all the dish that’s fit to print
never say never…
Always wanted to drive a fast car around cornices (the fancy name for those roads built along the ocean, usually cut into the cliffs), like James Bond? Crystal Cruises can make it happen. This spring and fall, Crystal’s European sailings are bringing guests even more unique shore excursions, ranging from cultural experiences to thrilling explorations.
Go ashore in Scotland to during a round-trip London sailing from August 25-September 5 (11 days) for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual performance at Edinburgh Castle full of guns, drums and bagpipes. But you won’t be just any attendee – you’ll be sampling Scotch whiskeys, enjoying a three-course dinner and watching from a private box.
Unlock the mysteries of Italian cooking while you cruise from Venice to Barcelona on May 25-June 6 (12 days) by stopping by the palace home of Countess Lelia Passi in Venice. Visit the bustling Rialto fruit market to become more familiar with local ingredients before arriving at Tiepolo Palace where the Countess will share secrets of the aristocratic culinary tradition as you prepare a delectable meal in any food-lover’s dream kitchen.
And for those with the extreme gene, there is an independent tour of the French Riviera from, you guessed it, behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Maserati. Simple as that. When you disembark at Cannes, your sports car will be ready for you at the pier. Take her for a spin and do your very best to observe the speed limits. This excursion is offered on the Venice to Barcelona on May 25-June 6 as well.
Never say never again!
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sea-sonal savings – mediterranean delight
Despite all the talk nowadays, doesn’t it seem like you can only find good ‘deals’ on the most average of rooms? Well, Crystal Cruises is standing out from the crowd of so-so savings and giving its guests honest-to-goodness bang for the buck. This May, guests onboard Crystal Serenity can save $3,000 on a 7-day sailing (Rome to Athens, May 11-18; Athens to Venice, May 18-25) ) or $6,000 on a 14-day sailing (Rome to Venice, May 11-25) when booking a Penthouse fare. Fares are per person, for double occupancy and must be booked by March 31st.
Ready for the math? Crystal’s 2-for-1 promotion this year brings the Penthouse fare from $20, 510 to $10,255, and on these particular voyages, the fare is knocked down an additional $1,500 per person reducing it to $8, 775 per person. To sweeten the deal even further, Crystal includes free Business class flights and $1,000 per couple worth of shipboard credits. It’s also possible to do these sailings back to back for a 14-day voyage, save $6,000 and get $2,000 in shipboard credits.
Here’s what a Penthouse fare always includes, on its own:
- 24-hour personal butler service
- Unpacking and repacking upon request
- Private verandah
- Jacuzzi tub and separate shower
- Complimentary wine and beer, choice of liquor upon embarkation, afternoon canapés and welcome champagne
- Complimentary pressing and shoe shine
- Order “in” from our specialty restaurants
Are you sold? We are. Now put in for those vacation days.
Click here for more details.
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turquoise in 2010
The Pantone Color Institute®, the acknowledged international standard-setter for color, has announced that turquoise is its color of the year for 2010, describing it as “an inviting, luminous hue.”
“In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”
Here is a list of our favorite turquoise fantasies: Dream away!
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
White sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, kaleidoscopic marine life, and flocks of brilliantly plumed tropical birds – no wonder Parrot Cay is where A-listers go to kick off their shoes and escape the world’s zoom lens.
The beautiful view from Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe
Nestled in the heart of the city, the Inn on the Alameda is the perfect location from which to discover Santa Fe, the city that is home to beautiful handcrafted Native American turquoise jewelry. Sip on the Inn’s signature drink- a turquoise margarita of course!- while you unwind in the tranquility of the 71 thoughtfully-designed rooms and suites, whose interior spaces, handcrafted finishes, graceful Pueblo-style architecture and authentic southwestern decor capture the timeless essence of New Mexico.
The turquoise margarita is Inn on the Alameda’s signature drink.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal’s signature turquoise seahorse logo is not the only shade of blue to see while cruising the world’s oceans. Escape to blissful tranquility, where gentle trade winds caress the senses and sandy beaches are wrapped in turquoise waters with Crystal’s Caribbean Voyages. Or set sail for the storied Mediterranean where turquoise is the color of the sea, the color in a brilliantly patterned rug in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, or the beautiful color of the sky over Santorini seen from your private verandah.
Crystal’s signature turquoise seahorses logo
Crystal has made the deal even sweeter with 2- for-1 pricing on all itineraries in 2010 as part of the line’s 20th Anniversary promotion. What’s more, free business class or economy air for most sailings, so you can have your cake and eat it, too!
The Maldives, Indian Ocean
Almost everything you see in The Maldives is turquoise, cerulean, and azure, and the three Anantara properties are no different! In the South Malé Atoll, neighboring properties Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli offer overwater suites and beachfront villas, so you can take in the views of the surrounding Indian Ocean. Or, check out Naladhu on its private island for the ultimate romantic experience with only 19 beach-facing villas. Lastly, never too early to plan for your upcoming summer vacation! If you find yourself headed to The Maldives, check out the soon-to-be-opened all-suites Anantara Kihavah on Kihavah Huravalhi, one of the most exclusive of all The Maldivian islands (opening July 2010).
Blue-sky view of the Indian Ocean from a room at the new Anantara Kihavah
Cocoa Island’s distant locale, intimate size, and striking surroundings (turquoise as far as the eye can see) impart a Robinson Crusoe feel to the atypical Maldivian getaway. Wake up to an empty horizon from your over-water bungalow at a small private resort designed for those seeking an easygoing, toes-in-the sand experience. The rich, warm turquoise waters and bountiful coral also promise some of the world’s best beaches, snorkeling and diving.
Ariel view of Cocoa Island in the Indian Ocean
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another top rating for crystal cruises
And the surveys say: Crystal Cruises is the favorite of readers worldwide! Not only an unprecedented 16th straight “best large ship line” from Travel + Leisure and a 14th straight “world’s best” from Conde Nast Traveler, but in the inaugural cruise survey by the esteemed Zagat’s readers, Crystal Cruises was their “favorite” among mid-sized ships. The ultra-luxury line was also the winner for Top Facilities and Top Activities.
See for yourself at www.crystalcruises.com.
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fall and winter travel deals
Didn’t have time for a summer vacation? Book a getaway for the fall or winter and take advantage of last-minute booking deals for the remainder of 2009. With the air getting chillier and the heat not yet turned on in New York City buildings, we think it’s a great time to explore Nantucket, Beaver Creek, or London (where the heat is on!), head south to the Riviera Maya and Turks & Caicos, or even east to Thailand. (more…)
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trips for the waist-conscious traveler…
There’s a new chill to the wind, with autumn just around the corner, but you can still work up a sweat with these three heart-pumping fitness programs from Crystal Cruises, Anantara Resorts & Spas and COMO Hotels.
Crystal Cruises: Illustrating its commitment to offering innovative wellness programs, luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is introducing Nordic Walking, fitness walking with lightweight poles, aboard its ships. Through an exclusive new partnership with LEKI USA, a leading manufacturer of skiing, trekking and Nordic Walking Poles, Crystal continues to break new ground in fitness options at sea. Specifically designed to engage the entire body, the Nordic Walking poles will be available complimentarily to guests aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity this October. Nordic Walking Poles specialist Rick Deutsch will be on board Crystal Serenity’s October 8 cruise from Athens to Venice, and Crystal Sympony’s October 19 cruise from New York to Montreal to teach the opening classes and train the ships’ fitness instructors, who will lead demonstrations on following voyages.
Anantara Madives: Surf’s up dude! Hang ten and conquer the wild waves with the Anantara Madives’ 5-star service ‘Ticket to Ride’ program. Anantara Resorts & Spas has partnered with the award winning Australian company Tropic Surf to offer an unforgettable experience for all – from beginners, to intermediate and advanced surfers. Your surf-pass entitles you to quite the package: two dhoni boat transfers per day to your designated surfing area, as well as expert guides, board valet, surf reports, movie and information nights, and more. The lessons are intimate, too – only eight surfers are permitted to book the program at any one time to ensure personal, one-on-one coaching and safe, un-crowded seas. Make sure to book in advance to save. Depending on which program you choose, costs can range from $175-$990 for prepaid bookings prior to your arrival, and from $195-$1,120 for payments at the resort.
COMO Hotels: COMO Hotels’ exclusive, luxurious, and life-changing yoga retreats are taught by top yogis in unbelievable settings. Judy Krupp, who led a retreat at Uma Paro in July, was the returning guru this year, joined by newcomers Elena Brower and Sarah Powers. The workshops provide nearly five hours of daily practice with the masters and are held at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, Parrot Cay in Bali, and Uma Paro in Bhutan. Students at all levels have unparalleled access to these yoga rock stars, as well as to the renowned COMO Shambhala Retreat spas. The weeklong programs include six nights accommodation, most meals, and airport transfers. Single occupancy rates start at $5,681 at Parrot Cay, $3,515 at The Estate, $4,668 at Uma Paro; and double occupancy rates begin at $8,669 at Parrot Cay, and $7,056 at Uma Paro. All three properties offer daily yoga classes, as do most other COMO Hotels including Cocoa Island in the Maldives, and Uma Ubud, also in Bali. Daily Pilates classes are also offered at COMO Shambhala Estate and Parrot Cay.
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alternative holidays
Not looking forward to packing the beach gear or the skis this holiday season?
These unconventional end-of-year getaways will scratch the travel itch. Rounded up here are cozy and kid-friendly locales for families, unique spots for adventurers and enriching destinations for those craving cultural stimuli.
Family Festivities
WHAT: Getaway to a Country Cottage
WHERE: National Trust Holiday Cottages – UK
WHY: Because a trip to the English countryside with a family membership in the Royal Oak Foundation to see old castles and gardens (for free!) could just be the best present for the Harry Potter-loving kids (or parents).
DETAILS, DETAILS: With over 360 cottages from which to choose, here are a few:
- Emley Farmhouse in Surrey sleeps up to 10 and has a traditional country kitchen, perfect for that big Christmas dinner. A three night stay starts at $740.35, a seven night stay, $1416.75.
- 89 Church Lawn in Wiltshire sleeps up to seven and has exclusive access to the National Trust’s stunning winter gardens. You can even go fishing in the beautiful lake. A three night stay starts at $590, a seven night stay, $1065.50.
- Abermydyr in Wales sits on the banks of the River Aeron and sleeps up to six. Brings the kids here for the Christmas food and craft fair at Llanerchaeron, a Trust protected gentry estate. A three night stay starts at $493.50, a seven night stay, $957.30.
WHAT: Swiss Family Reunion
WHERE: The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – Interlaken, Switzerland
WHY: Christmas dinners, a Children’s Party for New Year’s Eve, and Dad treating Mom to a Festive Foam Bath with winter aromas and champagne all conspire for festive fun.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Splash Hour at the pool, the Zurich Zoo and the St. Beatus caves will thrill the kids, and fitness classes, Turkish baths, and professional childcare will restore their parents’ sanity. Rates start at $877 per night for double occupancy.
Adventurers Only
WHAT: Arabian Eco-experience
WHERE: Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa – Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE
WHY: It feeds the craving for sun while heeding the call of the wild.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Home to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest Arabian wildlife conservancies, guests can go hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, take a game drive, or learn archery. Double occupancy rates start at $537 per night; book at least 30 days in advance to receive a 15% discount.
WHAT: Modern Day Pilgrimage
WHERE: Uma Paro – Bhutan
WHY: Because hiking to a Buddhist monastery sure beats waiting in line at a department store with frantic holiday shoppers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: One of its many active adventures includes a trek to Tiger’s Nest monastery, located in the sheer cliffs 2,700 feet above Paro Valley and a peaceful orchard picnic with spectacular views. For the month of December, double occupancy rates start at $330 per night.
WHAT: Chance to Step Foot on Antarctica
WHERE: Crystal Cruise’s Symphony departs from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile.
WHY: Due to an upcoming ban on cruise ships in the Antarctic Ocean, this will be Crystal’s final voyage to the area.
DETAILS, DETAILS: In addition to visiting amazing locales in South America, six thrill-seekers will take the rare overland trip to Antarctica to see remote villages, a petrified forest, and a penguin breeding ground. Rates start at $8,995, double occupancy.
Cultural Cravings
WHAT: Revelation in the Red City
WHERE: Royal Mansour Marrakech – Morocco
WHY: It will be impossible to miss the carolers when exploring Djemma El-fna, a square in the historical district of town known for having the best musicians, dancers and storytellers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: When in this city of cultural fusions be sure to visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the largest souk (traditional market) in Morocco to bargain for spices or clothing or tea pots. Riads start at €1,500 a night.
WHAT: Balinese New Beginning
WHERE: Uma Ubud – Bali
WHY: What better way to start the year then with the New Year package’s complimentary massage on the first day of 2010.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Guests will see the village decorated with traditional bamboo poles and banana leaves and enjoy a Balinese-inspired New Year’s Eve dinner, followed by a cocktail party with DJ at the pool bar. Rates start at $260 per night, double occupancy.
WHAT: A Resolution Well-Kept
WHERE: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand
WHY: Utilizing those new Thai cooking skills back home will keep the post-holiday gloom at bay.
DETAILS, DETAILS: The cooking lessons are just the beginning of the cultural immersion; at the Elephant Camp (part of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre), a 30-minute lesson will teach adventurers to drive an elephant. Rates start at $520, double occupancy.
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hiking, biking, and lobsters this fall on crystal cruises
With Crystal’s four New England and Canada itineraries leaving from three port cities (Boston, New York, and Montréal) this fall, it’s easier than ever to sail away, especially for folks on the eastern seaboard! Don’t miss out on exciting shore excursions to choose from, 18 of which are new for 2009 including: kayaking down the Saint John River in New Brunswick; hiking the Dickson Falls Trail; and, for literary buffs, visiting Avonlea, the recreated village of Anne of Green Gables on Prince Edward Island. What more incentive do you need to enjoy the fall foliage in Crystal style?
October 1-8, “Quaint Canadian Classics,” 7-day sailing from Boston to Montréal
- Calls in: Bar Harbor, ME; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Québec City, and Montréal.
- Fares for this Value Collection sailing begin at $2,575 per person, double occupancy.
Don’t miss these Crystal Adventures:
- A Victorian walking tour of Bar Harbor and a visit to historic St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church to view its ten Tiffany stained-glass windows;
- *NEW* hiking the Dickson Falls Trail to the Bay of Fundy for a picnic;
- Exploring Montmorency Falls, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, and the Island of Orleans near Québec City.
October 8-19, “Autumn Adventure,” 11-day sailing from Montréal to New York
- Calls in: Montréal (overnight); Québec City; Halifax; Saint John, New Brunswick; Bar Harbor; Boston (overnight), and Newport, RI.
- Fares: begin at $4,050 per person, double occupancy, and include a $500 per person As You Wish shipboard spending credit.
Don’t miss these Crystal Adventures:
- *NEW* A cooking lesson at Ateliers et Severs in Old Montréal for instruction on how to make a mojablito cocktail (mojito with maple syrup), wild Québec salmon tartar with cranberries, and mini Canadian croque-monsieurs with smoked bison;
- A visit to the iconic fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, a must-see for photographers and history buffs;
- Sea kayaking off the coast of Nova Scotia.
October 19-30, “Fall Jubilee,” 11-day sailing from New York to Montréal
- Calls in: Newport, RI; Boston (overnight); Bar Harbor; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax; Québec City; Montréal (overnight).
- Fares for this Smithsonian Journey-themed sailing begin at $3,675 per person, double occupancy, and include a $500 per person As You Wish shipboard spending credit.
Don’t miss these Crystal Adventures:
- Take the famous Cliff Walk along Narragansett Avenue in Newport to the historic Vanderbilt mansion, The Breaker’s;
- *NEW* A Boston pub crawl to three of the most historic taverns in the city – The Bell in Hand, Green Dragon, and The Point, and a visit to the Cheers bar recreation;
- An extreme jet boat ride across the Saint John River and Reversing Falls Rapids.
October 30-November 10, “New England Celebration,” 11-day President’s Cruise sailing from Montréal to New York
- Calls in: Montréal (overnight); Québec City; Charlottetown, PEI; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Boston (overnight); Newport, RI; New York (overnight).
- Fares: begin at $3,460 per person, double occupancy, and includes a $500 per person As You Wish shipboard spending credit.
Don’t miss these Crystal Adventures:
- *NEW* A fashion-forward tour of Montréal designers and houses, Mariouche Gagne of Harricana par Mariouche, Envers by Yves-Jean Lacasse, and Boutique Marie Saint Pierre;
- *NEW* A visit to the village which inspired Anne of Green Gables on Prince Edward Island;
- *NEW* Sailing on the famous, seventy-five foot wooden Tall Ship Mar from Halifax.
For more information on Crystal Cruises, please visit www.crystalcruises.com or call 888-799-4625.
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fall med sailings are twice as nice aboard crystal cruises
With 2-for-1 savings on six itineraries this fall and shipboard spending credits of up to $2,000 per couple, there is no better reason to book a Crystal Cruise! Check out the line-up of Fall itineraries:
September 14-26, “Hellenic Highlights,” Istanbul to Venice on Crystal Symphony
- Calls: Istanbul (overnight) and Kuşadasi, Turkey; Patmos, Athens, Monemvasia, Santorini, and Corfu, Greece; Dubrovnik, Croatia.
- Fares: begin at $5,075 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person As You Wish spending credit.
- Emerging Artists Theme: Performances by talented young artists from the Music Center of Los Angeles Spotlight Awards program. Click here for details.
September 26-October 8, 2009, “Adventures of Tycho,” Venice to Athens on Crystal Serenity
- Calls: Venice (overnight), Italy; Trogir, Croatia (maiden call); Corfu, Katakolon, Crete, Rhodes, and Mykonos, Greece; Kuşadasi, Turkey.
- Fares: begin at $4,700 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person As You Wish spending credit.
- Chance & Fortune Theme: Lectures by gaming historian and director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV, Dr. David G. Schwartz. Click here for details.
October 8-20, “Monumental Masterpieces,” Athens to Venice on Crystal Serenity
- Calls: Santorini, Rhodes, and Corfu, Greece; Ashdod, Israel; Alexandria (overnight), Egypt; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice (overnight), Italy.
- Fares: begin at $4,940 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person As You Wish spending credit.
- Ancient Civilizations Theme: Lectures on daily life in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Diana Preston, award-winning author and historian. Click here for details.
October 20-November 1, “Sun, Sea & Euro Style,” Venice to Barcelona on Crystal Serenity
- Calls: Venice (overnight), Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Sicily, Naples, Rome, Florence, Italy; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Barcelona (overnight), Spain.
- Fares: begin at $4,515 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person As You Wish spending credit.
- Fashion & Style Theme: Onboard fashion shows, fashion movies, documentaries, and one-on-one consultations from guest lecturers, Anna Wyckoff and Gayle Davis. Click here for details.
November 1-12, “Iberian Focus,” Barcelona to Lisbon on Crystal Serenity
- Calls: Barcelona (overnight), Málaga, Cádiz, Arrecife, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain; Casablanca, Morocco; Madeira, Portugal.
- Fares: begin at $4,080 per person, double occupancy, and include a $1,000 per person As You Wish spending credit.
- Photography Theme: Lectures by Theresa Airey, photographer and author of how-to digital photography books, as well as fellow of the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) and portrait photographer, Simon John. Click here for details.
November 12-22, “Atlantic Adventure,” Lisbon to Miami on Crystal Serenity
- Calls in: Ponta Delgada, The Azores and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos.
- Fares: begin at $3,165 per person, double occupancy, and include a $500 per person As You Wish spending credit.
- Ballroom Dancing Theme: Group instruction in ballroom dancing, dance competitions, and lectures by Janet Carlson, Town & Country Health and Beauty Director and author of Quick, Before the Music Stops: How Ballroom Dancing Saved My Life. Click here for more details.
For more information on Crystal Cruises, please visit www.crystalcruises.com or call 888-799-4625.
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green laundry
Crystal Cruise Ship
As part of Crystal Cruises’ “Crystal Clean” program that supports environmentally-friendly initiatives, the cruise line has outfitted all of its guest room closets with EcoHangers. Made from 100% recycled paper, EcoHangers are recyclable and a more environmentally sound alternative to conventional wire and plastic hangers. To take this “green” laundry practice a step further, the cruise line is using washable garment bags for laundry distribution, eliminating the use of more than 100,000 plastic bags on its ships per year.
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