Voted the “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine, Crystal Cruise lines has received one of the highest scores ever among ships large and small. With a motto like “If you can dream it, Crystal Cruises can make it happen!” no wonder Crystal Cruise Lines has so many devoted fans.
Based in Los Angeles, Crystal Cruise Lines parent company, Nippon Yusen Kaisha, sent their first ship to sea back in 1885. Today, Nippon Yusen Kaisha is headquartered in Tokyo and it is known as NYK Line. NYK line operates over 800 ships, and has offices all around the globe making it the world’s largest shipping company. Established in 1988, Crystal Cruise Lines currently operates two luxury ships including the 940-guest Crystal Symphony (launched in 1995) and the 1,080-guest Crystal Serenity (launched in 2003). Crystal’s first ship, Crystal Harmony launched in 1990 and was retired in 2005.
Crystal Symphony is a 50,000-ton, six-star vessel making it one of the most spacious cruise ships at sea. Crystal features a full-service fitness facility, Crystal casino and grand lounges, two crystal clear pools, Jacuzzi, 360° teak Promenade Deck, award-winning cuisine and entertainment and “elegantly appointed staterooms,� most with private verandahs. This luxury liner even features a Feng Shui-inspired spa at sea featuring exotic massages, facial therapies and energy boosting treatments.
The 68,000-ton, 1,080-guest six-star Crystal Serenity is Crystal Cruise Lines’ largest ship. Like it’s sister ship, this massive vessel maintains one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, so guests will never feel crowded. Serenity features the same amenities as Crystal—the lounges are just as elaborate and the spa is just as indulgent. However, Crystal Serenity also features several new dining venues including: Tastes, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar. The sushi restaurant serves the cuisine of acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Aboard the Serenity, guests can expect 85% verandah staterooms and 100 penthouse suites with verandahs.
Crystal Cruise Lines sails to Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera, and New England, Canada. Northern Europe, Panama Canal, South America, South Pacific and Trans-Ocean Crossings (ex. LA to Hong Kong).
Crystal Cruise Lines features themed cruises with names like “Mind, Body, Spirit,� to appeal to those looking for luxury and a spiritual journey. A typical “Mind, Body Spirit� cruise may take the passenger from Miami to Caldera. For those looking for luxury, a spiritual journey and a way to help the environment, Crystal Cruise Lines is also committed to the environment and preventing pollution. Guests and employees are required to adhere to Crystal Cruise Lines’ strict policies concerning the environment.
Typical cruises, themed or otherwise, may range anywhere from 10-18 days, more or less depending on preferences, destination, etc. In 2007, Crystal Cruise Lines offered the longest world cruise in its history — a 109-day voyage sailing to Carnaval in Rio, three days cruising Antarctica, three days in Dubai and Cape Town, and multiple African safari options.
Shore excursions run the gamut and may fall under “Crystal Adventures Shore Excursions,� “Crystal Private Adventures,� and “Extended Land Programs.�
Just a few Crystal Adventure Shore Excursions highlights include:
· A chartered plane to Dresden (from Warnemünde).
· An overnight journey to Berlin aboard the ICE (InterCityExpress) train (from Hamburg).
· Bicycling excursions in Amsterdam, Hamburg, Funchal and the South of France.
· A nine-mile trek through St. Emilion’s finest vineyards and estates in Bordeaux.
· MiG fighter jet flight over Moscow extended
· A speedboat adventure in the Baltic Sea (from Helsinki).
Crystal Cruises offers special Hotel Programs as well. To browse through all Crystal Cruise Lines has to offer or to book a Crystal Cruise visit the website. If you would like to speak to a Crystal Cruise Lines Expert Travel Agent, call 1-888-722-0021. While Crystal Cruise Lines caters to those who feel that money is no object, the line does have a few offerings in the way of specials and deals. Visit Crystal Cruise Lines new “Special Offers� section online.