Luxury Line Adds 18 New Crystal Adventures to Five Cruises This Fall

LOS ANGELES, July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Kayaking through the Porcupine Islands. Biking the famous carriage trails of Acadia National Park. Walking the historic Freedom Trail and the legendary Brooklyn Bridge. Soaring high above the Bay of Fundy, Cape Split and Peggy's Cove. These are but a few of the active and enriching Crystal Adventures that luxury line Crystal Cruises is offering aboard its five New England & Canada cruises this fall.

In all, 18 new Crystal Adventures -- many featuring an active component -- have been added to the more than 50 excursions offered on Crystal Symphony's seven- and 11-day cruises to New York, New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; Bar Harbor, Maine; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; Quebec City and Montreal, Canada; Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Ft. Lauderdale. Three 11-day cruises between New York and Montreal depart on Sept. 20, Oct. 1 and 19. A seven-day cruise round-trip from New York sails on Oct. 12. An 11-day cruise departing from Montreal on Oct. 30 features New England, eastern Canada and the southeastern coast of the U.S., concluding in Fort Lauderdale.

"From walking, hiking and biking, we have a variety of tours for all guests who desire to stay active and more uniquely explore a destination," says John Stoll, Crystal's director of land programs. "Organized tours in port with a guide can be more than sitting on a bus -- an active excursion allows for more intimate involvement with the particular cultures and scenery of each destination."

With a walking tour offered in nearly every port of call, guests are afforded guided up-close and personal explorations, including a:

* New one-mile journey along the celebrated Cliff Walk of Newport showcasing the magnificent "cottage" estates and a visit to the Vanderbilt mansion at The Breakers;

* New exploration into Montreal's famed Botanical Gardens;

* New leisurely, guided stroll through Bar Harbor's Victorian historic town;

* 250-year walking history lesson through historical Boston;

* Countryside excursion into Halifax's land of the Evangeline, the inspiration for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem; or,

* Journey through three centuries of history amidst Old Quebec's narrow cobblestone streets.

Choice is at the core of all Crystal's programming, both on board and ashore, and the line's team of shore excursion professionals has created a collection of new culinary adventures for the 2004 season as well:

* Revisit the 19th century with a French-inspired four-course meal with perfectly paired wines at Quebec's best-known landmark, Chateau Frontenac;

* Enjoy the hospitality and flavors of the Island of Orleans with an exclusive visit to the private estate of Domaine Steinbach, and dine upon delectable mustards, duck pate, onion preserves and cider wine from the family's secret recipes -- from Quebec City; or,

* Savor an authentic lobster dinner in the quaint fishing village of Halls Harbor in the beautiful Bay of Fundy -- from Halifax.

Depending on the itinerary selected, per person, double occupancy fares begin at $2,495. Pre- and post-cruise hotel stays are available at two of the finest hotels in their respective cities, The St. Regis in New York and The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal.

In 2004, the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine voted Crystal Symphony the Best Ship in the World (mid-sized). At 50,000-tons and carrying only 940 guests, the Six-Star vessel recently completed a $12 million refurbishment, maintaining its reputation as one of the most luxurious and contemporary 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 floating resort is home to 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(R) Casino afloat, and the innovative Creative Learning Institute showcasing progressive curriculums in music through Yamaha, language through Berlitz, and wellness through The Cleveland Clinic, as well as other prestigious alliances. The spacious ship features expansive decks, two pools, gourmet dining including Asian and Italian specialty restaurants, and exquisitely appointed staterooms, more than half of which offer private verandahs.

For additional information, contact a travel agent or call 866.446.6625. Visit the luxury line's website at http://www.crystalcruises.com.

Frommer's Caribbean 2008