Crystal Signs Order with Fincantieri for Third Ocean Ship

Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, announced today the finalisation of an order with renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for construction of a third ocean ship. This comes as a result of the option granted under the two-unit agreements announced earlier this summer.

Crystal Cruises’ 2021 ‘Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders’ World Cruise Open For Booking

Luxury travellers can choose full 139-day journey or selection of segments




Crystal's 26th annual World Cruise is now open for booking to all luxury travellers. The "Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders" voyage embarks from Miami to London on January 5, 2021, sailing an epic 139-day route through the Caribbean, Hawaiian Islands, South Pacific, Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, the UAE and the Mediterranean, featuring transit of the Panama Canal, visits to Egypt's mysterious Valley of Kings, and the winelands of Western Europe. The full World Cruise also offers guests alternate embarkation and disembarkation cities and dates, allowing greater flexibility while still affording all full World Cruise benefits. Segments of 12-21 days are also now available for booking, with focused itineraries along the gulfs of Oman and Aden; Southeast Asia and Vietnam; springtime in Japan; and the Arabian Gulf across the Bay of Bengal.

"We are delighted to present the world's most discerning travellers with one of Crystal Cruises' most extensive World Cruise journeys ever," says Crystal's Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Australasia, Karen Christensen. "Whether guests choose the complete 139-day odyssey or any combination of segments, they're in for the journey of a lifetime, as a Crystal World Cruise is truly something special."

Named for the diverse array of destinations, cultures and monumental sites to be explored on the journey, the "Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders" World Cruise offers travellers equally tremendous value and exceptionally enriching experiences on board and ashore. Guests can choose to sail the complete itinerary from Miami to London (January 5 to May 24, 139 days); from Los Angeles to London (January 21 to May 24, 123 days); Miami to Rome (January 5 to May 12, 127 days); or Los Angeles to Rome (January 21 to May 12, 111 days). Guests booking any of these full World Cruise options enjoy special benefits and amenities, including a welcome celebration dinner aboard Crystal Serenity in Miami or in Los Angeles, "As You Wish" shipboard spending credits of up to US$2,500 per guest; complimentary private car and driver transfers between the ship and airport; a gala dinner World Cruise Extravaganza Event; an exclusive shore-side event; special World Cruise-themed onboard events; and specially curated gifts.

For More Information

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact your travel professional, or Crystal's Sydney office on:

1300 059 260 (Local Call Australia)

0800 600 108 (Toll Free New Zealand)

Or visit Crystal's website: www.crystalcruises.com

Join the hundreds of thousands who subscribe to the Crystal Insider blog, follow Crystal Cruises' Facebook page and @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram, and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises.

Crystal Cruises 2020 World Cruise

Luxury line announces details of 25th World Cruise, featuring varied and captivating Southern Hemisphere locales

Embarking on a comprehensive exploration of the Southern Hemisphere from Miami to Rome, Crystal Serenity’s 2020 World Cruise offers travellers a journey filled with tropical havens, ancient treasures and modern marvels.

Brand New Calls In Chile, Peru And Guatemala Set For Crystal 2017 World Cruise

Annual epic journey charting new courses through South America, offers guests comprehensive exploration of the region

The world's most awarded luxury cruise line continues to explore the world in new ways, calling in new locales, even for its 22nd annual World Cruise in 2017.  Four new ports, to be precise, are part of Crystal Serenity's "Southern Celebración" voyage (which sails in full, 94 days round-trip from Miami on 10 January 2017). The marathon journey travels an intensive route through some of the most historically and culturally rich cities and ports in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, the Caribbean and even Antarctica, offering travellers an ideal opportunity to explore the storied region thoroughly, calling the luxurious award-winning Crystal ship "home base" along the way.

"Whether one is venturing to a region for the first time or is seeking new ways to explore long-beloved destinations, there are always new places to see and new cultures to encounter," says Crystal president and CEO Edie Rodriguez. "The 2017 World Cruise voyages offer guests the valuable opportunity to experience a diverse and holistic journey, with the varied history and traditions among the countries visited, while also fully engaging with the customs and beauty of South America as a region."

Crystal's maiden call destinations on the 2017 World Cruise are:

Santo Tomás de Castilla – Set along the Caribbean coastline between Honduras and Belize, this relatively remote spot boasts a down-to-earth atmosphere that will give travellers a glimpse of the authentic Guatemalan lifestyle, complete with rugged adventures, ancient UNESCO-listed Mayan ruins, and exotic foliage and wildlife at one's fingertips. Among the ways to immerse oneself in the local culture are snorkelling, horseback riding on the beach and kayaking in the warm coastal waters.

Matarani – The small fishing port of Matarani is your gateway to one of the most stunning spots on the Peruvian map: Arequipa, the UNESCO-listed town surrounded by three volcanoes, each towering at heights of around 20,000 feet. An adventurous, architectural and intellectual hub, Arequipa boasts a pretty town centre featuring brilliant white buildings made of volcanic stone called sillar, and famously draws thinkers and diplomats, along with climbers and adventurers to its iconic sites.

Iquique – Iquique's mining history evokes a vibe reminiscent of the American Old-West, while restored Georgian and Victorian architecture, duty-free shopping, wide swaths of beach and a sea with terrific surfing and paragliding, balance the atmosphere with that of a classically welcoming Latin beach community.
Castro Island (Chiloé) – Situated on the island of Chiloé, Castro is Chile's third oldest city in continued existence. Castro's history is tangible and resplendent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its palafitos, or traditional wooden houses built on stilts, and renowned archaeological and contemporary art museums showcasing the island's diverse and innovative culture.

Crystal's 2017 "Southern Celebración" World Cruise is also available for booking in six segments of 10 to 26 days, with all-inclusive segment cruise fares starting at US$4,190* per person double occupancy including all taxes when booked by 29 February 2016. All-inclusive full World Cruise fares begin at US$38,645** per person double occupancy including all taxes when booked by 29 February 2016 Full World Cruisers also enjoy special amenities, including exclusive events on board and ashore, specially selected gifts, private chauffeured transfers between the ship and airport, and US$1,000 per person in "As You Wish" shipboard credits. Additional savings are also available for first-time Crystal guests, as well as returning Crystal Society members.


For More Information

For a brochure or additional information, contact Wiltrans International on:
1800 251 174 (Australia) or 0800 446 376 (New Zealand)

http://www.crystalcruises.com/

Crystal Serenity 2017 Voyages Reposition to North & South America

Luxury line to introduce new roster of luxury itineraries for Crystal Serenity

Crystal Cruises, the world's most awarded luxury cruise line, will reposition one of its luxury ocean vessels in 2017, unveiling an entirely new lineup of itineraries.  Following the 2017 "Southern Celebración" World Cruise round-trip from Miami, Crystal Serenity will sail throughout North America for the remainder of the year, offering routes along the east and west coasts, through Alaska, New England and Eastern Canada, as well as the eastern seaboard into the Caribbean. Historically, Crystal Serenity has spent the majority of her 12 years at sea cruising the Mediterranean, Western Europe and the Black Sea but the line's tremendous expansion plans afforded an opportunity for change.

"The Mediterranean and surrounding regions have long been favourite destinations for our guests, and will continue to be, with the launch of Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal River Cruises," says Crystal's president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez. "These new ventures allow us to expand our offerings for our guests, so they can continue to experience their favourite Crystal holidays in new ways."

Crystal Serenity's new roster of ultra-luxury cruises includes a repositioning voyage from Miami to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal; convenient seven-day explorations of California's coastline; a 14-day intensive Mexico itinerary; a 16-day route through the Hawaiian Islands; seven-, 9- and 10-day cruises through the ports and glaciers of Alaska and British Columbia; seven- and 10-day itineraries through the charming ports of New England and Eastern Canada; and warm-weather fall and winter cruises along the Southern East Coast into the Caribbean.

Bookings for the newly unveiled 2017 Crystal Serenity voyages are now available with "Book Now" fares starting at US$2,625* per person double occupancy including all taxes through 29 February, 2016.

Crystal's newest vessel, luxury yacht Crystal Esprit, as well as its upcoming five luxury river yachts, will focus primarily in the waters of the Mediterranean region nearly year-round.  Crystal Esprit will sail to and from long favoured cities such as Venice, Dubrovnik and Athens, with calls to lesser explored gems only accessible by yacht. Likewise, the river yachts will grace the waterways of Europe include the Rhine, Seine, Danube, Main, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers, visiting charming ports throughout Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, and others.


1800 251 174 (Australia)
0800 446 376 (New Zealand)

Crystal Esprit Christened in the Seychelles, Ready to Set Sail

Crystal Esprit Christened in the Seychelles

Ready to Set Sail

Luxury yacht launches Crystal Cruises' next chapter

Crystal Cruises, the world's most awarded luxury cruise line, has officially welcomed Crystal Esprit to its fleet of ultra-luxury vessels, as the sleek yacht was christened in an elegant ceremony held at Eden Island Marina in Mahé, Victoria, Seychelles.  Crystal's president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez, welcomed a distinguished audience of local dignitaries, yacht guests, travel partners and professionals and executives from the line's new parent company, Genting Hong Kong (GHK), for a day of celebration, as Crystal Esprit marks the beginning of one of the most significant brand expansions in luxury travel and hospitality history.

On hand to christen Crystal Esprit was the yacht's godmother, Lady Gaenor Anne Meakes, fiancée of Mark Richards, one of the world's most awarded and recognised yachtsmen. Richards serves as chief executive of Grand Banks yachts, based in Australia, and is an eight-time champion skipper of the 628-mile Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race. Lady Meakes christened the yacht with the traditional breaking of Champagne against the hull – specifically a bottle of Louis Roederer, Cristal Brut, 2004.  The evening culminated with an elaborate fireworks display at sea.

"To say today is a special day is an understatement," said Rodriguez. "Since joining Crystal just over two years ago, a personal goal of mine has been to see Crystal realize the next step in continuing to pioneer luxury travel and hospitality; and today I am seeing that dream fulfilled." She went on to personally thank GHK Chairman and CEO, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, for his and his company's support of her vision for Crystal's future.

Crystal will, indeed, pioneer the luxury travel and hospitality industry far beyond the reaches of ocean cruising, as the line is poised to launch Crystal River Cruises in 2016 and 2017, with five luxury river yachts – more than double the originally planned number – gracing the waterways of Europe include the Rhine, Seine, Danube, Main, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers. Crystal Luxury Air will take off with all-first-class outfitted Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 787 Dreamliner taking guests on multi-week journeys to far-off destinations not typically served non-stop by major airlines.

About Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is the world's most awarded leading luxury cruise provider, having earned more "World's Best" awards than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. In July 2015, Crystal embarked on the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality, which will introduce three new classes of cruising – Crystal Yacht Cruises (December 2015), Crystal River Cruises (July 2016), Crystal Exclusive Class Ocean Cruises (late 2018) – and Crystal Luxury Air (late 2017).

For More Information

For additional information contact
Wiltrans International on:


1800 251 174 (Australia)
0800 446 376 (New Zealand)

8 Blissful Bites Of Brazil With Crystal Cruises

With 11 Brazilian ports on its fall cruise calendar, luxe Crystal Cruises has set dozens of cool ways to explore the country's hot culture, culinary arts, and landscape. 

Sugar Loaf, samba, and snorkeling may be most famous, but guests can take in such varied Crystal Adventures as:

1.  Learning the secrets of making Moqueca, a traditional Brazilian seafood stew, from a local instructor in Rio de Janeiro.
2. 4x4-ing to swim in waterfalls and lagoons otherwise only accessible by foot, followed by cachaca- tasting at a local Paratydistillery.
3. Reveling in the charms of  Buzios, know as Brazil's St-Tropez, via foot, land trolley or ocean schooner. ( Brigitte Bardotfamously fell in love with this charming old fishing village!)
4. Strolling the cobblestone walkways of Paraty's pedestrian-only historic core, an UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture.
5. Sampling multiple varieties of caipirinhas while sailing along beaches and an ecological preserve in Ilha Grande , local forro and samba band in the background.
6. Attending a private, Crystal clergy-led Mass at the base of Rio's famous Corcovado: Christ the Redeemer statue.
7. Marveling at the magic of capoeira, an African-Brazilian mix of martial arts and dance, in Natal.
8. Hiking through the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest to a hidden waterfall, in Ilha Grande .

Crystal begins its South American cruise season with a 16-day, November 23, Miami-to-Rio voyage, followed by a 12-day,December 9, Rio-to-Buenos Aires sailing.   To savor more South America, as well as Crystal's delicious, award-winning experience, travelers can combine the two voyages for an additional 5% savings.  In all, Crystal Symphony's Brazilian calls include Belem, Fortaleza, Natal (maiden call), Maceio, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro (overnight), Buzios, Ilha Grande , Paraty, Santos/Sao Paulo, and Rio Grande du Sol.  Depending on the departure, the cruises also include ports in the Caribbean,Uruguay and Argentina.

"Our itineraries are designed to showcase the many flavors of Brazil," says John Stoll , vice president of land and port operations.  "On the December cruise, Rio and Sao Paulo may be familiar star destinations, while Buzios is a less familiar delight.  What makes this cruise itinerary even more unique is that we stay in Buzios into the night because of its wonderful evening cafe scene."

All-inclusive fares start at $3,990 and $3,555 per person, for November 23 and December 9's voyages, respectively.  Travelers can save 5% off cruise fares when combining the two cruises.  Travelers also have a choice of Crystal Getaways carved from each voyage: 12 days starting November 27 from Barbados to Rio de Janeiro, or seven days starting December 14 from Santos to Buenos Aires.

Crystal Cruises' passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have helped earn the company top ratings from international travelers for two decades.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Crystal's New Explorer Combinations Offer Longer Vacations for Less

For those for whom one luxury cruise just isn't enough, Crystal Cruises is offering incredible new discounts of up to 25% off the best cruise-only fares for combining select 2013 and 2014 voyages.

Crystal Cruises

The new Explorer Combinations promotion boasts savings of up to $12,200/person for travelers who combine two to three of the Crystal Serenity Mediterranean cruisesback-to-back. Itineraries feature calls in Dubrovnik, Sicily, Montenegro, Malta, Mykonos, St-Tropez and more, with overnight stays in Venice, Monte Carlo, Lisbon, Istanbul, Barcelona and Sorrento.

"Extending one's vacation via an Explorer Combination allows one to see more of Europe, in an extremely convenient and luxurious way," says Jack Anderson , senior vice president, marketing and sales. "All-inclusive fares start from just $217 per person per day – an incredible value for a Six-Star vacation visiting so many of Europe's most storied and charming locales."

Combo options include:

2013
October 17 & October 26: Istanbul to Rome (16 total days) from $3,770
October 26 & November 2: Venice to Lisbon (20 total days) from $4,535
October 17, October 26 and November 2: Istanbul to Lisbon (29 total days) from $6,320

2014
May 30 & June 8: Barcelona to Venice (16 total days) from $3,975
June 8 & June 15: Rome to Istanbul (14 total days) from $3,640
May 30, June 8 and June 15: Barcelona to Istanbul (23 total days) from $5,795

All fares are per person, and must be booked by June 28, 2013. Individual cruises and Crystal Getaways offer luxury vacations starting from just five days in length in the Mediterranean, as well as the Baltic, North Cape, Western Europe, British Isles, and Black Sea. Crystal also offers 5% savings for all other back-to-back cruises.

Crystal Cruises' award-winning "World's Best" ocean resort experience always includes a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and all-inclusive beverages and gratuities.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.