Archive for the ‘Crystal’ Category

Catch Up on the Latest Travel Industry News

Friday, March 5th, 2010
  • Crystal Cruises is offering a wellness cruise in on September 5th onboard the Crystal Symphony.   Leading experts and instructors from The Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Center, and even the world of professional baseball are on the roster.  Double occupancy promotional cruise fares for the 14-day cruise – including free air from 20 cities and the $1,000 bonus spending credit – start at $5,710 per person.
  • After torrential rains caused extensive damage to the train route to Machu Picchu, Perurail hopes to restart operations on April 1st.
  • Yellowstone National Park turns 138…March 1st, 1872, was the day that the U.S. Congress made Yellowstone America’s 1st national park. 
  • Tauck Tours adds exclusive Ferragamo experience to select Classic Italy departures. Experience includes private wine tasting, tour of Salvatore Ferragamo Museum to be hosted by famed fashion designer’s grandson.
  • Celebrity Eclipse made her debut this past Sunday in Papenburg, Germany. The ship will sail in Europe until November where it will sail out of Miami on Caribbean cruises. The Eclipse is the sister to the Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox.  A new feature onboard will be the iLounge.  The area will have 3 areas – one are will have workstations for passengers to use, another will be a retail store selling Apple products including Mac computers and Ipods, while the 3rd area will have certified staff that will offer tips and advice on how to use Apple products.
  • The National Cherry Blossom Festival, DC’s and the nation’s greatest springtime celebration, is quickly approaching, running over three weekends from March 27 through April 11.  National Park Service predicts Bloom dates of March 31-April 11 with flowers hitting their peak April 3-8.
  • SunFest, South Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival is scheduled for April 28th-May 2, 2010.  2010 lineup to include Weezer, ZZ Top, Patti LaBell, the Charlie Daniels Band, Sister Hazel, Ben Harper and B-52’s.
  • Louis Cruise Line’s ship, the Majesty, was hit by waves over three stories high in the Mediterranean. Two passengers were killed and 14 injured after the incident.
  • Continental Airlines joins several other airlines in charging additional money for exit row seats.  The cost will vary depending on flight time and date of travel.
  • It may soon cost more to apply for a passport.  The State Department is considering a 35% rate hike to $135 (up from $100) Also, if you currently want to add more pages to your passport book, it’s currently free, but if the new rate passed, you would have to pay an additional $82. Renewals would go up from $75 to $100.
  • Celebrity Cruises offers 7 day Caribbean cruises for as low as $599 pp. While several cruise lines including Carnival and Azamara are rasing rates, we find these cruises to be one of the best values currently available.
  • President Obama signs bill to boost U.S. Tourism.  It is hoped the new law will attract over 1.5 million new visitors to the U.S. 
  • Princess Cruises ordered two new ships – the first ship will debut in the spring of 2013 and the other in 2014.  The ships will be 139,000 tons – the largest ever for Princess Cruises.
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    Crystal Cruises 2010

    Sunday, November 29th, 2009

    crystal0409Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises is offering more seven-day options than ever for 2010 European cruises. Six itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Baltic and British Isles allow travelers to enjoy the award-winning Crystal Experience and a wealth of intriguing ports in a shorter time than Crystal’s more prevalent 11- and 12-day European cruises.

    “The seven-day European itineraries are a great way for guests with limited vacation time to enjoy a luxury getaway, and for new guests to sample the celebrated Crystal product,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “They also present an ideal opportunity to take a six-star vacation at a lower fare, plus the tremendous value added for 2010.”

    Crystal’s European season runs from May through November, with seven-day voyages including:

    Crystal Symphony
    •May 26, Mediterranean, Athens to Rome – Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Sorrento, Italy
    •June 14, British Isles, Roundtrip London – Guernsey, Channel Islands; Dublin, Waterford and Belfast, Ireland; and Liverpool, England
    •August 7, Scandinavia, Copenhagen to Stockholm – Tallinn, Estonia; and St. Petersburg, Russia (double overnight)

    Crystal Serenity
    •May 11, Mediterranean, Rome to Athens – Sorrento and Sicily, Italy; Crete and Mykonos, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey
    •May 18, Mediterranean, Athens to Venice – Sanotrini and Corfu, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia
    •June 18, Mediterranean, Athens to Venice – Mykonos and Corfu, Greece; Split, Croatia; Kusadasi, Turkey

    In addition to new 2-for-1 fares and $500 per person All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard credits for seven-day European voyages, the line also recently introduced complimentary roundtrip air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways – even Business Class for penthouse guests. Fares for Crystal European seven-day voyages start at $3,680 per person, double occupancy.

    With many combination options that don’t repeat ports, seven-day voyages can be taken back-to-back with various cruises for longer vacations, and additional savings. Along with the shorter European voyages are a seven-day, roundtrip Miami, Caribbean cruise and three roundtrip Los Angeles, Mexican Riviera cruises. Two fall nine-day options in the Mediterranean are also available.

    Atlas also offers exclusive ship board credits, complimentary shore excrusions and more.  Call a Luxury cruise specialist for the best Crystal Cruise deals available. For all your luxury travel needs, we invite you to visit www.luxurytour.com

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    Biggest Cruise Sale of the Year

    Saturday, October 10th, 2009
    CLIA World’s Largest Cruise Night

     
    Many of our preferred suppliers have put together some special offers and incentives so you can take advantage of these great deals, and book the cruise vacation you’ve always dreamed of. Below is a summary of offers. Note that the offers may not start before October 14th and restrictions apply. Call or stop by for additional details.
     

    Regent Seven Seas Cruises
    is offering a $100 per person shipboard credit booking incentive. Booking window October 1-November 14, 2009.
    Windstar Cruises is offering a $50 SBC on select Wind Surf and Wind Spirit sailings. Booking window October 14–November 9, 2009.
    Crystal Cruises is offering a $100 per person discount on most 2009-2010 departures. Booking window October 14–November 7, 2009.
    Silversea Cruises is offering a $100 per person or $200 per suite discount on any 2009-2011 Silversea Voyage.
    The Yachts of Seabourn is offering a $100 per booking bonus commission for bookings made during the Virtual WLCN (October 1-31) on request basis when booking is made.
    Disney Cruise Line is offering up to $100 OBC for January-December 2010 cruises. Booking window October 14–28, 2009.
    Azamara Cruises is offering up to $500 OBC on select 2010 Europe cruises. Booking window October 14–16, 2009.
    Celebrity Cruises is offering up to $200 OBC on select January and August 2010 cruises. Booking window October 14–16, 2009.
    Holland America is offering special 3-Day Sale rates on select 2009-10 cruises. Booking window October 14–16, 2009.
    Norwegian Cruise Line is offering ship board credits up to $250 Booking window October 13-20
    Princess Cruise Line is offering reduced deposit, onboard coupon booklet & ship board credits on select sailings. Booking window Oct 14-16, 2009.
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    Crystal Canada and New England Cruises

    Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

    crystallogoCrystal Cruises Line just announced that for their fall Canada & New England Cruises, the have set a selection of about 100 diverse Crystal shore excursions.  

    With dozens of options to suit most any interest, and 18 brand new excursions, nature-loving adventurers can ride reversing rapids in St. John; foodies can perfect their preparation of croque-monsieur in Montreal; and history buffs can re-visit immigrants’ tales from Ellis Island in New York City. The seven- and 11-day voyages, aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony, begin October 1 with a new seven-day cruise from Boston. Most cruises are between New York and Montreal.

    “Our guests are well-traveled and eager for experiences that are fresh, intriguing and fun,” says John Stoll, Crystal’s director, land programs. “New England and Canada ports lend themselves to active and cultural experiences that really highlight the charm and beauty of the region.”

    Shoreside highlights in 2009 include:

    • *NEW* A bird’s eye view of the Big Apple – New York City by helicopter;
    • *NEW* UNESCO City of Design – Exploration of Montreal’s rich graphic, fashion, architectural and urban design;
    • *NEW* Kayaking adventure down the St. John River in New Brunswick;
    • *NEW* An exclusive limousine experience through picturesque Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor;
    • America’s Cup sailing experience in Newport; and
    • Exploration of Quebec’s spectacular Montmorency Falls, Cote de Beaupre, Canyon Ste-Anne and Island of Orleans.

    Crystal’s New England/Canada voyages include visits to Boston; New York City; Newport; Bar Harbor; Halifax; St. John; Prince Edward Island; Quebec City; and Montreal. The 11-day, October 19 and October 30 cruises offer enhanced Smithsonian and President’s Cruise Experiences of Discovery programming, respectively, and are also available in shorter seven-day segments.

    EXCLUSIVE OFFER: 

    • 7 day – October 31st sailing on the Crystal Symphony - Receive prepaid gratuities ($126 pp value)
    • 11 day- October 8th sailing on the Crystal Symphony - Receive prepaid gratuities ($198 pp value)
    • 11 day – October 19th sailing on the Crystal Symphony -
      Receive pre-paid gratuities ($198 pp value)
    • 11 day – October 30th sailing on the Crystal Symphony
      Receive pre-paid gratuities ($198 pp value)
    • 12 day – November 10th sailing – Crystal Symphony
      Receive pre-paid gratuities ($216 pp value)

     Call 877-306-5595 to speak to a luxury cruise specialist.

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    Crystal Cruise Deals

    Monday, May 11th, 2009
    crystal0409Europe: Your Way with Crystal Cruises includes a $2,000 per couple shipboard credit, PLUS bonus savings of up to $3,000.

    Book TODAY for the best available staterooms and the most fabulous cruise offers in Europe
    – GUARANTEED!

    We invite you to experience Europe in unprecedented luxury aboard the fine ships of Crystal Cruises – voted the “Best Large-Ship Cruise Line” for 15 consecutive years by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.
    Featured dates include 11- to 12-day cruises from $4,080 per person aboard Crystal Serenity in the Mediterranean or 11- to 14-day sailings in the Baltic and British Isles on Crystal Symphony from $4,245 per person.

    Book your TODAY to receive fabulous cruise pricing and more:

    PLUS

    all 2009 Europe sailings include Ensemble Exclusive pre-paid shipboard gratuities and feature the Crystal Cruises Best Price Guarantee: The fare you pay today promises to be the lowest – ever. And if it drops? Crystal Cruises will automatically adjust it!
    Click here for additional posts on Crystal Cruise Deals. 

    • Use “As You Wish” $2,000 per couple shipboard credit
    Bonus savings of up to $3,000 per couple on designated dates
     
    AND, if you select is an Ensemble Hosted Cruise, you’ll enjoy additional amenities and benefits available only through your Ensemble Travel Group member agency:
    Ensemble Experience complimentary event ashore
    • Private cocktail party aboard ship
    • Company of a gracious and knowledgeable Ensemble Host

     

     

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    Luxury Cruise Update

    Thursday, March 26th, 2009

    silverseas_collage1At Atlas, we offer hundreds of cruises throughout the year, with special pricing, and added amenities. Many cruises include complimentary shore excursions. However, we have found that in some ports clients would prefer to go on their own. Therefore, beginning with sailings as of June 1, 2009 cruises with Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises and Yachts of Seabourn, client will be able to choose one of the following options:

    1.  Complimentary Shore event
    2.  Shipboard credit of $150 per person
    3.  Ensemble Hotel & Resort collection credit of $175 per person

    The only exception is that you must make your selection at least 75 days prior to travel, if not, the default will be the complimentary shore event.

    Call one our of luxury cruise specialist at 800-942-3301 to learn more about these hosted cruises.

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    Crystal Cruises 2009

    Saturday, March 7th, 2009

    crystallogo1In response to the current economic climate, Crystal Cruises designed the Crystal Assurance Plan to provide clients with the security and peace of mind you need to make the best choice for their vacation.

    Lower Cruise Deposit:  Reduced cruise deposit from 10% to 5% for all voyages in 2009, except for World Cruises.

    Relaxed Cancellation Period:  For 2009, you may cancel your cruise up to 45 days prior to sailing without penalty (formerly a 75 day restriction)

    Price Guarantee & Fare Protection:  If you book a 2009 cruise and the fare in your stateroom category is later reduced, you will be protected at the reduced fare.

    Extended Options:  Guests now have an increased period from three to seven days before a deposit is required.

    Cystrystal also 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.

    For more posts on Crystal Cruise Line, click here.

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    Crystal Cruises 2009

    Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

    crystallogoOnly 3 Weeks Left to Save 20% in 2010!
    Only three weeks left to Save Now and Save Later! Book any 2009 Europe, Trans-Atlantic and Crystal Symphony Asia cruise by March 31 and you’ll be eligible to save 20% on most 2010 voyages.

    Relish a truly incredible European vacation, from the verdant shores of France and Spain to the romantic ports of Italy. Unwind on a tranquil gondola ride in Venice and explore the captivating Greek Island of Mykonos. If you choose our Northern Europe cruises, admire the enchanting towns of Norway, or the picturesque city of Copenhagen offering sights such as the Tivoli Gardens and Amalienborg Palace. On our Trans-Atlantic sailings, explore the Moorish castles in Lisbon or delight in the traditional culture of Scotland. Exotic Asia itineraries will take you to Hong Kong where must-sees include unique open-air markets and the Man Mo Temple, or in Beijing visit the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.

    On board your luxury ship, enjoy exclusive amenities including an exceptional wine cellar with more than 300 vintages, open-seating specialty restaurants featuring the cuisine of celebrity chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, golf clinics with Taylormade equipment and the only Feng Shui-inspired spa at sea for a soothing massage after a day of sightseeing ashore.

    Take advantage of great fares in 2009 and guarantee 2010 savings today. Call for details!
    Save Now. Save Later. Only 3 Weeks Left!

    When you book by March 31 and sail on any 2009 Europe, Trans-Atlantic and Crystal Symphony Asia voyage you’ll enjoy 20% savings in 2010. Low fares from just $2,995!

    crystal2009 Qualifying Voyages:

    Europe:

  • Crystal Symphony: V9211-9220
  • Crystal Serenity: V9311-9324
  • Trans-Atlantic: Crystal Symphony: V9221
  • Crystal Serenity: V9310, V9325
  • Asia:

  • Crystal Symphony: V9207-9210
  • 2010 Redemption Voyages:

  • Crystal Symphony: V0201-0230
  • Crystal Serenity: V0301, V0309-0330
  • Terms & Conditions:
    Fare listed applies to category E only on voyage 9212, is in U.S. dollars, cruise-only, per person, based on double occupancy, subject to availability and are capacity-controlled. Fares do not include port, security, handling charges. 2009 qualifying voyage must be booked and deposited by March 31, 2009. This offer is applicable to the first two full fare guests on the 2009 booking only. 3rd berth guest will not receive the discount offer. Save Now, Save Later program does not apply to the following 2009 voyages 9201-9206, 9222-9229, 9301, 9302-9309 (Full World Cruise and its segments). 2010 redemption voyage must be booked by November 30, 2009. 2010 Save Now Save Later discount does not apply to 0302-0309 (Full World Cruise and its segments) and voyages 0231 and 0331. Airfare is not included and no air credit is available. Air add-ons are available from Crystal Cruises’ designated gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada. Single Traveler Fares: 125% for categories E, D and C; 135% for categories B and A; 150% for category AA; 175% for category PH; 200% for categories PS and CP. All itineraries, fares, programs and policies are subject to change. Additional terms & conditions apply to this promotion. Visit crystalcruises.com or click on the link in the above offer for details. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas.

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    Luxury Cruises 2009

    Monday, March 2nd, 2009

    Here are some of the great promotions available now, with various ensemble_grandjourney_tnluxury cruise lines!

    Regent Seven Seas Cruises
    A $500 per suite shipboard credit ($250 per person) applies for any 2009 bookings made March 1-31, 2009. Not combinable with “New to Regent” guest offer.

    The Yachts of Seabourn
    One category upgrade for select 7-day Seabourn Odyssey departures for new bookings made March 1-31, 2009. One category upgrade applies to suite categories A – V6.

    Crystal Cruises

    • A $200 per stateroom shipboard credit applies for new bookings on Europe sailings booked February 15-March 31, 2009.
    • Most 2009 Europe sailings now include a brand-new $1,000 per person shipboard credit.
    • Crystal Cruises Best Price Guarantee: The fare your clients pay today promises to be the lowest – ever. And if it drops? Crystal Cruises will automatically adjust it!

    Oceania Cruises
    A $100 per stateroom shipboard credit for new bookings made March 1-31, 2009 on select sailings

    We also have acess to preferential rates & exclusive amenities, allowing us to offer exclusive amenities such on hundreds of sailings throughout the year:

  • Personable hosts and onboard parties 
  • Complimentary small group shore excursions
  • Generous shipboard/spa credits, pre-paid gratuities & much more
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