The New All-Inclusive Crystal (Crystal Serenity Part 2) – Viking Plans Six-Ship Ocean Fleet – Viking River Orders Ten More Longships

          THE CRUISE EXAMINER at Cybercruises.com

          by Kevin Griffin

     The Cruise Examiner for 10th December 2012

This week, The Cruise Examiner, having just disembarked from the Crystal Serenity in Barcelona yesterday, brings us Part 2 of his report on the new all-inclusive Crystal Cruises. Elsewhere, Viking attracted all the attention last week with an agreement from Viking Ocean Cruises to build two more 944-berth ocean cruise ships at Fincantieri, with an option for a further two. This could bring its new fleet of ocean cruisers to six ships by 2020. Sister line Viking River Cruises meanwhile surprised all with an order for a further ten new Viking Longship class river cruisers. These will be built by river cruise shipbuilder Neptun Werft, a 162-year-old Rostock shipyard that has built over 1,500 ships in its time, including a few U-Boats.

THIS WEEK’S STORY                                                       (See previous columns)

New Cruise Destination: The Coast of West Africa – Other Cruise News: Costa Takes Delivery of Costa Fascinosa and Names New CEO

          THE CRUISE EXAMINER at Cybercruises.com

          by Kevin Griffin

     The Cruise Examiner for 7th May 2012

The Ocean Princess departed Cape Town today for West Africa © Ian Shiffman

Today’s departure of Princess Cruises’ 688-berth Ocean Princess from Cape Town on a 28-night West African Adventure cruise brings attention to a new cruise destination that is slowly attracting more attention from international cruise lines. West Africa now attracts calls by Crystal Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, G Adventures, Noble Caledonia, Phoenix Reisen, Princess Cruises, Saga, Silversea Cruises, Travel Dynamics International and Variety Cruises, to name just some of the more obvious. Among these, Fred. Olsen is a newcomer, and will be making regular calls next winter with its 930-berth Braemar, while Saga will have three of its ships on the coast over the next year and Travel Dynamics International is bringing in a larger vessel with the 100-berth Corinthian. Meanwhile, as Costa Cruises takes delivery of its newest ship, the 3,016-berth Costa Fascinosa, it announces some changes to its safety regime as well as the appointment of Michael Thamm as new ceo of the Costa Cruises Group.

THIS WEEK’S STORY                                          (See previous columns)

All-Inclusive Finally Comes To The Superb Ships Of Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises has now officially begun its transition to an all-quality All Inclusive line. Starting with Crystal Symphony’s Miami to Lisbon Transatlantic voyage this Monday, passengers now enjoy a generous and impressive selection of complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, as well as open bar service in all lounges and prepaid gratuities for all housekeeping, butler, bar and dining staff.  Crystal Serenity follows suit with her spring Transatlantic sailing on May 8.

To satisfy the most discerning palate, Crystal’s inclusive spirits feature superior brands such as Grey Goose, Maker’s Mark, Macallan Select, Hennessy VSOP and Herradura Silver.

Wines and champagnes include high-end vintages from both boutique makers and big-name wineries, including Castello di Bolgheri Varvára, Chateau Macquin St. Emilion, Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva, St Michael-Eppan Sauvignon Blanc Lahn, Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay and Edge Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2008, as well as the champagne Jacquart Brut Mosaique, Reims.

Restaurants offer recommended pairings nightly, and sommeliers certified by the Court of Master Sommelier remain on hand to assist with wine selections. In addition, there is no longer a corkage fee on board if one wishes to enjoy wine purchased on shore.

An optional Connoisseur menu features award-winning, renowned and/or rare vintages, select single malt whiskeys and other aged spirits at reasonable in-store prices, as opposed to traditional upmarket restaurant and hotel rates. Vintage Room experiences tap into Crystal’s extensive wine cellar. Silver and Gold Connoisseur Packages of four and six fine wines respectively are also available as on-board gifts.

“Our all-inclusive offers a luxuriously comfortable guest experience that focuses, as always, on incredible quality and impeccable execution,” says Philip Ordever, vice president of international sales & marketing. “This all-inclusive transition further enhances the extraordinary ease and value of a Crystal holiday.”

Until April 30, “Book Now” fares start from £2,290 person double occupancy for a 12-night Transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to Miami departing December 9th on board Crystal Serenity.

Crystal’s reputation for taking care of guests in an extraordinary environment of inviting spaces, quality and choice has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history.

For further details on any Crystal cruise please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

The Best of World Cruises for 2013 and 2014

Crystal Serenity spends 17 nights in port on 89-night 2014 world cruise

The upmarket lines have recently announced their intentions for 2013 World Cruises and it may be worth a look at some of their itineraries.While Crystal Cruises will dispense with its world cruise in Crystal Serenity in 2013, it will instead substitute a 74-night circumnavigation of South America, departing Miami on January 16, 2013, but the world cruise will be reinstated in 2014. Seabourn and Silversea, meanwhile, will still be offering 2013 world cruises in Seabourn Quest and Silver Whisper.

Crystal Serenity will now proceed on an 89-night world cruise in 2014, departing Los Angeles on January 18 and finishing in Southampton on April 18. Major ports include Yokohama, Hong Kong, Singapore and Cape Town, with two or three night stays at each of these, as well as two nights at Ho Chi Minh City. As well, there will be overnight stays at each of Honolulu, Osaka, Shanghai, Hanoi and Bangkok.

Under Crystal Cruises’ new all-inclusive plan the line will also be offering free flights, fine wines, premium spirits, alternative dining at Silk Road, the Sushi Bar and Prego, as well as prepaid gratuities. And champagne will be served free with lunch on boarding days. This rather modified world cruise will visit 32 ports in 19 countries and include 17 overnight port stays, giving the opportunity for more detailed exploration, instead of rushing on. The 1,070-guest Crystal Serenity achieved 1717 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships.

Seabourn, meanwhile, is offering a 116-night voyage in Seabourn Quest from Fort Lauderdale to Venice, departing on January 6, 2013. Ports of call will include three Caribbean islands, the Panama Canal, nine South Pacific islands, half a dozen calls in Australia and its islands, four calls in Indonesia, Hong Kong, two calls in Vietnam, one in Cambodia, two in Thailand, two in India, ten in the Middle East including Ashdod and Haifa, two calls in Turkey, plus Corfu and Dubrovnik before reaching Venice.

Full cruise amenities include round trip Club Class flights, or air credit, pre-cruise Gala Bon Voyage event and overnight stay in Fort Lauderdale, drinks on board, prepaid gratuities and shipboard credits. On Seabourn, all dining venues are also complimentary. And with just 450 guests, the ship offers a more intimate experience.  Seabourn Quest was awarded 1787 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide.

Silversea’s offer is a 115-day world cruise from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale on board Silver Whisper, departing January 5, 2013. This cruise will cross the Equator four times, visit New Zealand and Australia and offering overnight stays in Tahiti, Fremantle, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, Cochin, Cape Town and Walvis Bay, but no two- or three-night stays like Crystal. This cruise will visit 52 ports in 28 countries and includes nine overnight stays. Full world cruise guests will receive a complimentary Bon Voyage Gala and overnight stay at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles and fares will include free flights and transfers, or air credits, all-inclusive on-board package, prepaid gratuities and shipboard credits. The 388-guest Silver Whisper scored 1753 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide.

On the other hand, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager is offering a “build your own” world cruise this year with a marathon 210-night voyage leaving Bareclona next Monday and working her way out to Auckland and back as far as Copenhagen on June 25. While this is not a world cruise, twenty-three different sectors are available The 708-guest Seven Seas Voyager scored 1654 points in the 2012 Berlitz Guide.

Steven Stern, in his Stern’s Guide to the Cruise Vacation, gives all four of these ships a full Six-Stars-Plus rating. For the best advice and fares on any of these ships please contact Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk

Crystal Cruises Goes All-Inclusive – And: Save up to £2,523 Per Couple on Selected 2012 Sailings

Crystal Cruises Goes All-Inclusive: In the spring of 2012, holidays on the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will become All-Inclusive and in addition to the already-included complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, we will also include complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar service in all lounges, and prepaid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.

 Make a 2012 booking with Crystal Cruises by 31 October 2011 and you can enjoy additional Book Now Savings– as much as £2,523 per couple in fare reductions – on selected sailings.

Cruise	UK Departure	Nights	Itinerary	Fares from (per person)
2207	18 March 2012	11	From Miami to Lisbon	£1,862
2209	8 April 2012	7	From Barcelona to Rome	£1,766
2309	24 May 2012	12	From Dover to Rome	£3,005
2311	12 June 2012	7	From Athens to Venice	£2,313
2316	6 August 2012	7	From Rome to Venice	£2,519

For more information or to make a booking, please contact Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk.

Fares are per person based on double occupancy in the accommodation grade shown and includes return economy flights from London, port taxes and overseas transfers. Fares are only valid until 31 October 2011 – after this date they may change. Crystal Cruises will become all inclusive from the first Trans-Atlantic crossing on each ship – Cruise 2207 on Crystal Symphony and Cruise 2308 on Crystal Serenity. All offers, fares and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time

Crystal Cruises ‘Ticks All The Right Boxes’ For Multi-Generational Families

Crystal Cruises’ ultra-luxurious Five-Star Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will go all-inclusive in 2012.

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Crystal Cruises is developing a reputation as the multi-generational family cruise line of choice for well-heeled travellers, a trend observed by Kevin Griffin, Managing Director of The Cruise People – the London based agent specializing in ultra-luxury brands – who has had some interesting large international family group bookings over the last 12-months. And, with the recent introduction of Crystal’s ‘Family Memories’ program, they are offering tremendous value too with benefits such as prepaid gratuities and ship board credits for groups of six or more and a free berth if a group of ten travel together.

“These multi-generational groups can be anywhere between six and 16 family members travelling together, spanning up to three generations from 20s to 60s, and travelling from as far as Israel and Singapore,” says Kevin Griffin. “The casinos onboard the Crystal ships are certainly a draw for the Oriental and Middle East families, as is the specialist cuisine such as kosher-style dining, which is very popular with our Jewish families.”

Crystal Cruises ‘ticks all the boxes’ for these extended families with their exceptional quality and choice of entertainment, spa and fitness facilities, activities and enrichment opportunities offered aboard their two luxury vessels. Crystal Symphony (51,044 ton) and Crystal Serenity (68,700 ton) carry 922 and 1070 passengers respectively, more passengers than Crystal Cruises’ competitor small-ship luxury lines, yet their size is a huge positive in terms of scope for onboard activities.

From elegant afternoon teas and traditional paddle tennis, to discovering a flair for languages at the innovative Creative Learning Institute, joining the exclusive Walk-On-Water WOW? programme or indulging in exotic spa therapies, Crystal Cruises offer their guests a huge range of choices to fill both days and nights. Hence the attraction for the large family groups, spreading across three generations in some cases and with ages ranging from 25 to 65 (and more), as there’s plenty onboard to keep the whole family happy.

Further features of the ships’ size are the guest-to-space and guest-to-staff ratio, among the highest in the industry. The service onboard is flawless and the choice of international cuisine is superb. Kosher-style dining is offered onboard both vessels, “traditional cuisine was a particular highlight for our Jewish family, whilst the sushi from world-class chef Nobu Matsuhisa is a great reason for our Oriental families to book this product,” says Kevin Griffin.

Crystal was the first luxury line to make a significant commitment to attracting families by upgrading children’s onboard facilities and activities. They cater for younger families with a fully supervised program for kids between the ages of 3 and 17, although The Cruise People’s family groups are mostly jet-setting adults.

To date, The Cruise People’s large adult family bookings have typically come from cultures where strong families are traditional. “However there’s no reason that this principal should not be applied to other international families,” says Kevin Griffin, “where clients who live in different countries could use a cruise to get together for family events and celebrations.”

Crystal Family Memories Program

For family or friends travelling together or celebrating an important occasion such as a silver wedding anniversary or big birthday, ‘Crystal Family Memories’ offer even more reason to celebrate. For every six guests who book and pay in full on any 2011 cruise, Crystal Cruises will provide pre-paid gratuities, shipboard credits of US$100 per person and more. And, if the group consists of ten full-fare guests, they will also receive one free berth!

For further details call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk

A Day in the Life of Crystal Serenity, 1st October 2010

A Day in the Life of the Crystal Serenity

0730 Stewardess wake-up call followed by an in-room breakfast of miso soup and grilled salmon with vegetables and Japanese condiments as the Crystal Serenity anchors off Portovenere at 0800

0830 Board tenders for a quick walk around Portovenere prior to boarding our coach at 0900 for a full-day excursion to the Cinque Terre, starting with a quick tour of the west side of the Gulf of La Spezia en route to the Cinque Terre.

1000 Arrive at the second village of Manarola and walk down into the town. These five towns, which are mostly located at the bottom of cliffs and high rocky hills, had no highway access until 1960, so other than for certain government and special delivery vehicles, one walks down into the town from hilltop parking lots. And although each town also has a railway station these were not opened until about 1925.

1045 We walk the cliffside promenade, called Via del Amore to the first village of Riomaggiore, where we arrive at 1100 for an independent tour of the town, its little harbour and castle. In the meantime, our guide, Fulvia, manages to perform magic when she gets permission from her bosses to change the whole itinerary of our tour from what might have been a somewhat boring return trip by rail to La Spezia for a coach transfer back to Portvenere. Instead, we will all return by boat along the Cinque Terre coast. This is the kind of guide that Crystal hires (complete with her little miniature pincher dog). Her father had been a naval officer and she lives on the other side of the Gulf of La Spezia.

1212 We catch the train from Riomaggiore for a 25-minute ride to the northernmost Cinque Terre town of Monterosso and then walk south from the railway station toward old Monterosso (there is a newer town to the north that has sprung up since the railway arrived from Genoa and Rapallo to the north in 1879..

1300 Lunch at Monterosso’s Enoteca Internazionale consists of tomato, arugala and Parmesan bruschetta with a couple of glasses of Cinque Terre’s renowned white wine, produced from grapes that are grown on 4,000 miles of terraces arranged along the cliffs and hillsides of this six-mile coast. We decide to acquire a couple of bottles to take back to the ship. For those who wish, lunch is followed by a brief guided tour of the old town of Monterosso.

1500 Thanks to Fulvia’s persuasiveness, we catch the coastal ferry back to Portovenere, passing en route all the Cinque Terre towns of Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, none of which we call at today because the seas are slightly rough (in fact we had originally booked to tour the Cinque Terre by boat but the tour had been cancelled because of sea conditions)

1600 After an hour’s boat trip along the sunny coast we arrive back at Portovenere for the 1605 tender back to the ship. Back on board for 1615, by 1630 we are enjoying an ice cream on the lido deck of Crystal Serenity.

1700 Back at our deluxe stateroom with verandah for half an hour checking emails and bank balances on my notebook, connected to Crystal’s satellite internet service. Through Crystal’s University at Sea one can connect in the privacy of one’s stateroom as well as from the internet centre. After this, we enjoy a glass of Cinque Terre white wine on our private verandah.

1945 Captain’s cocktail party in the Palm Court. But having made 8 pm reservations at one of the ship’s alternate restaurants that evening (Prego for Continental fare and Silk Road for Asian), we make our excuses and leave the cocktail party early for dinner.

2000 Dinner at the Nobu alternative restaurant, Silk Road. Both here and at Prego one need only pay an additional gratuity of $7 per head, as opposed to the $20/25 charges made y some of the more mainstream lines. That evening we enjoy a tasty lobster roll followed by spicy seafood soup, Oriental mushroom salad and Nobu’s very special lobster entree. xx.

2130 After dinner we adjourn to the Avenue Saloon on 6 deck aft, where drinks are accompanied by a pianist. However, we quickly move to the Crystal Cove, where an all-female string quartet from Odessa is providing the after-dinner entertainment..

2230 After a full day we adjourn to our private balcony for some more of that marvelous Cinque Terre wine and prepare for tomorrow in Livorno, the port for Florence. But that is another day.

Call Gay Scruton on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk for further details on any Crystal cruise. And remember, Crystal Cruises goes all-inclusve after the first Transatlantic crossing of the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Crystal Cruises ‘Ticks All The Right Boxes’ For Multi-Generational Families

Crystal Cruises’ ultra-luxurious Five-Star Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will go all-inclusive in 2012.

---

Crystal Cruises is developing a reputation as the multi-generational family cruise line of choice for well-heeled travellers, a trend observed by Kevin Griffin, Managing Director of The Cruise People – the London based agent specializing in ultra-luxury brands – who has had some interesting large international family group bookings over the last 12-months. And, with the recent introduction of Crystal’s ‘Family Memories’ program, they are offering tremendous value too with benefits such as prepaid gratuities and ship board credits for groups of six or more and a free berth if a group of ten travel together.

“These multi-generational groups can be anywhere between six and 16 family members travelling together, spanning up to three generations from 20s to 60s, and travelling from as far as Israel and Singapore,” says Kevin Griffin. “The casinos onboard the Crystal ships are certainly a draw for the Oriental and Middle East families, as is the specialist cuisine such as kosher-style dining, which is very popular with our Jewish families.”

Crystal Cruises ‘ticks all the boxes’ for these extended families with their exceptional quality and choice of entertainment, spa and fitness facilities, activities and enrichment opportunities offered aboard their two luxury vessels. Crystal Symphony (51,044 ton) and Crystal Serenity (68,700 ton) carry 922 and 1070 passengers respectively, more passengers than Crystal Cruises’ competitor small-ship luxury lines, yet their size is a huge positive in terms of scope for onboard activities.

From elegant afternoon teas and traditional paddle tennis, to discovering a flair for languages at the innovative Creative Learning Institute, joining the exclusive Walk-On-Water WOW? programme or indulging in exotic spa therapies, Crystal Cruises offer their guests a huge range of choices to fill both days and nights. Hence the attraction for the large family groups, spreading across three generations in some cases and with ages ranging from 25 to 65 (and more), as there’s plenty onboard to keep the whole family happy.

Further features of the ships’ size are the guest-to-space and guest-to-staff ratio, among the highest in the industry. The service onboard is flawless and the choice of international cuisine is superb. Kosher-style dining is offered onboard both vessels, “traditional cuisine was a particular highlight for our Jewish family, whilst the sushi from world-class chef Nobu Matsuhisa is a great reason for our Oriental families to book this product,” says Kevin Griffin.

Crystal was the first luxury line to make a significant commitment to attracting families by upgrading children’s onboard facilities and activities. They cater for younger families with a fully supervised program for kids between the ages of 3 and 17, although The Cruise People’s family groups are mostly jet-setting adults.

To date, The Cruise People’s large adult family bookings have typically come from cultures where strong families are traditional. “However there’s no reason that this principal should not be applied to other international families,” says Kevin Griffin, “where clients who live in different countries could use a cruise to get together for family events and celebrations.”

Crystal Family Memories Program

For family or friends travelling together or celebrating an important occasion such as a silver wedding anniversary or big birthday, ‘Crystal Family Memories’ offer even more reason to celebrate. For every six guests who book and pay in full on any 2011 cruise, Crystal Cruises will provide pre-paid gratuities, shipboard credits of US$100 per person and more. And, if the group consists of ten full-fare guests, they will also receive one free berth!

For further details please call Gay Scruton at The Cruise People Ltd in London on 020 7723 2450 or e-mail cruise@cruisepeople.co.uk