Crystal Cruises charitable giving

Crystal Cruises have introduced a charitable donation program that invites all its employees, guests, travel agents and the general public to help save the lives of children under the age of five around the world. Nearly 10 million children in impoverished countries die every year of preventable illnesses before they reach the age of five because of the lack of fundamental amenities – clean drinking water, basic medicines, mosquito netting and nutrition.

In September 2008 Crystal Cruises became a founding partner of the Conde Nast Traveller Five & Alive Fund, a program supporting children five and under in more than 30 countries around the world by helping to prevent and treat malaria, water-borne illnesses, pneumonia and malnutrition.

Contributions can be made by a link at crystalcruises.com and onboard guests can make a cash or cheque donation via an in-stateroom envelope, charge to their shipboard folios or donate their shipboard credits. Starting in January, Crystal Cruises is offering a selection of retail merchandise in which 100% of net profits will benefit the charity. Gift shop products include high end bracelets designed by Hubert Gems, specially designed polo and t-shirts and the coveted Webkinz® stuffed toys, all of which will be available in Crystal's onboard shopping boutiques.

Not only this, but in 2009 Crystal Cruises will be organizing four onboard auctions conducted by the Cruise Directors on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. The auctions will include various Crystal Cruises memorabilia, as well as unique and exclusive experiences such as appearing on its in-room television program or behind the scenes private events with the executive chef and head sommelier. Auctions are planned for the line's March 9 Trans-pacific cruise from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, its April 16 World Cruise finale from Yokohama to Los Angeles, its May 17 cruise from Dubai to Athens, and the November 12 Transatlantic cruise from Lisbon to Miami.

Glenn Miller Orchestra to feature on Crystal Cruises 2009 transatlantic cruise

The Glenn Miller Orchestra, considered by many to be the most popular Big Band in the world today, is set to get Crystal Cruises gets feet tapping on a 10-day Transatlantic Big Band cruise from Miami to Lisbon on 23 May 2009. The Glenn Miller Orchestra has a unique jazz sound and is one of the most sought after Big Bands of all time.

Led by famous jazz trombonist Larry O’Brien, the 19-piece Big Band will amaze Crystal Cruises onboard guests with their extensive repertoire of hits made famous in the 30s and 40s, including Moonlight Serenade, Tuxedo Junction and In the Mood. Guests can enjoy daily live performances and evening dancing, as well as musically themed lectures, swing dance lessons, trivia contests and classic Big-Band themed films.

"We are honored to have the Glenn Miller Orchestra as part of our 2009 music roster as classic Big Band music is riding a trend of renewed interest and popularity that spans several generations," says Bret Bullock, Crystal Cruises’ vice president, entertainment. "On this Crystal Serenity ocean crossing, guests can take dance lessons, participate in stimulating discussions and dance the night away without skipping a beat."

The 10-day cruise will depart from Miami, stopping at Hamilton, Bermuda and Ponta Delgada, Portugal before arriving in Lisbon. West Coast guests can extend their Crystal Cruises experience - and add convenience by preceding their transatlantic cruise with a Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles. Guests can also extend with a Mediterranean cruise, which continues on a rich itinerary to Venice. In addition to a full music program, Crystal Cruises are also planning an array of topical lectures and classes, as well as impressive fitness program and luxurious spa treatments.

Crystal Cruises remove fuel surcharge for 2009

Crystal Cruises are removing fuel surcharges for cruises in 2009 as a result of the continuing drop in oil prices. New bookings will not be charged a fuel surcharge and for bookings under deposit, Crystal Cruises will adjust each booking within the next two weeks, eliminating the fuel charge. For those guests that have already paid in full, they will receive a shipboard credit in the amount of the accessed fuel surcharge. This revised policy will apply to all cruises departing after January 1 2009.

"The decreased price of crude oil is significant enough to warrant the elimination of the fuel surcharge at the present time," said Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises. "We will continue to monitor fuel costs. Fortunately, the price trend is currently positive for us and for the consumer."

Crystal Cruises announce exciting new 2010 itineraries

To celebrate their 15 years of awards as the world’s number one cruise line, Crystal Cruises has designed an inspiring collection of 2010 cruise itineraries spanning 174 ports in 70 countries on 62 voyages across the globe. There will be exciting new calls in Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as well as the Sea of Cortez and Hawaii.

Crystal Cruises 2010 cruise collection will feature cruises celebrating the rugged charm of Australia and New Zealand, the intriguing history of the Middle East, safari-rich Africa, the mysteries of North America and the cosmopolitan centres of Europe. Crystal Cruises ships, the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, will be putting an emphasis on port intensive, destination lead itineraries with a range of overnight stays in port available.

New in 2010:

108-day "Exploration of Ancient Empires" World Cruise, including maiden calls in Manama, Bahrain; Bandar Abbas, Iran; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Fujairah, UAE; Khasab, Oman; and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Maiden calls in Topolobampo, Mexico; Holyhead, Wales; Portland, England; Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Sevastopol, Ukraine; and Almeria, Spain.

Seven-day British Isles cruise.

10-day Mexico cruise, featuring the Sea of Cortez.

Fall New England/Canada cruises with overnights in New York.

10-day fall Mediterranean itineraries.

Nine-day Canary Islands cruise.

Holiday cruise to Hawaii, round-trip from Los Angeles.

Panama Canal cruise from New York to Los Angeles, including Philadelphia and Charleston.

Cruise series in Australia/New Zealand and Mexican Riviera.

Combination of European ports in Western Europe, Black Sea, Middle East, British Isles, Baltic, North Cape and Canary Islands.

Expanded choices of Mediterranean cruises and North European cruises, which can be combined to create extended voyages without repeating ports.

For more information visit Jetline Cruise at www.jetlinecruise.com

Crystal Cruises "Mind, Body & Spririt" cruise in Asia

Asia is well known as a region of the world that is steeped in spirituality and ancient wellness practises and paying homage to this, Crystal Cruises have announced a “Mind, Body & Spirit” focus on their March 27 Asia cruise. The Experience of Discovery sailing will include guest experts for yoga, Pilates, stress management and general physical and mental health classes.

Crystal Cruises 15 day cruise will depart from Hong Kong with ports of call in Japan and China as well as a three-night post-cruise land program in Beijing. There will be noted wellness and health magazine writers, yoga and Pilates specialists, and hiking and adventure author Rick Deutsh providing insights on board Crystal Symphony, whilst inspirational Crystal Adventures ashore will take guests to sacred monasteries, monuments and temples.

Crystal Cruises guests will also have the opportunity to visit Crystal Symphony’s Feng Shui-inspired Spa & Fitness Center and take advantage of the 360 degree Promenade deck ideal for walking or jogging, plus the newly introduced Tour de Spin indoor cycling classes are great for those wanting to try something new, plus there are acupuncture treatments and Kinesis equipment to try.

There will be a host of culinary options on offer from Crystal Cruises throughout the cruise, with fresh fruit and fish, creative and healthy salads, low-calorie and low-carb meals and trans fat-free dining experiences and even the cocktail menus will include only the freshest fruit purees and juices.

"Asia is a natural setting for a wellness-related theme, since the connection between mind, body and spirit is so integral to the history and culture," says John Stoll, director land programs. "Additionally, the onboard programming offers guests the chance to learn about physical health and general wellness from top experts."

Crystal Symphony’s “Far East Focus” cruises calls at Hiroshima, Japan; Dailan, China; as well as overnight stays in Kobe, Japan; Shanghai and Hong Kong, China. The March 27 itinerary is one of several 2009 cruises Crystal Cruises is offering to China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Crystal Cruises is also offering a Mind, Body & Spirit Experience of Discovery with its May 7 Panama Canal cruise.

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.

Crystal Cruises 2009 Themed Cruises

For cruisers looking to enrich their mind and knowledge whilst on their cruise holiday, Crystal Cruises are introducing ‘Experiences of Discovery’. A fascinating collection of more than two dozen themed cruises designed to reflect global events, such as Wimbledon or the Venice Film Festival.

The arts will play a major role in the themed topics as well, with stylish and sophisticated cruises such as Emerging Artists and Fashion & Style. Special interest classes, events and, in most cases, a destination program will augment 25 cruisers on board Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

"The 2009 'Experiences of Discovery' offer guests more in-depth exploration of topics about which they're passionate or simply curious," said Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing.

There will be a number of other absorbing ‘Experiences of Discovery’ topics on board Crystal Cruises, including Photography, Ancient Civilizations, and Chance & Fortune, complementing Crystal's luxury casino. Also to return are Crystal Cruises popular Wine & Food Festival, Cabaret at Sea, Big Band, Ballroom Dance, Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute and President’s and Holiday cruises.

Crystal Cruises annual ‘Presidents Cruise’

Crystal Cruises annual ‘Presidents Cruise’ will have a number of special guests attending this year. Hosted by the line’s president Gregg Michel and his wife Adrianna, the 12 night ‘Isles of Antiquity’ cruise departs on 24 August from Athens to Rome aboard Crystal Serenity. Crystal Serenity has recently been awarded ‘Best Mid Sized Ship’ by the readers of Conde Nast Travelor magazine.

One of the special guests will be American singer, actor and once teen idol Frankie Avalon. Other special guests will include Tom Lippman, the former Washington Post Middle East bureau chief and the author of Inside the Mirage: America’s Fragile Partnership with Saudi Arabia.

Scott O’Grady, also known as Captain O’Grady, author of Return with Honor, which chronicles his story of surviving capture when his F-16 was struck down in Bosnia will also be a guest.

There will be a ‘Presidents Shore Excursion: An Evening at Ephesus’ which during the port call in Kusadasi, Turkey , Michel will host a private elegant evening cocktail party in Ephesus at the ancient Library of Celsus, which is normally closed to the public. Classical musicians and modern dancers from the Izmir State Ballet will perform at the ruins.

There will also be a question and answer session with the President where Michel will field questions from guests in a candid open forum.

"I am looking forward to sharing the extraordinary experiences on board and shore-side that our team has created for the President's Cruise," says Michel. "Besides enjoying some of the most stunning cities in the Mediterranean, our guests particularly relish personally voicing their thoughts and ideas about their connection to the Crystal product. It's important to them and it's important to us."

Crystal Cruises Wine & Food Festival

The world’s greatest chefs and wine experts join Crystal Cruises on their popular Wine & Food Festival sailings, a total of 14 carefully designed voyages this summer. Guests can savour fresh oysters in Dubrovnik, enjoy a private cooking instruction in the South of France or maybe just watch as chefs prepare their signature dishes for the dinner menu.

In addition, distinguished wine experts are on hand to provide insight and education on the endlessly fascinating world of wine, offering once in the lifetime opportunities to experience side by side tastings of select vintages from Crystal Cruises extensive wine list, including their famed “C” vintages.

The cruises will take in a marvellous tour of coastal France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Croatia, regions known for their abundance of delicacies. World renowned Italian chef Gualtiero Marchesi, the first chef in Italy to be awarded three coveted Michelin Stars, will be show casing cooking demonstrations and a chef’s dinner. Master Sommelier Robert Bath and wine educator Philip di Belardino will be aboard for wine tasting and further wine education.

The Wine & Food Cruise travels from Monte Carlo to Venice, stopping in seven ports along the way for farmhouse visits in the breathtaking Tuscan and Roman countryside. There will be tapas tours, lesions in traditional Spanish cooking in Barcelona and other wine and food-themed adventures.

Held in a lively and convivial atmosphere, these events offer a heady blend of entertainment and learning and the chance to really immerse in the rich flavours and culinary heritage specific to each region.

There will be more than 90 different shore excursions on offer during the voyage, offering something for every interest from history, art, architecture, culture, sight seeing, shopping, culinary pursuits and new active outdoor adventures.

Crystal Cruises 2008 Ultimate Vintage Room Dinner

Crystal Cruises are looking to cater for the discerning palate this spring. They will be featuring some of the world’s rarest and most prominent wines in two 2008 Ultimate Vintage Room Dinners.

The Spring dinners will be for only 12 guests and feature culinary specialities from Piero Selvaggio of the famous Valentino restaurants. There will be 13 vintages from the chef’s private collection, including a “Super Tuscan” 1997 Sassicaia, a Piedmontese 1964 Barolo Riserva Granbussia Aldo Conterno and Tenuta San Guido.

The Ultimate Vintage Room Dinners were introduced in mid 2007 and sold out in a matter of hours. They have been a huge success and guests are able to share in Piero Selvaggio’s private world of the finest wine in the world from his personal selections, added with his incredible expertise.

The amazingly lavish dinner will be held aboard Crystal Symphony’s March 30^th voyage from Beijing to Hong Kong. The second of the incredibly exclusive dinners is scheduled aboard Crystal Serenity later this year. Ultimate Vintage Room Dinner reservations must be made on board with the Crystal Dining Room maitre d'.

CRYSTAL TO RUN TASTER CRUISES

Luxury line Crystal Cruises is to run a 'taster' cruise from Southampton next year.

The sailing is he first of two being offered by the company in May.

The six-night itinerary on board Crystal Serenity departs Southampton for Lisbon on May 7 with calls in Bordeaux (overnight) and Bilbao.

The second is from Lisbon to Rome on May 13 calling at Gibraltar, Barcelona and Nice en route to the port of Rome.

by Phil Davies

Courtesy of Travelmole.com