Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Independent Expert Reviews by Professional Travel Journalists
Crystal Cruises operates the ultra-luxurious 940-passenger Crystal Symphony and the 1,080-passenger Crystal Serenity, heralded as two of the most spacious ships afloat.
The vessels sail on worldwide itineraries to Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Mexican Rivera and Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, Canada/New England and South America.
The line likes to provide what is described as a seamless environment of personalised luxury aimed at the most discriminating of passengers who appreciate meticulous attention to detail.
Crystal is increasing its presence in Asia and the Middle East in 2008 with both ships sailing the region. The award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will sail Asia from March to May 2008 on six destination-rich itineraries, all of which feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Among the extensive shore excursions are 12 new programmes and nine different overnight tours offering in-depth experiences in Vietnam, Thailand, China, Laos, Cambodia and India.
These feature ancient temples and villages untouched by time to tours of verdant spice plantations and the life along the Mekong Delta.
Culinary enthusiasts can savour a spice plantation in India, while adventure seekers can opt for a three-night overland adventure into Laos.
The itineraries include calls in the exotic port cities of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Dalian, China; Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bangkok, Ko Samui and Phuket, Thailand; Singapore; Kobe, Hiroshima and Osaka, Japan; Kuala Lampur/Port Kelang, Malaysia; Mumbai, Cochin and Marmagao, India; Muscat, Oman; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Nearly every Asia itinerary features in-port overnights in two or three cities throughout the voyage. Extended stays give passengers time to experience Hong Kong, Shanghai, Osaka, Kobe, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok.
Selected summer 2008 cruises include an 11-night voyage from Rome to Venice, seven nights from Venice to Athens, 12-nights from Venice to Barcelona and 12-nights from Athens to Monte Carlo.
The lines 14th annual World Cruise in 2009 will see Crystal Serenity depart Los Angeles on January 21 next year for Mexico, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Eastern and Western Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska, British Columbia and San Francisco before returning to Los Angeles.
Blending new ports with a contrasting mix of cosmopolitan, unspoiled, ancient, modern and exotic locations, the epic 105-day journey will visit 46 destinations in 17 countries.
New ports of call on the worldwide itinerary are Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Napier, New Zealand; Komodo, Indonesia; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Petropavlovsk, Russia.
The voyage will see Crystal return to Bali for the first time since 2000 and Alaska since 2005.
Overnight stays are scheduled in Auckland, Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Osaka and Yokohama, and two-night stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong.
The world cruise is also available in seven individual segments ranging from 12 to 22 nights.
