Do you love to see legendary sites, but dislike group tours? Renowned for unique and creative land tours that complement its ultra-luxury cruise experience, Crystal Cruises is introducing a private shore excursion alternative for individualistic adventurers. Crystal’s new “Private Adventure Option” enables guests to take already-organized group excursions – in a more intimate fashion.
Ever the gourmand cruise line, this fall Crystal Cruises has cooked up more than 30 experiences throughout southern Europe that will give intimate and savory insights into the diversity of the area’s culinary cultures.
Tattoos. Murder. Secrets. And Stockholm. Only one of these things is normally associated with a luxury cruise line, but with Crystal Cruises’ new Crystal Adventure, “Stieg Larsson’s Stockholm,” guests can discover a little Scandinavian intrigue first-hand in 2011.
On Crystal’s debut Alaska cruise for 2011, luxury travelers will not only experience the rugged beauty of some of the Western U.S. and Canada’s most notable waterfronts—San Francisco; Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia; and Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska—but also find their Zen via “Mind, Body, and Spirit”-focused presentations.
Recognizing that even one day of assistance can make a difference, Crystal Cruises introduces a complimentary, participatory shore excursion program that enables its guests and crew to assist with charitable projects in destinations they visit during their cruise. Beginning in 2011, the line’s “You Care, We Care” initiative is designed to assist a local project and educate participants on local community needs, as well as enhance travelers’ personal growth and their intimate connection with a destination.
Three Star Michelin chef Heinz Beck, Master Chef Andre Soltner and colorful celebrity chef Jon Ashton are among the international culinary stars set for hands-on cooking classes and other savory presentations aboard Crystal Cruises’ 15th annual Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery series in 2011. Seven ultra-luxury cruises through South America, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera will spotlight the artistry, craftsmanship and practiced palettes of celebrated chefs, wine experts and mixologists. The worldwide roster also includes Alexis Kahn, wine director at L’Ecôle French Culinary Institute, and 2010 Bartender of the Year/”Green Mixologist” H. Joseph Ehrmann of San Francisco’s Elixir, renowned for its organic, locally-sourced ingredients.
To jump start New Year’s resolutions, best-selling fitness author and head trainer for “Dr. Phil’s Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge,” Robert Reames, along with guest specialists in Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi and even paddle tennis, will headline Crystal Symphony’s December 5 ultra-luxury Mind, Body & Spirit voyage. The Experience of Discovery cruise, with comprehensive wellness programming and complimentary instruction throughout, departs round-trip from Los Angeles for Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan.
This fall, Crystal guests can see what backstage life is like at the Monte Carlo Ballet, how the ponies live at St-Tropez’s Polo Club, view Mexico’s Sierra Madre mountains from a private plane and Copper Canyon by privately chartered rail, among other “private access” experiences. The ultra-luxury line is offering nearly 100 brand new Crystal Adventures with its fall itineraries, offering travelers distinctly new perspectives on the destinations.
Teens can learn to make sushi like a professional Nobu-trained chef, take a golf lesson with PGA pro instructors, and language classes with Berlitz educators on Crystal Cruises’ award-winning ships this summer. Renowned for Six-Star enrichment for adults, the luxury line offers younger guests opportunities to enhance their travel experiences with onboard programming that is sophisticated, entertaining, and complimentary.
Citing a surge in family and multigenerational travel, Crystal reports that, as of March 2010, it has nearly five times more family groups booked through its Crystal Family Memories program for this year versus 2009.
