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| · June 26, 2003 · |
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· Antarctica Expeditions, Significant Savings Highlight Four South American Sailings Luxury Cruise Line Offers Its First-Ever Land Program On White ContinentLOS ANGELES - Significant savings and a first-ever land program hosted on Antarctica by luxury operator Crystal Cruises highlight four voyages aboard the award-winning 940-guest Crystal Symphony to South America this fall. Couples will enjoy up to 50 per cent off, an additional $1,000 in Best of Everything savings and up to 50 per cent off a Crystal cruise in 2004 if booked before July 31, 2003. And, for singles, Crystal has waived its supplement on the season's first voyage, a 17-day Fort Lauderdale to Buenos Aires sailing departing Oct. 19, with calls in St. John and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Fortaleza and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Guests will be treated to some of the most intriguing shore excursions and pre-and post-cruise land programs ever offered by Crystal, highlighted by two Antarctica tours and a visit to the Valdes peninsula, a world heritage site. From October through December the Six-Star rated liner will follow a warm-weather route through the Caribbean, down the continent's east coast, cruise the legendary Cape Horn, and sail the Pacific along its west coast, calling in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. Itinerary highlights include a rare visit to the Falkland Islands, and a stop in Ushuaia, the world's most southernmost town located on the island of Tierra del Fuego. Optional extended explorations of the region's most engaging destinations include the mystical ancient ruins of Machu Picchu and Argentina's magnificent Iguazu Falls. The line's half- and full-day shore excursions will take advantage of South America's cosmopolitan capitals, as well as its natural beauty, cultural charm and historical significance. From monasteries, architectural monuments and botanical gardens to nightclub tangos, chartered air tours and forest Jeep explorations, Crystal Cruises' South America shore excursions are created to engage adventure-seekers, naturalists, history buffs and urbanites alike. "Our fall South America series offers travelers flexibility and choice. Each sailing features varied destinations and unique opportunities to experience some of the area's most interesting sights," says Adam Leavitt, Crystal's senior vice president, marketing. "And, no matter which itinerary one chooses, Crystal Symphony's numerous onboard amenities and endless pampering provide an ideal floating resort from which to explore the continent." The remaining voyages include a 13-day, Nov. 6 Buenos Aires to Valparaiso, Chile sailing, with calls in Montevideo, Uruguay; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Punta Arenas and Puerto Montt, Chile; a 14-day, Nov. 20 Valparaiso to Buenos Aires sailing with calls in Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Argentina; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands and Montevideo; and a 17-day Dec. 5 Buenos Aires to Fort Lauderdale voyage with calls in Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Fortaleza, Barbados and St. Kitts. Fares start from $4,450. Antarctica By Foot Guests may view the White Continent by air on Crystal's flightseeing adventure or, for the first-time ever, may explore some of its 2.7 million square miles on foot during a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, following the paths of great explorers and adventurers the likes of Ernest Shackleton, Douglas Mawson, Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott. In Puerto Montt, Chile, the Valdes peninsula, an important breeding ground and home to the endangered southern right whale, orca, southern elephant seals and southern sea lions, offers the best vantage point for guests to observe Patagonia's most significant sanctuary for the conservation of marine mammals. It's another new South American land program offered by Crystal in 2003. Other tours will find guests wandering among penguins, visiting the somber Falkland Battlefields from Port Stanley or viewing the spectacular Iguazu Falls by chartered aircraft. And, is there a more fitting way to celebrate an evening in Buenos Aires than to enjoy a sensuous tango? Pre-and post-cruise tours include mysterious Easter Island, combining the cultural hub of Santiago, seascapes of Vina del Mar and the allure of Easter Island's colossal stone moai and incomparable Argentina, featuring both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls, sightseeing and tango shows in Buenos Aires. About Crystal Crystal Cruises currently operates the 50,000-ton, 940-guest sister ships, Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony, two of the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising the world. Crystal Serenity, the fleet's third ship, debuts this week. Crystal has earned the cruise industry's highest ratings. For the seventh consecutive year, Crystal Cruises was named best large-ship line in the 2002 readers' surveys conducted by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines. Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through professional travel agents. For a complimentary brochure, call 800.820.6663. Visit the web site at www.crystalcruises.com Media Contact: Mimi Weisband 310-203-4302 publicrelations@crystalcruises.com |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |