Crystal Cancels Mazatlan

Amidst increased reports of violence in Mazatlán, Crystal Cruises are the latest line to cancel calls to the Mexican port town, scrapping its scheduled 4th April visit there on Crystal Symphony. The round-trip Los Angeles “Treasures of Mexico” voyage will now adjust its itinerary to allow guests more time in other ports of call.

The new schedule switches travel days so guests will now have an overnight call in popular Cabo San Lucas, with Crystal being the only cruise line in town for those two days. Subsequent days will provide travellers with a full day in Loreto and a half day in La Paz. Full days in Puerto Vallarta and San Diego are still on the schedule.

“The safety and security of our guests and staff is always our top priority,” says Crystal’s International Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “After monitoring the situation in Mazatlán for weeks, we simply feel far more comfortable with other ports of call in Mexico.”

The “Mind, Body, and Spirit” theme of the 31st March to 10th April sailing will remain unaffected, with numerous complimentary classes and presentations still being offered on board throughout the 10-night cruise.

For more information, visit http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/

Crystal's Charity Cruising Assistance

Recognising that even one day of assistance can make a difference, Crystal Cruises has introduced a complimentary, participatory shore excursion programme that enables its guests and crew to assist with charitable projects in destinations they visit during their cruise. Beginning this year, the line’s “You Care, We Care” initiative is designed to assist local projects and educate participants on local community needs, as well as enhance travellers’ personal growth and their intimate connection with a destination.

On every 2011 itinerary, Crystal has planned one “You Care, We Care” Crystal Adventure in which a limited number of guests and crew can donate their time, with Crystal covering all logistical arrangements and costs.

'Voluntourism' experiences to date with Crystal Symphony and Serenity voyages include:

Lima, Peru – brightening the environment of the children at the ANQUIEM Burn rehabilitation centre with arts & crafts.

Cartagena, Colombia – creating crafts with the elderly, playing soccer with the children or urban farming with an emphasis on organic agriculture at the Granitos de Paz Foundation.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – assisting the PEACE organization in beach and neighbourhood cleanup, and perhaps helping in light construction at a local green space.

The complete schedule of excursions and projects is in development and availability will be limited.

For more info, call 020 7287 9040 or visit http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/

Voluntourism with Crystal Cruises

Ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises has announced a new corporate social responsibility initiative for 2011 to support the destinations it visits.

The ‘You Care, We Care’ programme is a complimentary, hands-on, shore excursion initiative that opens up opportunities for guests and crew alike to assist with charitable projects in destinations they visit during any cruise. The focus lies in working with and assisting local projects, educating participants on local community needs and providing them with authentic, rewarding experiences and an overall sense of place.

On every 2011 itinerary, Crystal Cruises has planned one ‘You Care, We Care’ Crystal Adventure in which a limited number of guests and crew can donate their time, with Crystal covering all logistical arrangements and costs.

The complete programme of excursions and projects is currently in development and availability will be limited but 'voluntourism' experiences aboard Crystal Symphony (above) and Crystal Serenity voyages will include:

§ Lima, Peru – Brightening the environment of the children at the ANQUIEM Burn rehabilitation centre with arts and crafts

§ Cartagena, Colombia – Creating crafts with the elderly, playing football with the children, or urban farming with an emphasis on organic agriculture at the Granitos de Paz Foundation

§ Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Assisting the PEACE organisation in beach and neighborhood clean-up.

Commenting on the new initiative, Crystal's Vice President International, Philip Ordever said: “We challenged our worldwide tour operators to craft excursions that contribute to local causes because we are absolutely committed to giving something back to the communities we visit and explore. We also recognise the growing desire of our guests to seek out and discover authentic, enriching experiences and believe this new initiative will make a difference to both our destinations and our overall guest experience.”

A cornerstone of Crystal's culture is its genuine hospitality and service that has been internationally celebrated for two decades. This spirit of generosity extends to its respectful treatment of the environment, oceans and communities in which it travels.