Traveling to Halifax, Nova Scotia to board the Crystal Serenity for a cruise along the eastern coast of the United States

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – I am very fond of small cities. They have a certain charm, a degree of friendliness, not found in their larger counterparts. Cities like Dublin, Charleston and San Juan come to mind. Halifax certainly fits that description. It is compact, walkable, easy to get around and everyone is helpful. We flew into Halifax on Wednesday in advance of boarding our cruise on the Crystal Serenity today. We added an extra day to our …

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A rather unique itinerary: Down the U.S. East coast on the Crystal Serenity

Today I am madly packing for our upcoming cruise on the Crystal Serenity which begins Friday. We are traveling for 19 days on the ship, all the way from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the north, to Aruba in the Caribbean and ending in Miami, Florida. This unique repositioning itinerary poses some real packing challenges: Half the time we will be in quite chilly even cold weather, and half the time we will be in hot weather. Which …

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Crystal invites travelers to sleep in-without missing the adventure

The need to choose between catching up on much needed sleep and embarking on a great adventure while on vacation is no more.  This fall, in an industry first, Crystal Cruises will debut new Crystal Adventures planned especially for late-risers, offering the same enriching experiences in the world’s most stunning and significant destinations, beginning later in the day.  With the line’s acclaimed excursions typically departing the ship within 30-60 minutes of docking or tendering – as early …

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Crystal’s new extended land programs explore coveted Canadian cities and northeastern sites

Two new lavish land programs allow Crystal guests to extend their vacations with five 2014 luxury cruises through North America’s East Coast and French Canada.  Available on Crystal Serenity’s September-October voyages, the two- and three-night, pre- and post-cruise packages offer travelers the opportunity to explore beyond the rich New England/Canada cruise itineraries that begin or end in Québec City.  Guests can choose from programs in Toronto and Niagara Falls, Montréal and Québec City, or enjoy a free …

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New itineraries to and from Quebec highlight Crystal Serenity’s first ever new England/Canada season

Crystal Cruises’ fall Canada/New England season is one of big firsts: the first time itineraries will begin and end in French Canada’s picturesque Québec City and the first time the award-winning Crystal Serenity will be sailing the season.  Also a first, the ultra-luxe line will offer complimentary transfers to/from Québec and Montréal on embarkation and debarkation days to further expand guests’ flight and sightseeing options. Starting September 19, 2014, Crystal will offer one seven-day and four 10-day …

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Cruise industry firsts highlight Crystal Serenity’s chic “extreme makeover”

Crystal Cruises’ award-winning Crystal Serenity has emerged from a $17 million redesign with chic new Crystal Penthouses (the coveted top accommodations) and dramatically transformed indoor/outdoor casual dining spaces, including the Trident Grill, Scoops ice cream bar, Tastes Bar, Lido Cafe, and Tastes restaurant, featuring a brand new global-inspired evening menu.  Cruise industry-firsts include a chef’s herb garden as part of vibrant “vertical walls” of greenery and 70 new PURE hypoallergenic staterooms. From the top deck to its …

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Crystal Cruises launches custom celebration services around the world-Ultra-Luxury, international party planning assistance is industry first for ship and shore

An elegant wedding in the hills of Tuscany.  A birthday blowout on a beach in Bali.  A retirement roast at one of Cape Town’s top wineries.  A renewal of vows “on top of the world” at sea.  With Crystal Cruises’ new Crystal Celebrations soiree service, almost anything is possible just about anywhere Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity sail.  Already known for an uber-personalized approach to unforgettable travel experiences, Crystal has teamed with premier global event company Imagine …

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Crystal Polynesian Mind, Body & Spirit Cruise kicks off New Year’s resolutions

Ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises is inspiring its guests to relax, refresh and recharge with a new Mind, Body & Spirit-themed exotic cruise through some of the most exquisite waters in the world.  Crystal Symphony’s first voyage of the year, a 12-day “Southern Seas Soliloquy” itinerary, begins January 8, 2014 in Valparaíso, Chile, and sails across the southern Pacific to the Society/Tahitian, Easter, and Pitcairn Islands (the latter of Mutiny on the Bounty fame).  On the roster are a …

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Crystal Serenity’s chic “extreme makeover” planned for November

Crystal Cruises is preparing for a $17-million redesign of the award-winning Crystal Serenity this November.  The line is planning sweeping makeovers of the ship’s Crystal Penthouses (the line’s coveted top accommodations) and Lido Deck, including the popular indoor/outdoor Trident Grill, Tastes restaurant, and Crystal Serenity’s Lido café.  Building upon the success of Crystal Symphony’s “living wall,” Crystal is expanding its green concept to the Lido area.  Maintenance, cleaning, mechanical updates, and environmental upgrades will also be implemented …

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Crystal Cruises to go all-inclusive in the spring of 2012

Crystal Cruises is enhancing its already expansive host of luxury services and amenities. Effective spring 2012, vacations on the award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will include complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar service in all lounges, and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff. The complimentary gratuity amenity also includes Penthouse butler service as well as service in all of Crystal’s fine specialty restaurants and sushi bar. “Our ‘All Inclusive’ …

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