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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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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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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don’t miss the boat on crystal cruises three-day 25% off sale
For three days only, July 8, 9 and 10, Crystal Cruises, the world’s highest rated luxury line, is offering 25% off of its already reduced fares for upcoming fall and winter itineraries on its two ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Savings apply to all categories of staterooms excluding penthouses.
In addition to 25% off, all cruises include at least a $500 per person spending credit, good towards virtually everything except casino gaming and cruise deposits.
The 25% savings is available on the following itineraries:
September 26 – October 8 “Adventures of Tycho“ 12-day sailing from Venice to Athens
With the net savings: fares begin at $4,088 per person, plus $1,000 per person spending credit
Ports of call include: Trogir (maiden call); Corfu; Katakolon; Crete; Rhodes; Mykonos; Kuşadasi.
November 10 – 22 “Caribbean Connoisseur“ 12-day sailing from New York to Miami
With the net savings: fares begin at $3,139 per person, plus $500 per person spending credit
Ports of call include: Bermuda; St. Maarten; Antigua; Curaçao; Grand Cayman.
November 12 – 22 “Atlantic Adventure“ 10-day sailing from Lisbon to Miami
With the net savings: fares begin at $2,655 per person, plus $500 per person spending credit
Ports of call include: Ponta Delgada and Grand Turk.
December 5 – 20 “South American Splendor“ 15-day sailing from Manaus to Buenos Aires
With the net savings: fares begin at $4,050 per person, plus $1,000 per person spending credit
Ports of call include: Boca de Valeria; Santarém; Rio de Janeiro; Montevideo.
December 10 – 21 “Coral Sunsets“ 11-day sailing from Caldera to Miami
With the net savings: fares begin at $2,381 per person, plus $500 per person spending credit
Ports of call include: Aruba; St. Barts; St. Maarten; Grand Turk.
As with every Crystal Cruises sailing, fares include:
- All meals, including Nobu’s Silk Road and Sushi Bar and Piero Selvaggio’s “Valentino at Prego”;
- All non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee and espresso drinks, bottled water, sodas, milkshakes, and teas;
- All onboard activities with the exception of spa treatments, personal services, casino expenses, and optional add-ons;
- In-port shuttle bus service from port to city center (where available);
- Airport transfers to and from ship on the specified air/sea dates for guests traveling.
Port taxes, security charges, and handling fees are additional. Gratuities are at the guest’s discretion.
For more information, please visit the line’s website at www.crystalcruises.com.
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… it’s good to be first
In celebration of Crystal Cruises 20th Anniversary in 2010, here is a list of the line’s twenty “firsts” that are making over the concept of luxury cruising:
2. EcoHangers
3. WALKVESTS® (Walk-On-Water program)
4. Vintage Room
5. Chef Nobu
8. MiG jet
10. Mixologist
11. Bhutan overland adventure
12. Cleveland Clinic
13. Creative Learning Institute
14. SeaMobileTM Cellular Service
15. UCLA Center for East-West Medicine partnership
16. Berlitz® language instruction
17. Yamaha keyboard lessons
18. TaylorMade® demos
19. Pillow menu
21. Certified cheese sommeliers
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björn-jour stockholm, farvel københavn!
Crystal Cruises is showcasing the best of the Baltic this summer with its 7-day cruise, “Northern Getaway,” aboard Crystal Symphony. Departing Copenhagen August 5 en route to Stockholm, Symphony calls in Tallinn, Estonia, spends three full days in St. Petersburg and overnights in Sweden’s capital. Experience the highlights of Nordic culture with Crystal Adventures, and tour a former Soviet prison in Tallinn, visit the Hermitage Museum and Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, or take a night hike through Bornsjön Nature Reserve outside of Stockholm.
As part of the Europe Celebration promotion, fares for this itinerary are reduced up to $750 per person depending on room category. In addition, guests will receive a $500 per person spending credit, good to use towards virtually anything on board! Fares start at $3,505 per person, double occupancy, and include port, security and handling charges. As with all Crystal Cruises, fares include all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, enrichment classes, transportation to city centers from most ports, Broadway-style productions, daily movies, afternoon teas, and much more.
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last call for…antarctica!
Take a load off this winter and let Crystal Cruises do all the work for the holiday season! Join Crystal Symphony’s “Antarctic Holiday” sailing, December 20 – January 8, and be among the last luxury cruisers to discover Antarctica on the line’s final voyage to the continent. A proposed ban by a subcommittee of the International Maritime Organization will prohibit ships carrying certain fuel oil to sail in Antarctic waters starting in 2011, so don’t delay! Crystal Symphony’s 19-day voyage departing from Buenos Aires en route to Valparaíso will make calls in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, in addition to sailing through the Chilean Fjords, around Cape Horn and Antarctica.
On this historic sailing, guests will have the opportunity to walk on King George Island, visit a humpback whale sanctuary, experience a King penguin colony, or trek through the Chilean Andes. Onboard, Crystal Symphony will be decked out in her holiday finest, with festive décor displayed throughout the ship. Holiday programming will include dinners, parties, and special entertainment on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and clergy will be onboard conducting religious services. To usher in the New Year, guests can celebrate in “Crystal Style” at a black-tie gala. Cruise fares start at $9,515 per person, double occupancy, which includes port, security, and handling charges.
For the ultra-adventurous (and those with a flexible work schedule!) the “Antarctic Holiday” cruise can be combined with three additional sailings on Crystal Symphony to create a 62-day itinerary roundtrip from Miami, which completely circumferences South America. Now that’s what they call a long haul! Guests opting for the 62-day voyage will enjoy a $3,000 per person spending credit to customize their sailing, good towards virtually everything onboard, as part of the All Inclusive – As You Wish program. Cruise fares for this 62-day sailing start at $21,620 per person, double occupancy, which includes port, security, and handling charges.
For additional information, please visit www.crystalcruises.com.
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tee time on the high seas
Don’t fore-get to pack your clubs! Luxury liner Crystal Cruises is going over the top with the upcoming British Isles sailing, “High Teas & Golf Tees,” August 23 to September 3. The 11-day itinerary – round trip from London – is a golfer’s dream, paying homage to some of the greatest courses on earth, including the King’s and Queen’s Courses at Gleneagles and Northern Ireland’s The Royal Belfast Golf Club, the oldest course in all of Ireland. Newer clubs on the junket include Carden Park Golf Club in Cheshire, Mount Juliet in Kilkenny, Ireland, and Druids Glen outside of Dublin. But there is more to this golf-themed cruise than what’s on the score card! Onboard, check out the specialty programming geared towards all things golf, including PGA golf pro instructions and TaylorMade demos. On every Crystal Cruises golf themed Experiences of Discovery sailing, guests will be hosted to a VIP Golfers welcome reception; receive welcome kits with scheduled golf events, balls, tees, course layouts, pars, hole lengths; invitation to join a friendly “Hole in One” challenge for a chance for a free cruise; transfer to and from each course; a 45-minute warm-up; refreshments, and complimentary storage and cleaning of clubs and shoes after play.
For the non-golfers, the extensive onboard programming will ensure that there is never a dull moment while the golfers are at bay, from lectures, fitness and wellness offerings, spa treatments, book clubs, dance lessons, and classes offered through Crystal’s ComputerUniversity@Sea. While ashore, pay a visit to the Guinness Storehouse or Old Jameson Distillery, or have lunch at the exquisite Waterford Castle after touring the crystal factory that bears its name.
Fares for this sailing begin at $5390, per person, double occupancy, and do not include the optional golf excursions. Guests will also receive the new All Inclusive – As You Wish $1,000 per person shipboard spending credit, good towards virtually anything, including the golf outings. For additional information on this itinerary, click here.
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