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Crystal Harmony's 2005 Asia Cruises!
Hi Everyone,
I received this press release from Crystal Cruises and thought it would be of interest. If you have missed any of my news' postings, they are available on my web site. Best regards, Ray LIGHTHOUSE TRAVEL 800-719-9917 or 805-566-3905 http://www.lighthousetravel.com Complimentary Beijing Land Package & Enriching New Shore Excursions Highlight Crystal Harmony's 2005 Asia Cruises Sotheby's Institute and Smithsonian Experts Provide Cultural Insight LOS ANGELES - November 9, 2004 - From cooking classes in Hong Kong to riding the world's fastest train in Shanghai to relishing the tranquil beauty of the Peace Garden in Nagasaki, in 2005 Crystal Cruises explores Asia by sea and by land with an enriching series of new Crystal Adventures showcasing contemporary interests and historical intrigue. More than 50 tours ashore have been set for the season. From March-April 2005, the award-winning Crystal Harmony will offer four 13- to 14-day cruise/land itineraries to 10 ports of call in China, Japan and Taiwan. Overnight stays in world-class cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Osaka and Hiroshima highlight each cruise and allow savvy travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural nuances of each destination. The complimentary three-night land program in Beijing adds tremendous value and destination enrichment to each itinerary. Offered as pre- or post-cruise component of the cruise, depending on departure, the "Adventures in Beijing" showcases the Forbidden City, Tian An Men Square, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, Sacred Alley, and concludes with a private dinner at the Great Hall of the People. All accommodations, sightseeing and transportation, porterage, gratuities, and English-speaking tour escort are included. On board, Crystal Cruises' sophisticated clientele will appreciate the geo-political perspectives provided by geo-political speakers, as well as cultural insights by experts from Sotheby's and The Smithsonian Associates. Also complementing the itineraries are Creative Learning Institute language classes through Berlitz in Japanese and hands-on art classes ranging from jewelry making based on the principles of Feng Shui to Chinese brush painting, silk painting and origami. "Crystal Cruises' Asian vacations are designed to be seamless, stylish and stimulating," says Bill Smith, Crystal Cruises' senior vice president, sales and marketing. "Itineraries, shore-side experiences and onboard programs have been created to capture the history, geography, architecture and mystical beauty of Asia. Crystal Harmony's 2005 Asia series includes: Ancient Dynasties: March 15-28; 13 days; Hong Kong to Beijing, China. Additional port calls at Nagasaki, Japan; Shanghai and Dalian, China. Kingdoms of Pearls & Gold: March 22-April 5; 14 days; Beijing to Hong Kong, China. Additional port calls at Shanghai, China; Nagasaki and Osaka, Japan. Mysteries of Asia: April 5-19; 14 days; Hong Kong to Beijing, China. Additional port calls at Taipei/Keelung, Taiwan; Nagasaki, Japan; Shanghai and Dalian, China. Treasures of Ancient Empires: April 13-27; 14 days; Beijing, China to Yokohama, Japan, with port calls at Dalian and Shanghai, China; Hiroshima, Osaka and Shimizu, Japan. Crystal Harmony kicks off the season with an 18-day Trans-Pacific crossing departing from Los Angeles to Hong Kong on February 24. On April 26, Crystal Harmony concludes her 2005 Asian season with a 14-day sea/land cruise from Yokohama to Vancouver that begins with a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Tokyo. Enrichment Ashore While onboard enrichment lecturers will reveal the cultural, historical and political nuances of the region, Crystal Cruises' team of land program experts has created a collection of shore excursions that showcases the Asia of the 21st century as well as the continent's ancient beauty. New excursions for 2005 invite guests to: * Enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson at Hong Kong's Chinese Cuisine Training Institute and learn of the deep-rooted heritage and tradition of Chinese culinary art. * Gain a first-hand experience of the great restorations taking place in Hong Kong including a visit to the Man Mo Temple - dedicated to Ma, the God of Literature, and Mo, the God of Martial Arts; the Tai Po Market; the Wishing Tree of Hong Kong; and the Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall. * Travel to Peace Park and the enchanting town of Arita located on the outskirts of Nagasaki and known for its production of uniquely beautiful porcelain. * Journey into the new millennia aboard Shanghai's revolutionary Maglev Train (short for "magnetic levitation") reaching speeds of 267 miles per hour, making it the fastest transportation on land … and continue on a futuristic tour with a visit to China's newest landmark, the Oriental TV and Radio Tower, the third largest in the world. * Experience the serene beauty of Iwakuni near Hiroshima on a tour of the famous Kintaikyo Bridge, the Iwakuni Castle and Kikko Park, populated by samurai houses. * Ride aboard Japan's famous bullet train in Osaka traveling at speeds up to 187 miles per hour and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site at Himeji Castle, the shooting location for the film, The Last Samurai. 2005 marks Crystal Cruises' ninth year cruising Asia, and the line will again offer some of its most popular shore programs including: * Hiroshima's poignant exhibits * Hong Kong's most powerful Feng Shui sites, showcasing the universal lessons of this art form designed to harness positive energy for the benefit of serenity and good luck * Kyoto's Temple of the Golden Pavilions, considered one of this royal city's most celebrated sites * Nagasaki's Glover Mansion, the legendary setting of Puccini's "Madam Butterfly" * Shanghai's Museum on People's Square, one of city's foremost treasures featuring a collection of 110,000 historical objects and 430,000 reference pieces, many from the Shang and Zhou dynasties * Taipei's National Palace Museum, acclaimed as one of the world's four best museums, it is home to more than 600,000 Chinese art treasures Guests wishing to extend their Orient experience may choose from a collection of pre-and post-cruise land programs and hotel stays offered in addition to the Beijing package. The five-night "Yangtze Splendor" journey commences in Beijing and includes the riverfront city of Chongqing and a Yangtze River cruise through the dramatic Three Gorges. "Xi'an and the Terra Cotta Warriors" is a comprehensive five-night program to Xi'an and Guilin from Hong Kong featuring the Terra Cotta Warriors and the enduring magic of the Li River. Optional pre- and post-cruise hotel stays are available at Tokyo's Imperial Hotel (member Leading Hotels of the World) and the Peninsula Hong Kong and Hotel Inter-Continental Hong Kong. Enrichment Onboard Crystal Cruises' highly regarded Crystal Visions Enrichment Program taps the intellectual curiosity of guests with in-depth learning opportunities specific to each destination. Itineraries will feature expert scholars and historians from either The Smithsonian Associates or Sotheby's Institute including: * § Shirley Ganseis an art historian, curator, and lecturer in Chinese art, with a specialty in ceramics. She has worked in many different museums over the years, both as staff and as a consultant, and is considered one of the Smithsonian Associatesmost popular study leaders. * § Raymond Notley, Lecturer Emeritus at Sotheby's Institute of Art, London, will share illuminating presentations on Asian art and glass. A Board Member of the Association of Glass History, and founder of the UK's Carnival Glass Society, he authored Popular Glass of the 19th and 20th Centuries, and has been curator of several exhibitions at England's prestigious Broadfield House Glass Museum. Exceptional Value The 13- and 14-day itineraries, including the Beijing land program, start at $2,995 and $3,995 per person, double occupancy, respectively. Trans-Pacific Value Collection fares begin at only $2,695 per person, double occupancy. At 50,000 tons and carrying only 940 guests, the award-winning Crystal Harmony is one of the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising the world. Its unique size in the luxury market allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations. The Six-Star rated floating resort features grand lounges, a lavish spa outfitted in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, extensive exercise facilities, complimentary golf, yoga and Pilates instruction, the only Caesars Palace at Sea Casino® afloat, the innovative Computer University@Sea®, offering 24-hour e-mail and internet access as well as hands-on instruction, expansive decks, two pools, gourmet dining including Japanese and Italian specialty restaurants, and exquisitely appointed staterooms, more than half of which offer private verandahs. For additional information, please contact a travel agent. |
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