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WINTER 2009<br />
2010 World Cruise Preview<br />
Classic, Yet Innovative Europe<br />
Five & Alive — Making a<br />
difference for children<br />
Business & Technology —<br />
Knowledge for life<br />
Celebration Savings — 15 years<br />
of award-winning luxury
6<br />
Contents<br />
4 Quarter Notes<br />
15th year at the top: <strong>Crystal</strong> achieves<br />
unprecedented milestone in travel; Captain<br />
Otto Nergaard retires; Picture yourself in<br />
paradise; The <strong>Crystal</strong> Clean tradition continues<br />
6 2010 World Cruise Preview<br />
Exploration of Ancient Empires<br />
8<br />
8 Europe 2009<br />
15 years of award-winning luxury; Classic, yet<br />
innovative; Save now, save later; Enhanced Share<br />
the Experience Benefits<br />
10 Good Deeds<br />
Five & Alive; Exclusive onboard experiences<br />
to be auctioned for Five & Alive<br />
11 The Northeast and Canada 2009<br />
The magic of nature — so close to home<br />
10<br />
12 Creative Learning Institute Series<br />
Business and technology: Knowledge<br />
for life<br />
13 Promotions<br />
Holiday sailings 2009; The value of sailing with<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong>; New <strong>Crystal</strong> Assurance Plan<br />
16 Society News<br />
All aboard for the 2008 President’s Cruise;<br />
Updated website coming soon; We are family;<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Society Shutterbugs; Best wishes and a<br />
fond farewell to Keenan Raymond; Around the<br />
globe with <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
16<br />
20 Celebrity Guest Corner<br />
Enjoying the ocean view with Barbara Walters<br />
On the cover: The Pyramid and Sphinx in Giza, Cairo, Egypt<br />
Publisher Nitsa Lewis | Executive Editors Cari Lee Remy, Jennifer Lohr | Editor Allyson Ranallo<br />
Contributors Sara Pearsaul-Vice, Jennifer Schott | <strong>Crystal</strong> Society Mary-Catherine Wilks, Emilie Perz<br />
Art Phoenix Creative | Contributing Photographers Nigel Deayton<br />
Pre-Production/Printing Phoenix Marketing Services, Inc.<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>’ Passport | Volume 9, Issue 1 | Winter 2009<br />
© <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> January 2009. All rights reserved. All fares listed in this publication are per person, based on double occupancy and do not include port, security and<br />
handling charges or fuel surcharges. All fares, itineraries, policies and programs are subject to change. All savings are based on brochure fares. Requests for permission to<br />
reprint material from <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>’ Passport may be sent to Executive Editor, <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>’ Passport, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 1400, Los Angeles, CA 90067.<br />
2<br />
crystalcruises.com<br />
Printed Using Partially Recycled Materials
From the President<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong>’s Commitment to<br />
Excellence — and You<br />
On behalf of all of us at <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>, both at sea and ashore, I am pleased to extend our sincerest<br />
wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.<br />
These are certainly challenging times for all of us. While the events of the last few months are<br />
unprecedented, history has shown us that countries, companies and individuals with clear strategies and<br />
exceptional products are able to successfully navigate the twists and turns of an ever-changing world.<br />
At <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>, you can take comfort in knowing that we have a solid focus on our future and an<br />
unwavering commitment to excellence and you. We understand that travel is an important part of your<br />
life, and we have created a collection of innovative programs to provide you with the assurances you need<br />
to make your travel plans with confidence.<br />
Our new <strong>Crystal</strong> Assurance Plan, introduced on page 15, offers you a risk-free return on your 2009<br />
vacation investment. These proactive initiatives, which include reduced deposits, relaxed cancellation penalties and fare protection when<br />
you book your 2009 cruise, were designed especially for you during these transitional times. This type of plan is unheard of in the cruise<br />
industry. It’s just our way of letting you know you can count on us, just as we have always relied on your continued loyalty.<br />
And it is exactly that — your loyalty — which keeps <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> at the very top of our game, earning us unprecedented accolades in<br />
luxury travel. For a record-breaking 15th year, we were awarded the Best Large-Ship Cruise Line by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler<br />
magazine (see page 4 for details). No other cruise line, resort or hotel in the world has ever achieved such status. And while this milestone<br />
achievement is pretty impressive news on its own, our greatest reward continues to be your complete happiness and satisfaction.<br />
Our long history with Condé Nast Traveler is rooted in a shared passion for excellence in world travel, discovery and cultural<br />
awareness. Inspired by our involvement in the magazine’s 2008 World Savers Congress, <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> became a founding partner<br />
of the Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund (story on page 10). With a mission to make the world a better place through travel, Five<br />
& Alive supports children age five and under in more than 30 countries around the world by preventing malaria, water-borne illness,<br />
pneumonia and malnutrition.<br />
As you begin to chart your travel plans for the coming year, why not contemplate a far-flung adventure on our 2010 World Cruise (see<br />
page 7) Or for an escape closer to home, consider our journeys to New England and Canada including the President’s Cruise departing<br />
on October 30, 2009 (see page 11). No matter what destination you choose, all promise the discovery and enrichment you’ve come to<br />
expect from <strong>Crystal</strong>. Regardless of where your wanderlust may take you, with the World’s Best cruise line, you will travel with the added<br />
comfort of knowing your vacation is a proven favorite.<br />
We look forward to our next journey of discovery together.<br />
Happy New Year,<br />
Gregg L. Michel<br />
President<br />
3
Winter 2009<br />
Quarter Notes<br />
15th Year at the Top: <strong>Crystal</strong> Achieves<br />
Unprecedented Milestone in Travel<br />
For an astonishing 15th year, and by one<br />
of our widest margins, <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong><br />
has once again been voted “World’s<br />
Best” by the readers of Condé Nast<br />
Traveler magazine, considered one<br />
of the highest honors in the travel<br />
industry. Our overall score of 93.1<br />
tops all cruise lines large and small<br />
— and our record-breaking winning<br />
streak is unprecedented among cruise<br />
lines and hotels anywhere in the world.<br />
can wisely invest your vacation dollars in the World’s Best cruise line<br />
with complete assurance. In the current economy, we offer our latest<br />
record-setting award as an undisputed “stamp of approval,” ensuring<br />
your travels with us are all that you expect them to be as we explore<br />
the world and all of its treasures.<br />
Thank you, again, for your confidence and your loyalty.<br />
All of this, we know, is thanks to you.<br />
“We are honored that our well-traveled guests once again, through<br />
their own personal experience, consider <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> to be the<br />
best cruise line in the world,” says Gregg Michel, president, <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
<strong>Cruises</strong>. “I am very proud of our exceptional staff and their dedication<br />
to providing such a treasured vacation experience to so many global<br />
travelers. Now, more than ever, brand, reputation and consistency are<br />
key factors in consumers’ purchase decisions. Such prestigious awards<br />
reinforce <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>’ leading position in hospitality.”<br />
Our unmatched record of success underscores our commitment to<br />
create enriching vacations that will continue to tap your intellectual<br />
curiosities and stimulate your passion for luxurious adventure.<br />
Combined with our impressive guest satisfaction rate of 98%, you<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong>’s president, Gregg L. Michel (center), accepts the World’s Best Large-Ship<br />
Cruise Line award from Elizabeth Henriques Hughes, vice president and publisher<br />
of Condé Nast Traveler (right) and star of NBC’s 30 Rock, Jane Krakowski (left).<br />
Captain Otto Nergaard Retires<br />
Trading time with his <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
“family” at sea for more time<br />
to spend at home with his<br />
family, Captain Otto Nergaard<br />
announced his retirement from<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> in October.<br />
When not at sea on <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Serenity, Captain Nergaard<br />
can be found at his home in<br />
Sweden with his lovely wife,<br />
Maria, his daughter, Lina (age<br />
8) and his son, Gustaf (age 4).<br />
With his retirement, he is<br />
looking forward to spending<br />
plenty of quality time with his<br />
young children.<br />
Retired Captain Otto Nergaard<br />
Born and raised in Lillestrøm, a suburb of Oslo in Norway, Captain<br />
Nergaard was drawn to the sea relatively early in his adult life. He<br />
reached the rank of Second Officer at the tender age of 21 and worked<br />
on cargo ships during his early maritime career. He received his<br />
Master’s Certification in 1981 and, at the age of 33, was handed his<br />
first captaincy aboard a propane tanker, making him one of the youngest<br />
captains in command of a vessel in international trade.<br />
A very popular captain in the <strong>Crystal</strong> fleet, Captain Nergaard began his<br />
service with <strong>Crystal</strong> in August 1990 as First Officer Senior on board<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Harmony. Over the years, he rose through the ranks within the<br />
company and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2003, serving on<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony. In 2005, he was assigned to <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity.<br />
Due to his stellar performance and popularity, Captain Nergaard was<br />
chosen to be World Cruise Captain on several occasions. Gregg Michel,<br />
president of <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>, said, “He will always be remembered by<br />
guests on those cruises for his jovial personality, untiring interest in<br />
participating in the various special events and for spending as much<br />
time with guests as possible. He will be dearly missed by all of us.”<br />
4
Picture Yourself in Paradise<br />
The Master Collection and <strong>Crystal</strong> Celebrations<br />
Picture this: You — the subject of an exquisite<br />
photograph shot by one of the world’s master<br />
photographers during your own private photo<br />
session while sailing on board a luxurious cruise<br />
ship. Sound like a dream-like experience In this<br />
case, the dream becomes reality with a new<br />
feature on <strong>Crystal</strong> ships — The Master Collection.<br />
On select sailings on both <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity and<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony, you will have the opportunity<br />
to reserve appointments with internationally<br />
recognized master photographers. Selected<br />
specifically to cater to our guests’ discriminating<br />
tastes, the master photographers are experts in<br />
portraiture and will personalize your photo shoot<br />
to meet your specific needs. Once your session is<br />
complete, select from three album options — all<br />
of which feature a brushed aluminum metal cover<br />
embossed with the <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> logo.<br />
In 2009, master photographers are scheduled on <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity for<br />
voyages 9308, 9311, 9322 and 9324, and on <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony for<br />
voyages 9206, 9211, 9221 and 9227. When you book one of these<br />
sailings, you will receive information on the master photographer for<br />
that cruise with final documents.<br />
On all sailings, we also offer <strong>Crystal</strong> Celebrations — private photo<br />
sessions conducted by our staff of talented <strong>Crystal</strong> photographers<br />
and featuring unique lifestyle portraits for individuals, couples, families<br />
or group celebrations of all kinds.<br />
All portrait sessions include a pre-shoot consultation on your<br />
preferred photo style and location — casual or formal, on ship<br />
or on shore — and post-shoot photo selection. One-hour photo<br />
sessions are also available.<br />
With both The Master Collection and the <strong>Crystal</strong> Celebrations<br />
sessions, your selected portraits will be printed and bound into a<br />
handcrafted photo album that will be sent to your home several<br />
weeks after you return, so you can cherish your <strong>Crystal</strong> memories<br />
for years to come.<br />
Due to the unique nature and demand for the services of these<br />
wonderful photographers, space is limited. Please reserve in advance<br />
by contacting Paragon Pixels at 925-461-1725, or via e-mail at<br />
info@paragonpixels.com. Reservations may also be made on board,<br />
space permitting.<br />
The <strong>Crystal</strong> Clean Tradition Continues<br />
One of our goals is to continue to improve on<br />
our environmentally friendly policies and<br />
procedures. In the Fall 2007 issue of Passport,<br />
we showed you how <strong>Crystal</strong> goes above and<br />
beyond to execute our <strong>Crystal</strong> Clean program by<br />
earning ISO 14001 certification, becoming more<br />
energy efficient and working to reduce waste on board our ships and<br />
at our shoreside operations.<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> is pleased to announce that we have received our recertification<br />
in ISO 14001 for our current environmental management system. The<br />
recertification is in effect for another three-year period. ISO 14001<br />
provides guidelines that assist companies with managing and reducing<br />
their overall impact on the environment.<br />
Audits were conducted by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance during<br />
February and March 2008. Throughout the process, auditors reviewed<br />
the company’s procedures for reducing consumption, handling waste<br />
and recycling materials, and the company was found to be compliant<br />
in all areas.<br />
5
6<br />
Council Hall ”Tripylon” in Persepolis, Iran
2010 World Cruise Preview<br />
Exploration of Ancient Empires<br />
Charting an exotic course with a unique Middle Eastern twist<br />
The 15th annual<br />
World Cruise,<br />
while still a<br />
year away, is<br />
generating a lot<br />
of excitement. In<br />
fact, more than<br />
200 guests are already booked for what<br />
promises to be an exciting adventure.<br />
“We feel we have created an unparalleled<br />
voyage for the most discriminating<br />
travelers,” says Gregg Michel, president<br />
of <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>. “Our 2010 World<br />
Cruise guests can visit a combination of<br />
destinations renowned for being profoundly<br />
rich in antiquities and cultural history.”<br />
John Stoll, director, land programs, shares<br />
Michel’s enthusiasm. “This is our best World<br />
Cruise itinerary ever,” he proclaims. “Just at<br />
a glance, you can see how it traces world<br />
history and offers a diversity of experiences.<br />
Our guests can go exploring in the African<br />
bush and experience the culture of India and<br />
the Persian Empire. They will have the chance<br />
to marvel at the modern city of Dubai, view<br />
the unspoiled scenery of Khasab, and indulge<br />
in the historical and artistic wonders of the<br />
Mediterranean and Europe. It’s an opportunity<br />
of a lifetime.”<br />
Six of the voyage’s seven maiden calls are in<br />
the Middle East, making it especially rich in<br />
cultural content. One of the maiden calls is<br />
Kuwait City, Kuwait, believed to be part of<br />
an earlier civilization dating to the 3rd<br />
millennium BC. More recently, of course, it’s<br />
been known for oil, and makes up 20% of<br />
the world’s known oil resources. The city has<br />
literally become a light in the desert; the<br />
night skyline is stunning to behold.<br />
Another maiden call is Khasab, Oman.<br />
Says Stoll, “The area is incredibly scenic<br />
and unspoiled. Serene waters make it the<br />
perfect setting for a dhow cruise through<br />
the fjords. Guests may even see dolphins<br />
swimming nearby.”<br />
Then there is one of the most talked about<br />
maiden calls, Bandar Abbas, Iran. According<br />
to Ambassador Marc Ginsberg, Middle East<br />
expert, thousands of Americans have been<br />
traveling to Iran visiting the country’s<br />
ancient cities and getting to know not only<br />
its culture, but also its friendly inhabitants.<br />
“Iranian hospitality is legendary,” comments<br />
Ginsberg. “The Iranian people are some of<br />
the most pro-American in the Middle East.”<br />
For all of its fantastic Middle Eastern<br />
destinations, the 2010 World Cruise offers<br />
many other compelling reasons to join<br />
one, two or all seven voyages. This grand<br />
journey marks the first time Black Sea ports<br />
have been included in a <strong>Crystal</strong> World Cruise.<br />
It features overnight stays in magical cities<br />
such as Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Abu<br />
Dhabi and Athens. It includes two-night<br />
shipboard stays in Cape Town and Dubai.<br />
And it offers late-night calls in ports such<br />
as Ashdod, Israel; Alexandria, Egypt; and<br />
Livorno, Italy.<br />
Putting together an exciting World Cruise<br />
itinerary is an intense job that requires a<br />
great deal of planning. “I completed a site<br />
inspection on all of these ports prior to us<br />
deciding to include them in the 2010 World<br />
Cruise,” says Stoll. “I think that says a lot<br />
about <strong>Crystal</strong>’s commitment to ensuring that<br />
each port can deliver a <strong>Crystal</strong> experience.”<br />
The detailed 108-day itinerary for the 2010<br />
World Cruise is now available at<br />
crystalcruises.com.<br />
With an emphasis on the Middle East, the<br />
voyage draws an arc between the earliest<br />
civilizations and the emerging capitals of a<br />
vigorous Arabian Gulf economy, giving<br />
guests a sense of old and new, the Biblical<br />
and the progressive, the times of Alexander<br />
the Great and Darius the Great.<br />
“This itinerary is packed — and I mean<br />
packed — with incredible experiences,”<br />
says Stoll. “You can’t get on a plane and<br />
relax and see in one vacation all the sites<br />
we feature on this cruise. For instance,<br />
we’re working on an excursion that will<br />
take guests as close to the gates of Mecca<br />
as possible, with camel rides and tented<br />
areas in the sand looking down on Mecca.”<br />
north<br />
america<br />
Miami<br />
St. Lucia<br />
Barbados<br />
Atlantic<br />
Ocean<br />
Rio de Janeiro<br />
Devil’s Island<br />
Fortaleza<br />
south<br />
america<br />
Montevideo<br />
Buenos Aires<br />
London europe<br />
La Rochelle<br />
Bilbao<br />
Rome<br />
Odessa<br />
Naples<br />
Livorno<br />
Yalta<br />
Athens Sochi<br />
asia<br />
Istanbul<br />
Lisbon<br />
Kuşadasi Kuwait City<br />
Gibraltar Catania<br />
Ashdod<br />
Bandar Abbas<br />
Barcelona<br />
Dubai<br />
Alexandria/Cairo Aqaba<br />
Khasab<br />
Suez Canal<br />
Al Fujairah<br />
Manama<br />
Safaga<br />
Jeddah Abu Dhabi<br />
Mumbai<br />
Muscat<br />
Marmagao<br />
africa<br />
Arabian Cochin<br />
Sea<br />
Equator<br />
Maldives<br />
South<br />
Atlantic<br />
Ocean<br />
Cape Town<br />
Mombasa<br />
Zanzibar<br />
Durban<br />
Port Elizabeth<br />
Seychelles<br />
Indian<br />
Ocean<br />
Map of 2010 World Cruise itinerary<br />
7
Europe 2009<br />
15 Years of Award-Winning <strong>Luxury</strong><br />
Save up to $1,500 per person with Celebration Fares<br />
Celebrate our record 15 years of being<br />
named Best Large-Ship Cruise Line with<br />
special savings of up to $1,500 per person<br />
on most 2009 European sailings.<br />
That’s right: Depending on your preferred<br />
accommodations, you can save on all<br />
categories of staterooms. Receive $1,500,<br />
$1,000 or $750 per person off nearly all of<br />
our 11-day Baltic and 12-day Mediterranean<br />
cruises, and half that on most shorter European<br />
sailings. The savings apply to Penthouse<br />
accommodations, verandah staterooms<br />
Savings also apply to <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony’s<br />
September 3, 14-day Trans-Atlantic sailing<br />
and <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity’s 14-day combination<br />
of two week-long cruises in June.<br />
Not only are such savings a great way<br />
to celebrate <strong>Crystal</strong>’s award-winning<br />
luxury and service, but the classic<br />
European destinations are great places<br />
in which to celebrate. <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony’s<br />
Baltic season begins June 19, with cruises<br />
departing from Copenhagen, Stockholm<br />
and London. Making your journey all the<br />
and deluxe staterooms, respectively.<br />
Ship Voyages Category: PH, PS, CP AA, A, B C, D, E<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony 9215, 9217, 9219, 9221 Save $1500 Save $1000 Save $750<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity 9312C, 9317, 9321, 9322, 9323, 9324 Save $1500 Save $1000 Save $750<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony 9218 Save $750 Save $500 Save $375<br />
more exciting are three-day overnights in<br />
St. Petersburg on most Baltic itineraries.<br />
Mediterranean sailings aboard <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Serenity start May 23 and depart from<br />
Venice, Barcelona, Rome, Athens and<br />
Istanbul. Nearly all offer overnight or<br />
late-night stays in port, allowing you<br />
more time to become immersed in the<br />
local culture and magic of your destination.<br />
And remember: With all 2009 <strong>Crystal</strong> cruises,<br />
families and large groups can receive one<br />
complimentary berth for every ten full-fare<br />
berths, plus a host of other benefits, with<br />
our <strong>Crystal</strong> Family Memories Program.<br />
So set sail and celebrate with us, and enjoy<br />
all the reasons <strong>Crystal</strong> is voted the World’s<br />
Best Large-Ship Cruise Line year after year.<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity 9310, 9320, 9325 Save $750 Save $500 Save $375<br />
Classic, Yet Innovative<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong>’s approach in Europe expands horizons<br />
Imagine sailing along the Baltic, with a stop<br />
in St. Petersburg and a chance to visit the<br />
opulent palaces of the czars.<br />
Such an excursion is easy to envision — certainly<br />
no voyage can call itself a worthy experience if it<br />
doesn’t offer an exploration of Catherine Palace<br />
or the estate and grounds of Peterhof, built by<br />
Peter the Great to rival Versailles.<br />
On the other hand, one can only wonder<br />
what it is like to experience more unique and<br />
extravagant excursions like flying in a MiG<br />
fighter jet or seeing Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake<br />
at the historic Palace Theatre.<br />
Or . . . is it actually possible to zoom over<br />
Moscow at more than twice the speed of<br />
sound and feel your spirit soar as the curtain<br />
goes up on a theatrical masterpiece With<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>, the answer is yes — not only<br />
are such amazing adventures doable, they’re<br />
as good as done.<br />
8<br />
“Today, <strong>Crystal</strong>’s guests are more diverse and<br />
more active,” says John Stoll, director, land<br />
programs. “Our guests are looking for<br />
shoreside experiences that satisfy a variety<br />
of personal interests. Each year, we try to<br />
expand the choices.”<br />
And expand — and illuminate, inspire and<br />
engage — <strong>Crystal</strong> does. Particularly for classic<br />
European destinations in Northern Europe and<br />
the Mediterranean, the land programs team<br />
offers traditional excursions like a canal cruise<br />
in Venice and wine tasting in Bordeaux. Then<br />
they take the extra step to include options<br />
that can literally take guests the extra mile.<br />
Travelers who cruised with <strong>Crystal</strong> in 2008, for<br />
instance, could not only ride along as an<br />
expert pilot executed breathtaking maneuvers<br />
in a MiG fighter jet, but could also take the<br />
wheel of a Ferrari for a drive through Tuscany.<br />
“You find that our <strong>Crystal</strong> Adventures ®<br />
offer a variety of options, including unique<br />
excursions that we definitely plan on including<br />
in 2009,” says Stoll. “Of course, they will be<br />
reviewed, updated, revised and enhanced, but<br />
for the most part, we plan on continuing with<br />
our top-rated tours for the upcoming season.”<br />
For 2009, you might take a cooking lesson<br />
with a renowned chef in Sorrento, grab your<br />
camera and join an expert photographer<br />
for an artful look at the Highlands of Scotland<br />
or board a private yacht for a cruise of the<br />
Greek Isles. And if you have a dream<br />
experience in mind, we invite you to share<br />
it with us and we’ll create a <strong>Crystal</strong> Private<br />
Adventure just for you.<br />
No matter where you find yourself during<br />
your European journey, you will only be<br />
left to wonder: Where will <strong>Crystal</strong> take<br />
me next
Save Now, Save Later<br />
Great Europe and Asia values for 2009 and 2010<br />
Take advantage of great savings for all 2009 <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony Asia voyages and all 2009<br />
Europe voyages, including the Trans-Atlantic, and save 20% on a 2010 cruise.<br />
BOOK BY MARCH 31, 2009 AND SAVE 20% IN 2010<br />
Choose from a vast array of Europe and Asia cruises on <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony (voyages 9207<br />
– 9221) and Europe cruises on <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity (voyages 9310 – 9325) and you will receive<br />
a redemption letter once on board entitling you to 20% off a select 2010 voyage. To take<br />
advantage of these exclusive and limited-time savings, you simply need to book your 2010<br />
voyage either on board with the Cruise Sales Consultant or through your preferred travel<br />
professional no later than November 30, 2009.*<br />
*Savings are capacity-controlled, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. 2009 qualifying voyage must be<br />
booked by March 31, 2009, to receive savings. Guest must present redemption letter when booking the 2010 cruise in order<br />
to receive 20% savings on 2010 voyage (excludes Full World Cruise 2010 and its voyages and Holiday voyages 0231 and 0331).<br />
2010 voyage must be booked no later than November 30, 2009. Redemption letter must be received by Cruise Sales Consultant<br />
on board or by <strong>Crystal</strong> Reservations Department and applied to the 2010 cruise at the time of booking before final payment is<br />
made. All itineraries, fares, programs and policies are subject to change.<br />
St. Catherine’s Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia<br />
Enhanced Share the Experience Benefits<br />
Receive $250 Shipboard Credit in Europe and Asia for 2009**<br />
Make sure to take advantage of all of your<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Society benefits, including the Share the<br />
Experience referral and reward program, which<br />
has just been enhanced for select 2009 sailings.<br />
Now, when you book select 2009 Asia and<br />
Europe voyages by March 31, <strong>Crystal</strong> is<br />
pleased to offer you an enhanced Share<br />
the Experience shipboard credit of $250 —<br />
increased from our standard 2009 program<br />
of $100 each — for each new-to-<strong>Crystal</strong><br />
guest (up to four) you bring with you. Plus<br />
each new-to-<strong>Crystal</strong> guest you bring and<br />
who sails in a separate stateroom will also<br />
receive a $250 shipboard credit.** If you and<br />
your new-to-<strong>Crystal</strong> guest share a stateroom,<br />
you each receive a $125 shipboard credit.**<br />
This enhanced Share the Experience offer<br />
applies to bookings made by March 31,<br />
2009, for voyages 9206-9209, 9214, 9215 and<br />
9217, and 9219-9221 on <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony;<br />
and voyages 9317-9318 and 9320-9325<br />
on <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity. As a <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
member, you may extend this Share the<br />
Experience offer to up to four people in 2009.<br />
To sign up for the Share the Experience program<br />
online, just follow these steps (please note that<br />
your request needs to be received at least 21<br />
days prior to your travel departure date):<br />
• Visit crystalcruises.com and go to the<br />
members-only <strong>Crystal</strong> Society section<br />
(located at the top of the web page).<br />
• Click on the 2009 Share the<br />
Experience program.<br />
• Complete the online form including<br />
your name, the voyage (available in a<br />
convenient pull-down menu), your<br />
“new-to-<strong>Crystal</strong>” friend’s or family<br />
member’s name, your address, and your<br />
telephone number or e-mail address.<br />
• Once the form is complete, you will<br />
immediately receive a Friend/Family Claim<br />
code. This number is for your reference<br />
only, as this program is completely<br />
paperless. If the information provided<br />
online is incomplete, a representative<br />
from the <strong>Crystal</strong> Society Department<br />
will contact you directly.<br />
After eligibility is confirmed for you and<br />
your guest, your credits will be automatically<br />
applied to your onboard folio. Should you<br />
have any additional questions, or if you<br />
do not have access to the Internet, please<br />
contact our <strong>Crystal</strong> Society Department<br />
toll-free at 1-866-446-4471.<br />
**Terms and Conditions: <strong>Crystal</strong> Society members who bring<br />
a new-to-<strong>Crystal</strong> guest (never sailed previously on a <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
cruise) and book by March 31, 2009, on select voyages<br />
(9206-9209, 9214, 9215 and 9217, and 9219-9221 on<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony; and 9317-9318 and 9320-9325 on<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity) will receive a $250 shipboard credit ($125<br />
when sharing the same stateroom). This offer applies to fullfare<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Society members and their new-to-<strong>Crystal</strong> guests,<br />
must be requested 21 days prior to the voyage, applies to<br />
double occupancy and single occupancy guests, and is subject<br />
to change without notice. This offer is not applicable for<br />
third berth guests. Please note that this enhanced credit of<br />
$250 is not in addition to the regular Share the Experience<br />
credit of $100.<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Society members who bring a new-to-<strong>Crystal</strong> guest<br />
receive $100 shipboard credit ($50 when sharing the same<br />
stateroom) on any 2009 voyage from January 6, 2009 through<br />
December 10, 2009, excluding the 2009 Full World Cruise,<br />
2009 World Cruise segments (9302, 9303, 9304, 9305, 9306,<br />
9307 and 9308) and 2009 Holiday sailings (9229, 9329). Newto-<strong>Crystal</strong><br />
guests receive $100 per person ($200 per stateroom)<br />
or $50 per person when sharing a stateroom with a <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Society member and must never have previously sailed with<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>.<br />
A <strong>Crystal</strong> Society member may Share the Experience with up<br />
to four new-to-<strong>Crystal</strong> guests total. Both <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
members and new-to-<strong>Crystal</strong> guests must be full-fare, and<br />
must sail on the full length of the same voyage. <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
Onboard Benefits Program (shipboard credits, stateroom<br />
upgrades, Milestone Awards) is applicable. <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
members receive full cruise credit for their voyage.<br />
9
Good Deeds<br />
Five & Alive<br />
Making a difference for children around the world<br />
Here is a staggering statistic: Nearly 10 million<br />
children die every year before they reach the<br />
age of five. Even more heartbreaking —<br />
almost all perish due to preventable diseases.<br />
To help turn these tragic circumstances<br />
around, <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> has become a<br />
founding partner of the Condé Nast Traveler<br />
Five & Alive Fund.<br />
A program under the umbrella organization<br />
of Population Services International (PSI), Five<br />
& Alive works in over 30 countries to provide<br />
products and services that facilitate the<br />
prevention and treatment of malaria, waterborne<br />
illness, pneumonia and malnutrition.<br />
“We feel very privileged to be part of this<br />
lifesaving program,” says <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong><br />
President Gregg Michel. “Throughout our<br />
company’s history, we have supported<br />
numerous philanthropic projects, and we<br />
had been close to creating our own global<br />
program. Rather than go it alone, this<br />
partnership presented a perfect opportunity<br />
to join forces to create something bigger.”<br />
This “something bigger” starts with providing<br />
things that are, to most of us, the smallest and<br />
simplest of necessities — clean drinking water,<br />
basic medicines, mosquito netting and nutrition.<br />
The results so far have been significant: Five<br />
& Alive has purified over 40 billion liters of<br />
water and distributed over 48 million<br />
mosquito nets — all made possible with the<br />
nearly $1 million raised in just one year from<br />
readers and the travel industry, including<br />
through the efforts of <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>.<br />
10<br />
Donations both small and large are helpful and<br />
appreciated by the organization. Just take a<br />
look at what can be provided at minimal cost:<br />
• $5 can provide a long-lasting insecticidetreated<br />
malaria net to an African child and<br />
mother for a period of three years<br />
• $25 can buy lifesaving pneumonia<br />
antibiotic treatments that have the<br />
potential to save the lives of at least<br />
100 children<br />
• $50 can allow Five & Alive to distribute<br />
enough oral rehydration salts to save the<br />
lives of 500 children<br />
• $100 can provide more than 35 families<br />
with safe drinking water for a whole year<br />
Raising much-needed funds is only part<br />
of the story. Eschewing the idea of being<br />
involved from a distance, Michel, along<br />
with <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity Cruise Director Gary<br />
Hunter, joined Condé Nast Traveler editorin-chief<br />
Klara Glowczewska, Five & Alive<br />
founder Kate Roberts, and actress Ashley<br />
Judd on a trip to Rwanda, where the <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
team was welcomed by the locals and further<br />
inspired by the challenges and opportunities<br />
facing Five & Alive.<br />
“We are delighted that <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong><br />
has joined as a founding partner of the<br />
Condé Nast Traveler Five & Alive Fund,”<br />
says Glowczewska.<br />
There are several ways <strong>Crystal</strong> guests can<br />
help support this cause. Visit our website,<br />
crystalcruises.com, and type in the keywords<br />
Five & Alive to read more about this<br />
worthwhile cause and to donate online.<br />
On board, look for our limited-edition<br />
merchandise available for purchase. Profits<br />
from the sales of these items are being<br />
donated to Five & Alive.<br />
Donations in the form of a check may<br />
be sent directly to Five & Alive, c/o <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
<strong>Cruises</strong> at 2049 Century Park East, Suite<br />
1400, Los Angeles, CA 90067. Checks<br />
should be made out to Five & Alive/PSI.<br />
Upon receipt, Five & Alive will issue a tax<br />
receipt for the donation.<br />
EXCLUSIVE ONBOARD<br />
EXPERIENCES TO BE AUCTIONED<br />
FOR FIVE & ALIVE<br />
Imagine enjoying an<br />
exclusive bridge tour<br />
with the Captain, or<br />
co-hosting the<br />
Morning Show on<br />
board or having a<br />
cameo appearance<br />
in one of <strong>Crystal</strong>’s<br />
production shows.<br />
These opportunities<br />
— and more — can<br />
be yours if you<br />
place the winning<br />
bid in our onboard auctions held to benefit<br />
Five & Alive.<br />
On <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony voyages 9206 and<br />
9211 and on <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity voyages 9308<br />
and 9325, guests will have the chance to<br />
participate in auctions with all proceeds<br />
being donated to Five & Alive.<br />
Some of the experiences that will be put up<br />
for bidding include:<br />
• Exclusive bridge tour with the Captain,<br />
including caviar service and the<br />
opportunity to blow the ship’s whistle<br />
• Co-hosting the Morning Show on TV<br />
with the Cruise Director as Special<br />
Guest Host. A DVD will be provided as a<br />
keepsake of their starring role.<br />
• Private dinner in the Galley served<br />
personally by the Executive Chef<br />
• Special wine cellar tour with the Head<br />
Sommelier, including the wine storage<br />
areas on Deck 3 and an exclusive<br />
wine tasting<br />
• Cameo appearance in one of <strong>Crystal</strong>’s<br />
production shows. Includes a rehearsal,<br />
extensive backstage tour and a<br />
personal DVD of the special performance.<br />
• “Behind the Scenes” exclusive tour of<br />
provisions. Includes a private lunch in<br />
the rarely seen provisions area.<br />
In addition to these once-in-a-lifetime<br />
experiences, guests will also have the<br />
opportunity to bid on various types of<br />
rare <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> memorabilia.<br />
Get your “paddles” ready and start the<br />
bidding, and help <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> make<br />
a difference for the children and families<br />
supported by Five & Alive.
The Northeast and Canada 2009<br />
The Magic of Nature — So Close to Home<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony’s 2009 New England & Canada season<br />
It only happens here.<br />
Nowhere else<br />
does Mother<br />
Nature prepare<br />
for winter as<br />
she does along<br />
the northeastern<br />
shores of New<br />
England and Canada.<br />
Here, rolling hills are blanketed in a blaze of<br />
crimson, ochre and yellow.<br />
This fall, <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony explores the<br />
world-class cities and hidden harbors of this<br />
treasured part of the world. From the<br />
cosmopolitan elegance of French Montréal<br />
and the cobblestone streets of Old Québec<br />
to the white-steepled churches of Bar<br />
Harbor, the palatial summer homes of<br />
Newport and the skyscrapers of New York<br />
City, we invite you to discover the majesty<br />
of North America.<br />
On four departures from October 1 through<br />
October 30, 2009, New England’s autumnal<br />
scenery gives cause to reflect and drink in<br />
the pure beauty of one of nature’s most<br />
captivating dramas. On itineraries that offer<br />
both active and relaxing <strong>Crystal</strong> Adventures<br />
ashore, your options for discovery are endless<br />
as you revel at the panorama of Montmorency<br />
Falls, a monumental work of nature at 272<br />
feet, an astounding 90 feet higher than<br />
Niagara Falls (from Québec City), or kayak<br />
along the Saint John River, known as the<br />
Rhine of North America, with its spectacular<br />
wildlife of great blue heron and eagles<br />
en route to the riverbank. By bike or motor<br />
coach, journey through Acadia National Park’s<br />
35,000 acres of wilderness along the ocean’s<br />
edge to Cadillac Mountain, the Atlantic coast’s<br />
highest peak (from Bar Harbor).<br />
As Mother Nature works her magic ashore,<br />
your intellectual curiosities are cultivated<br />
on board. On each itinerary, destination<br />
experts offer engaging lectures about<br />
the region’s history and wildlife, and<br />
the October 19 departure is a dedicated<br />
Smithsonian Journey, one of our enriching<br />
Experiences of Discovery voyages, featuring<br />
presentations from the cultural and<br />
educational arm of the legendary institute.<br />
Of special note is our annual President’s<br />
Cruise, which journeys from Montréal<br />
to New York on October 30 — one of<br />
the two <strong>Crystal</strong> Society sailings offered<br />
in 2009. Hosted by <strong>Crystal</strong> President<br />
Gregg L. Michel and his wife, Adriana,<br />
this cruise is offered at an exceptional value<br />
with exclusive fares made available only to<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Society members. In addition to the<br />
special programming and onboard parties<br />
and events, the President’s Cruise is known<br />
for its tremendous joie de vivre, fostering a<br />
delightful camaraderie among guests both<br />
old and new to the <strong>Crystal</strong> Experience.<br />
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE &<br />
PRICELESS MEMORIES<br />
Keep in mind that all four of <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Symphony’s New England and Canada<br />
itineraries feature our popular <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Family Memories promotion. When ten<br />
full-fare guests travel together, you receive<br />
one free berth. Plus, children ages 17 and<br />
under traveling with parents in the same<br />
stateroom cruise for free. With pre-paid<br />
gratuities, $100 per person shipboard<br />
credit (maximum two per stateroom),<br />
two complimentary 8x10 photographs,<br />
a $500 credit toward a minimum $2,500<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Private Adventure, and per person<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Society rates beginning at just<br />
$2,455, the value is exceptional, and the<br />
memories priceless.<br />
Autumn on the East Coast<br />
11
Creative Learning Institute Series<br />
Business & Technology<br />
Knowledge for life<br />
Technology is like<br />
a <strong>Crystal</strong> ship:<br />
perpetually moving<br />
to new horizons and<br />
opening a window<br />
onto the world.<br />
So it seems only appropriate that <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
<strong>Cruises</strong> should feature Business & Technology<br />
as one of the pillars of our innovative Creative<br />
Learning Institute.<br />
Time, wonderfully in abundance on board,<br />
is another reason classes on topics such as<br />
estate planning and creating business cards<br />
are so popular. Computers, finances, digital<br />
photography — these are areas you always<br />
intended to learn more about, yet find that<br />
it is only while at sea that you can really find<br />
the time — and expert resources — to<br />
plumb a vast ocean of knowledge.<br />
HELP IN WEATHERING<br />
THE STORM<br />
These days, with the waters of the markets<br />
and financial institutions so turbulent,<br />
people are seeking a guiding light.<br />
How do I plan for a successful retirement<br />
How can I better manage taxes in my<br />
business What are the ins and outs of real<br />
estate appraisals Do I have what it takes to<br />
be an entrepreneur<br />
These and other questions are answered in<br />
classes and workshops headed by some of<br />
the most renowned names in business.<br />
One of these names is investment lecturer<br />
Dr. Bob Froehlich, chairman of investor<br />
strategy for Deutsche Bank and a regular<br />
guest on CNBC, CNN and FOX News.<br />
Another respected name is Jane Bryant Quinn,<br />
Newsweek columnist and co-developer of<br />
the Quicken Financial Planner.<br />
And still another is Dr. Bob Hales, senior<br />
partner of the law firm Hales and George,<br />
which devotes its entire practice to estate<br />
and business planning.<br />
“We are proud to bring some of the bestknown<br />
and most entertaining experts in<br />
business onto our ships,” says Bret Bullock,<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong>’s vice president of entertainment.<br />
“The Creative Learning Institute is designed<br />
to make a guest’s voyage all the more<br />
intriguing and enriching.”<br />
INSPIRATION TAKEN<br />
FROM YOU<br />
Topics in the Creative Learning Institute are<br />
inspired by you, our guests. Our onboard<br />
world of business is guided by you as well.<br />
We hear from our guests that they are<br />
interested in topics ranging from grant<br />
writing to astronomy and celestial science.<br />
There is not a person on board who hasn’t<br />
encountered a contract to sign, and who<br />
probably doesn’t want to know how to<br />
better evaluate it before putting his or her<br />
John Hancock on the dotted line. And with<br />
literally hundreds of mutual funds out there,<br />
most guests are eager to learn more tips on<br />
how to assess a fund before adding it to<br />
their portfolio.<br />
QUICK DOWNLOAD:<br />
COMPUTER UNIVERSITY@SEA<br />
A foundation of the Business & Technology<br />
pillar is Computer University@Sea, a place<br />
where guests can learn new computer skills<br />
in a relaxed atmosphere. As new programs<br />
emerge in the marketplace, <strong>Crystal</strong> adds<br />
new classes to the roster, giving guests the<br />
chance to get up to speed on software such<br />
as Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Office<br />
2007 and Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.<br />
“We continue to develop classes based on<br />
software released throughout the year,”<br />
says Bjorn Andersson, manager, shipboard<br />
and network operations. “We show our<br />
guests the latest and greatest, not the old<br />
and out-of-date.”<br />
Andersson adds that classes are also<br />
developed around the particular itinerary.<br />
“On longer cruises, there is more time to<br />
go in depth — more sea days for a chance<br />
to really add to your knowledge of the<br />
latest computer programs.”<br />
A good example of in-depth exploration<br />
occurs during <strong>Crystal</strong>’s World <strong>Cruises</strong>, when<br />
guests have the opportunity to take a<br />
progressive series of computer classes<br />
throughout the three-month voyage and<br />
even earn continuing education credits with<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong>’s education partner, Del Mar College<br />
of Corpus Christi, Texas.<br />
A SOUVENIR THAT LASTS<br />
A LIFETIME<br />
One of the wonderful things about a <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
cruise is that you get to take home trinkets<br />
and treasures from port — as well as the<br />
tips and tidbits you glean from our<br />
complimentary CLI classes.<br />
Knowledge: It stows easily, unpacks<br />
effortlessly and grows with time. What could<br />
be better than that<br />
12<br />
Computer University@Sea
Carlisle Bay, Antigua<br />
Promotions<br />
Holiday Sailings 2009<br />
It’s never too early to start planning a festive getaway with the World’s Best!<br />
How many times have you meant to plan<br />
ahead, gather the whole family or all your<br />
friends together and sail away on a<br />
spectacular voyage to wonderful destinations,<br />
leaving all the holiday melée behind Now is<br />
the time to start making your list, checking it<br />
twice — and make those arrangements to<br />
sail on a <strong>Crystal</strong> cruise next holiday season!<br />
Traditionally, holiday cruises sell out quickly. So<br />
be sure to plan in advance so that you will not<br />
be left on the dock, waving at <strong>Crystal</strong> guests<br />
as they sail off into the sunset on a festive<br />
cruise to celebrate the 2009 holiday season.<br />
FALL HOLIDAYS 2009<br />
The 2009 fall holiday season starts with the<br />
Thanksgiving sailings in the warm waters of<br />
the Amazon and the Caribbean. Leave the<br />
Thanksgiving feast preparations to our expert<br />
chefs, relax and sail away with your loved<br />
ones on <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony or <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity.<br />
Experience the wonders of the Amazon<br />
during the Amazon Thanksgiving Adventure<br />
(V9227) departing November 22, 2009. This<br />
cruise takes you to Turks & Caicos, Antigua,<br />
Barbados, Devil’s Island, crosses the Equator,<br />
cruises down the Amazon, and visits Alter<br />
do Chão, Parintins and ends in Manaus.<br />
With the Value Collection rate, <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Society members save up to 50% with rates<br />
starting at just $3,800 per person.*<br />
For those who would like a shorter cruise,<br />
the Caribbean Thanksgiving Celebration<br />
(V9326) on <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity, also departing<br />
on November 22, 2009, is the ideal escape.<br />
Sailing round-trip from Miami, this voyage<br />
includes visits to Turks & Caicos, Grand<br />
Cayman and Key West, plus three glorious<br />
days at sea allowing you the chance to<br />
unwind and indulge in our luxurious spa<br />
treatments or wile away the hours beside our<br />
Seahorse pool while our staff puts together<br />
your Thanksgiving meal. The Value Collection<br />
rates begin at $2,380 per person for Society<br />
members, with savings up to 50%.*<br />
WINTER HOLIDAYS 2009<br />
Are you looking for a memorable winter<br />
getaway for family or friends for the next<br />
holiday season Look no further. In addition<br />
to boasting our legendary cuisine and festive<br />
entertainment, both of our ships will be all<br />
decked out in their holiday finery so that you<br />
can simply sit back and enjoy the celebrations.<br />
Consider sailing on <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony to the<br />
southernmost part of the world — home to<br />
blue whales and six types of penguins —<br />
during the Antarctic Holiday cruise (V9229)<br />
departing Buenos Aires on December 20,<br />
2009. During this incredible journey, you will<br />
sail throughout the South Atlantic and South<br />
Pacific oceans and cruise around Antarctica<br />
on the way to Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Puerto<br />
Montt and Valparaíso. The fares, including<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Society savings, begin at $8,575 per<br />
person for this 19-day cruise.*<br />
If you desire a warmer climate with spectacular<br />
sunsets and warm tropical breezes for your<br />
holiday festivities, <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity fills the bill<br />
with the 14-day Caribbean Holiday cruise<br />
(V9329) round-trip from Miami departing on<br />
December 21, 2009. Ports of call include San<br />
Juan, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Maarten,<br />
St. Barts, Bonaire and Turks & Caicos. The<br />
rates for this cruise, including your <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Society savings, are $7,600 per person.*<br />
* Fares are per person in U.S. dollars, include <strong>Crystal</strong> Society savings, are double occupancy and do not include port, security and handling charges, or airfare. See <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> Worldwide Atlas 2009 for airfare information.<br />
Single traveler fares: 125% for categories C, D, E; 135% for categories B and A; 150% for category AA; 175% for category PH; 200% for categories PS and CP. Single fares are capacity-controlled, and may be withdrawn at<br />
any time. <strong>Crystal</strong> Society savings are per person and based on double occupancy. All itineraries, fares, programs and policies are subject to change. For complete terms and conditions, visit crystalcruises.com.<br />
13
14<br />
Fleet of gondolas in Venice, Italy
Promotions<br />
The Value of Sailing with <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Take advantage of these special promotions and upgrades in 2009<br />
BUSINESS CLASS AND PREMIUM ECONOMY AIR<br />
UPGRADES FOR 2009<br />
Enjoy the comfort of Business Class air travel on select Baltic and<br />
Mediterranean voyages starting at just $799. You can also take<br />
advantage of Premium Economy air upgrades from select air cities.<br />
This incredible service offers more space and amenities than<br />
traditional coach without the price tag of Business Class. <strong>Crystal</strong>’s<br />
Premium Economy ranges from $800 to $1,300 per person, roundtrip,<br />
depending on your air city. Visit crystalcruises.com for more<br />
details about these wonderful opportunities.<br />
SAIL FROM ATHENS TO ROME STARTING AT<br />
JUST $2,995 ††<br />
Enjoy new low fares or receive savings of up to $1,010 per stateroom<br />
on voyage 9212, a 7-day Mediterranean cruise beginning in Athens<br />
with stops in Mykonos, Rhodes, Kusadasi, ¸ Santorini and Sorrento<br />
before concluding in Rome. Some of the legendary sights to discover<br />
include the Acropolis, the Amalfi Coast, Mt. Etna, the ruins of Pompeii,<br />
the Sistine Chapel and the Forum.<br />
The Amalfi Coast, Italy<br />
CRYSTAL FAMILY MEMORIES PROGRAM<br />
Sail with ten of your friends and/or family and receive a free berth,<br />
plus free third berths (age 17 and under), shipboard credits, prepaid<br />
gratuities, $500 credit for a minimum $2,500 <strong>Crystal</strong> Private<br />
Adventure, and one 8x10 group/family photo and one photo of<br />
the guest’s choice per stateroom on nearly all of our 2009 voyages.<br />
You will see voyages with this promotion denoted by CFM.<br />
Airfare offers are per person, from select cities, capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time. Tickets must be issued 50 days prior to sailing. Full payment must be received at least 50 days prior to<br />
departure. Applicable voyages are 9214-9221, on flights to London, Copenhagen and Stockholm, depending on the selected U.S. and Canadian gateway serviced by British Airways and Scandinavian Airlines.<br />
Guests on voyage 9221 pay 50% of the above rates. These rates are in addition to <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>’ standard air/sea rates as listed under Before You Sail, Air/Sea Program. Other restrictions may apply; for more<br />
details, please contact our Reservation Sales Department.<br />
Fare from $2,995 applies to category E on <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony. Savings of up to $1,010 per stateroom apply to category PS. Offer only applies to categories PS-E on voyage 9212.<br />
CFM: Receive one free berth for every ten full-fare, full-payment guests; pre-paid gratuities; $100 per person shipboard credit (maximum two per stateroom); one 8”x10” group photo of family/group and one<br />
8”x10” photo of choice from the cruise (embarkation, Captain’s Welcome Reception, etc.). Free third berth applies to guests age 17 and under with waiver. Applies to all voyages indicated with CFM.<br />
New <strong>Crystal</strong> Assurance Plan Offers Risk-Free<br />
Return on Your 2009 Vacation Investment<br />
At <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>, we understand that the current economic climate<br />
makes it difficult to plan ahead with certainty. We also recognize that<br />
your leisure time is an important part of your life; one that you are<br />
not willing to sacrifice or jeopardize, but will invest in wisely. For these<br />
reasons, we designed the <strong>Crystal</strong> Assurance Plan to provide you<br />
with the security and peace of mind you need to make the best<br />
choice for your vacation.<br />
When you travel with the World’s Best, you are investing in 15<br />
years of international award-winning luxury. What’s more, our new<br />
assurance plan is intended to give you the flexibility needed for these<br />
ever-changing times:<br />
Lower Cruise Deposit — reduced cruise deposit from 10% to 5%<br />
for all 2009 voyages (except the 2009 World Cruise and its voyages)<br />
Relaxed Cancellation Period — for 2009, you may cancel your<br />
cruise up to 45 days prior to sailing without penalty (formerly a<br />
75-day restriction)<br />
Price Guarantee and Fare Protection ◆◆ — if you book a 2009<br />
cruise and the fare in your stateroom category is later reduced, you<br />
will be protected at the reduced fare<br />
Extended Options — guests now have an increased period from<br />
three to seven days before a deposit is required<br />
2010 World Cruise Deposit Reduction — deposits for the 2010<br />
World Cruise have been reduced from 20% to $1,000 or $1,500,<br />
depending on stateroom selected; the deadline for the remaining full<br />
World Cruise deposit has been extended to March 1, 2009<br />
This policy may not apply to special promotions as designated by <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>. For complete Terms and Conditions, visit crystalcruises.com.<br />
15
Society News<br />
All Aboard for the 2008 President’s Cruise<br />
Isles of Antiquity — Voyage 8320<br />
August 24 – September 5, 2008<br />
The annual President’s Cruise is one of the<br />
highlights of the year for <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
members, and the 2008 voyage from Athens<br />
to Rome was certainly no exception. With<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> President Gregg L. Michel and his wife,<br />
Adriana, hosting, guests had the opportunity<br />
to enjoy special activities only available on<br />
this annual cruise, including cocktail parties<br />
and a question-and-answer session.<br />
Among the highlights was the President’s<br />
Shore Excursion to the Celsus Library at<br />
Ephesus, Turkey. The venue is usually closed<br />
to the public in the evening, but <strong>Crystal</strong> was<br />
able to secure the site for a private cocktail<br />
party, dance performance and concert for our<br />
Society members. Guests began the evening<br />
sipping cocktails, mingling and admiring the<br />
ancient ruins backlit by a spectacular sunset<br />
while a flutist and harpist provided the night’s<br />
opening entertainment. The cocktail hour<br />
was followed by an exquisite performance<br />
of modern dance by the Izmir State Ballet<br />
Company and a classical music concert by<br />
two sextets. Upon their return to <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Serenity, guests who participated in this shore<br />
excursion were presented with a Turkish Tea<br />
Set engraved with the <strong>Crystal</strong> logo.<br />
In celebration of this unique area of the<br />
world, all guests on the President’s Cruise<br />
received an authentic handmade Turkish<br />
rug. During this cruise, Society members<br />
were also presented with an assortment of<br />
chocolates and a complimentary photo as a<br />
memento of the experience.<br />
Celsus Library, Ephesus, Turkey<br />
16
Updated Website<br />
Coming Soon<br />
The special world of <strong>Crystal</strong> opens up with a<br />
click of the mouse<br />
President’s Cruise 2008<br />
Gregg Michel (far left), his wife, Adriana (2nd from right), and Captain<br />
Glenn Edvardsen (far right) welcome <strong>Crystal</strong> Society member Mrs. Annette<br />
Smason (2nd from left).<br />
Over the last few months, a new <strong>Crystal</strong> experience has been in the<br />
works. It will take you to new places, open up new possibilities and<br />
be a dream to navigate.<br />
No, it is not a new itinerary or shore excursion, but it is a journey —<br />
one that seamlessly escorts you into the luxurious and exciting world<br />
of <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong>.<br />
Mr. Ernest and Mrs. Valerie Jackson (middle) are shown with Captain Glenn<br />
Edvardsen (far left) and <strong>Crystal</strong> President Gregg Michel (far right) during a<br />
special cocktail party on the President’s Cruise.<br />
“We felt our website needed a fresh new look,” says Nitsa Lewis,<br />
vice president, marketing. “The current site is a helpful resource;<br />
the updated site will be more experiential and immerse visitors in<br />
the <strong>Crystal</strong> experience from the very first click.”<br />
Capturing the essence of <strong>Crystal</strong> — that intangible feeling that<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Society members already treasure and that travelers new to<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> will find irresistible — are the elements of good design. Rich<br />
photographs, an inviting layout and elegant type will communicate<br />
that you have arrived at the portal of the World’s Best. Information<br />
will be presented in a compelling new way and be easier to use.<br />
Most anticipated is the new pre-cruise check-in area, where guests<br />
can log on and complete their immigration details, including passport<br />
information, purchase Trip Insurance, schedule airport transfers,<br />
pre-reserve spa and salon appointments, and make reservations<br />
for specialty restaurants, CLI classes and <strong>Crystal</strong> Adventures shore<br />
excursions. Especially convenient is the ability to register a credit<br />
card for onboard use, saving guests time on embarkation day.<br />
Once complete, guests’ preferences and itinerary will be easy to<br />
view on a personalized calendar.<br />
Guests on the President’s Cruise enjoy an evening in Prego restaurant with<br />
Gregg and Adriana Michel. Front row, left to right: Mr. Alastair Ramsay,<br />
Mrs. Anne Ramsay, Ms. June Dyer and Ms. Elaine Bentley.<br />
Back row, left to right: Ms. Sieglind Stone, Mrs. Adriana Michel, Mr. Gregg<br />
Michel, Ms. Mary McKee, Mrs. Marcia Gottfried and Mr. Joseph Gottfried.<br />
The changes are scheduled to be implemented in early 2009.<br />
Says Lewis, “The purpose of the redesign is to make the cruise<br />
experience more pleasant, more <strong>Crystal</strong>. It will allow guests to shape<br />
their voyage day by day, in a very unique and personal way. We’re<br />
excited about the changes, and we think our guests will be, too.”<br />
17
Society News<br />
We Are Family<br />
A snapshot of our ever-growing <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
With more than 350,500 active <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Society members hailing from more than<br />
160 countries around the world, our <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
Society family is as diverse and intriguing as<br />
the itineraries our award-winning ships sail.<br />
Traveling from the United States to Australia,<br />
Japan to Brazil and everywhere in between,<br />
your fellow <strong>Crystal</strong> Society members share<br />
your passion for global discovery, cultural<br />
enrichment and refined luxury. Consider that<br />
165 <strong>Crystal</strong> Society guests have taken 50<br />
cruises or more, and 5,411 have cruised with<br />
us on at least 10 voyages!<br />
We know that many of you consider <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
your home away from home. In fact, two of<br />
our members have traveled with us on each<br />
of our past 13 World <strong>Cruises</strong> — that’s 100<br />
days or more aboard <strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong> every<br />
year! Making it Lucky 14, they are about to<br />
log their 14th consecutive global odyssey as<br />
they embark <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity for our Pacific<br />
Circle Celebration 2009 World Cruise.<br />
On any given cruise in 2008, more than<br />
50% of our guests were <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
members. What’s more, in 2008 alone,<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Society members introduced nearly<br />
1,500 new guests to <strong>Crystal</strong> through our<br />
exclusive Share the Experience program.<br />
The numbers certainly are impressive — but<br />
what do they tell us For starters, they are a<br />
testament to the consistency of our service<br />
and quality, something we know is critically<br />
important to you. We recognize, too, that<br />
our creative onboard programming and<br />
authentic shoreside experiences are in line<br />
with your dreams and expectations. And<br />
finally, the numbers tell us that the dialogue<br />
we share with you through Passport, our<br />
onboard events and receptions, your travel<br />
professional, and our Quality Assurance<br />
Surveys provides us with the information<br />
we need to create vacation experiences<br />
that continue to surprise and delight.<br />
As our <strong>Crystal</strong> Society family continues to<br />
grow, you have our promise that we will<br />
always bring you the exceptional service,<br />
space, quality and choices that have made<br />
us the World’s Best more than any other<br />
cruise line, resort or hotel in the world.<br />
Thank you!<br />
Picture This<br />
Calling All <strong>Crystal</strong> Society Shutterbugs<br />
Would you like to see your photo in Passport magazine We would like to invite you to send<br />
us your photo carrying your green <strong>Crystal</strong> Society tote bag. Just take a photo with your tote<br />
bag anywhere in the world during your next <strong>Crystal</strong> cruise and e-mail it to <strong>Crystal</strong> Society,<br />
crystalsociety2@crystalcruises.com. Tell us where and during which voyage you took the<br />
photograph, and you just might see your photo in the next Passport magazine.<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity<br />
Voyage 8323<br />
September 24 – October 6, 2008<br />
Mr. Aristides and Mrs. Kaliope Sideris are<br />
shown on the pier in front of <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity<br />
during the Byzantium & The Blue Mosque cruise.<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity<br />
Voyage 8313<br />
June 6-13, 2008<br />
The Thammano family are shown outside the<br />
Lekuresi Castle in Albania, which was a port<br />
of call on the Greek Gods & Gondolas voyage.<br />
Best Wishes and a<br />
Fond Farewell to<br />
Keenan Raymond<br />
Many of you have<br />
had the opportunity<br />
over the last few<br />
years to get to know<br />
and appreciate the<br />
extraordinary work<br />
of Keenan Raymond,<br />
our <strong>Crystal</strong> Society supervisor at <strong>Crystal</strong>’s<br />
headquarters. Recently, Keenan’s husband,<br />
Tim, accepted a job transfer necessitating<br />
relocation to Keenan’s home state of Texas.<br />
As all Society members are aware, the <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
family is truly that: a family. So when one of<br />
our family members must move on, we are<br />
always somewhat saddened. But we are<br />
heartened by the knowledge that Keenan<br />
will be geographically closer to her “other”<br />
family. We hope you will join us in thanking<br />
Keenan for her dedication to <strong>Crystal</strong> Society.<br />
Her daily presence will certainly be missed by<br />
both Society members and her <strong>Crystal</strong><br />
colleagues. We wish Keenan and her<br />
husband all the best as they begin a new<br />
adventure in their new home.<br />
18
Society News<br />
Around the Globe with <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
Milestone Celebration<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony<br />
Voyage 8215<br />
June 29 – July 13, 2008<br />
Ms. Shirley Dunesky and Ms. Nita Borick<br />
celebrated their 125 Milestones, July 7, 2008,<br />
during the Grand Arctic Exploration cruise on<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony.<br />
Back row, left to right: Johannes Lorenz, Food<br />
& Beverage Manager; Randal Villalobos, Cruise<br />
Sales Consultant; Jane Self, <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
Hostess; Ms. Dunesky; Cato Christensen,<br />
Vice Captain; Ms. Torill Sjomaeling; and<br />
Ms. Ranveig Skinner.<br />
Front row, left to right: Herbert Jaeger, Hotel<br />
Director; Ms. Borick; and Captain John Økland.<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony<br />
Voyage 8215<br />
June 29 – July 13, 2008<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Alan and Gloria Kurtz reached<br />
their 50th Milestone during the Grand Arctic<br />
Exploration voyage on <strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony.<br />
Shown from left to right at the <strong>Crystal</strong> Society<br />
party are: Scott Peterson, Cruise Director; Jane<br />
Self, <strong>Crystal</strong> Society Hostess; Mr. Alan Kurtz;<br />
Mrs. Gloria Kurtz; Captain Egil Giske.<br />
Adventure in Antigua<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony<br />
Voyage 8226<br />
October 29 - November 10, 2008<br />
Mr. Tom Tobin, <strong>Crystal</strong> Society Hostess Kellie<br />
Hachten, Vice Captain Cato Christensen,<br />
Mr. Jorge Bacardi and Mr. Dex Crotts enjoyed<br />
a successful sportfishing expedition off the<br />
coast of Antigua during their cruise on<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> Symphony.<br />
19
Celebrity Guest Corner<br />
Enjoying the Ocean View with Barbara Walters<br />
The guests on <strong>Crystal</strong> Serenity’s voyage<br />
8318 were delighted to have the chance<br />
to hear a lecture by, and meet, one of the<br />
world’s most accomplished journalists,<br />
Barbara Walters. Ms. Walters’ memoir,<br />
Audition, had been published prior to<br />
this cruise.<br />
Among her many journalistic achievements,<br />
Ms. Walters has interviewed every American<br />
president and first lady since Richard Nixon,<br />
and made journalism history by arranging the<br />
first joint interview with Egypt’s President<br />
Anwar Sadat and Israel’s Prime Minister<br />
Menachem Begin in November 1977. Over<br />
the course of her journalism career, she has<br />
interviewed virtually everyone worth<br />
interviewing — from Prime Minister Margaret<br />
Thatcher and President-elect Barack Obama<br />
to Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie.<br />
The Barbara Walters Specials are continuously<br />
among the top-rated specials on television,<br />
and Ms. Walters is the co-owner, co-executive<br />
producer and co-host of the popular daily TV<br />
show, The View.<br />
Barbara Walters<br />
Passport<br />
<strong>Crystal</strong> <strong>Cruises</strong><br />
2049 Century Park East, Suite 1400<br />
Los Angeles, CA 90067<br />
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U.S. Postage<br />
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Permit No. 44<br />
Claremont, CA