen: Learn how to prepare local fish like Atlantic salmon and cod at the Norwegian Seafood Center.

Prices for the culinary excursion series start at $62/person. All-inclusive cruise fares start at $1,895/person, with additional savings if booked by April 30. 

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity's extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include the ultra-luxury line's coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); all-inclusive, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or inNobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio 's specialty restaurants.

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

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

Crystal Expands Spiritual Side Ashore In Europe This Season

Crystal Cruises in Istanbul, a city full of
Muslim and Christian sites.
 (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

New Excursions, Exclusive Access and Sacred Sites Showcase Favorite Destinations' Religious Histories

LOS ANGELES, April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- New religious shoreside options have been added to luxury specialist Crystal Cruises' roster of meaningful and enriching experiences in Europe this year. With the expansion, the ultra-luxe line now offers more than 20 Crystal Adventures featuring private, after-hours access, centuries-old houses of worship, Jewish heritage tours, and sacred pilgrimage destinations in Spain, Italy, Turkey, Malta, France and other timeless locales on the Continent. Most of the new and exclusive adventures visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Outings include:

NEW:

• Exclusive, after-hours access to Istanbul's Hagia Sophia church-turned-mosque provides an intimate opportunity to study the blend of Islamic and Christian designs inside, without the crowds.
• A half-day trip to Gaudí's Church at Colonia Guell -- in a textile colony outside Barcelona -- offers an off-the-beaten-path discovery of the architect's spiritual whimsy.
• Valetta's first church plus the many chapels of the Maltese countryside, dating back to Roman, Medieval and possibly prehistoric times, are all explored in one excursion.

EXCLUSIVE:

• Wander Venice's St. Mark's Basilica at night.
• Enter Rome's Vatican Museum after closing.
• Attend a private Mass for Crystal guests at Barcelona's La Sagrada Familia.
• Listen to a special organ recital at Utstein Monastery near Stavanger, Norway. 

JEWISH HERITAGE:

• Learn how Copenhagen's underground resistance movement helped 99% of Danish Jews survive the Holocaust.
• Visit Amsterdam's Jewish Historical Museum, Jewish quarter, and Anne Frank 's house.
• See a range of synagogues, dating from 1795, in Stockholm.
• Stroll through the Jewish Ghetto of Rome.
• Enjoy a local cantor performance, followed by tea with members of St. Petersburg's Jewish community at their home.
• Observe activities of local Jewish organizations in Odessa.
• Explore Jewish Berlin, from a concentration camp deportation area to the largest Jewish museum in Europe.

SACRED PILGRIMAGE SITES:

• Journey to La Moreneta, one of Europe's most hallowed pilgrimage destinations in Spain's Montserrat.

"Many of our guests relish the opportunities to delve further into their own faiths and others that have shaped our varied cultures and history," says John Stoll , vice president of port and land operations. "The spiritual focus of these excursions goes beyond practitioners of each faith toward greater understanding of the destinations."

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony sail throughout Europe from April to December 2013, on cruises ranging from five days to month-long combo cruises for extended vacations. All-inclusive fares start at $1,895/person, with additional savings if booked by April 30. Fares for the spiritual excursion series start at $73/person.

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.

CONTACT: Mimi Weisband or Susan Wichmann 310-203-4305, mediarelations@crystalcruises.com.

VISIT: Crystal's Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises - http://www.crystalcruises.com

Niche and Luxury Ships Eye Angola

Photo:  Port of Luando, Angola Wikipedia

Having prospered from an oil boom, the Republic of Angola is starting to catch the eye of smaller cruise lines and luxury operators.

A former Portuguese colony, the country achieved independence in 1975 and has seen a massive growth pace since the 1990s, coupled with the discovery of natural resources and the conclusion of a civil war.

Thus, this coming season, 10 ships are booked, including the Silver Explorer, Quest for Adventure, Astor, Hanseatic and Albatros, according to Jose Cabral of Travelgest, a travel agency and tour operator that services cruise ships in the country.

Next season will see the trend continue, with calls continuing from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Phoenix Reisen and Silversea, and also adding the bigger Crystal Serenity.

Continue reading:  cruiseindustrynews.com

Crystal Reports Surge In Advance Cruise Bookings

Crystal Cruises' two luxury ships,
Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity,
 in harbor together. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Cruises reports a dramatic 38% increase in advance bookings and an increase of $93 million in revenue over the same time last year. The ultra-luxury line kicked off 2013 with compelling Book Now Fares, direct mail increases, strong travel agent promotional support worldwide, and robust onboard bookings. In just the past two months, Crystal has also reaped a half dozen impressive travel magazine awards voted by the traveling public and professional travel agents, underscored by record service, food, entertainment and design ratings gleaned from its post-cruise Quality Assurance guest surveys.

Indeed, Crystal's "year of new developments" has been met with marked success. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity went "all inclusive" in early-mid 2012 and maintained a strong commitment to quality inclusions and attentive service. 

The year also saw a continual stream of innovative product, design and shore-side enhancements, the introduction of a new brand campaign, a boost to Crystal's global cruise collection with a new series of short "Getaways," and the launch of future years' cruise itineraries earlier than ever. The line's 2014 "Begin a New Story" Cruise Atlas is on press and is set for agencies and households earlier than ever. 

Crystal is planning the new release of Book Now fares for the period of March 1-April 30, and the line is promising that some fares will rise.

"Each year we hear from thousands of guests who thank us for providing an unparalleled vacation experience," says Jack Anderson , senior vice president, marketing & sales. "The truth is, we're thanking them and their travel agents for putting their valued vacations in our hands and having such faith in their Crystal experience for this year and the years to come."

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.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

RELATED LINKS

http://www.crystalcruises.com

Crystal Cruises' Empires of Art and Beauty offers Great Opportunity to Malta's Prehistoric Sites

Crystal Cruises has created a unique, different and limited availability for their new Malta Tour called "Prehistoric Sites". This tour is offered during their cruises dated July 28-August 3, 2013. Crystal's 6 Days tour starts at $2,565 per person in Kusadasi, Turkey and ends in Rome, Italy; the tour is called: Empires of Art and Beauty: Crystal's Getaway. While cruising the Mediterranean, stops will include, Valletta, Malta; Sicily/Taormina, Italy and Sorrento, Italy (overnight).

The tour "Malta's Prehistoric Sites" excites me and personally I feel is something not to miss. It adds richness to the Mediterranean histories. Ancient times will always be a mystery to us and we are forever trying to organize pieces of history so that we can understand that special time period.  I have quoted directly from Crystal Cruises Website the details involved in this tour:

Malta’s Prehistoric Sites

Excursion Code	VAL-B
Highlights	Three of Malta’s, and indeed, some of the world’s, most significant prehistoric sites are the focus of today’s outing, which takes you to the impressive Tarxien Temples, unique Hal Saflieni Hyopgeum and fascinating Ghar Dalam Cave & Museum.
Activity Level	Moderate Adventure
Walking Type	Strenuous
Activity Type
Age Appropriateness	8 & Above
Duration	Approximately 4½ Hours
Price	$129

NEW for 2013

Begin your journey into prehistory with a half-hour transfer towards the village of Tarxien, where you will visit the Tarxien Temples.

Dating from 3600 to 2500 BC, the three separate but attached temple structures are extraordinary for their complexity in design and decoration. Altars, detailed carvings of domestic animals and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns adorn the temple walls and spaces. A relief of two bulls and a sow carved into the chamber located between the South and Central temples is particularly impressive. Revealing considerable skills in construction and embellishment, it is no wonder the Tarxien Temples, as part of the Megalithic Temples of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A short walk from the temples takes you to another archaeological wonder, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, which enjoys its own individual UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. Meaning “underground” in Greek, the Hypogeum was discovered in 1902 when workers laying housing foundations accidentally came across the subterranean labyrinth of chambers and passages. Dating to about 2500 BC, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum is the only known example of a Bronze Age subterranean structure.

View an introductory exhibition and film about the site and then begin your guided discovery of some of its principal rooms constructed with large, irregular blocks of stone assembled without mortar. The site was closed to visitors between 1992 and 1996 and since has been open to only 80 visitors per day, making you one of the fortunate few to marvel at the Hypogeum’s construction and history.

Rejoining your motor coach, next venture to the Ghar Dalam Cave, a site first explored in 1885. Containing the bone remains of animals stranded during the Ice Age, the caves also bear the earliest evidence of human settlement on Malta, which goes back some 7,400 years. At the cave’s entrance is a museum displaying a wealth of finds, ranging from animal bones to human artifacts.

Emerging from the cave and back into the current millennium, board your motor coach for the approximately 40-minute return to the pier.

Important Notes: Although the suggested age appropriateness of this excursion is 8 & Above, guests who are 7 years of age may participate. As this excursion involves extensive walking over extremely uneven surfaces and the negotiation of approximately 20 steps, some of which may be irregular and slippery, it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. The Hypogeum is located within an enclosed space; therefore, the visit to this archaeological site may not be suitable for guests prone to claustrophobia. It is recommended that guests wear flat, comfortable nonslip shoes. Guests are also encouraged to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The order of sights visited may vary. Transport is not allowed alongside the vessel. Therefore, guests will be required to walk from their motor coach or minivan through the terminal to the ship.

Availability: Extremely Limited

Source:  crystalcruises.com

Crystal's Ultra-Exclusive Industry First: Private Mass At Rio's Most Famous Monument

Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue stands atop
 Mount Corcovado, with the Our Lady of Aparecida
Chapel below. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

Sacred Chapel to Allow First-Ever Private Services for a Travel Group

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In an industry-first, Crystal Cruises is offering guests the opportunity to celebrate a private Sunday mass at the remote Our Lady of Aparecida Chapel, situated at the base of Rio de Janeiro's most famous monument and one of the world's Seven Wonders, the Christ the Redeemer statue. With the Rio to Miami "Exotic Amazon" voyage starting on Sunday, March 10, a local shipboard overnight on embarkation day allows for services to be held at 5 pm. Participation is limited to just 15 guests.

The spiritual expedition is the latest rare travel experience to be added to the luxury line's new collection of "Boutique Adventures," intimate shoreside experiences available only to Crystal travelers. Crystal's Land Programs team spent more than a year seeking approval for the event, ultimately requiring sign-off from Rio's diocese – which was finally secured this January. The church made a special exception for Crystal's English-speaking, onboard priest, Monsignor Davis, to lead services, instead of the usually-required Brazilian clergy.

"As soon as I saw the space in 2011, I knew that bringing our guests there for worship would be a way to help them connect to this iconic landmark in a deeply personal way," says John Stoll , vice president of land and port operations. "It is a testament to the dedication and reputation of Crystal and our tour partners that we have been able to secure this opportunity and get the chapel to open their doors just for us, when they haven't for anyone else in this way before."

The chapel was built for the statue's 75th anniversary and named for the patron saint of Brazil. It's located some 2,300 feet above the sea, offering incredible views of the city and the lush vegetation below. Crystal's tour takes the intimate "congregation" through Rio and the Tijuca Forest, up Corcovado mountain, to reach the chapel and statue. A local theological expert will serve as guide for the day, offering perspective on Biblical culture and Brazilian religion.

The Private Mass at Corcovado: Christ the Redeemer excursion is available for $145 per guest. The 21-day voyage overnights in Rio de Janeiro; visits the Brazilian cities of Salvador da Bahia , Alter de Chao , Parintins, Manaus, Boca de Valeria , and Santarem; spend several days sailing the Amazon River; and calls at Devil's Island, Barbados and Key West before disembarking in Miami. All-inclusive, luxury cruise fares for the 21-day voyage start at $9,415 per guest if booked by February 28.

Crystal's passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones 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.

CONTACT: Mimi Weisband or Susan Wichmann , 310-203-4305, mediarelations@crystalcruises.com.

VISIT: Crystal's Media Center

Source: Crystal Cruises

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http://www.crystalcruises.com

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Five Ways To Give Back Globally In 2013

At Odessa's The Way Home, which helps
 get homeless children from the Ukraine
off the streets, older residents help teach and
guide younger ones. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1zvPr)

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Cruises has reaffirmed its commitment to its You Care, We Care program by offering complimentary opportunities for guests and crew to volunteer around the world in 2013 while sailing aboard Crystal Serenity or Crystal Symphony. Enlightening shoreside experiences are planned for California to Croatia, allowing Crystal travelers to:

1. AID ANIMALS: Assist in the rescue and care for animals, ranging from dolphins to cats, at rescue and rehabilitation centers throughout Europe, in: 

• Barcelona -- CRAM Rescue & Rehabilitation Center
• Rostock, Germany -- Rostock Zoological Garden
• Bergen, Norway -- Animal Protection Rescue Center

2. SUPPORT DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES: Provide company, gardening, dining, or decorating assistance for disabled and elderly residents of caretaking facilities, ranging from a 650-year-old elder-care home to a 400-year-old Italian charity brotherhood, in:

• Dubrovnik -- Domus Christi Home for the Elderly
• Livorno -- Luigi Scotto Foundation
• Naples -- Charity of Pio Monte della Misericordia
• Valencia -- AIDEM Association

3. CARE FOR CHILDREN: Help underprivileged children around the globe, from playing with homeless kids rescued from the streets to teaching tots how to read, in:

• Odessa -- The Way Home
• Singapore -- LIFE literacy program
• Boston – Cradles to Crayons

4. FEED THE HUNGRY: Feed those less fortunate via orchard-picking, food-serving, or donation-organizing and distribution, in:

• Halifax -- Feed Nova Scotia
• Tallinn -- Estonian Food Bank
• Santa Barbara -- Backyard Bounty

5. GIVE GREEN: Keep natural landscapes clean via conservation efforts, in:

• Astoria, Oregon -- Fort Stevens State Park

"Our voluntourism program provides a vehicle through which the Crystal family can come together and connect more intimately to the destinations we visit," says John Stoll , vice president, land and port operations. "...not to mention, support the locales that welcome us so generously."

Crystal's You Care, We Care program was launched in 2011. Since then, the cruise line has planned to offer at least one volunteer excursion on every cruise and covered all logistical arrangements and costs for guests and crew to participate. Some charitable organizations have been visited just once a year, while others have been visited several times a season, and returned to the following year, building goodwill over multiple visits. This year, the program will extend outreach in Europe, New England/Canada, South America, and Asia.

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 and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit 

Source: Crystal Cruises

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NFL Legends Kick Off Crystal's Baltic Season

Coach Don Shula -- pictured here coaching
 the Miami Dolphins -- was highly profiled
 in the 2013 Super Bowl's pre-game show.
 (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1zmBq)

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelers experiencing football withdrawal during the long months between the Super Bowl and pre-season match-ups can get their fix with some of the game's greatest minds aboard Crystal Cruises' summer Baltic cruise. Legendary coach and record holder for most NFL wins ever, Don Shula , Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame fullback Larry Csonka and 31-year NFL veteran referee Jim Tunney will bring their collective expertise and tales from their storied careers aboard Crystal Serenity during a June 15, 10-day Scandinavia/Russia cruise from Copenhagen to Stockholm.

Guests will have the rare opportunity to interact with the Gridiron greats throughout the voyage, as they impart their experiences in leadership, on and off the field, and share inspiring anecdotes of success and teamwork. 

"Whether or not one is a football fan, all guests can learn from these experts' wisdom about success and victory through great team management—disciplines that are applicable to virtually any aspect of life," says Bret Bullock , vice president, entertainment. "We're thrilled to welcome these legendary athletes on board for what is certain to be an enlightening and motivating experience for everyone."

With overnights in Copenhagen, St. Petersburg (two nights) and Stockholm, the 10-day sailing also visits Berlin, Helsinki and Tallinn. For bookings by February 28, all-inclusive cruise fares start at $4,580 per guest, with attractive air fare add-ons available from more than 90 North American gateway cities.

Crystal Cruises' award-winning entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray-viewing, for all world travelers.

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

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

RELATED LINKS

http://www.crystalcruises.com

Boutique, Unique, & Chic: Crystal Debuts New Exclusive Excursion Collection

Italy's Teatro Concordia, billed as the
smallest historic public theater in the world.
(PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

Locals to Welcome Crystal Travelers into their Palaces, Art Studios, Homes, &

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises 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 and enigmatic 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 shoreside 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.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1yQVT)

Trend Watch: Luxury lines offer shorter cruises in bid to lure younger professionals

BY DONNA TUNNEY of CruiseMarketUpdate.com

Luxury cruise lines are taking some smart steps to attract a younger clientele. Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Seabourn are among the lines offering shorter sailings designed for, as Silversea says, “time-strapped working professionals” and those who are new to luxury cruising and want a taste of the experience.

“Many travelers today have busy schedules that make it difficult to fit in time for an extended luxury cruise vacation,” says Ellen Bettridge, Silversea’s president of the Americas. “It’s important for us to offer options that cater to these consumers as well as those who have time for longer voyages.”

That said, Silversea is rolling out cruises as short as four days. Its Northern Europe Voyage on Silver Cloud, June 15 to 19, cruises from Hamburg to Copenhagen with fares starting at $1,830 per person, for example.

Continue reading details by Donna Tunney at:  cruisemarketupdate.com

Hollywood Hits The High Seas Aboard Crystal's 2013 Film & Theatre Cruise

Susan Griffiths has played Marilyn Monroe
around the world to widespread acclaim,
 including in Las Vegas' illustrious "Legends in
Concert." (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1yqLk)

Special Tribute to Marilyn Monroe Featured in Multiple Venues

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- From Monroe to Gleason to Burton, Crystal Cruises is planning a red carpet line up for its November 2 Film & Theatre voyage, presented in partnership with the award-winning Center Theatre Group of Los Angeles. A marquis rich with Old Hollywood immersion features more than a dozen performers and industry speakers with material created just for Crystal, including a special spotlight on one of the industry's most glamorous, and legendary, figures: Marilyn Monroe . 

While Crystal Symphony sails along America's colonial coast from New York to Miami, playbill highlights include:

Legends Brought to Life on Stage

Internationally acclaimed Marilyn Monroe tribute artist Susan Griffiths will bring her uncanny talent to sea for the first time ever with a new live cabaret show created exclusively for Crystal, Marilyn – Memories, Music and Magic.

Crystal fan favorite Jim Brochu returns with Character Man, his newest tribute to some of Broadway's greatest character actors, like Jackie Gleason and Zero Mostel.

LA's Troubador Theatre Company, or "Troubies," will perform multiple commedia dell'arte productions onboard, including a satirical Shakespeare-meets-cinema-disco musical theater performance of Midsummer Saturday Night's Fever Dream. 

Iconic Insights

Presentations from guests such as actress Kate Burton -- daughter of Richard and the current U.S. vice-president on hit TV show Scandal -- and Center Theatre Group's artistic director Michael Ritchie will provide insider tales from the show business front. A dedicated in-stateroom television channel will broadcast classic motion pictures, theater documentaries and theme presenter insights throughout the voyage. Interactive trivia games will also provide opportunities for guests to show off their entertainment knowledge.

Dinner with Marilyn

A multi-course dinner in the ship's uber-intimate Vintage Room, featuring extraordinary wine pairings, will be hosted by " Marilyn Monroe " (Griffiths) and Marilyn fan club president, Greg Schreiner , sharing tales of Tinseltown and the star's life.

Red Carpet Beauty Tips

Premier red carpet make-up artist William Squire will present celebrity beauty secrets for guests' everyday lives and onboard photo opportunities, including ways Marilyn hid flaws and enhanced her beauty to create her signature style — and how her look still influences style today.

Famous Fashions

Original costumes from some of Hollywood's greatest films will be showcased in a special musical theater production created just for Crystal, featuring Broadway veteran Karen Morrow and other special guests.

The Silver Screen

The ship's recently-redesigned Hollywood Theatre will feature movie marathons of classic and recent films, including some of Marilyn's greatest hits – with Turner Classic Movies film historian Jeremy Arnold providing fascinating behind-the-scenes commentary.

"It's a privilege to collaborate with the Center Theater Group on such a unique program of entertainment and enrichment for film and theater-philes," says Christopher Escamilla , manager of entertainment operations. "Whether you love the songs, cinema, style, stars, or just Marilyn, everyone is bound to have an amazing time feeling like a star with the Six-Star Crystal treatment throughout."

The convenient East Coast and Caribbean itinerary visits New York, Baltimore, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville (maiden call), Turks & Caicos, Curaçao, Aruba and Miami. All-inclusive luxury cruise fares begin at $4,300/person for 14 days, with$800/person in "Book Now" savings if booked by February 28.

Crystal Cruises' award-winning entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray-viewing, for all world travelers.

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

CONTACT: Mimi Weisband or Susan Wichmann 310-203-4305, mediarelations@crystalcruises.com.

VISIT: Crystal's Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

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Culinary Masters Warm Up Arctic Cruise On Crystal In 2013

Crystal Cruises' 2013 North Cape "Wine and Food"
-themed voyage includes passing through
 the stunning Norwegian fjords, with a stop
 in Geiranger, Norway. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1xI3Q)

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A Norwegian Culinary Olympics Team member, Cordon Bleu Master Chef, and Domaine Laroche Brand Ambassador will bring spice to the ice during Crystal Cruises' luxury voyage through the Arctic Circle in 2013. The special guests will be aboard as part of a "Wine and Food" theme enhancing the ultra-luxe line's annual North Cape cruise next July. The Crystal Serenity voyage begins July 5, sailing from Copenhagen to Stockholm, visiting 10 ports over 15 days filled with sipping Europe's finest local beverages, learning about local dishes from gourmands, and seeing the breathtaking scenery of Lapland.

Sven Erik Renaa : Proprietor of Norway's renowned Renaa Restaurants, winner of numerous Chef of the Year awards, and manager of the champion Norwegian National Culinary Team.

Gwenael Laroche : Brand Ambasadress for (and family member of) Burgundy's Domaine Laroche winery, a name that is virtually synonymous with Chablis and has won "The Best White Wine in the World" from Wine Spectator.

Mark Cummings : A certified Cordon Bleu Master Chef, restaurateur, and star of TV's The Very Best of Everything.

They will offer hands-on instruction in preparing chef specialties, live cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and specially-designed menus for select Crystal Dining Room dinners.

Foodie fun also segues to shore, with Crystal Adventures that take travelers on a "Quest for King Crab" in the waters of Sarnesfjorden (followed by eating the day's catch); to Tromso's oldest pub and Mack's Brewery to learn (and taste!) the art of crafting arctic beer; and to three different ice bars (in Leknes, Stockholm, Honningsvag) for perfectly-chilled vodka sipping.

The voyage includes overnights in Copenhagen and Stockholm at the cruise's beginning and end; calls in Geiranger, Honningsvag, Tromso, Lofoten, Alesund, Loen, and Bergen, Norway; Crystal's first return to Murmansk, Russia in 18 years; and cruising the Norwegian Fjords, North Cape/Arctic Circle, and North, Barents, and Baltic Seas. All-inclusive "Book Now" fares offer special savings.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity's extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include the ultra-luxury line's coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio 's specialty restaurants.

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

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

RELATED LINKS

http://www.crystalcruises.com

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Crystal's 2013 "Getaways": Shorter Itineraries + Big Savings = Tremendous Value On Luxury

Among Crystal's 2013 Getaways
Cruises are a five-day and
an eight-day voyage through
picturesque New Zealand.
(PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

Book by December 28 to Enjoy Asia & Canada Sale Voyages

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Crystal Cruises is unveiling a new collection of early 2013 "Crystal Getaways": 5- to 11-day segments that pack a tremendous amount of luxurious value into convenient, shorter itineraries. Ten voyages aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony offer shorter versions of published cruises from January through May. Due to the enormous success of the "Crystal Getaways" launched for fall 2012 Europe sailings, the ultra-luxury line is expanding its offerings to cruises worldwide, including options in Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Canada, Alaska and New England, USA. Each shorter segment features at least one overnight stay in some of the regions' most beloved ports, and fares start as low as $1,365 per guest if booked by December 28.

"The 'Crystal Getaways' have proven to be a great way to welcome new Crystal cruisers to the luxury nuances, extraordinary service and value of the Crystal vacation," says Jack Anderson , senior vice president of sales and marketing. "The new Crystal cruisers were either travelers with busy schedules who couldn't take longer vacations, travelers who moved up to luxury to celebrate a meaningful occasion, or travelers who wanted to combine Getaways with their own land programs. What has been gratifying and consistent is the high level of rebooking from these new Crystal converts. We know that travelers who try a Crystal cruise are strongly inclined to come back for more."

To date, "Crystal Getaways" for 2013 include:

5-day sailings:

• January 29, $1,725 – Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington
• March 7, $2,365 – Singapore, Bangkok
• April 24, $1,470 – Seward, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Vancouver
• May 23, $1,630 – New York City, Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax

6-day sailings:

• January 5, $1,365 – Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart
• January 11, $1,365 – Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane

7-day sailings:

• March 23, $3,235 – Hong Kong, Xiamen, Shanghai
• April 5, $3,080 – Shanghai, Pusan, Nagasaki, Kobe

8- and 11-day sailings:

• February 3, (8 days) $2,755 – Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin, Sydney
• March 12, (11 days) $5,200 – Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Chan May , Hanoi, Hong Kong

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 Enrichment 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.

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

CONTACT: Mimi Weisband or Susan Wichmann 310-203-4305, mediarelations@crystalcruises.com.

VISIT: Crystal's Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

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Crystal Reinvents Repositioning Cruises In 2013, With New Routes And Incredible Value

A spring voyage through the Panama Canal

 is one of several innovative "repositioning" 

cruises Crystal offers for 2013, this one 

repositioning from the U.S. West Coast to

 the East. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1wulN)

9- to 18-Day Voyages Start at Just $221/day for "World's Best" Luxury

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises is offering a bevy of innovative repositioning cruises in 2013, with new itineraries on 60% of the voyages. As year-round, worldwide cruise ships, the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity usually move to different regions (i.e., "reposition") seasonally. While repositioning cruises historically offer exceptional value, Crystal ups the ante in 2013, touting handsomely priced, reinvented journeys with unusual twists across the Atlantic, Pacific and American coastlines, from Northern to Southern Europe, North America to South America, and more.

New and interesting routes include:

• Kobe to Vancouver (April 12)—A "Trans-Pacific/Alaska" crossing, on Crystal Symphony, featuring:

1. Kobe, Japan overnight.
2. Rare visit to Petropavlosk, showcasing Russian Far East culture and natural bounties such as 68 active volcanoes.
3. Crystal's only Alaskan cruise in 2013, with four calls including lesser-visited Dutch Harbor and Kodiak, plus Seward and Ketchikan.
4. "Ocean Views" theme featuring lively debate among world affairs experts about current issues.

• NY to Reyjkavik (May 23)—A rare spring "New England/Canada "Trans-Atlantic" voyage on Crystal Symphony featuring seven ports and:

1. Manhattan overnight.
2. Traditional New England ports, including Newport, RI; Boston, MA; Bar Harbor, ME; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and St. John's, Newfoundland.
3. New overnight in Reykjavik.
4. "Wine and Food" theme with guest culinary experts and complimentary classes.

• Barcelona-London (May 30)/London-Barcelona (Sept. 2) —These nine-day cruises reposition Crystal Serenity between Baltic/N. Europe and Mediterranean/S. Europe seasons, offering:

1. Extended time in the world's preeminent wine country via Bordeaux overnights.
2. Beautiful colonial-architecture-filled Lisbon.
3. Intimate southern Spain, with Barcelona overnight and Cadiz/Seville call from London, and Barcelona, Málaga, and rarely-visited Cartagena calls when sailing to London.
4. Unique UK islands: Gibraltar (Barcelona-London) and the Channel Islands (London-Barcelona).

• Miami-Rio (Nov. 23)—Crystal Symphony moves from North to South America, offering:

1. Convenient Miami departure.
2. Rio de Janeiro overnight.
3. Caribbean stops in Barbados and Devil's Island, French Guiana.
4. Intimate, off-the-beaten-path Brazil, including a maiden call in Natal, plus Belém, Fortaleza, Maceió, and Salvador stops.
5. "Wine and Food" theme and extra-special culinary indulgences during U.S. Thanksgiving.

Additional 2013 "repos" that sail outside of the box include:

• LA-NY Panama Canal (May 6) with rare call to Charleston and a "Garden and Floral Design" theme offering shore excursions to local gardens across the eastern seaboard .
• "Trans-Atlantic" from London (Sept. 2), ending in Boston for Crystal's first time ever, with two calls in Scotland en route.
• NY-Miami (Nov. 2) offering extended time in the U.S. Southeast (Charleston, Savannah, and maiden call to St. Augustine), plus Baltimore, Turks & Caicos, Curacao, Aruba and a "Film and Theatre" theme.

Classic crossings, each with a "Big Band and Ballroom Dance" theme, include:

• Miami-Lisbon (March 31)—A dozen Ambassador Hosts to dance and dine with guests, 10 days across the pond, and a visit to Portugal's Madeira Island.
• Barcelona-Miami (Dec. 9)—Nine luxurious sea days plus calls in the Canary Is. and St. Maarten.

"Next year, the variety and value of our repositioning cruises is exceptional: from classic trans-ocean experiences to more port-focused journeys," explains Crystal's Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing Jack Anderson. "With more days at sea on most repositioning voyages, guests have even more time to savor one of the World's Best destinations: Crystal's all-inclusive shipboard resort, filled with abundant enrichment, entertainment and pampering."

With all-inclusive fares for the collection starting at just $2,210/person, couples can save up to $4,000 with current "Book Now" pricing, if booked by December 28.

The renowned Crystal Experience has been rated "World's Best" more than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort 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's 2013 Northern Europe: Shorter Itineraries, More Overnights, & More Variety

Crystal Cruises' 2013 Northern Europe cruises

include two consecutive overnights in St. Petersburg

 on many voyages. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

Convenient Options for Busy Travelers to Explore the Land of the Midnight Sun

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Shorter summer voyages with more overnight calls highlight Crystal Cruises' Baltic, Scandinavian, and British Isles cruise collection. Beginning June 8 aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity, three new seven-day itineraries and five 10-day luxury cruises will take guests to some of the region's most beautiful, culturally significant cities and landscapes in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Estonia, Germany, Belgium, Finland,Russia and the UK, including Ireland. Crystal's Northern Europe cruises also offer a more than 25% increase in local overnights, with double the nights in Copenhagen alone.

"Summer is a spectacular time to explore Northern Europe," says Jack Anderson, senior vice president, sales and marketing. "The shorter voyages offer guests more convenient options for families and busy travelers to explore the history, culture, and beauty of the region."

While Crystal has traditionally presented 11- and 12-day Baltic itineraries, the new, carefully-crafted voyages offer abundant port time to delve into each destination's distinct charm. Several overnight stays allow travelers to immerse themselves in the sights, smells and sounds of each locale, with nearly all the voyages offering overnights at the cruise's start and end, and/or mid-cruise, including two nights in storied St. Petersburg. 

Expanded destination options also add more choice for travelers in Scandinavia and Britain. Two new seven-day UK cruises sail to and from Dublin for the first time, and a new seven-day London-Copenhagen sailing marks the line's return toAmsterdam, Netherlands; Zeebrugge, Belgium; and Helsingborg, Sweden for the first time in several years. 

Not all of Crystal's Northern European itineraries are 10 days or under. A 15-day North Cape voyage makes a maiden call to Loen and rare visit to Olden, Norway. North Cape and back-to-back Scandinavia/Russia cruises can be combined for further exploration, ease and luxury. Additionally, three Crystal Symphony cruises sail through Reykjavic, Iceland, expanding Crystal's Northern European presence beyond the Baltic. 

Enhancing guests' experience of the locales, Crystal's acclaimed land programs for the 2013 Northern Europe season feature hundreds of uniquely crafted shoreside experiences, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites and elegant evening performances, to hands-on culinary instruction and adventurous exploration of the area's natural wonders.

Through December 28, all-inclusive "Book Now" cruise fares for the Northern Europe voyages begin at $2,885 per guest, with attractive airfare add-on options also available.

Crystal's passion for creating exceptional itineraries and exclusive, eye-opening shore-side experiences that connect guests to the world and to each other has earned the company top accolades for more than two decades. 

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

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

RELATED LINKS

http://www.crystalcruises.com

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Crystal To Explore New Ports Across The Mediterranean In 2013

From Canakkale, Turkey, travelers can visit the
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy--pictured here:
 the ruins of Troy's Roman Theatre.
(PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1v1Nd)

Up to $3,000/Couple in Savings if Booked by December 28

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For its 2013 Mediterranean cruise season, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises is making first-time-ever visits to Canakkale, Turkey; La Spezia, Italy; and Castellon de la Plana, Spain. The maiden calls offer new exploration of historic and off-the-beaten path areas from the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the west, including the Dardanelles/Adriatic, Italian Riviera, and Costa del Azahar. The 7- to 13-day itineraries surrounding the new destinations also offer cultural capital overnights and extra port intensiveness.

Highlights of, and cruises featuring, the inaugural ports include:

CANAKKALE: A popular vacation getaway for local Turks, the harbor city also offers easy access to the archaeological site of Troy and Gallipoli's historic battlefield and monuments.

• May 9, Crystal Serenity -- 9 days: Rome, Sorrento (overnight), and Sicily/Taormina, Italy; Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Çanakkale, and Istanbul (overnight), Turkey
• July 25, Crystal Symphony – 9 days: Istanbul (overnight), Çanakkale, and Kusadasi, Turkey; Valletta, Malta; Sicily/Taormina, Sorrento (overnight), and Rome, Italy 

LA SPEZIA: Balcony-lined streets and a palm-lined promenade usher travelers into Italy's Liguria region, offering a point of departure for walking uber-picturesque Cinque Terre, or a less-touristed day of sampling fine museums or delicious local cheese stalls in the town's outdoor market.

• Sept. 28, Crystal Serenity -- 7 days: Monte Carlo (overnight), Monaco; Genoa and La Spezia, Italy; St. Tropez and Marseille, France; Barcelona (overnight), Spain

CASTELLON DE LA PLANA: Dating back to 1251, this Valencian town is the capital of one of Spain's most mountainous provinces, offering a range of rural tourism, a Gothic and Renaissance-architecture "old quarter," and fragrant orange trees blossoming in the Fall.

• Nov. 2, Crystal Serenity -- 13 days: Rome, Florence, and Porto Venere, Italy; Monte Carlo (overnight), Monaco; Palamos, Barcelona (overnight), Castellon de la Plana, and Cartagena, Spain; Gibraltar, UK; Cadiz/Seville, Spain; Lisbon (overnight),Portugal

"New adventures are part of Crystal's signature travel experience, even in such a popular cruising area as the Mediterranean," says Jack Anderson, senior vice president sales and marketing. "After sailing for more than two decades, we're thrilled to still be finding novel destinations for our guests to discover, and combine them with much beloved locales to which they also love returning, time and time again."

All-inclusive "Book Now" fares for the series start from $3,110/person, with up to $1500/person in savings if booked by December 28.

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.

VISIT: Crystal's Media Center

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Hobbit Home Dinner Party Offers "Precious" Movie Experience For Crystal Holiday-ers

Crystal's exclusive dinner at the Hobbiton movie
set in New Zealand includes visiting "Hobbit holes"
 -- i.e., Hobbit homes build into hills.
(PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1thym)

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Known for its ingenuity in global adventure, Crystal Cruises is offering an exclusive new dinner experience this December, on the "Hobbiton" set used for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and new prequel film. The unique shoreside opportunity will debut just days after The Hobbit opens worldwide, when Crystal Symphony calls in Tauranga during a New Zealand/Australia holiday cruise beginning December 20. The Crystal Adventure will also be offered on a January 29 voyage through the region.

The two local cultures of New Zealand and "Middle Earth" will come alive, starting with a private, after-hours, guided tour of the village movie set. From Frodo and Bilbo Baggins' Hobbit holes to the Brandywine Bridge, guests will enter buildings and stroll rolling hills, while learning about the massive efforts undertaken to build the site. On the grounds of the hobbit-frequented Green Dragon Inn, with a beautiful sunset view overlooking the lake and Mill, guests will enjoy a bevy of extraordinary local wine and beer, a traditional Kiwi barbeque, and other fresh fare served by wait staff in Lord of the Rings garb.

"We are always looking for unique, boutique ways for our guests to immerse themselves in a world different from their own," says Crystal's Vice-President, Land & Port Operations, John Stoll. "With The Hobbit opening mid-December, this is an extraordinarily timely opportunity for Crystal guests to be transported to a place that many fantasy-fiction genre fans, movie buffs, as well as wine and foodies, and off-the-beaten-path travelers, from around the globe can only dream of visiting."

The Hobbiton dinner and village exploration fee is $265/person. A second Lord of the Rings-themed Adventure is also offered on both cruises, visiting Edoras' home, Mt. Potts Station and Lodge, and New Zealand's Southern Alps from Christchurch.

Between the two cruises, Crystal Symphony will sail variously through Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Picton, Napier, Christchurch, Dunedin, Sydney, Melbourne, and Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds, with single and double overnights in port throughout.

The December voyage– which also offers gourmet holiday cuisine, festive decor, a Master Photographer capturing memories, and a complimentary New Year's Eve extravaganza in Sydney Harbor -- overnights in Auckland before sailing through Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch, Dunedin, Sydney (double overnight), Melbourne (overnight), and Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds. All-inclusive "Book Now" fares for the 16-day Christmas/New Year's sailing start from $8,505/person.

The January cruise also overnights in Auckland, then overnights in Tauranga, and proceeds through Napier, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Dunedin, and the Sounds before concluding with an overnight in Sydney. All-inclusive "Book Now" fares for the 13-day sailing start from $4,480/person, with $2,500 in savings if booked by December 28.

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.

VISIT: Crystal's Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1thym)