Elaborate New Décor Creates Festive Celebrations for Christmas & New Year at Sea

In its traditional six-star style, Crystal Cruises is introducing extravagantly redesigned décor aboard its two award-winning ships this holiday season.  With each ship boasting distinctly different themes, thousands of glittering lights, ribbon-wrapped wreaths, reindeer in faux mink swags, candy canes, crystal ornaments – even feathers – will adorn Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity for the 2010 Christmas/New Year cruises.  Respectively, the vessels sail round-trip from Los Angeles on a December 22 voyage to the Hawaiian Islands and round-trip from Miami on a December 21 Caribbean itinerary.

“Holidays aboard Crystal ships are always lavish affairs, with unforgettable banquets and parties and decorations planned for families and friends travelling and celebrating together,” says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. 

Crystal Symphony will sport a sophisticated palette, beginning with three heralding angels, complete with lushly feathered wings and golden trumpets, overlooking the Crystal Plaza.  In the Bistro, an Eiffel Tower Christmas tree with apropos coffee-themed ornaments will be lit from within, while golden- and white-feathered trees are set throughout the Avenue of the Stars and Crystal Cove.

Suiting Crystal Serenity’s Caribbean destinations, tropically dressed penguins and polar bears will serve as Santa’s helpers in the Palm Court lobby, with snowflakes and lighted icicles at virtually every turn.  The Stardust lounge will become Santa’s workshop, and a chic, cocktail-themed tree will hang upside-down in Pulse nightclub, while Silk Road and The Sushi Bar display chopstick-laden trees.

Christmas brings traditional feasts, eggnog and holiday shows, while a black-tie New Year’s Eve party rings in the New Year.  Clergy will be on board for religious services.

Both 14-day sailings include $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits. 

Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises announces two brand new seven-day getaways exploring the Pacific Coast for April 2011.  Sailing between Los Angeles and Vancouver aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony, the northbound and southbound “Pacific Escape” and “Coastal Exploration” itineraries visit Santa Barbara and San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Astoria, Oregon; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Crystal’s Pacific Coast cruises showcase a stunning and remarkably diverse blend of iconic West Coast highlights, from the California beaches and the Golden Gate Bridge to the plush forests of Oregon and British Columbia.  The itineraries offer guests new destinations, the opportunity to sail with the World’s Best at an incredible value and great convenience.  It is a great sampler of some of the most beautiful places in the western U.S. and Canada.

Departing on April 10 and 17 2011, and include FREE FLIGHTS from the UK, to book please contact your local ACE agent.

A Distinguished Speaker Series through New England/Canada and a new focus on sophisticated floral design in Europe are among the more than two dozen 2011 Experiences of Discovery vacations on Crystal Cruises. 

Other enriching 2011 worldwide special interest cruises include the ultra-luxury line’s popular Wine & Food Festival; Mind, Body & Spirit; Emerging Artists (set for seven consecutive Alaska voyages); Science & Technology; Jazz; Golf; Film & Theatre Festival; Big Band & Ballroom Dance.  Additionally, Crystal’s annual President’s Cruise and Holiday sailings offer special events and festivities.

“While every Crystal cruise offers an array of stimulating activities, the Experiences of Discovery offer guests more in-depth exploration through added professional speakers, workshops, entertainment and, where possible,  shore-side adventures, ,” said Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing.

2011 Experiences of Discovery include:

*NEW* Floral Design – Renowned guest floral designer shares techniques of the art.

Distinguished Speaker Series – Educational and informative presentations from some of the world’s most noteworthy personalities.

Science & Technology – Experts share insight and practical information on the latest research developments and newest gadgets.

Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute – World Cruise voyages feature an expanded language, art, music and wellness curriculum, plus a brand new ‘Ocean Views’ series.

Mind, Body & Spirit – Guest instructors and speakers focus on yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and general fitness on board and ashore.

Golf – PGA pros offer onboard and shoreside tips, plus play at some of the world’s most exclusive courses.

Wine & Food Festival – World-renowned chefs, wine experts and mixologists share their specialties, plus hands-on instruction with Crystal’s talented culinary team.

Emerging Artists – Crystal’s exclusive partnership with the Music Centre – Performing Arts Centre of Los Angeles County showcases some of the brightest talent from the Music Centre Spotlight Awards.

Film & Theatre – Award-winning experts salute film, stage and television with live performances, interactive discussions and celebrated cinema.

Big Band & Ballroom Dance – Live daily performances, dance lessons and competitions plus additional Ambassador Hosts.

Jazz – Live performances and presentations about musical legends.

From September ultra-luxury cruise liner Crystal Cruises will boast brand new, state-of-the-art iMac® workstations in it popular Computer University@Sea and will be offering a new selection of complimentary CU@Sea classes taught on both Mac and Window platforms where applicable.

Along with existing Windows 7 classes, new introductory courses for Mac will be available and will include the following:

Introduction to Computers using iMac and OS X – Covering the iMac basics, from the Dock to the Desktop, plus Mac-specific commands and icons

 Files, Folders, and the Finder using iMac and OS X – More in-depth instruction on creating, saving and retrieving Word documents on a Mac platform

Word Processing using Word in Office: Mac 2008 – Microsoft® Word, Excel and PowerPoint programmes, and using the Toolbox on a Mac platform

Processing Photos with iPhoto® – Both basic and advanced options for guests who want to learn anything from how to transfer photos to a Mac using iPhoto, to creating smart albums and compressing and sharing photos via email or blog

IMac Tips & Tricks using OS X – Covering a number of time-saving features, including system preferences, advanced Finder and Dock techniques, Smart Folders and Spotlight elements

Commenting on the new service, Andy Harmer, UK Director of Sales & Marketing said: “We’re offering our guests the choice to try their hands at learning a new system with which they’re most familiar, or to try something new with the support of our CU@SEA instructors”. These classes will help beginners get started in an unintimidating and friendly environment, and for the more advanced users it will give them the opportunity to sharpen their computing skills and learn on some new packages.”

First introduced in 1996, Crystal’s Computer University@Sea is the most extensive computer learning programme at sea, offering dozens of complimentary courses tailored for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.  In addition to the new workstations and 24-hour Internet access from CU@Sea labs and staterooms, laptops are available for rent and can be used anywhere onboard.

For a record 15th consecutive year, Crystal Cruises has been voted “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, a magnificent triumph for the brand celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. 

Crystal Cruises scored its highest rating ever, the ultra-luxury liner is the only cruise line, hotel or resort to be voted the top spot for 15 years since the awards inception. 

Travel + Leisure magazine reports the survey generated a record number of voters.  Subscribers were only permitted one vote each, and were asked to rate cruise lines on cabins, food, service, itineraries/destinations, activities and value, plus an optional vote for families.  

“As Crystal Cruises celebrates its 20th anniversary of cruising, it is immensely rewarding that discerning travellers have voted us #1 for the past 15 consecutive years,” says Andy Harmer, UK Director of Sales and Marketing.  “This prestigious award is an incredible testament to Crystal’s consistency in delivering the very best, and a tremendous validation of the authentic warmth and professionalism of our extraordinary staff.”

Further attesting to the consistency of its ratings, Crystal Cruises was voted “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine for a record 16 years, as well as numerous distinguished consumer, travel agent and media polls and environmental awards worldwide. 

For 2011, Crystal continues to introduce sophisticated innovations and new destinations, including Perfect Choice Dining™ featuring Open Dining by Reservation, an online Priority Check-in and Planning Centre tool, a 16th annual epic World Cruise with new West African destinations, and a return to Alaska for its first summer series since 2000.

In its dedication to protecting marine environments and preserving their habitats, Crystal Cruises has committed to serving only sustainable seafood aboard its award-winning vessels. Renowned for the sophisticated fare served in the Crystal Dining Room and specialty restaurants Silk Road and The Sushi Bar and Prego, Crystal is the first cruise line to publicly commit to such a policy.

Since 1990, Crystal has served fresh fish and live lobster in the Crystal Dining Room and specialty restaurants, and with this new commitment, will offer guests a wide variety of sea fare raised in a sustainable manner, protecting the species for future generations.   With guidance from both governmental and non-governmental conservation organizations and fisheries, the line favours suppliers that share the same ideals and boast documented reputations for methods that minimize the impact on local wildlife and ecosystems.  

“We recognize that by sourcing seafood responsibly, we can help protect the environment and marine populations for generations to come,” says Toni Neumeister, vice president, food & beverage. “It’s simply the right thing to do, and allows us to continue offering our guests the highest quality cuisine while being good stewards of the oceans on which we sail.”

Effective immediately, the initiative is the latest in Crystal’s history of responsible seafood purchasing and sourcing. The line was the first cruise line to discontinue the use of endangered caviar from the Caspian Sea and introduced farmed caviar from the U.S., France and Uruguay, which has now become the standard in the luxury hospitality industry. Additionally, Crystal discontinued offering endangered species of fish more than a decade ago.

Crystal Cruises is sweetening the deal for families on Crystal Serenity’s Christmas/New Year cruise through the Caribbean. 

In addition to Two-for-One cruise fares, generous shipboard credits and Crystal Family Memories program offering perks for groups of six or 10, children age 17 and under can sail free with two full-fare adults aboard the award-winning ship’s 14-day, December 21 “Tropical Holiday” voyage roundtrip from Miami. 

Junior Activities Directors will be on board to host complimentary supervised behind-the-scenes activities, and optional babysitting is available. 

“A Crystal holiday cruise is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy six-star luxury, festive celebrations and create memories of a lifetime,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “With the growing trend in multi-generational groups sailing together, the added savings makes a Crystal cruise an even greater value.”

Along with programs for junior cruisers, adult guests can enjoy dozens of classes through Crystal’s Creative Learning Institute and Crystal Visions Lecture Series, including stimulating presentations from a National Geographic scientist and an expert in Russian foreign policy. Ashore, Crystal Adventures offer helicopter views, deep sea fishing and zip lining throughout the Caribbean.

Crystal Serenity will dazzle guests with more than $100,000 of exquisite seasonal décor and adornments, including handcrafted ornaments, ornate sleighs and elaborate. Lavish holiday dinners, parties and entertainment are planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, culminating with a black tie gala New Year's Eve celebration. Clergy will be aboard to conduct religious services.

From Miami, Crystal Serenity calls at St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua, St. Maarten, Curaçao and Grand Turk.  

The Crystal Experience is distinguished by unparalleled service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality – at an exceptional value.  Celebrating 14 and 16 years as “World’s Best” in its category by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, respectively, among many other coveted hospitality awards, Crystal has been recognized as #1 more than another cruise line, hotel or resort in history. 

Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises announces new significant savings for select September-November 2010 Mediterranean cruises:
• $4,000 per couple off its ultra-plush Penthouse accommodations, and
• Business Class Air add-on fares as low as $899 per person for veranda stateroom guests.
 

Penthouse Savings

Guests booking Crystal Serenity’s luxuriously appointed, butler-serviced Penthouse accommodations on select voyages by August 31, 2010, will save $2,000 per person – as well as enjoy Crystal’s 2010 promotional Two-for-One cruise fares, complimentary Business Class Air transportation from many North American gateways (or take a $3,000 cruise-only credit), and $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits.

Visiting historic and picturesque cities throughout Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, the Canary Islands and more, the voyages are:

• September 29 – 9 days, Venice to Monte Carlo
• October 8 – 11 days, Monte Carlo to Athens
• October 19 – 12 days, Athens to Rome
• October 31 – 11 days, Rome to Barcelona
• November 11 – 11 days, Barcelona to Lisbon
• November 22 – 9 days, round-trip Lisbon

Low Business Class Air Upgrades

Guests booking Crystal Serenity’s deluxe veranda staterooms on the September 29, October 8 or October 31 cruise can upgrade to Business Class with air transportation add-ones starting at just $899, one way, from more than a dozen North American gateways – in addition to promotional Two-for-One cruise fares and $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits.

“Crystal’s Mediterranean itineraries transport guests to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world – rich in scenery, culture and adventure,” said Bill Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “The new offers, the value of the U.S. dollar against the Euro, and the unmatched Crystal Experience make 2010 the ideal time to cruise in Europe with Crystal.”
 

This December, nearly two dozen jazz artists will dazzle music lovers aboard Crystal Cruises’ Experiences of Discovery Jazz Cruise. With live performances from piano solos to harmonious trios, quartets and full seven-piece bands, the 10-day Caribbean itinerary roundtrip from Miami aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity December 11, 2010.   The acclaimed Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band will headline, along with a variety of solo artists to fill the ship with the sounds of jazz in the classic styles of the ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s.  In all, six jazz pianists, nine brass musicians, and eight artists on drums and strings will be accompanied by four premier jazz vocalists.  Also on board will be noted jazz historian, professor, author and Grammy Award-nominated producer Dr. Robert G. O’Meally.  

Crystal’s 2010 World Cruise Receives Highest Ever Enrichment/Entertainment Ratings.

Olympians Dara Torres and Dorothy Hamill, “Mr. Las Vegas” Wayne Newton, award-winning actresses Rita Moreno and Doris Roberts, Rock and Roll pioneer Roger McGuinn, and numerous authors, historians, and experts in world affairs, military policy, health and fitness, forensic and environmental science, and global cultures will enrich and entertain guests on Crystal Cruises’ “Grand Exotic Expedition” World Cruise beginning January 17, 2011. 

The announcement comes on the heels of the ultra-luxury line’s successful 2010 World Cruise, which received some of the highest ever guest ratings for its enrichment and entertainment, according to guest ratings tallied this month.

Crystal Serenity’s 110-day, 2011 World Cruise from Los Angeles to London can be enjoyed in segments of 12 to 21 days. In keeping with the line’s grandest annual voyage, each segment is enhanced with dozens of stimulating classes, noteworthy speakers and celebrity guests to share their talents and expertise in a vast array of interests.  

“Whether a noted broadcast journalist, a veteran global policy expert or a legendary singing sensation, our programming is designed to engage, entertain and stimulate our guests’ passion for enriching experiences,” says Bret Bullock, Crystal’s vice president, entertainment. “Given this standard for excellence, for 2011, we’re setting a lineup of groundbreaking entertainers and distinguished speakers who have reached new heights in their respective fields. “ 

World Cruise Segments

·          January 17 – Los Angeles to Papeete

·          January 30 – Papeete to Auckland

·          February 12 – Auckland to Sydney

·          February 28 – Sydney to Singapore

·          March 15 – Singapore to Mumbai

·          March 29 – Mumbai to Cape Town

·          April 17 – Cape Town to London

Save Now, Save Later

Guests booking any World Cruise segment by September 30 can enjoy two-for-one fares plus 20% savings on virtually any 2011 or 2012 cruise.

Adventurous, culinary, cultural, aerial, natural, active and even musical, more than 300 shoreside endeavours – with more than 75 brand new – are now available for booking online with Crystal Cruises’ 2011 World Cruise.

Departing Los Angeles for London January 17, Crystal’s full “Grand Exotic Expedition” is 110 days.  Travellers can also experience the world-class enrichment, sophistication and luxury of Crystal Serenity’s grandest voyage on 12- to 21-day segments travelling through South and West Africa, the South Pacific, Australia/New Zealand, Southeast Asia and India.

Along with wildlife encounters and opera evenings in Australia, cooking lessons in Mauritius and Myanmar, zip-lining in Singapore and New Zealand, safaris and spa retreats in South Africa, and an array of excursions in India, diverse experiences include:

·         Darwin, Australia – Cage dive with the massive crocs in Crocosaurus Cove (February 12 voyage, Sydney to Singapore);

·         Colombo, Sri Lanka – A four-night adventure including sunrise at the Taj Mahal, Jaipur City Palace, and more (March 15 voyage, Singapore to Mumbai);

·         Cape Town, South Africa – Private dinner hosted by an internationally acclaimed South African chef (March 29 voyage, Mumbai to Cape Town); and

·         Dakar, Senegal – An intimate Goree Island visit, World Heritage Site and heart of the African slave trade (April 17 voyage, Cape Town to London).

“Each World Cruise segment presents distinctly diverse Crystal Adventures,” says John Stoll, vice president, land and port operations.  “The breadth of options allows guests with most any interest to develop a personal connection with each destination and enrich one’s cultural experience.”

World Cruise segments also depart on:

·         January 17, Los Angeles to Papeéte

·         January 30, Papeéte to Auckland

·         February 28, Sydney to Singapore

This December, on a new 10-day itinerary, the U.S. Ambassador of Tequila and Latin American master sommeliers and chefs will showcase the essence of Latin flavour aboard Crystal Cruises’ Wine and Food Experiences of Discovery voyage.

Aboard Crystal Symphony’s Mexican Riviera voyage, the top culinary talent from Mexico will lead cooking demos and special menus, wine pairing and tasting sessions, and specialty cocktail classes. The cruise sails round-trip from Los Angeles December 12.

“One of the hallmarks of a Crystal Wine and Food theme program is bringing destinations to life through regional flavours,” says Toni Neumeister, vice president, food and beverage. “The Mexican Riviera offers so many distinct culinary traditions, and it will be a treat for guests to enjoy both on and off the ship.”

Together with Crystal’s own talented culinary team, the guest experts leading classes and creating menus include:

Yerika Munoz – Considered one of the brightest Master Chefs in Mexico; executive chef at Mexico City’s Astrid y Gaston,

Jeremiah Tower – James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, currently residing in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, credited as co-creator of California cuisine;

Sandra Fernandez – A self-proclaimed Wine Designer, Culinary Institute of America Sommelier and the only Latin American woman certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers;

Madeleine de Jean – First female sommelier in the U.S. and former Wine Businesswoman of the Year; and

Julio Bermejo – U.S. Ambassador of Tequila and proprietor of San Francisco’s famous Tommy’s Mexican Eatery.

Ashore, Crystal Adventures offer tastes of Mexico with experiences including a traditional fiesta and clambake in Loreto and Mazatlan shrimp feast.

Crystal’s Family Memories program offers groups and families a host of perks, including a complimentary berth for every 10 full-fare guests.

Foodies seeking a traditional Thanksgiving feast in an exotic holiday setting will savour Crystal Cruises’ November 22 Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery cruise to Morocco, the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal.  The head chef from Portugal’s two Michelin Star restaurant, a James Beard award-winning author/wine expert and an innovative New York mixologist join Crystal’s talented culinary team for a nine-day cruise itinerary round-trip from Lisbon aboard the ultra-luxurious Crystal Serenity.

From the spices of Casablanca’s Central Market to a cooking class at La Toque Blanche School of Gastronomy, food enthusiasts can enjoy optional adventures ashore, complimentary classes and tastings on board, and a lavish Thanksgiving feast of seasonal selections like butternut squash soup drizzled with pumpkin seed oil, roasted turkey with apple sage dressing, sweet potato praline, cider giblet gravy and traditional pumpkin and pecan pies.

Guest chef Dieter Koschina, head chef at Portugal’s two Michelin Star Vila Joya, will inspire guests with cooking demonstrations and a multi-course chef’s dinner showcasing his creative cuisine, characterized by the riches of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean vegetables, as well as French classics.  Wine expert and James Beard Award-winning author Dewey Markham will also be aboard to lead wine tastings, while modern mixologist Audrey Saunders will share her specialties and lead cocktail making classes.

“The cruise offers a fantastic blend of impressive culinary talent, imaginative menus and memorable sights, sounds and smells of fascinating destinations,” says Toni Neumeister, vice president of food and beverage. 

Sailing round-trip from Lisbon, the cruise visits Cádiz, Spain; Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands; Casablanca and Agadir, Morocco; and Madeira, Portugal.

The mouth-watering combination of Heinz Beck’s signature pasta Fagotelli La Pergola with a 2006 Gaia Rey chardonnay, and black cod with a 2004 Corton Charlemagne were among the extraordinary flavours showcased during Crystal Cruises’

Ultimate Vintage Room experience this Sunday aboard the ultra-luxury Crystal Serenity. For the intimate winemakers’ dinner with just ten guests, a variety of rare fine wines was selected by world-renowned Master of Wine Philip Goodband, and then expertly paired with a menu specially created by three Michelin Star guest chef Heinz Beck of La Pergola restaurant in Rome. Mr. Goodband then led guests through the six-course dinner, highlighting the nuances of each special cuvee.      

“To enjoy these extremely rare wines with the skilled guidance of Philip Goodband, and with the celebrated cuisine of Heinz Beck is a rare treat for one’s senses,” says Toni Neumeister, vice president of food and beverage. “With distinct flavours created by a fine wine perfectly paired with a menu of carefully crafted cuisine, Crystal’s Ultimate Vintage Room experiences are truly impressive, even for the most discerning palates.”

The dinner, offered for $950 per person, included such other superstar wines as a 1996 Romanée Saint-Vivant, a 1989 Vega Sicilia Unico and a 1996 Chateau D’Yquem, each complemented by one of Beck’s specialties.

For 2010, Ultimate Vintage Room experiences are also featured on Crystal Symphony’s July 2 Baltic voyage and Crystal Serenity’s August 24 Black Sea cruise, with Dominus Estate proprietor Christian Moueix and Heinz Beck among the guest experts set for the events. Menu and prices for the dinners vary depending on wines selected.

The dinners can only be purchased on board and will be served in the Crystal ships’ intimate Vintage Room, accommodating up to 12 guests on Crystal Symphony and 14 guests on Crystal Serenity. Besides these experiences, on every cruise Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony offer Vintage Rooms dinners, typically starting at $210-$250 per person.

Win a Free Cruise with Hole in One Contest 

LOS ANGELES, May 4, 2010 – Crystal Cruises announces premier golf courses for its October 22 Experiences of Discovery Golf cruise exploring New England & Canada. With tee times at six courses, golf enthusiasts can play in nearly all of the picturesque cities on the 11-day itinerary from Montréal to New York. On board, veteran PGA champion Billy Casper and PGA member coach John Clark will host golf clinics on board the award-winning Crystal Symphony, with tips for recreational players and avid golfers. Participating golfers can also win a free cruise with Crystal’s “Hole in One” contest.

Among the courses are: 

· Granite Links at Quarry Hills, Boston – Among Golf Digest’s ‘America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses’;

· Pine Hills, Boston – Named “The number one course in Massachusetts” by Zagat in 2009.

· Club de Golf Islemere, Montréal – The 27-hole course has hosted both the Men’s and Women’s Canadian Open;

· La Tempete, QuébecCity – The first international calibre 18-hole course in Québec’s metropolitan area; and

· Sable Oaks, Portland– A challenging course in a Crystal maiden call.

“Besides offering championship level play, these courses provide some of the most beautiful scenery in the region,” says John Stoll, vice president, land and port operations. 

Crystal’s golf program includes a VIP Golfers welcome cocktail reception; welcome kits with course info and gifts; roundtrip transportation to each course accompanied by a Crystal escort or pro; 45-minute warm-up and pre-/post-round refreshments and cocktails; and complimentary storage and cleaning of clubs and shoes.

Crystal recommends that guests bring their own clubs on golf outings. Guests can ship equipment to and from the ship with Luggage Concierge.

Beginning with an overnight in Montréal, the cruise visits Québec City, Halifax, Saint John, Boston (overnight), Newport, New York, plus a maiden call in Portland.