Crystal Cruises: the Ultimate Cruise Vacation

After much anticipation, Crystal Cruises launched its 20th Anniversary promotion at the end of September. The promotion brings Crystal in line with other luxury lines, if not providing it with a competitive advantage over its more inclusive rivals in the luxury market, such as Silvesea and Regent Seven Seas.

In conjunction with the promotion, we launched our own promotion this month focusing on Crystal. We believe in the product. After all, a pretty strong indication of Crystal's position in the market is born out by the distinction it has earned for 15 years running as the "World's Best Cruise Line" by reader's of Conde Nast Magazine. Our promotion is included in this month's Sherman's Travel Luxe 15.

What we have discovered from the calls we have received in response to our promotion, however, is that many people who have never sailed on Crystal do not know the line, and what distinguishes it from others. Many have sailed on the premium lines, such as Holland America and Princess, and some mistakenly believe that all cruise lines are created equally, with the only thing separating them being price. The truth is, Crystal excels above all other cruise lines, rivaling even the finest land-based resorts. Just as there is a commonly-reconized difference in appointments, service, and amenities associated with Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels, the same is true among cruise lines. Think of Crystal as the Madarin Oriental Hotel of the seas.

The accolades don't end there. In addition to being the top rated cruise line, Crystal also has the two highest-rated cruise ships in the world, large or small. The Crystal Serenity tops all other ships in ratings by readers of Conde Nast magazine, and the Crystal Symphony is second only to the Serenity. Pretty impressive for a cruise line that sails only two ships.

It is hard to condense all that separates Crystal Cruises into a blog post, and keep the post to a reasonable length. The truth is, Crystal is something one must experience to truly understand the difference. Some of these distinguishing characteristics are almost intangible -- the professional European-trained staff who instinctly anticipate your needs; the space ratio that gives you the sense that you are sailing on a ship with far fewer passengers than the ship's capacity; the sensation of total relaxation without the hurried feeling inherent in ships carrying three or four times the passenger load.

Other things are much more concrete. For starters, Crystal is far more inclusive than any premium line. All non-alcoholic beverages -- from soft drinks to bottled water to specialty coffee drinks -- are complimentary. Enrichment classes, which you would pay extra for on most cruise lines, also are complimentary --things like language classes offered by Berlitz; keyboard classes offered by Yamaha; and wellness classes such as Yoga and Pilates offered by the Cleveland Clinic. There is also the famous lecturers. On every sailing, Crystal offers lectures by prominent and distinguished men and women in their field -- from famous newscasters to sports legends to noted authors, movie producers, and acclaimed entertainers. Every sailing also offers a destination expert for travelers who truly want to immerse themselves in the places they will visit.

On top of all else, Crystal offers arguably the very best cuisine at sea. One of the most renowned chefs in the world, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa (known worldwide simply as "Nobu") brings his culinary talents to sea. Crystal Cruises' Silk Road restaurant in fact is the only Nobu restaurant at sea. Take a look at Nobu's menu at his Dallas restaurant, and you'll immediately recognized the value of dining at his restaurant onboard Crystal where your only expense is your waiter's gratuity. Prefer Italian? Then dine in Crystal's other speciality restaurant, Prego, with menus designed by legendary restauranteur, Piero Selvaggio. Of course, Crystal's complimentary main dining room also offers divine dining culinary choices. Want to please the wine connoisseur? Then dine in Crystal's exclusive Vintage Room. Limited to just 24 guests per seating, the experience is extraordinary, pairing some of the world's finest (and most expensive) wines with carefully selected menu choices. It is an experience not to be missed for those who love wine.

Of course, there is much more Crystal offers. From its Feng Shui-inspired spa, daily afternoon tea, and professional ballroom dance instruction, to world-class entertainment including lavish, Broadway-style and musical theater productions in the Galaxy Lounge.

Staterooms aboard Crystal are all luxuriously appointed, and all feature at least an ocean view; there are no interior staterooms. All staterooms feature a minimum of more than 200 square feet, with in-room refrigerator, seating area, DVD/CD players with flat-screen TVs, and a favorite feature among guests -- a full bathtub/shower combinations (beating the small stand-up showers offered on most cruise lines). Penthouse staterooms and suites add personal butler service, full Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, and walk-in closet.

Crystal's 20th Anniversary promotion brings its luxury cruises in reach of more people perhaps than ever before. The promotion begins with 2-for-1 cruise fare, meaning that 2 people sail for the same rate as the per person brochure rate. Add to that complimentary economy roundtrip airfare (available on most sailings) for guests booking ocean view and balcony staterooms, and complimentary business class airfare for guests booking Penthouse staterooms and suites, and Crystal's rates offer an extraordinary value. Then, to top that off, factor in shipboard credit of $500 to $1000 per person (that's $1,000 to $2,000 per stateroom based on double occupancy) and Crystal's offer is unbeatable. The shipboard credit is like cash onboard the cruise; it will defray guests' shipboard account. Finally, sail over your birthday, and you'll enjoy a 50% reduction on your next Crystal Cruise when booked by December 31, 2009.

We have enhanced the Crystal promotion for our clients. On select Europe sailings, and a special 2010 Thanksgiving sailing of the Mexican Riviera, our clients also will enjoy prepaid gratuities. When combined with Crystal's generous shipboard credit offer, our client's Crystal experience will likely be an all-inclusive vacation experience. A list of these select sail dates is located here.

For additional information about Crystal, please contact Cruise Holidays toll free at (866) 368-7327.

Should You Buy Cruise Line Air?

Yesterday, I read a blog posting that strongly urged readers to book their air directly with the cruise line. The author based the recommendation on several assertions: (1) that the cruise line assumes responsibility for ensuring you arrive to the ship on time; (2) that the cruise line will delay the ship's departure if a group of people on the same flight arranged through the cruise line is delayed; and (3) that the cruise line will pick up the costs travelers incur as a result of flight disruptions and cancellations for air purchased through the cruise line.

I agree that many cruisers pay a premium to purchase airfare through the cruise lines believing that everything the author said is true. Unfortunately, the author could not be more mistaken. Cruise lines will virtually never delay a ship's departure because of flight delays or cancellations, no matter who arranged those flights. The cruise lines have designated dock times for which they pay substantial sums, and incur large fines if they overstay their designated departure time. Besides, do you really believe that a ship will inconvenience perhaps as many as 4,000 other guests simply because some on the cruise are delayed en route?

In addition, good luck trying to address flight delays and interruptions with the cruise lines directly, especially if you are traveling at odd hours (e.g., Sunday morning, late at night, etc.). We've had this issue, and the cruise lines are not staffed or equipped to address them in a efficient manner. What's more, I would be very surprised if the cruise line agreed to pick up substantial incidental costs (such as hotels) because of air delays, disruptions, or cancellations. They are simply booking agents and will place the blame where it belongs: with the airlines.

This is all to say that there is no substitute for purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against air delays, disruptions, and cancellations. Skip purchasing the cruise line's insurance; if you don't take their airfare, then their insurance most likely will not cover your airfare. Instead, buy your insurance through a reputable travel insurance company. We use, and highly recommend, Travel Guard insurance. Travel Guard has a dedicated flight desk that is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have called on their services numerous times for our clients, and they have immediately stepped in, rerouted our clients, and, if necessary, picked up the costs incurred by our clients as a result of flight delays, interruptions, and cancellations.

In addition, there are many reasons to buy the airfare separately from your cruise line. First, the air is likely to be cheaper, perhaps as much as 1/3rd less. Second, and for some more importantly, you have control over your air schedule. If you purchase cruise line air, you will not know your airline or air schedule until well after your cruise final payment date, and you may not have the most direct route to your destination. By purchasing your own air, you can pick your airline and your flight schedule. Third, you will avoid any deviation charges the cruise line may impose. Cruise lines often post "deviation fees" -- as much as $100 per person -- if you choose to fly to your destination a day or two before your cruise departure, or stay later than the end of your cruise. By arranging your own air, this is an added cost you will not incur.

Finally, a word about "air included" cruise rates. Some cruise lines include airfare with their cruise fares. These lines include Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Crystal Cruises, among others. When booking one of these cruises, always ask about what the air credit would be if you were to arrange your own air. You might be surprised that, even with included air packages, the combination of airfare and air tax credit you receive off the quoted fare is more than the cost of what you would pay by arranging your air independently. To save even more, ask your travel professional to quote your air rates. Travel professionals, including us, work with a number of air consolidators that purchase airfare in bulk and sell it at a discount. You will travel on a major air carrier in a regular seat aboard the air craft; the only difference is that you might pay hundreds less for the same ticket than the guy sitting next to you on the same flight who booked directly with the airline.

New Choices on the Horizon for Alaska in 2011

Currently, two luxury cruise lines sail Alaska: Regent and Silversea. That is about to change in 2011. Crystal Cruises will return to Alaska for the first time since it retired the Crystal Harmony from its fleet. Disney Cruise Line also has announced plans to sail Alaska in 2011, giving families a welcome (and fun) alternative to the current offering of contemporary family-oriented ships. Finally, rumor has it that with the introduction of a 4th ship to its fleet, Oceania Cruises for the first time will be sailing Alaska in 2011. These will be in addition to the mainstays in Alaska: Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises.

All of this raises the question, of course, of whether the Alaska market (which proved soft in 2009) can fill all these new beds. What do you think? Will the return of Crystal and the introduction of Disney and Oceania merely service a segment of the market that previously was underserved in Alaska, or will their introduction lead to market over-saturation?

Some of the Best Promotions in the Luxury Market

Here is a rundown of some of the better promotions going on right now in the luxury cruise market.

This week, Crystal Cruises announced its 20th Anniversary Celebration. Its offers throughout 2010 are some of the most extraordinary out there, especially for the luxury market. The offers includes fares that are lower than comparable 2009 fares on many itineraries, offering better than 2-for-1 rates, free roundtrip economy class airfare for guests booking an ocean view and balcony (remember, Crystal has no interior staterooms) and free business class air for guests booking suites and higher, and up to $2,000 "As You Wish" spending credit onboard. This is in addition to Crystal's price guarantee, which means that should you book and your fare goes down before sailing, Crystal will rerate your cruise to the lower rate automatically. These fares are enough for us to decide to host a Thanksgiving Cruise Holidays of Alexandria cruise aboard the Crystal Symphony roundtrip Los Angeles. Sail with us November 21-28, 2010, and you'll enjoy the extraordinary rate of just $2,165 for a Category E stateroom, plus prepaid gratuities and a $500 "As You Wish" spending credit.

Oceania also has released its 2010/2011 Winter Collection. It's entire collection (as in years past) includes free roundtrip airfare and up to $3,000 off 2-for-1 rates. A first for Oceania is its new pricing structure. No longer do guests have to add air and cruise taxes, which in previous years could add as much as $1,000 to the rate. Now, the rates include all taxes, lending themselves to no surprises. The only additional costs to the guest are transfers and of course the onboard expenses, such as gratuities and beverages. But these too are minimized. First, Oceania has begun to include non-alcoholic beverages free-of-charge on board its ships. Second, the largest Oceania travel partners, like Cruise Holidays of Alexandria, have negotiated pre-paid gratuities for their guests onboard, saving them hundreds of dollars additional on their cruise.

Finally, Silversea has offered an array of incredible opportunities to sail one of its luxury ships. Silversea still is offering up to 60% off numerous itineraries. This puts Silversea within reach of many people who in the past could not afford to travel aboard. When you consider that Silversea is all-inclusive, and therefore guests will not face a large bill at the end of the cruise for such things as beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcholic) or for gratuities, Silversea absolutely is worth considering. But don't wait; Silversea already has announced plans to discontinue its 60% off rates beginning in early October.

For these or any other cruise offers, contact Cruise Holidays toll free at (866) 368-7327. You never pay more with us than booking directly with the cruise line, and frequently pay less.

Marseilles: Gateway to Provence

Marseilles, located in the South of France on the Mediterranean Sea, is a popular stop on a Western Mediterranean cruise. Founded in the 6th Century by the Greeks, Marseilles today is France's oldest and third largest city behind Paris and Lyon. If you visit here by cruise ship, you will dock in the New Port, one of Europe's largest cruise ports. Last year alone it hosted more than 600,000 cruise visitors. The New Port is situated north of Old Port (Vieux Port). Vieux Port is a major commercial port also teaming with restaurants, shops, galleries, and boats of all sizes, and the place where visitors to Marseilles often find themselves. Walking into the city or Vieux Port from the cruise terminal is not feasible; plan to take a cab or an organized excursion during your stay.

Although many who visit Marseilles find it to be a city of little charm, it serves as the gateway for Provence and for this reason, it is a wonderful launching pad to explore the magnificent countryside of Southern France. We recommend using your day in Marseilles to tour the ancient city of Avignon and the famous wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pope.

Avignon has a rich history. Here, the famous Pope's Palace stands. Overlooking the scenic Rhone River, the Pope's Palace is an imposing structure that dates to the 14th Century. Its history is a fascinating lesson in the Papacy. In 1307, the first non-Italian -- Clement V, a Frenchman -- was elected Pope. Clement V left Rome shortly after his ascendancy and took up residence in Avignon to escape the continuing conflicts in Rome. A succession of French Popes thereafter eventually led to a schism in the late 14th Century within the Catholic Church, with the Pope (Italian) and Anti-Pope (French) both claiming their status as Pope of the Catholic Church.

Built during the reigns of Popes Benedict XII & Clement VI, the Pope's Palace is amazingly well preserved. It is the biggest Gothic structure built in Europe. During its time, the Palace was adorned with elaborate frescoes on the walls and beautiful hand-painted tile floors. Today, much of this is gone with a few exceptions. For example, the original frescoes in Benedict XII's bedroom are still visible, and the Pope's private office, called the Deers Room, is painted with elaborate hunting and fishing scenes with the deers on the walls symbolizing Christ. Also gone from the Palace is the original Popes' furniture, sold in the late 19th Century after the French Revolution. Nevertheless, a walk through the amazing structure, with its towering ceilings and room-after-room of living space, is more than worth the visit.

After touring the Pope's Palace, Avignon itself deserves a tour. Avignon is surrounded by walls constructed during the reign of Pope Innoncent VI, also in the 14th Century. In June and July, the international theater here attracts 60,000 people. Avignon offers a plethora of outdoor cafes and restaurants, and shops galore famous for table linens, French soaps, and other items unique to Provence. Before moving on, dine here in one of the many fine offerings and simply watch the scenes unfold around you. For budget conscience travels, find a cafe that offers carry out, choose one of the many delicious sandwiches available on a French beget, and park yourself on a bench or under a tree to enjoy simply being in this ancient city.

Once you are ready to leave Avignon, a short ride will take you to the famous wine-growing region of Chateauneuf-du-Pope. The region served as the summer residence for the second French Pope, John XXII, which led to its name. There are 220 winery owners in Chateauneuf-du-Pope. The average vineyard size here is 20 hectares, and all of Chateauneuf-du-Pope combined comprises 3,200 hectares (approximately 780 acres). The wine production in the region consists of 90% red wines and 10% white wines. The vineyards' soil is covered completely with rocks; these rocks take the heat of the sun during the day and return it to the vines at night. The grapes are all picked by hand, one of the many rules that govern the production of wines in the Chateauneuf-du-Pope region.

There are many fine wineries to visit in the region. All offer stunning vistas overlooking the rolling hills of this beautiful countryside. We visited Mousett, a very old winery in the region. Its grounds and structure offer a uniquely French experience, with a large onsite tasting bar. Here, we tasted five of the winery's excellent offerings, along with a selection of light foods and olives, another major commodity of Provence.

When the day was over and we returned to the ship, we all felt like we had gotten a true taste of Provence, and look forward to our visit here next year. If you would like to join us on next year's wine cruise aboard the River Royale of Uniworld along the Rhone River, please click here for information. Then give us a call for additional information.