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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 />
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