Crystal Cruises 2006 Theme Cruises Bridge Best of Land and Seatitle
From History and Nature to Fitness and Cuisine,
34 Cruises Feature Dedicated Enrichment Programming
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises
will showcase 10 different theme cruise topics on more than half of its
worldwide itineraries next year. Naturalists from The Smithsonian Associates,
experts from Sothebys Institute, PGA golf pros, celebrated chefs, jazz
artists, fitness gurus and more, will present lectures on board with many
hosting excursions ashore. Focusing on destination enrichment, or taking
advantage of days at sea, the lines rich collection of themed voyages is
designed to reveal the archaeological, natural, cultural, or culinary wonders
of the world.
From Crystals renowned Wine & Food Festival to Golf-themed cruises, 34 of
the award-winning cruise lines 63 global itineraries feature dedicated theme
programming. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity host an impressive roster
of themed voyages that also includes its Distinguished Speaker Series; Film &
Theater Festival; a Health & Fitness series; Golf cruises; a Jazz journey; and
the annual Presidents Cruise hosted by company President Gregg Michel.
"Todays sophisticated traveler is looking to collect more than postcard
memories of a destination. They want greater immersion and authentic
experiences of their travels," says Kristin Turner, the lines manager of
enrichment programming. "By partnering professionals on a variety of
contemporary interests with destinations relevant to their expertise, our
savvy clientele is rewarded with deeper perspectives and insights into the
worlds most intriguing regions."
For example, popular and respected naturalist Patricia Hostiuck will host
a Smithsonian Associates cruise aboard Crystal Symphony, a 14-day exploration
from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso rounding Cape Horn, March 16-30, 2006.
Hostiucks work has taken her nearly pole-to-pole with an emphasis on
Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica.
Well-versed on polar ecosystems, she will share her expertise during seminars
on board, followed by personally hosted excursions ashore.
Careful consideration is given to the development and timing of each theme
cruise and its destinations. Highlights of the 2006 program include:
* Destination-specific lectures from the cultural and educational arm of
the Smithsonian Institution are featured on eight itineraries
dedicated to The Smithsonian Associates, showcasing the Panama Canal,
the Amazon, South America and Antarctica, and New England.
* Experts from the world-renowned Sothebys Institute continue the
cultural enrichment by illuminating the secrets of art history on
three voyages to the Amazon, the Mediterranean, and the Mexican
Riviera.
* The easy-going rhythms of the Caribbean and Panama Canal provide a
soothing backdrop for two Health & Fitness cruises with specialized
instruction in yoga, as well as tai chi provided by the founders of
the Tai Chi Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California. The lines
state-of-the-art spa facilities (including a Pilates Reformer), wide
jogging and walking decks, and healthful menus, including low-carb and
low-fat selections add to the allure of a rejuvenating journey.
* Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the attention from PGA pros and golf
celebrities aboard two Golf cruises, affording exclusive opportunities
to tee-off at some of the worlds legendary courses in the British
Isles and Western Europe.
* Crystals theme cruise programming takes advantage of extended days at
sea with Big Band and Jazz cruises featuring marquee names and hot new
talent on Trans-Atlantic crossings; and two Film Festival cruises
spotlight lectures and film authorities saluting American films.
* The lines Distinguished Speaker Series is showcased on two
Mediterranean voyages with informative lectures from some of the
worlds most noted personalities, including former Carter White House
Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan.
* Crystals annual Presidents Cruise aboard Crystal Serenity travels
the British Isles round-trip from London on August 30, with company
President Gregg Michel.
* The cornerstone of Crystals theme programming -- the highly regarded
Crystal Wine & Food Festival -- will celebrate its tenth year on 12
different sailings in 2006. Some of the most established names in
cuisine and wine share the spotlight with the cutting-edge stars of
the culinary world, providing guests with an experience that is both
enriching to the mind and pleasing to the palate.
Crystals theme cruises are a vital component of the Crystal Visions(R)
Enrichment Program of renowned speakers and celebrity guest lecturers offered
on every Crystal cruise.
About Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
sail throughout the world. The line enjoys a reputation for excellence,
grounded in a decade of prestigious accolades including its recent record-
setting 10th consecutive win as Worlds Best Large Ship Cruise Line in both
the Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines readers choice awards
-- the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.
For additional information, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625.
Visit the luxury lines website at http://www.crystalcruises.com.
CONTACT: Mimi Weisband 310-203-4302
publicrelations@crystalcruises.com
NOTE TO EDITORS/WRITERS:
A complete roster of theme cruise dates, ships and destinations follows
with this news release.
CRYSTAL CRUISES
2006 Theme Cruise Roster
------------------------
Big Band (1) Apr 29 Crystal Symphony Trans-Atlantic
Crystal Wine & Food
Festival (12) Jan 18 Crystal Serenity South America
Jan 27 Crystal Symphony Panama Canal
Mar 4 Crystal Serenity Australia/Africa
Apr 9 Crystal Serenity Middle East
May 5 Crystal Serenity Western Europe
May 25 Crystal Symphony Mediterranean
Jun 4 Crystal Serenity Baltic Sea/Russia
Jun 30 Crystal Symphony Mediterranean
Oct 20 Crystal Symphony New England/Canada
Oct 24 Crystal Serenity Mediterranean
Nov 12 Crystal Symphony Panama Canal
Dec 6 Crystal Symphony Panama Canal
Distinguished
Speaker Series (2) May 8 Crystal Symphony Mediterranean
Jun 6 Crystal Symphony Mediterranean
Film & Theater
Festival (2) Feb 15 Crystal Serenity Australia/New Zealand
Aug 31 Crystal Symphony Trans-Atlantic
Golf (2) May 25 Crystal Serenity British Isles
Aug 19 Crystal Symphony Western Europe
Health &
Fitness (2) Feb 7 Crystal Symphony Panama Canal
Dec 5 Crystal Serenity Caribbean
Jazz (1) Nov 15 Crystal Serenity Trans-Atlantic
Presidents
Cruise (1) Aug 30 Crystal Serenity British Isles
The Smithsonian
Associates (8) Jan 5 Crystal Symphony Panama Canal
Jan 16 Crystal Symphony Panama Canal
Jan 18 Crystal Serenity South America
Feb 18 Crystal Symphony Amazon
Mar 16 Crystal Symphony South America/Cape Horn
Mar 30 Crystal Symphony South America/Cape Horn
Sep 28 Crystal Symphony New England/Canada
Nov 24 Crystal Symphony Panama Canal
Sothebys
Institute (3) Mar 1 Crystal Symphony Amazon
Jan 18 Crystal Serenity South America
Sep 21 Crystal Serenity Mediterranean
