Cruise News - Crystal Cruises - New Developments for 2012
February 01 - 2012 : Crystal Cruises Announces an "Ocean" of New Developments for 2012
Never one to rest on its laurels, Crystal Cruises is introducing “A Year of New Developments” for 2012. Each month, the ultra-luxury line is introducing new destinations, shore-side adventures and an array of new product enhancements that add even more choices in wining, dining, evening and daytime entertainment, enrichment and fitness.
From offering VIP service at the airport to easing check in, Crystal’s steadfast focus is on refining its guest vacation experience. New developments include:
DESIGN
• Extreme Ship Makeover: Major redesigns of Crystal Symphony’s Avenue Saloon, Palm Court lounge, Galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, and Fantasia and Waves “junior cruisers” areas are set for June, completing a 5-year plan of re-doing every space on board.
CULINARY EVOLUTION
• All-Inclusive: Crystal’s All-Inclusive segue this spring features quality spirits, fine wines, and champagne, with better-than-well brands such as Grey Goose, Belevedere, and Herradura serving as bases for fresh, mixologist-made cocktails.
• Chinese Comfort Food: With a new chef, new equipment, and authentic ingredients, this month Crystal Serenity’s Tastes café introduced a casual dinner-on-deck menu of traditional, Chinese steamed dumplings, noodles, soups, fried rice and vegetables.
• Late-Night Bistro: Shortly after going all-inclusive, Crystal’s hugely popular daytime bistro/central meeting place will transform into an evening café for small bites, desserts, and late-night snacks, accompanied by fine wines, champagne, and flavored coffee/hot drinks.
• Nobu Checks In: Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Crystal’s partner in Silk Road and the Sushi Bar specialty restaurants, comes aboard this May to Executive Chef in-person, with nightly restaurant appearances, cooking demonstrations, autograph sessions and special “Omakase” dinner, accompanied by his private Sake maker, Fumio Hazu.
NEW TO DO ON BOARD
• Local Insights: Planned for every European voyage, local experts and dignitaries will be invited on board for one-on-one interviews and regional insights on topics ranging from the area’s economy to its arts and culture. (Spring)
• Music Legends: Two brand-new evening productions will highlight the hits of legendary musical performers. (Late Spring/Summer)
• Magic Alliance: Crystal is preparing to team with a world-famous magic organization to bring aboard strolling magic shows and adult-geared classes. (June)
• Magical Kids: Magic Alliance-offshoot just for Junior Cruisers. (July)
• Local Entertainment: Destination-unique, accomplished local entertainers will perform aboard every European sailing, making it easy for guests to see whirling dervishes in Turkey or Irish step dancers in Dublin. (Spring)
• Interactive “Ocean Views”: Debuting with the World Cruise, Crystal’s popular discussion panel boasting high-level world affairs experts expands with interactive technology. Via individual electronic polling devices, audiences can join the debate instantly -- and anonymously. 2012 guests include James Carville, Mary Matalin, former Ambassador Marc Ginsberg, international economics expert Robert Warne, 4-star General Hugh Shelton, and geographer Dr. Harm de Blij, among others.
• iPad® and Facebook Classes: This month, Computer University@Sea adds multiple levels of iPad and Facebook classes to its wide spectrum of free computer-related education.
• Expanded Pilates/Yoga Classes: Dedicated Pilates & yoga instructors for expanded programs, including complimentary Pilates Reformer classes. (Crystal Serenity -- Pilates Reformer: Jan-Mar, May, Dec; Yoga: Jan-Mar, April) (Crystal Symphony -- Pilates Reformer: Jan, March, Sept, Oct; Yoga: Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec)
NEW TO DO ON LAND
Besides new experiences on board, Crystal is also introducing 20 maiden calls, new itineraries, multi-day overland adventures, pre- and post-cruise land packages and a wealth of new excursions within itineraries. For more about this take a look at the latest Prow's Edge blog about this at
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.
•