Crystal Best Cruise Line

For a record 15^th year, and by one of its widest margins, Crystal Cruises has once again been voted the “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler magazine (U.S.). Crystal’s overall score of 93.1 topped all cruise lines in both the large and small-ship categories. The luxury line’s 15 “wins” is unprecedented by any cruise line or hotel in the world.

“We are honored that the well-traveled readers of Condé Nast Traveler once again, through their own personal experience, consider Crystal Cruises to be the best cruise line in the world,” says Gregg Michel, president, Crystal Cruises. “I am very proud of our exceptional staff and their commitment to providing such a treasured vacation experience to so many global travelers. Now, more than ever, brand, reputation and consistency are key factors in consumers’ purchase decisions. Such prestigious awards reinforce Crystal Cruises’ leading position in hospitality.”

Considered one of the highest honors in the travel industry, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate the best-of-the-best hotels, airlines, cruise lines, cities, rental car companies and islands. More than 32,000 subscribers voted in the 2008 survey. Travelers evaluated cruise lines on their Activities/Facilities, Cabins, Crew/Service, Design/Layout, Food/Dining, Itineraries and Shore Excursions to determine the overall score. The full list of travel awards are announced in the magazine’s November 2008 issue.

Further attesting to the consistency of its luxury travel experience, in August 2008, Crystal was voted the 2008 “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Travel + Leisure (U.S.), as well as top honors internationally and from trusted travel agent consortiums.

Renowned for their service, space, quality and choices, Crystal Cruises’ two stylish ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, were voted number one and two, respectively, in Condé Nast Traveler’s February 2008 World’s Best Ships issue. The ultra-luxury line has long been recognized for innovative partnerships with Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, Creative Learning Institute featuring Yamaha keyboard and Berlitz language classes, Computer University@Sea curriculum, Feng Shui-designed spa, and a myriad of other culinary, cultural and fitness-oriented enrichment. Itineraries of seven to 108 days are available throughout the world.

For more information, contact a professional travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website at crystalcruises.com.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 21st October 2008.

Crystals New Deposit Plans

As savvy travelers continue to seek secure return on their investments, Crystal Cruises is introducing a collection of incentives to support its commitment to its guests’ satisfaction. In combination with its existing price guarantee, the line is reducing cruise fare deposits and cancellation periods.

“Crystal is pairing its consistent delivery of incomparable vacation experiences with a program that showcases just how secure an investment the Crystal Experience is,” said Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Luxury cruisers recognize the value of selecting a line whose performance is tried-and-true, to ensure they’re getting the best from the best.”

Guarantees and booking and savings incentives include:

• Price Guarantee - Crystal will continue to protect guests by giving them the best applicable fare offered by Crystal Cruises even after they’ve booked;
• Cruise Deposit - Reduced cruise deposit from 10% to 5% for all 2009 itineraries except the Full World Cruise;
• Cancellation Period Reduction - Formerly a 75 day restriction, guests can now cancel their cruise up to 45 days prior to sailing without penalty;
• Extended Options - Guests now have an increased period from three to seven days before a deposit is required;
• 2010 World Cruise Deposit Reduction - Deposits for the 2010 World Cruise have been reduced from 20% to $1,000 or $1,500, depending on stateroom selected;

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 14th October 2008.

Crystals Cruise Land Tours

A journey to mystical, magical Tibet and a visit to meet the rare and nearly extinct Giant Pandas highlights Crystal Cruises’ five-night pre- and post-cruise land program, available with spring 2009 China and Japan itineraries.

The exclusive land tour will enable Crystal guests to experience the beauty and majesty of Tibet, known as the “Roof of the World” with an elevation of 16,000 feet, and its famed monasteries and palaces that for centuries were closed to outsiders. In China’s Sichuan province, travelers will visit the Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Breeding and Research Center and learn about what the institution is doing to preserve the endangered species.

The land programs are offered in conjunction with Crystal’s spring itineraries between Hong Kong and Beijing aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony. The March 27 itinerary sails between Hong Kong, calling at Kobe and Hiroshima, Japan; Shanghai, Dalian and Beijing, China. The April 5 sailing, from Beijing to Hong Kong, visits Beijing, Dalian and Shanghai and Osaka, Japan. Both itineraries also include a comprehensive, inclusive three-night pre- or post-cruise land program in Beijing.

“Bridging the best of land and sea, the China and Tibet extended land program offers excursions to regions of the world that few travelers will ever have the chance to see,” said John Stoll, director, land programs. “A Crystal vacation isn’t confined to the port cities and surrounding areas. With great attention to detail and Crystal care, we transport guests thousands of miles inland to expand their experience.”

The Tibet/China land program is $4,299 per person, double, including first-class air transportation. Cruise fares start at $5,995 per person, double.

The Crystal Difference

Crystal Cruises enjoys a reputation for excellence, grounded in over a decade of prestigious accolades. Crystal has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history.

For additional information and Crystal reservations, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website at crystalcruises.com.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 6th October 2008.

Crystal Introduces Book Club

With its 2009 World Cruise, Crystal Cruises is introducing The Interactive Literary Review, a book club moderated by the dynamic, best-selling author and literary critic Robert Adams. On each of the seven segments Adams and guests will delve into three internationally acclaimed novels. Adams, author of the best-selling book, A Love of Reading, lectures exclusively for Crystal and is applauded for his theatrical “performance reviews” of books.

The program is launching through the ultra-luxury line’s Creative Learning Institute, which generously expands its programming on each segment of the 106-day “Pacific Circle Celebration” World Cruise, departing Los Angeles on January 21.

“Crystal’s new Literary Review was designed to stimulate discussion, entertain, foster camaraderie and provide an intellectual forum for common interests,” said Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. “Robert has selected a diverse collection of the world’s most compelling, topically relevant books. Set in international locations from Papua New Guinea to Afghanistan, the multi-layered characters and story lines invite discussion.”

The 21 novels, penned by authors from more than 10 countries, include such acclaimed titles as A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khalid Hosseini; Cat’s Eye, by Margaret Atwood; Palace Walk, by Naguib Mahfouz and Birdsong, by Sebastian Faulks. All titles for each cruise segment are listed at crystalcruises.com. On board, they are available for purchase in the Captain’s Choice retail shop, and several of the works, along with more than 1,500 others, are available in Crystal Serenity’s library.

Crystal Srenity’s World Cruise spans the globe, visiting 45 ports of call in 22 countries throughout the South Pacific, Asia, Africa and Europe. Eight distinctive segments range from 11 to 17 days.

Crystal’s Creative Learning Institute

Crystal’s Creative Learning Institute provides comprehensive instruction and enrichment opportunities. In addition to the Interactive Literary Review, expert instruction is offered through a wide range of Crystal partners, including Yamaha, Berlitz, Tai Chi Cultural Center, The Cleveland Clinic and The Society of Wine Educators.

The Crystal Difference

Aboard the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality, providing worldwide vacations of seven to 100+ days that bridge the best of land and sea. Grounded in more than a decade of accolades, Crystal has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history.

For additional information and Crystal reservations, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website at crystalcruises.com.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 29th September 2008.

New Partnership For Crystal

Crystal Cruises announces that it has become a founding partner of the Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund. The announcement came during the magazine’s 2008 World Savers Congress in New York City on September 23. Five & Alive, a program of Population Services International (PSI), supports children five and under in more than 30 countries around the world by preventing and treating malaria, water-borne illness, pneumonia and malnutrition. Nearly 10 million children in impoverished countries die every year of preventable illnesses before they reach the age of five because they lack the simplest of things - clean drinking water, basic medicines, mosquito netting, and nutrition.

“This partnership was directly inspired by last year’s Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Congress,” said Crystal Cruises President Gregg Michel. “Throughout our company’s history, we have supported numerous philanthropic projects, and we had been close to creating our own global program. Rather than go it alone, this partnership presented a perfect opportunity to join forces to create something bigger. I was thoroughly impressed with the determination of Condé Nast Traveler and Kate Roberts from Five & Alive to make this world a better place through travel.”

In one year, Five & Alive has raised nearly $1 million from readers and the travel industry, including efforts from Crystal Cruises. In April 2008, Michel, along with Crystal Serenity Cruise Director Gary Hunter, joined Condé Nast Traveler editor-in-chief Klara Glowczewska, Kate Roberts, and actress Ashley Judd on a trip to Rwanda where the Crystal team was further enlightened and inspired by the challenges and opportunities facing Five & Alive.

With its new commitment to the cause, Crystal Cruises will introduce initiatives to raise money and engage its guests and employees. Slated for later this year is the on-board sales of specially designed polo shirts for adults and Webkinz “pets” for children with proceeds benefiting Five & Alive. As part of its ongoing effort, in its high end jewelry shops, the luxury line is also planning to introduce a “fundraising” bracelet.

“We are delighted that Crystal Cruises has joined as a founding partner of the Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund,” said Condé Nast Traveler Editor-in-Chief Klara Glowczewska. “We hope this generous act will inspire others to join us as the Five & Alive Fund seeks to raise money to save the lives of children under five around the globe.”

“Five & Alive is thrilled to be partnering with Crystal Cruises on this important program,” said Five & Alive Director Kate Roberts. “The Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund was created to engage hospitality leaders such as Crystal Cruises in the fight to prevent childhood disease and we applaud Crystal for their leadership and commitment.”

About Crystal Cruises
With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, Crystal Cruises is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality. Its ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity bridge the best of land and sea on worldwide vacations of seven to 100+ days. Grounded in more than a decade of accolades from travelers and critics, Crystal is dedicated to raising shipboard and shore-side awareness of responsible and respectful treatment of the environments through which we travel. Among other honors, Crystal Cruises has been voted Best Large-Ship cruise by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine for 14 years.

For more information about the Five & Alive Fund, visit www.fiveandalive.org. For more information about Crystal Cruises and reservations, please call 800-446-6620, or visit the luxury line’s website crystalcruises.com.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 25th September 2008.

Crystal World Cruise Savings

Crystal Cruises is enhancing the value and experience of the first two segments of its 2009 World Cruise with a new bonus offer of free hotel nights in Tahiti or New Zealand.

Guests taking the 12-day Los Angeles to Papeete voyage, which kicks off the 15th annual World Cruise January 21, 2009, will receive a complimentary two-night stay in Tahiti. Or, guests booking the subsequent February 2, 14-day Papeete to Auckland cruise can choose transfers and two free hotel nights in either Tahiti or in Auckland, New Zealand.

The luxury line is also waiving its fuel surcharge, as well as extending the deadline for its 3.5% full payment discount.

“Each leg of the World Cruise offers an exceptional experience of stimulating programming and special events unique to Crystal,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Discriminating travelers can now save up to $1,500 off the cruise fares, experience Crystal’s extraordinary service and amenities, and enjoy more time in these coveted destinations.”

• Two Free Hotel Nights: Choice of Intercontinental Resort Tahiti, or Sky City Grand Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand; plus airport/pier/hotel transfers;
• 3.5% Full Payment Discount: Guests can save up to $3,000 per couple;
• No Fuel Surcharge: Receive a rollback of the $12 per person per day fuel surcharge - save up to $336 per couple.

From Los Angeles to Tahiti, Crystal Serenity will call in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands; and French Polynesia’s Rangiroa, Moorea, and Papeete. From Tahiti to New Zealand, Crystal Serenity departs Papeete for Bora Bora; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Suva, Fiji; Noumea, New Caledonia; Waitangi (Bay of Islands), New Zealand, and Auckland.

With early payment, no fuel surcharge, and complimentary hotel nights, fares start at $5,895 per person, double occupancy. Travelers who book both segments back to back can reap additional savings.

Crystal Serenity’s full World Cruise - “Pacific Circle Celebration” - spans the globe, visiting 46 ports of call in 17 countries including the Mexico, New Zealand, Eastern and Western Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia, British Columbia and Alaska. The seven distinctive segments range from 12 to 22 days.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website, crystalcruises.com.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 22nd September 2008.

Crystal World Cruise 2010

Crystal Cruises has set an exotic new course with a unique Middle Eastern twist for its 15th annual World Cruise set for 2010. The detailed 108-day itinerary, featuring maiden visits to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and a host of other fascinating destinations, is now available at crystalcruises.com. Although the departure is more than a year and half away, the luxury World Cruise specialist has more than 100 guests on the waiting list ready for when reservations open in October.

On January 10, 2010, the award-winning Crystal Serenity will depart Miami on an unprecedented voyage exploring South America, Africa and India, with a greatly expanded focus on the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Black Sea, and several European ports in the Mediterranean Sea en route to London. The epic journey will visit 41 ports in 37 countries.

“Based on extensive research, site inspections and discussions with contemporary world affairs experts, we feel we have created an unparalleled voyage for the most discriminating travelers,” says Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises. “On one itinerary, our 2010 World Cruise guests can visit an incredible combination of destinations renowned for being profoundly rich in antiquities and cultural history.”

Significant for 2010:

• Seven maiden calls: Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Bandar Abbas, Iran; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Manama, Bahrain; Khasab, Oman; Alfujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE); and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• First time Crystal has included the Black Sea ports in a World Cruise.
• Overnight stays in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Safaga, Egypt (for Luxor/Karnak); Athens, Greece; Odessa, Ukraine; Istanbul, Turkey; and Barcelona, Spain.
• Two-night shipboard stays in Cape Town, South Africa and Dubai, UAE.
• Late night calls in, among others, Ashdod, Israel; Cochin and Mumbai, India; Bandar Abbas, Iran; Manama, Bahrain; Aqaba, Jordan; Alexandria, Egypt; Kusadasi, Turkey; Livorno, Italy.
• Complimentary shore-side events, Crystal Adventures shore excursions, onboard parties, gifts, enhanced onboard entertainment, and expanded Creative Learning Institute and Crystal Visions lecture program.
• Available in seven individual segments ranging from 13 to 21 days, or back-to-back segment combinations.

World Cruise fares will be available in October, when the luxury line will begin accepting reservations. Full World Cruisers booked for 2009 will have the opportunity to book 2010 before it is open to the public.

Official Press Release (abridged) Crystal Cruises dated 15th September 2008.

Top 10 Asia Adventures

Artistically rendered acrobatic performances in Shanghai; Chinese cooking classes in Hong Kong; and a snorkeling adventure on Thailand’s breathtaking Phi Phi Islands rated in the top 10 Asia Crystal Adventure picks selected from thousands of Crystal Cruises’ guests who sailed on the line’s 2008 Asia itineraries.

Other Crystal Adventures that made the cut include a sumptuous dinner at Myanmar’s lavish Governor’s Residence Hotel in Yangon followed by a visit to the spectacular gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, and an excursion to Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur area, complete with a cave spelunking expedition.

“Our sophisticated and well-traveled guests prefer experiential, cultural immersions that provide enduring memories,” said John Stoll, director, land programs.

The Top 10 Crystal Asia Adventures, in order of popularity, are:

1. Acrobatic Performance - Be mesmerized by a Shanghai acrobatic troupe that delivers unexpectedly skillful and beautiful performances;
2. The Essence of Chinese Cooking - Partake in a cooking class in Hong Kong, learning how to create two classic Chinese dishes and a mouth-watering appetizer;
3. Phi Phi Snorkeling Adventure - Snorkel the waters of these islands, featuring sheer cliffs overhead that give way to beach-fronted jungle;
4. Kuala Lumpur: Caves, Pewter & History - Take in the sites of this bustling city and surrounding areas, with a cave spelunking adventure and pewter making lesson;
5. Dinner at the Governor’s Residence Hotel with Cultural Show & Shwedagon Pagoda - Dine in this grand teak hotel - and visit the venerable Shwedagon Pagoda;
6. Cheraim Spa and Wat Chalong Temple - Revel in the treatments at this spa village along with a visit to Phuket’s largest temple;
7. Highlights of Shanghai - Take in the sights and sounds of this storied Asian city on a full-day tour;
8. Thai Orchid Farm & Cultural Show - From Bangkok, travel to the Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens, with its exquisite orchard nursery and cultural show;
9. Yangon Delights - Spend a full day discovering Myanmar’s capital city of Yangon, with its lush landscape and gilded temples; and
10. Lantau Island Monastery Exploration - Explore Hong Kong’s largest island, with its fishing community and renowned Po Lin Monastery.

On March 27 and April 5, Crystal Symphony offers 15-day itineraries between Hong Kong and Beijing that include a three-night complimentary Beijing land program. On April 20, the luxury ship offers an 11-day cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore and then continues east with a May 1 voyage from Singapore to Dubai. Fares start at $4,805 per person, double occupancy.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the line’s website, crystalcruises.com.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 8th September 2008.

New Premium Air Option

Travelers seeking more legroom and comfort than traditional coach — without the price tag of business class — can now purchase optional Premium Economy air service with Crystal Cruises’ 2009 summer cruises to the Baltic, North Cape and British Isles. The service is available with all seven Crystal Symphony cruises from June through August from select U.S. and Canadian gateways. Air add-on fares to London, Copenhagen and Stockholm via British Airways or Scandinavian Airlines are just $400 to $650 more, one way, than Crystal’s coach air-sea fares.

Crystal’s 2009 Northern European season includes five Baltic Sea/Russia cruises, one North Cape cruise and one British Isles itinerary, ranging from seven to 14 days. Cruise fares start at $3,615 per person, double occupancy.

The luxury line is also offering low Business Class air supplements from selected U.S. gateways for all summer Baltic, British Isles and Mediterranean cruises. Upgraded service starts at only $799 one way, $1598 round trip, to the Baltic and British Isles, and $899 one way, $1798 round trip, to the Mediterranean - up to 75% lower than unrestricted published business class fares. Business class air upgrades are in addition to Crystal’s published air/sea fares, and are available from 17 U.S. gateways with cruises beginning June 18 through the end of August 2009.

Restrictions apply for air arrangements. For additional information on Baltic and Northern European itineraries, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website at crystalcruises.com.
The Crystal Difference

Crystal Cruises enjoys a reputation for excellence, grounded in over a decade of prestigious accolades. The luxury line has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure more than any other cruise line, resort or hotel in history.

Aboard the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of land and sea.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 4th September 2008.

Crystals Passport to Music

In response to the overwhelming success of the keyboard classes offered through Yamaha’s “Passport to Music” program, Crystal Cruises and the pioneering music company are adding a series of progressively challenging classes called “Passport to Music PLUS”. Geared toward more accomplished piano and keyboard players, the new curriculum builds from the basics to more advanced levels.

Available complimentary through the ultra-luxury line’s Creative Learning Institute, the courses are scheduled this year on more than a dozen Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity cruises in the Mediterranean, Baltic, Transatlantic, Panama Canal and South America.

The three new “PLUS” classes are:

• Playing By Ear - Sharpen listening skills to enhance playing or singing, and discover music without the printed page;
• Exploring Chords 101 - Learn the basics of harmony, music theory and orchestration and how to create and play chords and the basics of; and
• Exploring Chords 202 - Progress to higher levels of harmony study.

“The Yamaha ‘Passport to Music’ program has exceeded the expectations of Crystal guests - who are so thrilled with the curriculum that they’ve been eagerly awaiting more advanced courses,” said Kristin Turner, Crystal’s manager of entertainment. “The ‘PLUS’ program is ideal for musicians who are returning to the piano as well as those interested in furthering their musical skills.”

Study materials for each class will include “homework” exercises that participants can complete during lab sessions held during days at sea. The lab sessions will provide guests with additional practice and one-on-one time with instructors. By the end of 2008, an Independent Study option will debut, enabling participants to work on their own selected pieces of music with the aid of step-by-step guidelines and instructor assistance.

Crystal’s exclusive Creative Learning Institute has offered “Passport to Music” keyboard classes through Yamaha aboard every cruise on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony since 2003 and 2004, respectively. “Passport to Music PLUS” classes began on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in May and June 2008, respectively.

About Yamaha

A long-standing musical pioneer, Yamaha created its first keyboard in 1887. Since 1954, Yamaha music schools and courses have helped people of all ages learn how to play, while a wide range of innovative Yamaha musical instruments have made music more fun to play. The Passport to Music program benefits from Yamaha’s unparalleled education and product development experience to help everyone - regardless of age, ability or prior knowledge - find musical satisfaction.

About the Creative Learning Institute

The Crystal Cruises Creative Learning Institute is designed to provide comprehensive instruction focusing on enhancing quality of life and improving wellness. The Institute expands upon Crystal’s commitment to enrich mind, body and spirit by extending new opportunities for personal growth. In addition to the Yamaha Passport to Music program, expert instruction is offered through a wide range of Crystal partners, including Berlitz, Tai Chi Cultural Center, The Cleveland Clinic and The Society of Wine Educators.

For additional information on Crystal Cruises’ worldwide itineraries, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line’s website at crystalcruises.com.

Official Press Release Crystal Cruises dated 25th August 2008.

Next Page »