CRYSTAL CRUISES ALL READY FOR THE SEVEN SEAS FOR 2015

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

CRYSTAL EMBARKS ON SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION,
OFFERS INCENTIVES FOR LUXURY TRAVELERS TO ‘BOOK NOW’

Crystal Cruises is kicking off its 25^th Anniversary year reporting significant booking revenue –nearly 80% of its budgeted outlook – and is passing along savings’ benefits for a limited time. The leader in luxury cruises announced valued proposition and good availability remains for luxury travelers on select voyages when booked by the March 2 “Book Now” deadline.

Options abound for travelers as the cruise industry enters “Wave Season,” the most common time for cruise bookings due to the diverse selection of value added offers.  For select 2015 voyages in Asia, South America, Mediterranean, Baltic/North Cape, Caribbean and New England/Canada, luxury travelers can enjoy savings in all categories of accommodations and as much as USD$3,000 per person.  

Looking ahead to 2016, for which the line is reporting 40% of maximum bookings, guests can save up to USD$5,950 per person on Crystal Serenity’s 102-day world cruise that follows a route round trip from San Francisco featuring segments to/from Sydney, Bali, Shanghai and Tokyo. And on the heels of unveiling its complete roster of 2017 global itineraries – a full two years in advance – fares begin at just USD$2,255 per person.

“While travelers’ enthusiasm and bookings for 2015 has been tremendous, the good news for travel agents and discerning travelers who have not yet planned a dream vacation for this year is the remaining availability on our luxury cruises throughout the world,” says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s president and COO.  “But these enticing offers and availability for our celebrated, ultra-luxury voyages won’t last long.”

 In addition to the “Book Now” incentive fares, Crystal offers a host of opportunities for travelers to realize exceptional value on select voyages around the world including air credits up to USD$800 per person for select Asia cruises; complimentary third berths and perks for large groups and those traveling with kids; low fares for abbreviated Crystal Getaways; additional savings on Explorer Combination Cruises; and even a 2.5% incentive for those who pay in full six months in advance.

Crystal’s global itineraries range from six to 100+ days in length aboard the line’s award-winning ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.  As Crystal celebrate 25 years of luxury cruising in 2015, guests will be treated to commemorative parties and receptions, where they’ll rub elbows with Rodriguez, as well as Crystal Chairman Nobuyoshi “Nōb” Kuzuya and veteran ship captains who will host select sailings. 

Until March 2, when fares are set to increase, all-inclusive luxury cruise fares start at just USD$1,730 per person.

A SECOND ROUND OF MICROBREWS HIGHLIGHTS
CRYSTAL’S 2016 & 2017 THEME CRUISES

Responding to feedback from its well-heeled, well-traveled guests, luxury leader Crystal Cruises has set a roster of Experiences of Discovery theme cruises for 2016 that includes a host of travelers’ favorites.  Following the tremendous response to the cruise line’s first-ever microbrew and craft beer focus in 2014, the theme will return in November 2016 on a 14-day, roundtrip New Orleans voyage aboard Crystal Serenity, with special presentations from brewing experts and cicerones, plus ample tasting and pairing sessions.  In addition to the beer-centric enrichment, 2016 welcomes back the popular wellness-themed “Mind, Body & Spirit” programming, featuring health and wellness experts and classes.

Other “classic” Crystal themes offering enhanced and focused enrichment led by some of the fields’ top experts include:

Crystal Wine & Food Festival – Accomplished and acclaimed chefs, wine sommeliers, mixologists and other culinary masters share expertise with special dinners, hands-on instruction and demos and tastings in the Mediterranean, Gulf Coast, South Pacific, Asia and South America.  (Offered on February 14, February 29, May 1, November 22 and December 9, 2016, plus January 5 and 22, 2017 cruises).  *The Microbrew theme will augment the November 22, 2016 voyage programming.

Golf – Golfers can challenge their handicap on spectacular and renowned courses in the Mediterranean, New England/Canada and the Gulf Coast, with Crystal taking care of the details, including club transport, storage and cleaning, plus special onboard instruction from pros and friendly competitions among players.  (Offered on May 13, October 9 and December 6, 2016 cruises).

Big Band & Ballroom Dance – Live daily and nightly performances throughout the ship, plus additional Ambassador Hosts for ladies without dance partners, allow guests to swing, tango, waltz and rhumba their way across the Atlantic.  (Offered on March 25 and October 18, 2016 cruises).

Emerging Artists – The upcoming stars of tomorrow’s stages will grace Crystal Symphony’s stages, with captivating musical and theatrical performances presented through an exclusive alliance with The Music Center of Los Angeles’ Spotlight Awards.  (Offered on the May 22, 2016 cruise).

Film & Theatre – Fans of stage and cinema will be treated to performances and showings of classics, plus entertaining presentations and Q&A with some of show biz’s great minds on a South Pacific voyage.  (Offered on the November 26, 2016 cruise).

Mind, Body & Spirit – Health and wellness experts from Tai Chi masters and yoga gurus to nutritionists and Cleveland Clinic medical minds will share tips for living one’s best life on a Gulf Coast itinerary.  (Offered on the December 6, 2016 cruise).

Crystal Society – Returning guests will be treated to special receptions, excursions and other perks on celebratory sailings in the Mediterranean (President’s Cruise, hosted by COO Edie Rodriguez) and North America’s East Coast.  (Offered on April 24 and October 25, 2016 cruises).

                Along with the artistic and physical pursuits highlighted on many Experiences of Discovery voyages, Crystal’s popular Ocean Views programming will return to both, 2016 and 2017 World Cruise segments.  The roundtable discussion panels will feature some of today’s global experts who will debate current events and policies, as well as engage the Crystal audience with lively Q&A sessions.  Guests can also give immediate feedback via electronic devices from the audience throughout the discussion, providing a wholly interactive experience.

                 “Our guests have come to expect a high level of enrichment, both on board and ashore, that will challenge and enhance their minds and/or bodies, and leave them with a sense of fulfillment,” says Crystal president and COO, Edie Rodriguez.  “The themes set for 2016 and 2017 thus far focus on areas of interest that many of our guests have universally most enjoyed – music and performance, health and wellness, food and wine, and craft beer.” 

 Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history. 

For additional information or booking, please contact Miramar Express at +852 3960 0388 or email mecruises@miramarexpress.hk; also visit the luxury line's website at www.crystalcruises.com.

###