Crystal Brazil Wine & Food Cruise

Crystal Cooks Up Special Features on Brazil Wine & Food Cruise

Crystal Cruises is offering a Wine & Food-themed voyage from Miami to Rio departing November 23, 2013. 

The cruise will feature guest lecturers, including Hans Neuner, who has earned two Michelin stars and was named Portugal’s 2012 Chef of the Year - and was a Crystal chef more than a decade ago. 

Other guest lecturers are Rob Wilson, master/executive chef at the Montage Laguna Beach; Master Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim; and wine historian Nina Wemyss.

The cruise includes seven-course Vintage Room Dinners, prepared by each of the guest chefs, with wine pairings and edification from the guest wine expert. Two Guest Chef Dinners for all guests will be held in the Crystal Dining Room, with all-inclusive wine pairings. 

Cooking demonstrations will be held outdoors on Crystal’s pool deck (weather permitting). Neuner will showcase his approach to the Portuguese flavors that have influenced traditional Brazilian cuisine, like bacalhau. Cooking classes also will be held in the ship’s galley.

Abou-Ganim will lead hands-on lessons on how to make local cocktails like the batida and caipirinha, using cachaça and local spices, with guests receiving a souvenir muddler to take with them.

All-inclusive, “Book Now” fares for the 16-day cruise begin at $3,990 per person, with $1,700-per-person in savings if booked by August 30, 2013. A 12-day version of the voyage is available from Barbados to Rio, starting at $2,995 per person - also needs to be booked by August 30. 

Get more details on this themed cruise, along with other Crystal Cruise sailings

Source: TravelPulse

Antarctica Ultimate White Christmas via Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is offering what could be considered the “Ultimate White Christmas” voyage, because the Crystal Symphony is spending the holidays in Antarctica. 

The 18-day Dec. 21 Buenos Aires-to-Valparaíso voyage on the Crystal Symphony spends three days in Antarctic waters before sailing to Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Falkland Islands, Cape Horn and the Chilean Fjords.

This is the luxury line’s only Antarctic cruise in 2013 and 2014. 

Crystal is one of the few cruise lines permitted to sail to Antarctica, due to strict environmental regulations. Crystal said it has incurred extra cost and planning efforts to comply with the regulations.

Optional excursions let guests fly, hike and take Zodiac raft rides to view Air Force homes, penguin breeding grounds, and the glacial scenery of King George and Ardley islands. Extremely limited Crystal Adventures also explore more of Antarctica, including an overnight at the Chilean Eduardo Frei Antarctic Base. Onboard speakers include an Antarctic expedition book author, climate change researcher, shark conservationist and CBS News correspondent.

The itinerary visits Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Puerto Madryn, Port Stanley, Ushuaia (overnight), Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt, and Valparaíso. The ship will be decorated for the holidays and offer gourmet holiday feasts, a champagne New Year’s gala, religious services and junior cruiser events (including Santa). 

On a warmer note . . . 

The Crystal Serenity will spend the holidays sailing round-trip from Miami on Dec. 21 Turks & Caicos, Curaçao, Santa Marta and Cartagena in Colombia, Roatan Island Belize City, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Key West.

 All-inclusive cruise fares begin at $9,740 per person for the Antarctica/South America voyage and $7,430 per person for the Caribbean, and include $600 and $800 per person in savings, respectively, if booked by Aug. 30.

http://www.crystalcruises.com/


Source: TravelPulse

Crystal Offers Lowest Fares On Worldwide Voyages

Book by June 28, and enjoy the best savings on European cruises

• Up to $1,850 per person savings when booked by June 28, 2013
• 2 for 1 Cruise Only Fares - limited time savings
• Complimentary gratuities, speciality restaurants, fine wines, champagne, premium liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages
• Complimentary gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff
• Optional air add-ons also available

More details here 

Crystal 2014 World Cruises

Crystal’s 2014 World Cruise consists of five 12- to 22-day segments visiting ports in California, Hawaii, Guam, Mariana Islands, Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Principe, Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Portugal, and England.  

Full World Cruisers receive perks, such as a pre-cruise gala, complimentary chauffeured pre- and post-cruise transfers, souvenir gifts and shore-side events. 

Crystal Cruises has announced more than 200 exciting land excursions for its 89 day 2014 World Cruise schedule aboard the Crystal Serenity sailing January 18, 2014.  

Here's just a few of the new adventure excursions: 

• Helicopter rides over Hawaii, Hong Kong and Cape Town
• African Safari
• Overnight off ship in Vietnam and Cambodia
• Wine Blending near Cape Town
• Traditional Tea Preparation in Hong Kong
• Learn Creole Cooking in ; shopping in Mauritius, as well as shopping
• Visit WWII Pacific Theater sites from Tinian to Oahu - includes private lunch with captain of the USS Missouri.

Book the entire World Cruise by February 28th and save $3,900 per person. All-inclusive fares start at $39,280 per person. 

World Cruise segments ranging from 12 to 22 days in length, and if booked by February 28th begin at  $6,845 per person.

More info on 2014 World Cruise

Kids Sail Free on Crystal to Northern Europe and Mediterranean

In the summer of 2013 Crystal Cruises is offering a kids-sail-free promotion on cruises in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. 

There are four June and July cruises in 2013 where kids age 17 and under can travel for free when sharing a third berth in a stateroom with two adults. Crystal Family Memories program also offers additional free sailings and perks for groups of six or more.


The kids sail free program is available on three 10-day Baltic sailings on Crystal Serenity departing June 25, July 20 and July 30, from Stockholm, Sweden, to Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Berlin/Warnemünde, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark.

The free sail program is also good on the seven-day Mediterranean sailing departing July 6 on Crystal Symphony, which visits Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; and Sicily, Sorrento, and Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy.

Prices start at $2,495 per person if booked by December 28, 2012. 

http://www.crystalcruise.com/

New York Cruises On Hold In Wake Of Sandy

The closure of the Port of New York this week in the wake of Super Storm Sandy is wreaking havoc with cruises scheduled to begin and end in the city.

Norwegian Cruise Line says the New York-based Norwegian Gem will make an unscheduled stop in Boston today for several hours to take on supplies and fuel before returning to sea to await the New York port's reopening. The 2,394-passenger ship was scheduled to return to New York on Monday after a nine-night cruise to the Caribbean but has been stuck at sea for the past two days.

Princess says the Caribbean Princess sailing scheduled to begin today in New York is being delayed for an indeterminate period.

"The Brooklyn port is closed to all vessels until the weekend," Princess notes in a statement. "We are researching other ports and are hopeful we can secure a berth in Manhattan on Friday if the area is approved for sailing by the U.S. Coast Guard."

The Crystal Symphony sailing to Los Angeles that was scheduled to begin today in New York now will begin on Friday in Charleston.

Read full article - Cruises from New York on hold in wake of Sandy

Crystal Opens Bookings For 2014 and early 2015 Itineraries

New 7- to 89-day cruises in 2014 are among the 61 sailings aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, with 16 maiden calls, 194 total ports and 68 countries – including a glamorous World Cruise. 

Early 2015's global calendar offers 15 exotic cruises and a 20th World Cruise, as well as nine maiden calls and a return to ports Crystal Cruises hasn't visited in more than a decade.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are featured on 54 of 61 cruises (or 89% of 2014's itineraries), visiting over 135 historical destinations.

World Cruise: 89-day, Jan-Apr, 5-segment LA-London cruise, with Crystal's first return to West Africa since 2011

34% of cruises are 10 days or less

New ports include Galway, Ireland; Luanda, Angola; Lombok, Indonesia; Ibiza, Spain; Oban, Scotland; Skagen, Denmark; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Returns to places less-frequented by Crystal include the Andaman Islands; Brunei; Ghana; Helsingborg, Sweden; Ko Samui, Thailand; Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Tokyo, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Korcula, Croatia.

Nearly every itinerary features at least one overnight stay in renowned cities and two consecutive overnights in many places like Yangon, Shanghai, Hong Kong, St. Petersburg, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary Highlights:

Asia
Twice as many Asia sailings than 2013
First-ever cruises to and from Bangkok, including a new round-trip Holiday voyage with Christmas and Hanukkah in Vietnam and New Year's Eve overnight in Hong Kong. (Dec 21)

Europe
More port-intensive voyages, including four sailings with no sea days
Five North and South Europe combination voyages, with four of them offering time in Bordeaux
New North Cape itinerary, with maiden call in Skagen, Denmark and rare calls in Alta and Kristiansand (Jul 14)

U.S., Caribbean, & Panama Canal:
Crystal Serenity sailing the New England/Canada season for the first time ever, with new cruises to/from Quebec City and Boston.
More Caribbean, including 5 Panama Canal cruises, extending coast-to-coast as well as between Costa Rica and Miami.
New cruises to and from San Diego.

2015 Crystal Cruise Schedule
Crystal kicks off its 25th Anniversary year of ultra-luxury cruising with virtually all itineraries from Jan to mid-Apr being brand new.
New ports include Ambodifototra and Tolanaro, Madagascar; Richards Bay, South Africa; Sanya, China; and Albany, Australia.
Returns to locales less-frequented include Alter do Chao, Brazil; Yantai, China; and Maputo, Mozambique.

Itinerary Highlights:

Crystal Symphony spends the entire first quarter in Southeast Asia, with eight new, exotic sailings between Bangkok, Bali, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Crystal Serenity makes her first-ever complete circumnavigation of the world, from Miami, with the company's 20th annual World Cruise. Six voyages sailing through Miami, Callao, Auckland, Perth, Cape Town, and Rio comprise the 108-day Crystal Serenity adventure.

Source: eturbonews

Crystal Cruise Special Fares for New England and Canada

Photo Courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Discover the colonial heritage of Boston's Beacon Hill charming cobblestone streets lined with grand townhouses and fashionable shops. Or marvel at the beauty of old Québec by horse-drawn carriage. Delight in the Scottish charm of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and savor authentic Maine lobster in Bar Harbor.

Sail to New England & Canada with Crystal and enjoy:

• Limited-time Book Now Cruise-Only Fares
• All Inclusive: complimentary specialty restaurants, fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• Complimentary gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff
• Plus, optional air add-ons

Book cruise by October 31, 2012, before fares increase!

Crystal Cruises Announcing 2015 World Cruise

This week Crystal Cruises will formally announce its new world cruise.  

This is a 108 day voyage roundtrip abroad the Crystal Serenity, which will circum-navigate the globe, and set sail on January 15, 2015 from Miami and feature six segments. 

#1 16 days from Miami to Callao/Lima
#2 - 19 days from Callao to Auckland
#3 - 21 days from Auckland to Perth
#4 - 21 days from Perth to Cape Town
#5 - 15 days from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro
#6 - 16 days from Rio to Miami

Crystal Serenity will make maiden calls in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Albany, Australia; Ambodifotra and Taolagnaro, Madagascar; and Richards Bay, S. Africa.

Other exciting port stops include Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, Easter Island, Wellington, Sydney, Melbourne, Reunion Island, Buenos Aires, Cartagena, Turks & Caicos, and many more.

We'll be checking the site http://www.crystalcruise.com/ for more info when the announcement is made, and post updates.

Top Large Ship Cruise Awards

Travel & Leisure Magazine has posted their annual awards for the best travel in the world 

For the category of "Top Large Cruise Ships", here are the full results . . .

• Crystal Cruises 89.90
• Regent Seven Seas 89.36
• Azamara Club Cruises 87.31
• Oceania Cruises 86.05
• Disney Cruise Line 84.96
• Cunard Line 83.26
• Celebrity Cruises 81.61
• Holland America Line 80.37
• Royal Caribbean 79.40
• Princess Cruises 79.08

The scores are results of reader surveys from the Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Visit the site, and check out the award winners of the Small-Ship Cruise Lines, River Cruises, Domestic Airlines, International Airlines, Car Rental Agencies, Safari/Tour Operators, as well as the top Hotels, Cities, and Islands. 
http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2012/air-cruise-more

Crystal Offers New Low Solo Fares For Fall European Cruises

Crystal Cruises unveiled a new solo travelers' sale on fall Mediterranean voyages that features even lower fares. 

A significantly reduced solo supplement of 10% can save individuals up to almost $900 off a private, deluxe outside stateroom (Category C) of their own.

The savings are offered on eight 11- and 12-day Crystal Serenity sailings through the Black Sea, Middle East, Canary Islands, and entire Mediterranean, starting with Sept. 6, 2012 voyage.

The all-inclusive luxury cruises embark in Athens, Istanbul, Venice, Barcelona, and Lisbon from September through November, with overnight visits and more time in both smaller, off-the-beaten-path and favorite, large ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Montenegro, Israel, Croatia, Morocco and the Canary Islands.  Attractive air add-ons are offered from more than 200 North American ports.

Among benefits that Crystal provides for solo travelers are Ambassador hosts on every sailing for those seeking a dance partner, assigned seating for dinner in the Crystal Dining Room, and "Table for 8," which brings individuals together for friendly shared dining in the specialty restaurants at night.

Crystal’s ocean resort experience always includes fine wines, premium spirits, and gratuities with one's vacation, as well as a host of other complimentary amenities, from enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa.

Source: TravelPulse
http://www.travelpulse.com/

Storyteller Mobile App by Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is the first luxury cruise line to create an iPhone app to help travelers share custom postcard images of their cruise via social media, email and even “snail mail.”

Incorporating the personalized memoir look and feel of the line’s just-launched “Begin a New Story” brand campaign, “The Storyteller” photo-customization app is available for free download from iTunes.

The user-friendly app invites both tech-savvy and tech-timid travelers to snap a memorable moment, stunning view, or new friend with their iPhone, and then use the app to add professional-style effects and share the image on your own Facebook page, Crystal Cruises’ Facebook page, or via email.

The “Storyteller” even provides an option to create an actual paper postcard that can be personally signed and mailed to friends and family with the tap of a touchscreen.

Users can customize their photos with:

• Color Filters in black and white, sepia, high-contrast, or de-saturated 

• Frames, with different black and white clean, classic, or more artistic border options

• Captions, with choice of handwriting-style typeface, font color (white or black), and word positioning on the photo.

Crystal’s Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/crystalcruises) will have a “Never Ending Journal” section, compiling all photo submissions into an online group journal.  Categorized by cruise, the images will serve as emotional, peer-to-peer testimonials and rich visual depictions of the many adventures offered on a Crystal cruise.

A video with step-by-step app instructions can be viewed on Crystal’s website and Facebook page.

The application is compatible with 3GS, 4, and 4S iPhones.  Upcoming guests will receive app brochures with their cruise tickets, so they can be ready to share their travel stories as soon as their trip begins.  Crystal fans can also look forward to other extensions of the “Begin a New Story” campaign soon, including animated Aurasma videos.

Also check out savings for upcoming cruise at
http://www.crystalcruises.com/

Crystal Cruises 2 for 1 Worldwide Fares

Booking a cruise early saves money - and you get the pick of your itineraries and cabins.

Crystal Cruises is running its two-for-one sale for 2013 itineraries. Right now, there’s plenty of availability, so whatever stateroom or voyage you want is yours.

2013 offers a diverse collection of cruises with 64 itineraries to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand, the Pacific Coast, South America, Panama Canal, the Caribbean, New England & Canada and Trans-Ocean.

What You Get:

• 2-for-1 fares (with up to an additional $2000 off)
• All meals, including fine wine, premium spirits, champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages 
• All gratuities

Book by June 30, 2012 and enjoy exclusive limited-time savings and value

For more information or to book, please visit Crystal Cruises, or call (888) 799-4625.

Savings on 2013 All-Inclusive Crystal Cruises

In 2013, Crystal offers 64 extraordinary world-wide journeys to Australia & New Zealand, Asia, the Pacific Coast, the Caribbean, South America, New England & Canada, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

From an exploration of the exotic Amazon to a discovery of Bali's tranquil temples, cruise passengers will step aboard award-winning Crystal and be treated like royalty while enjoying the true value of luxury aboard the World’s Best.

Book an all-inclusive 2013 cruise by June 30 and receive:

• 2-for-1 Fares with up to $2,000 per person additional Book Now Savings
• Complimentary fine wines, champagne, premium spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff

Find our more! Special Offer: 2013 Book Now Savings

Crystal Features Billy Casper, Championship Golf Courses

Crystal Cruises has lined up 10 European championship golf courses for play this summer during two limited-access 

“Experiences of Discovery” golf-themed cruises. 

Hosted by 51-time PGA tour-winner Billy Casper, travelers can play in Spain, Portugal and Monaco during the July 13 Crystal Serenity voyage or throughout the British Isles on Crystal Symphony’s Aug. 25 sailing.

Courses Include: Gleneagles King’s and Queen’s Courses from Edinburgh/Rosyth, Real Club de Golf El Prat from Barcelona, the Monte Carlo Golf Club, El Saler Golf Course from Valencia, Royal Belfast Golf Club, Penha Longa Golf Course from Lisbon, and Kildare Hotel & Country Club from Dublin.





The Golf Excursions Include:

• Warm-up refreshments
• Games
• Lunch and “19th-hole” cocktails in private clubhouses

Crystal arranges roundtrip transportation, team-pairing, carts and caddies (where available), and club and shoe cleaning and storage.

Shoreside activities are complemented by onboard offerings, including parties, awards, golf clinics with PGA pro John Clark, TaylorMade clubs, putting green, and two driving ranges for practice at sea.

Casper will also play and mingle with guests, as well as provide tips and presentations.

Until April 30, “Book Now” fares start at $5,330 for 11 days circumnavigating the U.K., roundtrip from London/Dover and $5,410 for 12 days sailing from Monte Carlo.

Source: TravelPulse

Crystal 2013 Experiences of Discovery Theme Cruises

Crystal Cruises next year will operate 14 “Experiences of Discovery” themes on 28 voyages, expanding the program with two new themes and more theme cruises overall. New themes include photography and a VIP Monte Carlo Grand Prix experience.

Returning themes include:

Big Band and Ballroom Dance, Film and Theater, Wine and Food, Golf, Jazz, world affairs panel discussion, Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute, Emerging Artists (young performers from L.A. Music Center’s Spotlight), President’s Cruise hosted by Crystal President Gregg Michel, Crystal Society for past Crystal cruisers, and Gardens and Floral Design.

The Mind, Body, and Spirit theme has been brought back by popular demand, with three voyage options for 2013.

Until June 30, Book Now fares for 2013 theme cruises start at $2,210 per person, double occupancy.

http://www.crystalcruises.com/home.aspx

Crystal Raises Rates On 19 Cruises, Releases Booking Deadlines

Early booking specials can save couples as much as $4,600 off Crystal’s 2013 World Cruise.

Crystal Cruises raised rates from $200-$1,000 per couple on 19 cruises for 2012 and 2013.

Current Book Now fares, announced on March 1, expire on April 30 and June 30 for 2012 and 2013 voyages.

The line’s Book Now promotion provides travelers with a two-month window for the lowest rates on every worldwide cruise aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Every 60 days Crystal is reviewing its pricing on each cruise.

Since the Book Now pricing program was launched in Sept. 2011, Crystal has raised fares with each booking deadline. Additional price increases are expected on April 30 for 2012 cruises and June 30 for 2013 voyages.

Traveling the world, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will visit 182 ports-of-call in 59 countries on 60 itineraries worldwide in 2012, 64 voyage options, visiting 226 ports and 62 countries in 2013.

Destination choices include: Western and eastern Mediterranean, Black Sea, North Cape, western Europe, Greek Isles, Baltic & Russia, China, Japan, southeast Asia, Australia, South Pacific, South America, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, British Isles, Canary Islands and Mexican Riviera on itineraries of seven to 98 days.

For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com

Source: TravelAgentCentral

Crystal Fast Track Check In

Crystal Cruises has announced a check-in process easing embarkation procedures for all guests.

Effective January 20th, in every Crystal embarkation port, “Crystal Fast-Track Check-In” eliminates 100% of ship check-in procedures in port terminal waiting areas, transitioning guests from dock security to Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity lounges.

By utilizing a new barcode on each guest cruise ticket, a new ticket scanning system and the consistency of Crystal’s own onboard crew, the cruise line is accelerating the check-in required on the first day of sailing.

As is customary in each embarkation port, porters load guests’ luggage onto the ship, and guests observe required local security procedures as they enter port terminals.  However, instead of processing documentation in the terminal, guests are ushered on board to complete registration, and receive their room keys or boarding cards with photo identification.

Visit www.crystalcruises.com

2012 Panama Canal & South America Promotions

Book By December 31 for Fares from $3,490 - 

Including Free Air and $500 per person “As You Wish” spending credits

This winter depart Los Angeles or Miami for a tropical getaway with Crystal Cruises. Book the cruise by December 31, 2011 and they'll enjoy:

There is simply no better time to plan a winter escape and allow your clients to experience the award-winning luxury of the cruise line consistently voted World’s Best.

More Special Offers

Trans-Atlantic
Enjoy a classic ocean crossing with cruise-only fares from just $136 per person, per day!

2011 Holiday Cruises
Celebrate the Holidays with Crystal and enjoy value-rich savings!

2011 Fall Fare Sale
Limited space is still available for 2011 voyages. Book now to enjoy up to $6,000 per couple savings!

2013 Cruises
Book a 2013 cruise by February 28, 2012 and enjoy up to $1,000 additional savings!

More Info

Crystal Cruises Australian Overland Adventures

Crystal Cruises is offering two new four-day overland adventures in South Australia. 

The land trips are offered in concert with Crystal Serenity’s Feb. 7 Sydney-to-Singapore voyage. The trips depart from Adelaide and conclude in Perth.

One trip includes Kangaroo Island, an eco-friendly, luxury cliffside lodge serving organic cuisine, plus scouting the bush for wallabies, koalas, fur seals and sea lions.

“The Flinders Ranges & Barossa Valley” trip includes winery tours and tastings in the Clare and Barossa valleys, a traditional Aussie barbeque, and viewing emus, eagles and kangaroos with Australia’s largest mountain range as backdrop. Prices start at $3,861 and $4,029 respectively, per person, double occupancy.

The cruise sails from Sydney to Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth/Fremantle, Bali, Semarang and Singapore.

Guests who book a verandah stateroom by Oct. 31 receive $600 per couple additional savings.

Two-for-one fares for the 19-day cruise start at $11,910 per person, double occupancy, including free air from 24 North American cities or air credit, airport transfers, and $1,000 per person shipboard credit.

For more information, call 800-446-6620 or visit www.crystalcruises.com