New banner exemplifies the uniqueness of 17 themes - six of which are new
For 2009, Crystal Cruises is unveiling "Experiences of Discovery," an inspired collection of theme cruises designed to enrich more than two dozen Crystal cruises with a special-interest focus. Stylish and sophisticated, the newest of the theme topics are pegged to global events (think Wimbledon and Venice Film Festival) and the arts (like Emerging Artists and Fashion & Style). Special interest classes, events and, in most cases, a destination program will augment 25 cruises aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in Asia, Europe, Panama Canal and beyond.
Other new "Experiences of Discovery" showcase Photography, Ancient Civilizations, and Chance & Fortune, complementing Crystal's luxury casino. Also returning are Crystal's Wine & Food Festival (set for nine cruises); Mind, Body & Spirit; Jazz; Golf; Smithsonian Journeys; Film & Theater Festival; Cabaret at Sea; Big Band; Ballroom Dance; Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute; and President's and Holiday cruises.
"The 2009 'Experiences of Discovery' offer guests more in-depth exploration of topics about which they're passionate or simply curious," said Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing.
New for 2009 are:
new Fashion & Style - Fashion shows, themed dinners, cocktail parties, films, seminars, and shopping and design excursions celebrate Asian, Italian and French style.
* April 5; 15-day China and Japan; Beijing to Hong Kong; Crystal Serenity
* October 20; 12-day Mediterranean; Venice to Barcelona; Crystal Serenity
new Ancient Civilizations - Expert lectures and optional shore-side Crystal Adventures immerse guests in the history and culture of the Middle East and Holy Land.
* May 17; 14-day Red Sea; Dubai to Athens; Crystal Symphony
* October 8; 12-day Holy Land, Athens to Venice; Crystal Serenity
new Tennis - Tennis experts provide onboard instruction and insights in anticipation of one of the world's most prestigious tournaments - the Wimbledon Championships in London.
* June 19; 11-day Baltic; London to Stockholm; Crystal Symphony
new Emerging Artists - A new generation of rising international artists perform during summer European cruises.
* August 12; 11-day Northern Europe; Stockholm to London; Crystal Symphony
* July 28; 12-day Mediterranean; Venice to Athens; Crystal Serenity
* September 14; 12-day Mediterranean; Istanbul to Venice; Crystal Serenity
new Photography - Pros teach how to visually capture the magic of the Mediterranean, and another creative dimension to the digital photography classes offered through Crystal's Computer University@Sea.
* June 2; 12-day Mediterranean; Lisbon to Venice; Crystal Serenity
* November 1; 11-day Canary Islands; Barcelona to Lisbon; Crystal Serenity
new Chance & Fortune - Inspired by Tykhe, the Greek goddess of chance and fortune, Crystal's fall cruise to Greece brings on gaming pros to lead gambling classes and tournaments in slots, poker and specially-procured table games.
* September 26; 12-day Mediterranean; Venice to Athens; Crystal Serenity
Wine & Food Festival - World-renowned chefs and wine experts share their techniques and specialties at lectures, special menus and tastings both on board and ashore throughout the world.
* February 16; 14-day Panama Canal; Miami to Los Angeles; Crystal Symphony
* May 1; 16-day Southeast Asia; Singapore to Dubai; Crystal Symphony
* June 7; 12-day Mediterranean; Rome to London; Crystal Symphony
* July 25; 11-day Baltic; Stockholm to Copenhagen; Crystal Symphony
* November 10; 12-day Caribbean; New York to Miami; Crystal Symphony
* November 22; 13-day South America/Amazon; Miami to Manaus; Crystal Symphony
* March 1; 18-day World Cruise Segment; Sydney to Singapore; Crystal Serenity
* July 16; 12-day Mediterranean; Barcelona to Venice; Crystal Serenity
* August 9; 12-day Mediterranean; Athens to Barcelona; Crystal Serenity
Film & Theater Festival - In time for the Venice Film Festival, or en route to Hong Kong, guest film experts salute film and theater through lectures and onboard entertainment.
* March 9; 17-day Transpacific; Los Angeles to Hong Kong; Crystal Symphony
* August 21; 12-day Mediterranean; Barcelona to Venice; Crystal Serenity
Mind, Body & Spirit - In Asia and from the West Coast to the East Coast, expert instructors and speakers focus on wellness through yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and general fitness.
* March 27; 15-day China/Japan; Hong Kong to Beijing; Crystal Symphony
* May 7; 16-day Panama Canal; Los Angeles to Miami; Crystal Serenity
Golf - Qualified instructors and PGA pros give tips on improving guests' games, plus celebrity players discuss the PGA Tour. Shoreside, Crystal Adventures offer play at some of the world's most exclusive courses.
* April 20; 11-day Southeast Asia; Hong Kong to Singapore; Crystal Symphony
* August 23; 11-day British Isles; Roundtrip London; Crystal Symphony
* September 3; 14-day Transatlantic; London to Boston; Crystal Symphony
Ballroom Dance - Professional ballroom dance instructors and additional Ambassador Hosts lead daily classes and evening dancing, culminating in a friendly competition.
* · November 12; 10-day Transatlantic; Lisbon to Miami; Crystal Serenity
Big Band - Live daily Big Band performances, guest music lecturers, and additional Ambassador Hosts serve as dance partners on a swinging Transatlantic voyage.
* May 23; 10-day Transatlantic; Miami to Lisbon; Crystal Serenity
Jazz - Live performances and discussions about musical legends jazz up a fall Caribbean Thanksgiving cruise.
* November 22; 7-day Caribbean; Roundtrip Miami; Crystal Serenity
Cabaret at Sea - Comedy, song, and theater performances celebrate great composers aboard this Baltic summer sailing.
* June 30; 11-day Baltic; Stockholm to Copenhagen; Crystal Symphony
Smithsonian Journeys - Destination-specific lectures from the cultural and educational arm of the Smithsonian Institute.
* January 9; 16-day South America; Buenos Aires to Miami; Crystal Symphony
* October 19; 11-day New England/Canada; New York to Montréal; Crystal Symphony
* January 6; 15-day Panama Canal; Miami to Los Angeles; Crystal Serenity
Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute - Crystal's Creative Learning Institute offers expanded music, language and arts curriculum.
* January 21; 12-day World Cruise Segment; Los Angeles to Papeete; Crystal Serenity
* February 2; 14-day World Cruise Segment; Papeete to Auckland; Crystal Serenity
* February 17; 12-day World Cruise Segment; Auckland to Sydney; Crystal Serenity
* March 1; 18-day World Cruise Segment; Sydney to Singapore; Crystal Serenity
* March 19; 16-day World Cruise Segment; Singapore to Hong Kong; Crystal Serenity
* April 4; 12-day World Cruise Segment; Hong Kong to Yokohama; Crystal Serenity
* April 16; 22-day World Cruise Segment; Yokohama to Los Angeles; Crystal Serenity
* November 12; 10-day Transatlantic; Lisbon to Miami; Crystal Serenity
President's Cruise - Special receptions and activities on board and ashore are hosted by Crystal's President Gregg L. Michel and his wife, Adriana.
* October 30; 11-day New England/Canada; Montréal to New York; Crystal Symphony
Holiday - Special meals, events and décor create a festive atmosphere for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.
* November 22; 13-day South America/Amazon; Miami to Manaus; Crystal Symphony
* December 20; 19-day South America/Antarctica; Buenos Aires to Valparaíso; Crystal Symphony
* November 22; 7-day Caribbean; Roundtrip Miami; Crystal Serenity
* December 21; 14-day Caribbean; Roundtrip Miami; Crystal Serenity
"Experiences of Discovery" programs complement Crystal's exclusive ongoing Creative Learning Institute, which presents language classes through Berlitz, keyboard instruction through Yamaha, and an array of stimulating guest lecturers.
