Crystal Cruises is taking guests off the ship and through Beijing’s most historic and cultural sites for three nights next spring, as part of two new 2013 cruises to China. 

For the first time in four years, the all-inclusive Overland Adventure will be featured as a complimentary pre- and post-cruise package on two different luxury cruises, both sailing aboard Crystal Symphony for 10 days before and after the unique land trip:

•  An “All China” voyage, departing March 23, offering extended time in several of the country’s greatest cities, as follows: Hong Kong (overnight)-Xiamen-Shanghai (two nights)-Dalian-Beijing/Zingang. 

•  A “Pan-Asia” sailing, departing March 30, offering not just a taste of several Asian countries, but plenty of time in port, with several overnights, as follows: Beijing/Zingang-Dalian-Shanghai (overnight)-Pusan, S. Korea-Nakasaki-Kōbe, Japan (two nights).  Travelers can sail all the way to North America by also adding the following Kōbe-Vancouver voyage, through Russia and Alaska (Crystal’s only Alaska cruise in 2013), afterward.

“These cruises offer incredible itineraries for easily exploring a region that is fascinating, extremely vast, and growing very quickly in terms of travel popularity,” explains John Stoll, vice president of land and port operations.  “To also spend three nights and days immersed in one of the area’s greatest cities, with the benefit of still traveling in Crystal’s signature Six-Star style while on land, brings even more value and destination enrichment to these vacations.”

The Beijing land program provides in-depth exploration of the city and surrounding’s most popular landmarks — like Tiananmen Square, The Great Wall, Olympic Park, and The Forbidden City — as well as exclusive access to intimate cultural experiences – like a rickshaw tour through Beijing’s complex alleyways/hutongs and a spectacular dinner and performance at the government’s Great Hall of the People.  Throughout, Crystal provides expert guidance, enriching insight, luxury accommodations, traditional meals, transportation (including transfers between Beijing and the ship), porterage, gratuities, and English-speaking escorts.

Until October 31, all-inclusive “Book Now” fares for the voyages, with Beijing trip included, start at $4,620 and $4,400, for March 23 and 30’s cruises, respectively, with additional savings for combining “back-to-back” sailings.  The cruises are also available without the Beijing trip starting at $3,820 and $3,600, respectively.