Due to popular demand, Crystal Cruises is offering luxury travelers more opportunities to explore California’s coastal cities with two additional Pacific Coast voyages added to the fall 2011 calendar. Conveniently sailing round-trip from Los Angeles aboard Crystal Symphony, the seven-day “Coastal Escape” and “Pacific Sunsets” cruises feature Crystal’s first ever itineraries with overnight stays in San Francisco, plus visits to Santa Barbara, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.
Departing November 20 and December 4, 2011, the voyages both offer $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits, in addition to free air transportation from a host of North American gateways and Two-for-One cruise fares. With a new promotion, children under 17 can sail free with two adults in the same stateroom on the November 20 Thanksgiving cruise. With a Two-for-One promotion (including air and credits), per person fares for the new fall Pacific Coast cruises start at $2,650, double occupancy.
With its return to cruising Alaska for the first time since 2005, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises announces Experiences of Discovery options designed to entertain and inspire. In addition to wellness programming for the mind and body, and creative culinary offerings, seven 12-day itineraries sailing round-trip from San Francisco will feature a performing arts focus, with an expanded series of Emerging Artists cruises.
Emerging Artists – Through Crystal’s exclusive partnership with The Music Center, Los Angeles, the brightest upcoming stars and finalists in the center’s annual Spotlight Awards will perform in various musical realms including classical voice, piano, dance and others. (May 21; June 2, 14, 26; July 8, 20; and August 1)
Mind, Body & Spirit – Guest fitness experts explore wellness through presentation on general health and complimentary classes in Tai Chi, Pilates, yoga and other specialties. (May 9)
Wine & Food – Crystal’s popular culinary-themed voyage features cooking demos and hands-on instruction from guest chefs, wine tasting with sommeliers and guest experts, plus specially prepared menus. (August 13)
“In addition to the spectacular itineraries and destinations, Crystal’s 2011 Alaska cruises offer guests stimulating, enriching presentations and performances from top talents in their respective fields,” says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment.
The 12-day Alaska voyages visit Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia; Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, with eight itineraries cruising Glacier Bay (the June 2 voyage visits Hubbard Glacier). For bookings by September 30, Two-for-One cruise fares begin at $4,650 per person, double occupancy, with $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits, and complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways.
This week Patricia tells us why Labor Day is the perfect holiday (via old Bartles and James ads), and we also share with you some of our resources for tracking hurricanes.
In the news this week-
Crystal tells us what their holiday plans are, Queen Elizabeth will name Queen Elizabeth, and Carnival moves some ships around.
Word is also starting to trickle out about some of the things coming to Allure of The Seas including what could be a fun rivalry between Allure and her sister ship Oasis of The Seas.
In case you missed it, here are the links to the storm tracking sites we spoke about on the show-
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center – http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Stormpulse – http://www.stormpulse.com/
Sailwx – http://sailwx.info/
In its traditional six-star style, Crystal Cruises is introducing extravagantly redesigned décor aboard its two award-winning ships this holiday season. With each ship boasting distinctly different themes, thousands of glittering lights, ribbon-wrapped wreaths, reindeer in faux mink swags, candy canes, crystal ornaments – even feathers – will adorn Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity for the 2010 Christmas/New Year cruises. Respectively, the vessels sail round-trip from Los Angeles on a December 22 voyage to the Hawaiian Islands and round-trip from Miami on a December 21 Caribbean itinerary.
Crystal Symphony will sport a sophisticated palette, beginning with three heralding angels, complete with lushly feathered wings and golden trumpets, overlooking the Crystal Plaza. In the Bistro, an Eiffel Tower Christmas tree with apropos coffee-themed ornaments will be lit from within, while golden- and white-feathered trees are set throughout the Avenue of the Stars and Crystal Cove.
Suiting Crystal Serenity’s Caribbean destinations, tropically dressed penguins and polar bears will serve as Santa’s helpers in the Palm Court lobby, with snowflakes and lighted icicles at virtually every turn. The Stardust lounge will become Santa’s workshop, and a chic, cocktail-themed tree will hang upside-down in Pulse nightclub, while Silk Road and The Sushi Bar display chopstick-laden trees.
Christmas brings traditional feasts, eggnog and holiday shows, while a black-tie New Year’s Eve party rings in the New Year. Clergy will be on board for religious services.
Both 14-day sailings include $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits.
With promotional Two-for-One fares, Crystal Serenity’s Caribbean cruise starts at $7,995 per person, double occupancy. Guests booking by September 30 save $1,000 per person savings on verandah and penthouse accommodations, and kids age 17 and under sail free in a third berth with two full-fare adults. Crystal Symphony’s Hawaiian voyage starts at $6,395 per person, double occupancy.
So you know those times when you have these great plans ready to put right into action – only nothing goes like you expected and instead your plans completely fall apart?
Well, that was what happened with the last few weeks… We had a grand plan to record shows and check out some new ships – and everything fell apart. But we’re back with a new show now and aren’t expecting any interruptions for a while… So there’s that…
What we talked about this week:
Cruise West introduced a “free-flowing” itinerary, while Celebrity continues embracing technology. Crystal is revising it’s 2011 West Coast plans. Royal Caribbean is testing a “new” extended stay program in Fort Lauderdale – but is it really all that new?
Shopping on Queen Elizabeth will be decidedly British, and work continues on Seabourn Quest. Princess looks after their Australian passengers on Dawn Princess, and once again we bring you a story of passengers behaving badly…
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