Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Crystal Cruises and thought it may
be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are
archived on my web site.
Best regards,
Ray
LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL
800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905
http://www.lighthousetravel.com
A Confluence of Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's on Crystal's Two
Luxuriously Festive 2005 Itineraries
Convenient Domestic Departures From Los Angeles or Ft. Lauderdale
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18
This holiday season, travelers will have the unusual opportunity to
celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's Eve on a single two-week
tropical cruise aboard the luxurious ships of Crystal Cruises.
Hanukkah dreidels, toy soldiers, Christmas trees, New Year's
noisemakers, menorahs, seasonal gifts and more come together for a
joyous celebration through either the Mexican Riviera or Caribbean.
"This year, a holiday vacation with Crystal is truly a wonderful gift
for extended families and friends of different faiths to share the
most joyous time of the year together," says Bill Smith, senior vice
president, sales and marketing. "With Hanukkah beginning on the eve of
December 25th and ending on New Year's Day, guests will have the rare
chance to celebrate their own traditions and at the same time share
other festivities in a decidedly joyful yet sophisticated ambience."
Round-trip from Los Angeles, the warmth of Mexico and the luxury of
Crystal Serenity beckon travelers to escape the home-based hustle of
the holidays on a Pacific Riviera itinerary departing December 21,
2005. The 14-day cruise journeys to San Diego, California; Cabo San
Lucas, Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta (overnight), Mazatlan
and La Paz, Mexico.
A 14-day Tropical Holiday voyage on Crystal Symphony travels
round-trip from Ft. Lauderdale on December 22, 2005, visiting Key
West, Florida; Aruba, Dutch West Indies; Curacao, Netherlands
Antilles; Barbados and St. Lucia, West Indies; St. Barts, French West
Indies; St. Thomas, USVI; and Nassau, Bahamas.
In keeping with Crystal's ultra-luxury vacation experience, $100,000
of seasonal decor -- such as handcrafted ornaments, ornate sleighs,
elaborate trees, twinkling menorahs -- will adorn each ship. Clergy
will be aboard to conduct a Christmas Eve Mass or a Protestant
Christmas Eve service, and a rabbi will travel with each ship to
conduct Hanukkah services. Junior activities staff will coordinate
youth events throughout. Rich seasonal foods are complemented by
low-fat, low-carb, sugar-free, vegetarian and other dietary selections
on every menu.
Holiday cruise highlights include:
Christmas Eve
* Traditional Christmas Eve Dinner of roasted young duckling
with
chestnut stuffing and caramelized raspberry sauce, among other
savory
specialties;
* Christmas tree lighting ceremony hosted by the Captain --
complete
with Christmas carols, cookies and hot chocolate;
* Holiday tunes in the Avenue Saloon piano bar;
* Gingerbread houses adorning the dining room, lounges and
Crystal
Penthouses; and,
* Holiday gifts for all guests.
Christmas Day
* Complimentary morning eggnog followed by a gala Christmas
luncheon;
* An afternoon arrival of Santa Claus bearing gifts for Junior
Cruisers;
* "A Christmas Carol" performed by Crystal's innovative
Repertory
Theatre at Sea troupe;
* An extravagant Christmas Day Dinner with roasted Maryland tom
turkey
with bourbon-pecan gravy, cranberry-mango chutney and orange
stuffing
or sugar-glazed ham with marsala wine sauce and other
traditional
trimmings;
* Holiday-themed films (throughout cruise), shown in the
Hollywood
Theatre, as well as other popular recent releases; and,
* In-stateroom television programming (throughout cruise) of
Christmas
classics for all ages.
Hanukkah or "The Festival of Lights" (December 25-January 1)
* Traditional and nostalgic festivities include the nightly
lighting of
the Menorah;
* Traditional fried foods such as potato latkes;
* A Hanukkah dinner with gefilte fish, home-made chicken soup
with matzo
balls, roasted kosher chicken and potato pancakes with all of
the
seasonal accompaniments;
* Hanukkah "gelt" chocolate coins for all ages; and
* Story-telling of Hanukkah traditions and singing of Hanukkah
folk
songs.
New Year's Eve
* An opulent, gala New Year's Dinner, followed by drinks and
dancing;
* A New Year's Eve live show; and,
* A festive New Year's Eve Countdown and balloon drop in the
elegant
two-story atrium.
New Year's Day
* Complimentary Bloody Mary parties; and,
* New Year's Day Brunch with champagne and mimosas.
The Award-winning Crystal Difference
Crystal has just received an unprecedented tenth consecutive "World's
Best" award from the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine, attesting
to the consistent excellence of its luxury travel experience. With an
emphasis on innovative product differentiation, Crystal is
distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices,
and quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of
land and sea.
The 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,080-guest,
68,000-ton Crystal Serenity are among the most spacious and luxurious
vessels cruising in the luxury market. Their unique size allows for
smooth sailing and a wide range of facilities, generous amenities and
elegant staterooms, most with private verandah. The liners feature
grand lounges, a lavish spa outfitted in accordance with the
principles of Feng Shui, extensive exercise facilities, complimentary
golf, yoga and Pilates instruction, Asian and Italian specialty
restaurants, Caesars Palace at SeaŽ casino, and the popular Computer
University@SeaŽ, offering 24-hour e-mail and internet access, as well
as hands-on instruction.
For reservations and additional information, please contact a travel
agent. |