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FOR first-time cruise passengers, the veterans
usually suggest going onboard a Crystal Cruises luxury liner. The
cruise line has consistently nabbed the highest ratings and
world’s best awards since 1996 from such prestigious organizations
as Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Departures and Berlitz.
Previous visits by the fleet’s
Crystal Symphony to Philippine shores have given travelers a peek at
the luxurious amenities and first-class facilities offered onboard.
Room amenities include
100-percent Egyptian cotton linens and bath towels and Frette
bathrobes. There are complimentary soft drinks and bottled water,
complimentary launderettes and same-day laundry and dry-cleaning
upon request. Direct-dial ship to shore phones, in-stateroom Net
access, and TV with DVD player, keep you in touch even at sea.
Crystal Cruises ensures that the
journey is as pleasurable as the destination. Keeping fit at sea is
easy and enjoyable with aerobics classes, pilates and yoga sessions,
golf-driving ranges with PGA golf instructors, paddle tennis courts,
a large outdoor lap pool and a smaller pool under a retractable
dome. The 360-degree teak Promenade Deck lets one enjoy the view and
the exercise. The Crystal Spa and Salon features dry sauna and steam
room plus massage and spa treatments.
If you’re looking for some
intellectual enrichment, Crystal Cruises offers the Creative
Learning Institute with an array of classes: keyboard lessons with
Yamaha, language classes from Berlitz, tai chi lessons from the Tai
Chi Cultural Center, Wellness at Sea lectures with the Cleveland
Clinic and wine-tasting introduction from the Society of Wine
Educators. The Computer University@Sea on deck 7 provides
complimentary instruction. Whether you’re into digital photo
editing or website construction, or even just emailing, instructors
are available on all voyages.
There’s a large screen viewing
of recently released films at the Dolby-equipped Hollywood Theater.
Or spend an evening watching lavish musical productions performed by
Juilliard graduates and Broadway and West End performers at the
Galaxy Lounge. Put on your dancing shoes for evenings with
ambassador hosts. Kick back with some karaoke or cocktails and live
piano music. Try your luck at the Caesars Palace at Sea Casino.
As for dining options, the cruise
provides some of the best varieties for day and night. The delight
starts with wine on Riedel crystal and dishes served on Villeroy
& Boch china. Then it moves on to courses by world-class chefs
like Nobu Matsuhisa and Wolfgang Puck and renowned restaurateur and
wine expert Piero Selvaggio. From vegetarian to lighter fare menus,
low-carb to sugar free; Asian to European, French pastries to ice
cream, one never runs out of choices on a Crystal cruise.
For those looking for their first
chance at a Crystal Cruises, the dream trip of a Mediterranean
cruise from Rome to Athens begins this October on Crystal Serenity.
American Express-Adventure International Tours Inc. (AMEX-AITI)
presents an opportunity for eager first timers to veteran cruise
passengers to experience the difference of travel aboard Crystal
Cruises. The agency is the general sales agent for this premium
luxury cruise brand. With special savings fares available for
selected cruises, AMEX-AITI offers the best of Crystal Cruises
packages with rates as low as $1,890 for a seven-day cruise.
For inquiries, call American
Express-Adventure at 867-4888 (Makati Branch), 524-8681 to 84 (Malate
Branch), 689-1051 to 54 (Megamall Branch) and (032) 232-2968 to 70 (Cebu
Branch).
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