CRYSTAL
SAILS
INTO ASIA
C
by Marilyn Green
ombining the
the near telepathic, warm
to 34 in 2014, Crystal offers
a Beijing-Tokyo voyage
incredible luxury
service, Crystal provides
itineraries exploring China,
with Osaka, Nagasaki,
of Crystal Cruises’
stimulation and cosseting
Japan, Thailand, Singapore,
and Shimizu, Japan; and
impeccable
in such measure that it’s a
Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Shanghai and Dalian, China
very hard act to follow.
Malaysia, Myanmar and
includes a complimentary
Brunei. The five- to 29-day
Beijing land package.
service, superb dining and
enrichment experiences of all
The line is substantially
A very unusual and colorful
kinds – with Asia is a recipe
expanding its presence
cruises offer a host of itinerary
for enchantment. The Crystal
in Asia next year, bringing
firsts and varied options.
Experience has been rated
both the 922-passenger
World’s Best more than any
Crystal Symphony and the
first-ever cruises to begin and/
Bangkok, with a once-in-a-
other cruise line, hotel, or
1,080-passenger Crystal
or end in Bangkok and a two-
lifetime New Year’s Eve built
resort in history, and there’s
Serenity to the region in
week voyage round-trip from
around a spectacular light
a reason for that. From the
winter, spring and fall. With
Singapore. Bali, introduced
show in Hong Kong. Guests
outstanding appointments
an explosive increase from
as a home port in 2013, is
can add on the preceding
in staterooms and suites to
four Asian cruises in 2012
where four cruises begin or
voyage beginning in Bali,
end, providing options for
without repeating ports.
way to celebrate the holidays
New routes include Crystal’s
pre- and post-cruise stays.
In addition, for the first time,
is a new cruise, roundtrip
For those with less time or
who want to combine a cruise
Crystal will make maiden
with more land experiences,
visits to Malacca, Malaysia;
shorter Crystal Getaways
Lombok, Makassar/Ujung
offer new Asia cruises for as
Pandang and Surabaya,
little as five days – starting
Indonesia. Crystal’s ships also
at just $1,520 per person.
return to some fascinating
Every 2014 Crystal Asia
ports its ships have not visited
cruise features at least two
for several years, including
overnight stays, with the
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei;
ship acting as a floating
Jakarta and Komodo Island,
hotel as guests take in the
Indonesia; Yangon, Myanmar;
sights by night and day in
Koh Samui, Thailand; Kuala
rich destinations like Hong
Lumpur, Malaysia; and
Kong, Ho Chi Minh City,
Okinawa and Tokyo, Japan.
Yangon and Shanghai.
Also, for the first time in
five years, two cruises will
for guests who haven’t cruised
explore more of Japan, as
with the line recently. Crystal
well as China. For example,
20
Onboard, there are surprises
has opened up its dining
APRIL 2014 • LUXE BEAT MAGAZINE