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 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 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.