Crystal Cruises Information
Cruise Fares
Your cruise fare includes all normal shipboard services and
facilities plus all non-alcoholic beverages. The cruise fare
does not include port, security and handling charges, fuel
surcharges, airfare, transfers, shore excursions,
sightseeing or meals ashore, taxes, gratuities, liquor,
wines, laundry or valet services, telephone, Internet and
e-mail communications, or any items or service of a personal
nature such as massage, spa services and hairstyling.
Transfers, porterage and luggage handling are part of our
all-inclusive Crystal Air/Sea Program. If you choose to
arrange for air travel independently, you may purchase
embarkation and disembarkation transfers from Crystal
Cruises.
Cruise fares quoted are in U.S. dollars and are per person,
based on double occupancy. Applicable port, security and
handling charges are additional.
Air Transportation / Luggage
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When making your own air
arrangements, we recommend allowing a minimum of four
hours between your flight arrival time and the ship's
sailing time. Specific port and pier information and
embarkation times are stated on your cruise ticket. Port
authorities sometimes change the location of the pier or
berth number, so be sure that you actually see your ship
when you arrive at the port/pier.
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When disembarking at the
end of your cruise, do not plan to leave the ship for at
least three hours after it docks at your final
destination. Customs and Immigration must conduct
various inspections before you are allowed to disembark.
Please also take into account the time needed at the
airport for airline check-in procedures before booking
your departing flights. If you are making independent
reservations to fly home directly after the cruise,
please have your travel agent contact Crystal Cruises'
Reservations for flight departure guidelines, which vary
based on the distance between the pier and the airport.
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Transfers,
porterage and luggage handling are part of our
all-inclusive Crystal Air/Sea Program. If you choose to
arrange for air travel independently, you may purchase
embarkation and disembarkation transfers from Crystal
Cruises.
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Flight schedules
sometimes change. We strongly suggest that you reconfirm
all flight times with the airline 48 hours prior to
departure. Seating assignments, special meal requests,
details regarding checked and carry-on luggage
allowances and restrictions (size, weight and quantity),
or other flight-related inquiries should be discussed
directly with the airline or through your travel agent.
Please confirm your seat assignments for both outbound
and return flights prior to your departure for the ship.
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We recommend that you do
not lock your luggage due to the Transportation Security
Administration's policy of screening all baggage.
However, please be sure to lock your luggage when in
transit between airport and ship. Ship and airline
safety requirements prohibit the transportation of
dangerous goods including, but not limited to,
explosives, weapons, ammunition, mace, pepper-spray,
hazardous material, martial arts devices, swords or
similar items that may be considered a security risk.
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You may wish to avail
yourself of the services of our affiliate luggage-free
travel service, Virtual Bellhop. By registering online
at www.virtualbellhop.com, your luggage (including golf
clubs) will be picked up at your home and delivered
directly to the ship. Fees apply.
Boarding the
Ship
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At embarkation ports, the
ship is usually available for guest boarding at 3 pm.
The exact embarkation and sailing times are specified on
your cruise ticket. Please note that you may not board
earlier than the time stated. All guests must carry a
government-issued photo identification card in order to
embark.
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Keep in mind that you
must be on the ship at least one hour prior to sailing.
Once you are on board, our Six-Star crew welcomes you,
assists with your hand luggage and shows you to your
stateroom. Your luggage is delivered to your stateroom.
Clothing
Suggestions
Throughout the day, our guests wear a casual mix of active
resort wear. Dining room attire is casual during the day;
however, swimsuits are not appropriate. If you do not wish
to change for a meal in the afternoon, alfresco dining on
deck is available.
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For days in port, be sure
to bring comfortable walking shoes. Check with your
travel agent for special items you might want to pack
for your destination and the time of year you are
traveling.
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Each evening on a Crystal
cruise has a specific dress code, which applies to all
public areas of the ship after 6 pm. Guests find that
the occasional formal evenings create a special
atmosphere in contrast to the other more informal
evenings on board. The three codes of attire are casual,
informal and formal. Typically, 10- to 14-day cruises
have three formal nights. The number of informal nights
is usually based on the number of days at sea, and
casual nights are based on days in port and the time of
departure.
Formal Evening
Attire
Informal Evening
Attire
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Informal attire is
appropriate for most evenings on board. For ladies,
evening dresses, cocktail dresses or pantsuits are
suitable. For gentlemen, we suggest sport coats and
slacks; ties are optional.
Casual Evening
Attire
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On casual evenings, a
more relaxed attire is accepted, such as casual dresses
and pantsuits for ladies, and sport shirts and slacks
for gentlemen. Ties and jackets are not required.
Cruise Ticket /
Luggage Tags
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After full cruise
payment, receipt of immigration information and 30 days
prior to departure, guests receive their ticket wallet
which contains all cruise documents: cruise ticket
complete with the day-to-day itinerary, air ticket and
hotel confirmations (if purchased through Crystal
Cruises), luggage tags and other necessary information.
Be sure to complete and attach a Crystal Cruises luggage
tag to each checked bag so it can be easily identified
upon arrival.
Deposits,
Payments & Refunds
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Reservations must be
accompanied by a deposit within the period specified at
time of booking. A deposit of 20% per guest is required
for all Penthouse accommodations (PH-CP). A deposit of
10% per guest is required for all staterooms (E-AA).
World Cruise 2006 Voyages of 43 days or more: 20%
deposit (C-CP); 42 days or less: 20% deposit (PH-CP);
10% deposit (C-AA). Staterooms are subject to
cancellation if required deposits are not received
within the specified option period. The balance of the
cruise fare must be received by Crystal Cruises no later
than 75 days before sailing. All reservations are
subject to cancellation if payments are not received by
the due date. Reservations made within 75 days (90 days
for World Cruise) of sailing require full payment, due
three days after reservation is made. Reservations made
within 14 days (21 days for World Cruise) of sailing
require full payment, due one day after reservation is
made.
Third Berth
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A limited number of
staterooms on each ship are designated for triple
occupancy. Crystal Cruises discourages the use of third
berths for adults due to the size of the sofa bed.
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A third person age 12 and
over may travel in a triple occupancy stateroom (subject
to space availability) at the minimum fare for that
cruise. Children age 11 and under traveling as a third
berth guest are charged 50% of the minimum fare for that
cruise.
Children /
Minors
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Any child under the age
of 18 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of
21. In addition, if the adult accompanying the child is
not a parent or legal guardian, the "Parental Consent
Guardianship Form" must be signed by a parent or legal
guardian and received by Crystal Cruises prior to
sailing.
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Guests age 11 and under
must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older in the same
stateroom. Guests age 12 and over may be accommodated in
a stateroom connected or adjacent to the stateroom of a
parent or adult responsible for them.
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Infants 6-24 months of
age who will be utilizing a crib may travel as a third
berth in either a double or triple stateroom. Crystal
Cruises is unable to accommodate children under six (6)
months of age as the ships medical facilities are not
designed to provide services to very young children. On
very limited itineraries where adequate medical
facilities may be readily available a waiver may be
granted provided a release of liability is signed by the
parent(s). Crystal also reserves the right to restrict
the number of those under three (3) years of age aboard
the ship.
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Children occupying a
double stateroom will be charged the adult rate
regardless of age.
Customs /
Duty-Free Allowance
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All luggage is subject to
inspection by U.S. Customs upon return to the United
States. Guests originating or terminating their cruise
in a foreign port are also subject to inspection by U.S.
Customs officials. U.S. residents are allowed a
duty-free exemption of $800 per person; those over the
age of 21 may include one liter of liquor, 200
cigarettes or 100 cigars. U.S. residents returning from
the U.S. Virgin Islands (or any of the U.S. insular
possessions) are permitted an additional $800 ($1600
total) in foreign purchases duty-free, provided the
additional $800 in merchandise is acquired in the U.S.
Virgin Islands. The alcohol and cigarette allowance is 5
liters of alcoholic beverages and 1000 cigarettes
provided the additional allowance of 4 liters and 800
cigarettes are purchased in the US Virgin Islands.
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The duty free allowance
for Non-US residents is $100 per person if their stay in
the US is not less than 72 hours and they have not used
their allowance in the last 6 months. The alcohol and
cigarette allowance is 1 liter of alcohol, 200
cigarettes or 50 cigars or 4.4lbs of tobacco if the
person is 21 years or older.
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Additional information
can be obtained at any local U.S. Customs office or at
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/dutyfree_exemption.xml.
Customs regulations are subject to change.
Single Travelers
Single occupancy of double staterooms is available on a
limited basis, subject to availability at the time of
reservation. Single guests pay 125% (130% for World Cruise
2006 Voyages) of the per-person fare for categories C
through E; 135% (140% for World Cruise 2006 Voyages) of
categories A and B; 150% of category AA; 175% of category
PH; and 200% of categories CP and PS. Single fares are
capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time.
Safety &
Security
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Our ships have been
designed with your complete safety in mind, equipped
with modern stabilizers and built to the world's highest
standards of shipbuilding quality. Our ships comply with
all safety codes and pass annual testing inspections
with the highest marks.
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When in port during a
cruise, our unique computerized security system takes a
reading of your stateroom key card at the gangway to
identify you and inform us when you leave the ship and
when you return. A government-issued photo
identification is also required for boarding. All
personal items are scanned by an x-ray machine when
boarding to ensure the safety and security of our
guests.
Valuables
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While in transit to and
from the ship, personal items and valuables such as
jewelry, medication, tickets, passports and visas should
be packed with your hand luggage and kept with you at
all times. Each stateroom and penthouse is equipped with
a personal safe. Because each guest must assume full
responsibility for items kept in his or her stateroom,
we recommend that items of special value be placed in
the complimentary safe-deposit boxes at the Reception
Desk.
Inoculations
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Requirements for
inoculations often change. Crystal Cruises informs you
of the health requirements; however, it is your
responsibility to have all required vaccinations with a
signed International Certificate of Vaccination. We
recommend that you contact your personal physician with
any health concerns. Failure to comply may result in
refusal of passage by Customs and Immigration
authorities.
Passports /
Visas
U.S. Citizens
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All U.S. citizens who
travel abroad are required to carry a valid passport.
Please note that Crystal Cruises requires passports to
be valid for at least six months after the completion of
your trip.
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In addition to your
passport, you should also bring along a current
government-issued photo identification card to use at
pier and airport security checkpoints.
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Visa requirements vary
from country to country. Crystal Cruises informs U.S.
citizens of specific visa requirements. Visa information
may also be obtained through the local embassy or
consulate of the country you will be visiting. It is
your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas. Visas
must be obtained regardless of whether you plan to go
ashore or remain on board while in ports which require
Visas. Everyone must be cleared by local Immigration
authorities upon arrival in port, regardless of the
length of the ship's call.
International
Citizens
Special Dietary
Requests
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If you require a special
diet or if you need special food items available on
board during your cruise, please submit your dietary
requests in writing to our Onboard Guest Services
Department no later than one month prior to your cruise,
and confirm your arrangements with the Food and Beverage
staff on the day of embarkation. There may be a charge
for some special requests.
Visitors
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Whenever conditions
allow, visitors will be permitted on board. Requests may
be made through Crystal Cruises' Onboard Guest Services
or Marine Operations departments, or if requested on
board, through the ship's Reception Desk. All requests
and supporting information must be received in writing
by the Crystal Cruises' Marine Operations Department no
later than two weeks prior to the intended visit day (no
later than four days if requested while on board). The
numbers and types of visitors allowed are
capacity-controlled and subject to the security level at
the port of call. Due to changing world conditions,
Crystal Cruises may institute a no-visitor policy on
board its ships from time to time. This policy is
subject to change, without notice, at any time.
Safety &
Security
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The safety
and security of our guests, staff and crew are of
paramount importance to Crystal Cruises. In an effort to
provide our guests a safe and enjoyable travel
experience, we closely monitor world events on a daily
basis through contact with various U.S governmental
agencies, local area officials, our port agents, local
tour operators, and the International Council of Cruise
Lines.
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We are presently
operating as scheduled, but if events abroad or at home
ever appear to have the potential to compromise safety
or security; Crystal Cruises would readily revise the
ships' itineraries. Guests on board would immediately be
advised of any such changes. Guests preparing for a
future voyage would also be notified, as feasible, when
and if revisions are made to our itineraries.
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Since the events of
September 11, 2001, we have intensified our security
measures and have instituted special added procedures
aboard Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony and Crystal
Serenity. We have taken these actions in accordance with
the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS)
Code developed by world governments under the auspices
of the International Maritime Organization and in
consultation with our Flag State, the United States
Coast Guard (USCG), private security consultants and the
International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL).
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In May 2004, the security
plans and organization for Crystal Harmony, Crystal
Symphony and Crystal Serenity were inspected by Lloyd's
Register, and the ships were issued International Ship
Security Certificates.
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Under ISPS, cruise ships
operate under one of three levels of security. In
general, security precautions include, but are not
limited to, the following measures:
* Visitors
Policy
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Whenever conditions
allow, visitors will be permitted on board. Requests may
be made through Crystal Cruises' Onboard Guest Services
or Marine Operations departments, or if requested on
board, through the ship's Reception Desk. All requests
and supporting information must be received in writing
by the Crystal Cruises' Marine Operations Department no
later than two weeks prior to the intended visit day (or
four working days if requested on board). The numbers
and types of visitors allowed are capacity controlled
and subject to the security level at the port of call.
Due to changing world conditions, Crystal Cruises may
institute a no-visitor policy on board its ships from
time to time. This policy is subject to change, without
notice, at any time.
* Identification
of all guests and crew
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Crystal Cruises compares
guest and crew lists with names of interest provided by
U.S. government agencies, and all crew members are
vetted before they are employed, and all non-American
crew and staff are required to have U.S. visas.
Government issued photo I.D.s are required in all ports
of call. In addition, key cards, which serve as boarding
passes, are given to each guest when they check in.
Access to the ship by all individuals is controlled.
* Restricted
access areas
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Critical areas on the
ship are designated restricted access areas. There are
no guest tours of restricted areas. Therefore, there are
no scheduled tours of the bridge or technical spaces,
including the engine room. Video surveillance cameras
and access alarms have also been installed.
* Additional
screening of all guest baggage, carry-on luggage, ship
stores and cargo
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All items brought on
board by guests or crew will be subjected to extra
screening by x-ray machines or personal hand inspection
by the ship's security staff. Also, non-carry-on baggage
is compared to the official guest list and is x-rayed at
the loading point prior to be being loaded on board the
vessel. Manifests of delivered ship stores and cargo are
matched to purchase orders before items are loaded on
the ships. Stores and cargo are monitored for
unauthorized materials, as appropriate. No shell door is
opened without personnel stationed to prohibit entry of
unauthorized personnel.
* Port and
shore-side security
* Onboard
security
* Continuous
monitoring of upcoming itineraries and ports of call
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We recognize that world
events continue to change. As a result, we are in
consultation with appropriate U.S. governmental agencies
including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. State Department,
our Flag State, the governments of countries our ships
are scheduled to visit, port agents, tour operators and
our insurance underwriters to insure that we are taking
every reasonable step to recognize and assess potential
risks, and to make changes as may be necessary under the
circumstances.
Crystal
Adventures Shore Excursions
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From Olympic bobsledding
in Lillehammer to flying in a MiG figher jet to driving
a Formula 1 race car in Monte Carlo, our Crystal
Adventures Shore Excursions are truly one-of-a-kind
experiences that personally enriching.
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The variety of Crystal
Adventures promises to pique the interests of all
Crystal guests-here are few examples from our 2006
Baltic/Northern Europe and Mediterranean voyages:
Active Adventure
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A hot air
balloon journey showcases the idyllic Irish countryside
(from Dublin)
New horseback riding adventures along the scenic trails
of Dryhaven forest (from Copenhagen)
New golfing excursions at the Montgomerie at Carlton
House in Dublin, and the St. Mellion Golf & Country Club
in Plymouth
Drive a Formula 1 race car with instruction both on and
off the course (new from Monte Carlo)
Kayak Dubrovnik's Adriatic coast, river-raft in Split,
and canoe in Zadar for new perspectives of Croatia
Soar above the Ctte d'Azur (from Monte Carlo), the
Amalfi Coast (from Sorrento) or the Dolomite Mountains
(from Venice) on a helicopter journey
Explore the underwater world of Punta Campanella on a
scuba diving expedition (from Sorrento)
Art & Culture
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An organ
recital at the 11th-century Dome Cathedral, the largest
place of worship in the Baltics housing one of the
largest organs in all of Europe (from Riga)
The masterful collections of the Van Gogh Museum and
Rembrandt House are showcased on a new tour (from
Amsterdam), as are the treasured works of Author Astrid
Lindgren at the Junibacken Museum (from Stockholm)
Before The Da Vinci Code, there was Angels & Demons. A
new tour of Rome showcases the key symbols and landmarks
in Dan Brown's best-selling book
A private visit to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
(in Rome) is available through special arrangements
exclusively for Crystal guests
The Popular -
Spirits & Wine
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A pub crawl
in Dublin, a beer tasting seminar in Zeebruge, gin
tasting at the Plymouth Gin Distillery, and a visit to
the famed Carlsberg Brewery in Copenhagen provide a
'taste' of local flavor
Three new journeys to the renowned chateaus of Bordeaux
offer wine enthusiasts the chance to sample first
growths and explore the pastoral countryside
A wine tasting with the Italian Association of
Sommeliers in Rome, a visit to the renowned Jean Lesn
Winery in Barcelona, and a journey from Cadiz into
Andalusia to sample famed sherries offer new discoveries
in intimate settings
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Our Crystal Adventures
emphasize variety and as we've increased the active
experiences available we have also maintained a balance
of traditional favorites including tours showcasing the
cultural and culinary secrets of each destination.
Crystal Private
Adventures
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Crystal Cruises is happy
to provide customized shore excursions, for guests who
wish to have an exclusive or private experience. Your
customized excursion can be as simple as requesting your
own car and driver or making an existing Crystal
Adventure private. Or your outing could be more
elaborate with private tours, catered lunches and select
on shore evening entertainment. If you can dream it,
Crystal Cruises can make it happen for you.
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Please note: the Crystal
guest must be booked on the cruise and the guest or
Travel Agent must produce a valid booking number in
order to request a Crystal Private Adventure. A $100
non-refundable service fee for each Crystal Private
Adventure is due at the time the request is received.
Payment in full is due upon acceptance and confirmation
of the Crystal Private Adventure. The $100
non-refundable service fee and payment in full is to be
charged against the guest's or Travel Agent's credit
card. All major credit cards are acceptable for payment.
In the event that each Crystal Private Adventure is
accepted and confirmed, the $100 non-refundable service
fee for each Crystal Private Adventure will be applied.
Hotel Programs
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Crystal
Cruises takes great pride in its Hotel Programs,
carefully screening each property for its location,
ambiance, level of service and attention to detail. Join
us in some of the world's most beautiful cities at
luxurious five-star hotels for an exciting and memorable
beginning or end to your Crystal cruise experience.
Crystal
"Classic" Hotel Program
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Whether you wish to begin
your cruise experience in grand style or complete your
ocean journey exploring a fascinating city, the Crystal
"Classic" Hotel Program is the perfect choice. Our
Crystal "Classic" Hotel Program includes:
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Luxurious
hotel accommodations
Meet & Assist arrangements at the airport
Group transfer by motor coach between airport and hotel,
or hotel and airport
Direct transfer by motor coach between hotel and ship,
or ship and hotel
Priority embarkation for pre-cruise guests
Hotel tax and porterage
Hospitality Desk offering local advice and optional
sightseeing
Crystal
"Classic-Plus" Hotel Program
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For the ultimate hotel
experience, we offer the Crystal "Classic-Plus" Hotel
Program. Our Crystal "Classic-Plus" Hotel Program
includes:
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Upgraded
hotel accommodations
Breakfast daily
Personal Meet & Assist arrangements at the airport
Private car transfer between airport and hotel, or hotel
and airport
Direct transfer by motor coach between hotel and ship,
or ship and hotel
Priority embarkation for pre-cruise guests
Hotel tax and porterage
Hospitality Desk offering local advice and optional
sightseeing
Extended Land
Programs
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Crystal Cruises is proud
to offer in-depth, luxury touring experiences before and
after select voyages. If you are already traveling
across the globe, why not extend your trip a few days in
order to gain a deeper appreciation of the port city and
the surrounding country?
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Discover the
glamour, the opulence and the mystery of the
Orient-Express. Step on board the Orient-Express, where
you will be surrounded by intimate and stylish spaces,
savor high tea and four-course dinners, and sip
cocktails in the renowned car bar-all while being
whisked through spectacular scenery of Europe.
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