Crystal Cruises 2009

Crystal Recently Announced “All Inclusive – As You Wish“  Europe Promotion

In conjunction with its Celebration Fares, Crystal Cruises is announced its most dramatic promotion for Europe 2009: a $2,000 per couple or $1,000 per person – shipboard spending credit for discerning travelers who want to design their own vacation experience.

The generous “All Inclusive – As You Wish” spending credit can be used toward:

* Any Crystal Adventure shore excursion
* Any spa treatment
* Any wine
* Any cocktail
* Any boutique purchase
* Any gratuities
* Any Vintage Room experience
* And anything else on board except Casino gaming.

The $2,000 per couple spending credit is available with:

* Every Mediterranean cruise aboard Crystal Serenity in July through November
* All 11-day Baltic and British Isles cruises aboard Crystal Symphony between June 19 and August 23, and
* Crystal Symphony’s Northern Europe Transatlantic cruise from London to Boston

Guests on Crystal’s seven-day Baltic cruise departing August 5 will enjoy a $1,000 per couple, or $500 per person, spending credit. In all, there are 17 Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises eligible for the “All Inclusive – As You Wish” promotion.

Europe Celebration Fares

In addition to the custom onboard spending bank, Crystal Cruises is celebrating its 15 years as the highest rated cruise line with European Celebration Fares. The luxury line is offering up to $1,500 per person off most European cruises. Celebrating value, Crystal’s European fares for 2009 are lower than comparable cruises in 2008.

Save Now, Save Later – until March 31, 2009!

Travelers sailing on any 2009 Europe, Transatlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise can enjoy 20 percent savings on almost every cruise in every category in 2010. The 2009 cruise must be booked by March 31, 2009, and the 2010 cruise must be booked by November 30, 2009.  Crystal Assurance Plan features Price Protection.

If someone books a 2009 Crystal cruise and the fare for that stateroom category is later reduced, the guest will be protected at the reduced fare. Additionally, in 2009 Crystal reduced cruise fare deposits – as low as 5% – deadlines and cancellation periods.

The Crystal Difference

Aboard the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality, providing worldwide vacations of seven to 100+ days that bridge the best of land and sea. Grounded in more than a decade of accolades, Crystal has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history.

Ensemble Grand Journeys

Ensemble announced it would have their first-ever charter program. The 10 day luxury Caribbean vacation will be aboard the Seven Seas Navigator, sailing round trip from Ft. Lauderdale, January 12 – 23, 2010. 

Take part in the first voyage from Ensembles Grand Journeys and experience the seclusion and beauty of 6 exclusive Caribbean islands – including St. Martin, British Virgin Islands (Spanish Town), St. Barthelemy, Cayo Lavantado (Dominican Republic), St. Croix, and Turks and Caicos. Ten days of memories will last you a lifetime on a 6-star luxury liner voted “World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line” by the readers of the Vonde Nast Traveler. Join celebrity chef Lynn Crawford, renowned journalist Forest Sawyer, and 400 other like-minded travelers. We’ll be the only ship scheduled in each port of call, ensuring an exclusive and private voyage that only Ensemble Grand Journeys could offer. Book your passage now to ensure the accommodation you desire. Suites start at $4,699 USD per person, including food and beverages, comprehensive non-medical travel insurance and all shipboard gratuities.

The cruise will be sold exclusively by Ensemble agencies, and the itinerary has been designed so that the Seven Seas Navigator will be the only vessel at all seven ports of call.

Ensemble’s long range strategy includes a series of luxury land and cruise departures 3 to 5 times per year. Venues may range from a personal wine journey of off-limit wineries in Napa, to a private NASCAR adventure hosted by a giant in the auto-racing world.  Check back for future posts, as more details on these Ensemble Grand Journeys are released.

Luxury Cruise vs. Premium Cruise

Being a premium cruise traveler and having just experienced Celebrity’s Solstice, what is all the hype about stepping up to a luxury cruise, and are the finer things worth their asking price?

Silversea is known for their All-Inclusive program, which is comprised of Gourmet Meals, Fine Wines (25 Red / 25 White), Champagne, Spirits, and Bulgari Toiletries. However, when comparing caviar with lobster, I found there to be a major difference, yet insufficient data to substantiate the answer to my question: are the finer things really worth their asking price? I did some research and I compared the proverbial apples to oranges in order to give this question proper consideration. In my research, I compared the Silversea Wind’s 240 square foot ocean view Vista Suite with the 323 sq. ft. Sky Suite aboard the Azamara Quest.

Here are my findings:

Silversea Wind:                                           Azamara Quest:
                                  10-Night Mediterranean
June 16, 2009                                                 June 4, 2009
$6,716.00 pp                                                 $4,386 pp

                                     What You Get…
314 Passengers                                              694 Passengers
Decks 4 & 5                                                     Deck 8 – Balcony
Sitting Area                                                    Daily European bedding
Unlimited Pommery Champagne                  Butler Service
Mini Bar Stocked                                       Bottled water
Acqua Di Parma Bath Amenities                 Pillow menu
Plush Robe & Choice of Pillow                   Hansgrohe shower head
Personalized Stationary                            Daily fruit basket
Marble Bath / Full Bath                             Fresh cut flowers
Gratuities Included                                  Daily hors d’oeuvres
Viking cooking school at sea                    Soft drinks from mini-bar
Beverage cabin in suite                           3 Nights at specialty restaurants
Complimentary newspaper daily                Silk wrapped hangers
1 complimentary shore excursion               Hansgrohe showerhead
Transfers to town/city center in port         Welcome champagne
                                                          4-6 pm specialty coffee in suite

                                             Difference: $2,330 Per Person

Alright! We have a significant price difference. Both cruise lines have an excellent reputation, and consumers would be happy would either choice.  The question is, with the current economic condition would you be more inclined to consider a premium cruise line, or are you willing to pay for luxury?

Top Ten Reasons to Cruise on the Celebrity Solstice

celeb_images1.  Unique Aqua Class staterooms, premium veranda accommodations with dedicated specialty  restaurants and complimentary use of Persian Garden & AquaSpa relaxation room.

2.  Larger staterooms with added storage spacious bathrooms.

3.  85% of staterooms are veranda cabins

4.  First ever hot glass show at sea by Corning Glass Museum

5.  First ever Lawn Club offering a putting green, bocci ball & even picnics while at sea.

6.  Ten unique dining venues

7.  New bars include: Crush, Cellar Masters, Ensemble Lounge, Quasar, Galleria Tastings & Sky  Observation Lounge.

8.  Expansive retail area offering 18 unique venues onboard

9.  Three new production shows created specifically for the Solstice

10.  Celebrity renowned gourmet cuisine

You can read my previous posts with a detailed review of the Solsitce, & can access over 200 photos of the Solstice, by visiting my Flickr account

Cunard One Month Sale

You still have time to take advantge of our Cunard one month sale. Book a Europe or Transatlantic voyage from Nov 10-Dec 10, 2008 and receive up to $300 per cabin onboard credit in addition to a 50% reduced deposit.

Promotion details: Ship board credit offer is $100 for inside/ocean view cabins; $200 for balcony cabin; $300 for Grill. Some restrictions may apply. Call for details.