As Crystal Cruises commemorates its 20 year milestone in 2010, the ultra-luxury line’s annual President’s Cruise, hosted by Crystal President Gregg Michel, will have a decidedly festive feel.  Kicking off the May 12 voyage through the Middle East is a new two-night optional pre-cruise hotel program in Dubai featuring a lavish welcome dinner at a Bedouin camp in the desert dunes with traditional Arab music, henna artists and belly dancers.   

An illustrious group of notable insiders are set to present, along with specially arranged “Presidential” events, including: 

  * Peter Bergen – CNN terrorist analyst and author;
  * General Hugh Shelton – Former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff;
  * John Hanny – Former White House chef;
  * President’s Shore Excursion – The optional tour, accompanied by Michel, explores Luxor and the Valley of the Kings;
  * President’s Cruise Alumni Party – Hosted by Michel for past President’s Cruise guests; and
  * Question & Answer session with Michel

Aptly named “Arabian Treasures,” the 14-day 2010 President’s Cruise aboard the elegant, recently redesigned Crystal Symphony visits Dubai, UAE; Muscat, Oman; Aqaba, Jordan; Luxor/Safaga and transits the Suez Canal to Alexandria/Cairo, Egypt; and Athens, Greece.

“I look forward to engaging with our guests each year and sharing these fascinating historical destinations together,” says Michel.  “Intelligent and successful, our guests have an insatiable curiosity for history.  The rich itinerary provides a wondrous historic backdrop to the insightful conversations that will occur on board with our guest experts.”

In conjunction with its 20th anniversary, Crystal is offering compelling value-added promotions.  New 2010 two-for-one, 14-day cruise fares start at $7,200 per person, double occupancy, and include $1,000 per person, All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard credits and complimentary air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways.  The two-night pre-cruise inclusive hotel program in Dubai is $599 per person.

Crystal Cruises is consistently the winner of the hospitality industry’s most coveted awards.  In 2009, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Crystal Cruises #1, Zagat surveyors named Crystal as their favorite and Cruise Critic editors named Crystal “Best in Luxury,” among many other accolades.