Crystal Cruises has set a new course for its 14th annual 2009 World Cruise.
The award-winning Crystal Serenity will depart Los Angeles on January 21, 2009 for Mexico, the South Pacific, New Zealand, Eastern and Western Australia, Indonesia and Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska, British Columbia, San Francisco and back to Los Angeles. Blending new ports with a contrasting mix of cosmopolitan, unspoiled, ancient, modern and exotic locales, the epic 105-day journey will visit 46 destinations in 17 countries.
Significant for 2009:
· First time in seven years that Crystal Cruises’ World Cruise will begin and end in Los Angeles.
· Five maiden calls: Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Napier, New Zealand; Komodo, Indonesia; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Petropavlovsk, Russia.
· First time Crystal has called in Bali since 2000 and in Alaska since 2005.
· Overnight stays are scheduled in Auckland, Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Osaka and Yokohama, and two-night stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong.
· Travelers can add the Panama Canal cruises before and after for a 136-day voyage round-trip from Miami.
· Available in seven individual segments, for as few as 12 days.
“Each year we set out to create an unparalleled travel experience of exotic destinations, exclusive shoreside events and meaningful onboard enrichment in a seamless environment of personalized luxury,” says Gregg Michel, Crystal’s president. “Even the most discriminating travelers appreciate the attention to detail and extraordinary value of a Crystal World Cruise.”
Effective August 28, Crystal Cruises’ complete day-by-day World Cruise itinerary will be posted on its website, crystalcruises.com. World Cruise fares will be available on October 15, 2007, when the luxury line will begin accepting reservations. Full World Cruisers booked for 2008 will have the opportunity to book 2009 before it is open to the public. To date, the line has dozens of guests waitlisted for the 2009 World Cruise.
The Crystal Difference
With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, Crystal Serenity is distinguished by sophisticated style, classic service, abundant space, exceptional quality and extensive choices. At 68,000-tons, the 1,080-guest liner is among the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising in the luxury market. Her unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative dining opportunities (Nobu Matsuhisa and The Vintage Room specialty restaurants), inspiring learning opportunities, generous amenities, and elegant staterooms, most with private verandah.
The line enjoys a reputation for excellence, grounded in over a decade of prestigious accolades. Crystal Cruises was voted “World’s Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines, respectively, for 11 and 12 consecutive years – the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction. The luxury line’s spa was voted #1 in Condé Nast Traveler’s recent poll, outscoring most resort spas.
