Crystal Cruises adds Acupuncture to its wellness services

Crystal Cruises is expanding its collection of wellness services by the introduction of on board acupuncture. In addition, Crystal Cruises will also be offering a menu of Chinese herbs believed to aid the restoration of health and wellbeing.

The new acupuncture services will be launched this month on Crystal Serenity, along with a whole menu of treatments focusing on weight loss, pain management, and stress reduction, detoxification, smoking cessation, facial rejuvenation and even sea sickness.

"For many, a vacation offers the freedom to try something new," says Thomas Mazloum,
senior vice president, hotel operations. "Whether one is just curious or one wants to pursue new treatments, acupuncture complements Crystal's myriad of onboard wellness activities, which have transformed guests into devotees of disciplines like yoga or reflexology or Spinning®."

Acupuncture involves the insertion and manipulation of fine needles into specific points on the body to ease pain and for other therapeutic purposes. It is has been confirmed by the World Health Organization that acupuncture can help relieve aches and pains; stimulate weight loss; alleviate stress; detoxify the body; help cease smoking; ease seasickness and anti-aging.

The Crystal Cruises program includes an onboard acupuncturist, menus of Chinese herbs and shipboard seminars discussing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Feng Shui practices and benefits.

In keeping with Crystal Cruises wellness amenities, guests can also enjoy complimentary yoga, Pilates and newly introduced ‘Tour de Spin’ cycling classes and an exclusive ‘Walk on Water®’ program which uses weighted vests to increase resistance.

Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will be hosting Mind, Body & Spirit themed cruises in December 2008 and 2009. The themed cruises will focus on general wellbeing through classes and discussions with guest instructors trained in Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates and general fitness.