Crystal's VIP Fireworks To Ring In New Year In Sydney

Although it’s only February, Crystal Cruises is reminding travellers it’s never too early to start planning New Year’s Eve by releasing details of an ultra-luxury, private floating party in Sydney Harbour to welcome in 2013. The over-the-top celebration offers exclusive front-row “seats” to the world’s biggest New Year’s fireworks, free for guests of all ages on Crystal Symphony’s culinary-themed seasonal cruise through New Zealand and Australia beginning December 20.

The New Year celebrations unfold onboard two luxury catamarans, sailing past Sydney’s crowd-lined shores in the exclusive, select-vessel Harbour of Light Parade flotilla. Crystal has specially-arranged final VIP stationing under Sydney Harbour Bridge, inside the off-limits Harbour Exclusion Zone, for the pre-eminent fireworks vantage point. The intimate post-dinner soiree includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts, premium open bar, music, dancing, midnight champagne countdown, Crystal’s renowned six-star service and spectacular city views, with guests among the globe’s first ringing in 2013.

This 16-night Christmas and New Year sailing from Auckland to Melbourne features stunning festive decorations, gourmet Christmas dinner, Chanukah traditions and other seasonal delights during overnights in Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney (two nights), plus calls in Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch/Lyttleton and Dunedin. Numerous experts - including guest chefs, mixologist, oenologist, oceanographer, conservation biologist, CBS News correspondent and South African Ambassador - are also scheduled to host enlightening destination-related presentations.

Until February 28, “Book Now” cruise-only fares for the 16-night voyage start at just £8,005 per person, based on two sharing a deluxe stateroom with picture window on an all-inclusive basis, including fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship plus pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Don't Miss The South of England Cruise Show!

OK, we're slightly biased as our main sponsors The Cruise Line Ltd are behind this, but the new South of England Cruise Show on February 18 is definitely a date for all cruise lovers' diaries.

From 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm at Hurstpierpoint College in West Sussex, it promises to be the ideal forum for all those looking for their next (or first) cruise, with a host of cruise lines presenting their wares.

Plus, there is the chance to win a FREE cruise with luxury French line Le Compagnie du Ponant, hence there is plenty of reason to visit.

Under the banner headline of 'Discovering The World,' the Cruise Line Ltd will showcase no less than 14 of their brands, including the leading luxury cruise companies and some of the most exclusive niche and boutique lines.

The full line-up reads: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Oceania, Hapag-Lloyd, Titan Travel, Cunard, Hebridean International, Crystal, Princess, P&O, Hurtigruten and Compagnie du Ponant.

There will be nine special 30-minute presentations on cruise lines or companies, featuring everything you need to know about their distinctive style, with the chance to ask questions and learn even more about the wonderful range of choice on offer these days. The nine sessions are as follows:

10am: Seabourn
10.30am: Silversea
11am: Crystal Cruises
11.30am: Oceania Cruises

12 noon: Regent Seven Seas
12.30am: SeaDream 
2pm: Hebridean International
2.30pm: Hapag-Lloyd
3pm: The Rocky Mountaineer railroad (Canada)

There will also be additional special offers and features on the day, and best of all, it is FREE to all visitors. However, you must call in advance to reserve a place on 0800 008 6682 or email info@cruiseline.co.uk.

Be sure to have a great time, and remember to say World of Cruising sent you!

Crystal Combine Fitness with World Exploration

Crystal Cruises is combining fitness with its regular world exploration on more than a dozen 2012 cruises, offering expanded Pilates and yoga programmes, including Pilates Reformer, starting this month. 

Dedicated instructors from high-profile institutions will teach complimentary classes on both Crystal Symphony and Serenity on nine sailings each throughout the year.  Serenity’s group Pilates programme utilises new Reformer equipment, while Symphony offers classic floor training utilising mats, exercise balls, rollers and other core-strengthening accessories.

Men and couples-only yoga instruction provides new approaches to the more traditional Yoga practices also offered. Travellers can attend several classes per day during their cruise or arrange private one-on-one sessions of either interest.

The 18 sailings with enhanced fitness instruction include: 

World Cruise/Australia, Asia, Trans-Pacific (winter/spring): Yoga and Pilates – 18th Jan, 7th and 26th Feb and 13th and 31st March.

Caribbean, Central and South America: Yoga – 6th and 20th Feb and 3rd March; Pilates – 27th Jan.

Panama Canal: Yoga – 21st April; Pilates – 31st Oct.

Trans-Atlantic: Pilates – 19th March, 8th May, 15th Sept and 9th Dec,

Trans-Pacific (autumn): Yoga – 25th Nov and 8th Dec .

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal Cruises To Feature Master Photographers

Crystal Cruises is putting its trademark unique spin on cruise holiday memories by featuring award-winning Master Photographers to shoot guest portraits on eleven 2012 sailings. “The Master Collection” line-up consists of top-tier professional portrait photographers who have the distinction of being Fellows of the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) and the Master Photographers Association (MPA).

During their voyage, travellers can arrange private photography sessions on Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity or at exotic destinations on land with pros renowned for their portraiture. Individuals, couples or families/groups can opt for different wardrobe, locations and activities to customise their shoots.

Reservations include pre-planning consultation, unlimited shoot time, unlimited number of pictures and photo review. Final, retouched photographs will then be printed in a handcrafted, custom-bound 16”x12” embossed-aluminium album. Other framed photo and presentation product options are available for those looking to celebrate a special occasion, create a family treasure or simply treat themselves.

All products are created at Europe’s leading professional photo laboratory and shipped anywhere in the world four weeks after the end of the cruise. Operated by esteemed photography company Paragon Pixels, the programme is an expansion of the popular “Crystal Celebrations” Private Portrait Programme.  Each Master Photographer will also host an informal talk giving trade tips and insight into their life and work, as well as mentor staff photographers while on board.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal Adds More Memorable Guest Speakers

Prominent political and world affairs pundits James Carville, Mary Matalin, former Ambassador Marc Ginsberg and 4-star General Hugh Shelton will square off exclusively onboard Crystal Cruises in 2012, as part of the ultra-luxury line’s hit “Ocean Views” programme. Via discussion panel format, moderated by British foreign correspondent Ken Rees, the big-league foursome will provide fascinating expert insight into hot-button topics of the day, such as the changing Middle East landscape and upcoming 2012 US presidential election.

As a build-up to the debate, scheduled for Crystal Serenity’s 22-night World Cruise segment departing March 31 from Osaka to Los Angeles, all commentators will also present individual lectures in their area of expertise.

“Ocean Views” brings together renowned experts from both sides of the aisle in a moderated debate of global issues and news items, followed by a live Q&A session. New to the 2012 programme is interactive technology that will allow audience members to anonymously share their own opinions during the debate via individual electronic polling keypads.

The Experiences of Discovery theme will fuse other renowned experts together on four additional sailings throughout 2012, including international economics expert Robert Warne, counter-terrorism analyst Farhana Qazi, former LA Times editor Shelby Coffey, Ambassador Wendy Chamberlin and Major General Pat Brady.

The March 31 “Great Northern Adventure” on Crystal Serenity (above) starts with an overnight in Osaka, Japan, before calling into Petropavlovsk, Russia; Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, Seward and Ketchikan, Alaska; Vancouver and Victoria, Canada; and San Francisco and Los Angeles/San Pedro, California. “Book Now” prices (if booked by December 31) start from £9,358 per person, including return economy flights, overseas transfers, 22 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $1,000 shipboard credit.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal Now On Offer To 2014

Adding to its previously-released early 2013 schedule, ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises has announced 63 more exciting itineraries, filling the rest of 2013, plus early 2014 - the cruise line’s earliest-ever advance schedule announcement.

In all, 269 ports are featured in 75 countries, with more than a dozen maiden calls and 146 local overnights, comprising the May 2013-May 2014 schedule, which will be open for booking later this autumn.

Take a look at these highlights:
· A 7-/12-/9-night Mediterranean route rotation, offering back-to-back combination possibilities with minimal repeat ports.

· 75 per cent of summer cruises lasting seven to ten nights, with more than half weekend departures.

· Two- to three-night stays in 53 different locations, including such stunners as Tokyo, Cape Town and Bali, with the majority of overnights on embarkation or debarkation days.

Crystal Symphony (above) will spend the summer throughout Northern Europe, followed by a North American autumn, returning to Antarctica for the festive season then traversing the South Pacific and New Zealand/Australia for seven Asian-centric voyages in early 2014.

Crystal Serenity will be in the Mediterranean from April to December, returning to North America for a Caribbean/Central America holiday before heading westward around the globe for 2014’s World Cruise.

For booking details, be sure to check with luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd on this link.

Big Bands and Ballroom with Crystal Cruises

With classic dance moves currently taking centre stage on “Strictly Come Dancing”, Crystal Cruises has expanded its live Big Band and Ballroom Dance theme cruises for 2012. Guests will feel like stars themselves as they swing, cha-cha and tango across the Atlantic accompanied by two old-school favourites: the Glenn Miller Orchestra on Crystal Symphony’s 19th March Miami-Madeira-Lisbon voyage, and the Artie Shaw Orchestra on Crystal Serenity’s Barcelona-Canary Islands-St Maarten-Miami cruise on 9th December.

Whether a dancer or just toe-tapping listener, guests will be surrounded by live 17-20-piece orchestras with vocalists, plus complimentary daily dance sessions, including: Professional group dance lessons for all levels of experience; Advanced dance workshops for more proficient dancers; Twice the usual number of professional dance instructors; Extra Ambassador Hosts to lead women without dance partners; and Dancing both in the afternoon and late into the evening.

“Book Now” prices (if booked by October 31) start from £1,862 per person for Symphony’s 10-night 19th March voyage and from £2,290 per person for Serenity’s 12-night 9th December voyage. Price includes complimentary return economy flights, overseas transfers and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis including all meals, complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar service in all lounges and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.

Crystal's entertainment offerings include a range of venues and performances, from cabaret nightclub to piano bar saloon; acclaimed productions to headline entertainers; and sophisticated enrichment activities to in-room Blu-ray-viewing.

For further information, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Experts Enrich Crystal's Autumn Med Cruises

Atlantis...the “Old City”...Constantinople...the modern Middle East conflict. Throughout time, the eastern Mediterranean has been an epicentre of historic significance. This autumn, former Ambassador Marc Ginsberg, historian and National Geographic author Dr Jean-Pierre Isbouts and Persian winemaker Darioush Khaledi are among the distinguished experts helping to illuminate that significance onboard Crystal Cruises’ October 24 sailing through the region.

From Athens to Istanbul, the 12-night Crystal Serenity sailing visits Santorini and Mykonos in Greece; Ashdod, Israel (overnight); Limassol, Cyprus; Iraklion, Crete; and Kusadasi, Turkey. As a Wine and Food Festival cruise, the sailing also boasts an impressive line-up of gastronomic pros sharing their trade

Prices for this 12-night Epicurean Discoveries voyage start from £2,176 per person, including return scheduled flights, overseas transfers, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window, all meals and soft drinks, and port taxes.

For further info, see www.crystalcruises.co.uk or the UK's luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal's Carnival In Rio

With two Brazil itineraries during Carnival 2012, ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises has announced four new opportunities for guests to experience the legendary Carnival spectacle during the cruises’ overnights in Rio de Janeiro. From grandstand seating and front-row box seats to luxury VIP sky box suites with gourmet goodies, guests have a choice of several fully escorted, reserved seating programmes at the Sambadrome.

There’s even an option to participate first-hand – marching in the parade, dressed in costume and performing with one of the samba schools. Crystal Symphony’s Miami to Rio and Rio to Buenos Aires voyages on February 6 and 20 respectively end or begin on the parade’s two best nights, Sunday and Monday, when 30,000 glamorously-costumed members of the top samba schools thrill crowds with singing, dancing, drumming and colourful floats. All excursion participants (even those in the parade) will be accompanied by experienced, secure guides from beginning to end, with several convenient late-night shore-to-ship shuttles.

Crystal’s Carnival excursions begin at $799 per person rising to $12,999 per person for the VIP box suite package.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd..

Crystal's Maiden Slovenia Call

With 2011 marking the 20th anniversary of Slovenia’s foundation as an independent nation, it’s only fitting that Crystal Cruises is making a maiden call there this autumn.

As part of its November 16 “Italian Splendour” sailing, ultra-luxury Crystal Serenity (above) will visit medieval Koper, Slovenia’s largest coastal town. Six new shore excursions, spread throughout the tiny Italo-Slavic nation, provide an in-depth exploration of the history and culture well beyond the Adriatic port.

Fairytale castles, oenophile indulgences, coastal hamlets and underground geological wonders are all part of the authentic local experiences planned. Guests can explore Koper, full of historical charm from centuries of Venetian rule…or join a Crystal Adventure to:

Ljubljana: The country’s picturesque capital and a former centre of Yugoslavian music and arts, full of cobblestone streets and architecture ranging from the Baroque to the neo-classical of famed local architect Joze Plecnik.

Bled & Miramare Castles: Two majestic, storybook castles - one, the oldest in Slovenia (dating to 1011); the other, a 19th century Austro-Hungarian relic of the Habsburg era.

Postojna Cave: Twelve miles of underground stalactite-filled passages, galleries and cathedral-like chambers, with the world’s only operating cave train.

Wine Region: A wine-tasting visit to Slovenia’s most prominent winemaker (out of 40,000 in the country), where the vines pre-date those of Italy, France and Spain.

Piran: A quaint, Mediterranean-style coastal town, full of Venetian Gothic buildings and narrow, atmospheric streets.

Portorož: A modern, beachside resort hub for sunbathing, swimming and thermal spas.

Trieste: A crossroads of Germanic, Latin, Austro-Hungarian and Slavic trade and culture, situated just over Slovenia’s border in Italy.

This 11-night “Italian Splendour” sailing starts with an overnight in Venice on November 16 and visits Koper, Dubrovnik, Sicily, Naples, Rome and Florence before finishing with an overnight in Barcelona. Prices start from £1,854 per person (a saving of £419 per person) including return economy flights from London, overseas transfers, 11 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes.

For further information, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal's New California Shore Excursion Programme

Ultra-luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is introducing 18 brand new shore-side excursions on its two unusual seven-night Crystal Symphony sailings round-trip from Los Angeles up the California and northern Baja coasts this autumn. Crystal Adventures will showcase the unique outdoor opportunities, culinary arts and varied scenery local to the remarkable Golden State region during cruises departing November 20 and December 4.

In Santa Barbara alone, adventure-seekers will have their choice of hiking, biking, horse-riding, paragliding, Segway-ing or kayaking through the area, learning about everything from California’s Chumash Indians to native sea life. Additional outdoor explorations range from kayaking past the Baja coast’s 100 foot-high blowhole to a jeep safari through Mexican countryside, with a winery as final destination.

California’s fine wines will be on full display via tasting trips to Santa Ynez and Napa Valley, the latter including a gourmet lunch at the famed Culinary Institute of America. Foodies can expand their epicurean acumen via tequila tasting/education, a Mexican cooking lesson outside Enseñada or a custom wine-blending competition in Santa Barbara. Guests can also explore the quaint Danish town of Solvang and hidden alleys of San Francisco’s Chinatown.

The two seven-night round-trip voyages visit Santa Barbara, San Francisco (overnight), Enseñada and San Diego, with prices from £2,524 per person, including return scheduled flights, transfers, seven nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Big Autmn Savings With Crystal

As if Crystal Cruises’ autumn sale wasn’t big enough already, the ultra-luxury cruise operator is offering even greater savings on its 25th October New York to Miami Caribbean cruise with prices for this 12-night voyage starting from as little £3,723 per person – a saving of £498 per person.

Crystal’s “Pink Sands and White Beaches” voyage begins with a scenic sail-away from New York followed by visits to Bermuda, St Maarten, Antigua, Aruba and the Cayman Islands. Throughout, guests will be stimulated and enriched with an array of complimentary workshops and classes:



A “Digital Filmmaking” theme offers camera buffs hands-on tutelage in travel video production from Travel Channel Academy founders throughout the sailing. News junkies will relish insights from Shelby Coffee, formerly editor of the LA Times, president of CNN Business News and executive vice president of ABC News. Veteran US State Department Senior Foreign Service Officer, Robert Warne, will enthral world affairs enthusiasts with his vast experience in international economics. Animal lovers can help care for stray donkeys via Crystal’s free “You Care, We Care” voluntourism excursion in Antigua.



Prices include return scheduled flights, transfers, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.



For further information, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal's World-Class Guest Speaker List

Television legend Regis Philbin, sporting Hall of Famers Hank Aaron (baseball) and Don Shula (American football), Olympians Dorothy Hamill (ice skating) and Kathy Rigby (gymnastics) and astronauts “Hoot” Gibson and Rhea Seddon join a line-up of political insiders, military leaders and foreign correspondents on Crystal Serenity’s 94-night 2012 World Cruise.

In addition to dozens of guest entertainers, Crystal Cruises has tapped top experts from varied fields to enrich and inspire via complimentary presentations throughout the epic voyage, including:

· General Hugh Shelton - Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under two US Presidents.
· Deborah Fallows - Linguistics expert, whose book, Dreaming in Chinese, was one of Oprah’s 2010 “Books to Watch.”
· Major General Pat Brady - Chief US Army spokesman and top helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War.
· Ambassador Wendy Chamberlin - Former US Ambassador to Laos and Pakistan who played a key role in the post-9/11 campaign against al Qaeda.
· Tom Faranda - Global trend forecaster who predicted China’s rise.
· Farhana Qazi - Counter-terrorism expert and most prominent American-Muslim woman to study al-Qaeda and Muslim conflicts.
· Shelby Coffey III - LA Times, CNN Business News and ABC News management veteran.
· Neil Leifer - Considered the greatest sports photographer in history.

Also back by popular demand is “Ocean Views,” where noted panellists debate issues of the day.

Departing January 18, 2012, the grand round-trip Los Angeles itinerary consists of five 16-22-night segments through Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Japan, Russia, Alaska, and Canada, with numerous port overnights (including a 3-night Beijing exploration) en route.

Prices for the full World Cruise start from £33,356 per person, including complimentary World Traveller Plus flights, onboard accommodation in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes, complimentary gratuities, a complimentary three-day package to Beijing and $4,000 per person onboard credit.

Prices for the cheapest segment of the World Cruise start from £8,090 per person (based on the 19-night Los Angeles to Sydney leg departing January 18), including return scheduled flights, overnight in Los Angeles pre-cruise, 19 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and $1,000 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Immerse Yourself In New England With Crystal

To celebrate the wonders of New England and Canada, Crystal Cruises has announced details of some fabulous Crystal Adventures focusing on the neighbouring countries’ early histories and architecture. These shore excursions span four 10- or 11-night Crystal Symphony (above) sailings between New York and Montréal in September and October, and include a dozen new historical experiences.

The Crystal Adventures excursions, which can be enjoyed as group or “Private Adventure Options,” include:

Boston

Plymouth Rock - 1627 pilgrim village life, plus the Mayflower.
American Revolution Revisited - Boston, Lexington and Concord, where America’s independence began (and authors Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau lived).
Marblehead and Salem - Federal architecture, Yankee Doodle painting and the Salem witch trials.

New York

Brooklyn Bridge - Construction tales of this 19th century engineering marvel animate a 1.5-mile bridge walk.

Bar Harbor

Victorian Era Stroll - Costumed guides, period “cottages” and accounts of extravagant parties from yesteryear.

Newport

Colonial Historic District - This formerly rundown neighbourhood of 18th century and Georgian houses became a model of historic preservation.
Gilded Era Mansions - Homes of the 19th century’s wealthiest Americans, including the Astors’ Beechwood and Vanderbilts’ Marble House and Breakers, with period family and staff lookalikes.

St John

Geopark by Foot - Some of Canada’s most architecturally important streetscapes, many built from ancient stone.

Halifax

Afternoon Tea at the Citadel - Victorian tea at the former seat of British control over North America.
Lighthouse and Lobsters - Lobster lunch and drive through the “Lighthouse Route” (150 lighthouses).

Montréal and Québec

Foot, Coach, or Horse-drawn Carriage Tours - Highlights include neo-Gothic structures and historically-preserved neighbourhoods.

Prices for Crystal's New England & Canada voyages start from just £3,619 per person (based on the October 14th 12-night fly/cruise from Montreal to New York) including return economy flights with British Airways, overseas transfers, one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Montreal, 10 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window including all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's luxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

PS: You can also see Issue 50 of World of Cruising for a full review of a typical Crystal Canada & New England voyage by editor Simon Veness last year.

Sample Luxury Cruising With Crystal

One of our favourite cruise lines, the all-luxury of Crystal Cruises, is inviting cruisers and non-cruisers alike to experience the outstanding service and value of one of their stylish voyages on two brand new three and four-night sampler cruises in the Mediterranean this October and November.

Take your pick from:

October 13: three-night cruise on Crystal Serenity from Barcelona to Monte Carlo. This cruise includes an overnight stay on board in the vibrant city of Barcelona and one sea day to give guests the chance to sample the vast array of activities available. Prices start from £899 per person (based on two sharing), including return economy class flights from London, overseas transfers, three nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes.

November 23: four-night cruise on Crystal Serenity from Rome to Barcelona. On this voyage, guests will enjoy calls to Florence/Livorno, an overnight stay in Barcelona and one sea day to provide a full sample of the ship's style. Prices start from £998 per person (based on two sharing), including return economy class flights from London, overseas transfers, four nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes.

At these prices, the 'sampler' cruises really do represent fantastic value, with numerous extras included at no additional cost, including:

· All non-alcoholic beverages
· All meals, including dining in speciality restaurants featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio
· Ice cream and frozen yoghurt bar
· Gym, steam, saunas and whirlpools
· Fitness classes
· Golf lessons with PGA pros
· Yamaha keyboard, Berlitz language and art classes
· Dozens of computer/technology classes
· Crystal Visions lecture series, featuring distinguished speakers
· Award-winning entertainment
· In-stateroom movie and CD rentals
· Film screenings in the onboard cinema
· Dance lessons
· Dedicated junior cruiser facilities
· Early embarkation luncheon
· Welcome champagne
· Comfortable shuttles to town
· Pillow menus
· Self-service laundries
· Twice-daily housekeeping with nightly turndown service
· 24-hour room service.

For more info, see www.crystalcruises.co.uk or visit the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal's New 'Private Adventure' Shore Excursions

Do you love to see legendary sites, but dislike group tours? Renowned for unique and creative land tours that complement its luxury cruise experience, Crystal Cruises is introducing a private shore excursion alternative for individualistic adventurers. Crystal’s new “Private Adventure Option” enables guests to take already-organised group excursions – in a more intimate fashion.

Beginning this August/September, parties of two, four or six can opt for a personal guide and private vehicle to tour Ephesus, Pompeii or the city of Barcelona, for example – on a shore-side itinerary already carefully crafted by Crystal’s Land Programmes team and its worldwide tour operators.

Crystal’s Vice President for International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever, says he was inspired to create the programme by his own holiday: “While I heard how much guests appreciated the ‘creative content’ of our Crystal Adventures, some said they would love to take the same tour by themselves to make it even more personal,.

“At Crystal, we are committed to giving our guests choices. Being able to really personalise your experience is the hallmark of a perfect luxury holiday.”

For several years, Crystal has offered guests a “Crystal Private Adventure” programme, which offers customised land itineraries for individuals, their families and friends. The new “Private Adventure Option” is similar, but follows established excursions in a private way. If guests prefer to modify their “Private Adventure Option” or expand the group, the trip would then become a custom “Crystal Private Adventure.”

Launching on August 14 on Crystal Serenity and September 13 on Crystal Symphony, the Private Adventure Option can be pre-reserved at least one week prior to embarkation by emailing crystaladventures@crystalcruises.com. Prices will be at least 25% more than group tour fares, but vary depending on excursion length, vehicle size, guide costs and sites visited.

This autumn/winter, Crystal's two ships will cruise the Mediterranean, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast and Hawaii. Crystal’s huge Autumn Fare Sale offers savings up to £5,078 per couple.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd

Serenity's Big Makeover Complete

One Hamburg shipyard, two weeks, several talented designers, 500-plus+ international staffers, 606 crew and $25 million. Such are the ingredients for the ultra-luxurious redesign of Crystal Cruises’ largest ship, Crystal Serenity. Just completed after a round-the-clock remodel at Germany’s Blohm + Voss shipyard, the dry dock was the company’s longest ever. All 535 staterooms, retail centres, outdoor pool deck, corridors and other spaces received a dazzling facelift, in addition to general sprucing of the entire outside and inside of the vessel.

Interior designer, Keith Rushbrook, principal at the Toronto-based II BY IV Design Associates summarises the vision: “We wanted modern classic elegance. We wanted Fifth Avenue – crème de la crème New York-inspired living and retail spaces that people love and look forward to spending time in.”

Sophisticated Stateroom Remodel

All of Serenity’s luxury accommodations received new appointments. While Crystal Penthouses were refreshed with new soft goods, Deluxe Staterooms, Penthouses and Penthouse Suites were completely transformed with new, floor-to-ceiling tufted headboards, bedside cabinets, sofas, curtains, pillows and custom carpets in contemporary lines and classic stone, silk, velvet, leather and crisp linen textures. The new sofas also offer more third berths – a nice feature for Crystal’s growing family clientele. Blu-ray players and flatscreen TVs were added and new modern lighting, plus an electronic “do not disturb” doorbell system, allowing guests greater personalisation of their chic accommodations.

Remarkable Retail Space Re-Do

The Apropos boutique was redesigned into three dramatic shopping spaces against a backdrop of rich Zebrano wood and herringbone rosewood, arresting black-plum-magenta carpeting and tufted leather seating. A new area is dedicated to Christian Dior cosmetics. The Dior shop is exclusive to Crystal and is the largest of its kind that isn’t land-based. Not be outshone, the Facets fine jewellery store also received a new, private sales area and a new, overall look mirroring a jewellery box, with mother-of-pearl feature wall and bevelled chrome display cabinets.

Serenity emerged from dry dock to begin a series of Baltic, British Isles and North Cape cruises. Come August, the ship sails to the Mediterranean for a variety of late summer and autumn cruises where guests can not only enjoy the resort’s new look, but exceptional value from a huge Autumn Fare Sale, with up to $2,000/couple spending credits and other amenities.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd

'Anything Goes' On Crystal's Film & Theatre Voyage

Broadway greats both current and classic will be featured in more than two dozen performances and presentations on Crystal Cruises’ “Film and Theatre”-themed voyage from San Francisco and Tinseltown to the Big Apple departing August 25 on Crystal Symphony.

Present musical revival, Tony-nominated hits “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and cruise ship-set “Anything Goes” will be honoured with special guest lecturers and an exclusive alliance with the Roundabout Theatre Company, donating Broadway show tickets and merchandise for guests.

The star of the original “How to Succeed…,” Michele Lee, and theatre impresario John Loesser, the son of the play’s composer/lyricist, will be featured guest presenters. Performance highlights include the late Zero Mostel and Ethel Merman reincarnated on stage by actors Jim Brochu and Rita McKenzie in their respective hit biographical shows about the stars.

Guest vocalists will pay musical homage to celluloid memories using authentic costumes from Hollywood legends and screening room matinees with live introductions and post-film discussions are scheduled in the ship’s surround-sound Hollywood Theatre. Guests can also watch exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews from Broadway’s “Anything Goes” (now at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre) from the comfort of their staterooms.

The 19-night “Sea to Shining Sea” voyage starts in San Francisco on August 25 and visits Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Caldera, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Miami and Charleston before arriving in New York. It will also transit the Panama Canal. Prices are from £4,997 per person including return scheduled flights, transfers, 19 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

Learn Digital Film Making with Crystal

Lights, camera, action! Guests on Crystal Cruises’ October “Digital Film-Making”-themed voyage will get to hone their production skills with an intense video production programme that focuses on creating extraordinary travel videos.

During the 12-night New York to Miami Caribbean cruise, Michael Rosenblum - a digital film groundbreaker who led the BBC’s transition to digital production and created The Travel Channel Academy, among other credits - will lead a team of instructors in teaching guests how to create the best travel videos possible. The pros will cover every step of the production process and teach travellers to think through their videos before shooting, so the finished product will be a more watchable and compelling film to share with friends, family, or the world.

“Whether a complete novice, or a veteran videographer, there will be instruction geared toward every level of shooting experience,” says Crystal’s Vice President of International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “It’s an exceptional opportunity for travellers to gain a practical education in a fast-growing arena from one of the top experts in the field—all for free.”

Onboard, guests can attend multiple training classes, seek daily one-on-one assistance at a programme “base camp” and view other guests’ raw footage and finished films in a constructive workshop setting. On various excursions, instructors will accompany guests to provide hands-on shooting guidance.

Production areas that will be covered include:

Pre-production and storyboarding

Setting up/framing shots

Shooting time/clip lengths

Uploading footage

Editing

Graphics

Music

Finalising finished product for sharing

Crystal will provide all equipment for programme participation, including video cameras, Macintosh laptop computers and editing software.

The 12-night “Pink Sands & White Beaches” cruise starts in New York on October 25 and visits Bermuda, St Maarten, Antigua, Aruba and Grand Cayman before finishing in Miami. Prices start from £4,221 per person, including return scheduled flights, transfers, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

For more info, see www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading luxury-cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal Extend Golf-Themed Cruises

In a real “hole-in-one” for golf fans, Crystal Cruises is adding a golf theme to its 14-night Hawaiian Islands sailing this December. The round-trip from Los Angeles on board Crystal Symphony joins two other golf-themed cruises already scheduled on Crystal Serenity this year: an 11-night British Isles voyage departing July 22 and an 11-night Iberian Adventure around Portugal and Spain departing November 27, with legendary pro golfer Billy Casper headlining all three voyages.

With 51 PGA tour wins, many consider Casper the best putter of his era. On each cruise, guests can absorb stories and tips during informal lectures by Casper and other athletic stars, such as Emmy-winning sportscaster Jim Huber. They can also mingle and play with the PGA pros at some of the most stunning championship courses in the world, including:

· Poipu Bay (Kauai) - top Hawaiian course surrounded by ancient places of worship

· Royal Portrush (Belfast) - designed by course-architect great, Harry Colt

· Carden Park (Liverpool) - Jack Nicklaus/Golden Bear “thinking golfer’s” fairway with spectacular views

· Royal Dublin (Dublin) - Ireland’s second-oldest links

· El Saler (Valencia) - one of Golf Magazine’s “100 Greatest Courses in the World”

· Golf Club Del Sur (Canary Islands) - home to several PGA European tour competitions, surrounded by 8,000 palm trees

· Palheiro (Funchal) - coastal ridge greens on a 200-year-old estate.

Crystal provides transportation, caddies, warm-up time, lunch, ‘19th hole’ get-togethers, TaylorMade club rentals or cleaning of clubs and shoes, team-pairing, parties, awards and private clinics with PGA instructors like John Clark and Bill Stutzer.

Crystal’s Feng Shui spa and gym, personal trainers, nutrition and exercise classes, exclusive workout equipment and dietary choices also offer guests extensive opportunities to enhance their health and fitness regimes on every sailing.

Prices for the 14-night Pacific Cost Holiday voyage around Hawaii (sailing Dec 21) start from £5,783 per person, including return flights, transfers, 14 nights in a deluxe stateroom with all meals and soft drinks, and port taxes, plus $500 per person onboard credit.

Prices for the 11-night Emerald Isles voyage start from £4,266 per person, and for the 11-night Iberian voyage from £3,174, both with $1,000 per person onboard credit.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.