Crystal Cruises sails around the globe from Akureyri to Zadar in 2012, the ultra-luxe line is upping the originality with 20 new ports-of-call, a dozen new itineraries, more shorter-length cruises, and an almost 50 per cent increase in overnights in dazzling waterfront idylls around the world. 

Strategic planning has most of 2012’s cruises beginning with a shipboard overnight stay in port, while 86 per cent of the voyages include at least one two-day call. 

Together, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will visit 182 ports-of-call in 59 countries on 60 itineraries worldwide.

“Our goal for the year was to enhance the ease and value of travelling with Crystal,” explains president Gregg Michel.

“For example, by adding more overnights to the cruises, especially at embarkation, travellers only have to unpack once, yet get even more time to experience a culture, while still having their Crystal home as a luxurious base.”

The mix of overnight destinations includes both large cultural capitals like Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, and New York, and smaller locales with charm appeal, like Bordeaux, Edinburgh, Tahiti, and Sorrento.

Crystal’s 2012 cruise calendar offers cruises lengths from seven to 19 days, not including the three-month World Cruise. 

Seven-day voyages are sprinkled throughout the year, with half in the Mediterranean, half in North America.

Beginning with its spring Trans-Atlantic voyages (March 19th and May 8th on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, respectively), all Crystal cruises will be all-inclusive, with complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar service in all lounges, and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff, including at Nobu Matsuhisa’s complimentary Silk Road and other on-board gourmet dining destinations. 

Promotional offers, available for a limited time, include Two-for-One fares, bonus savings on select sailings, as well as fare reductions for repeat guests, families and friends travelling together, new-to-Crystal, early payment, and substantial savings for select back-to-back cruises.

Fares, starting at $2,755/person, double occupancy, include free airport/ship transfers and round-trip air from two dozen North American hubs (or substantial air credits). 

All 2012 itineraries are outlined in Crystal’s 2012 Cruise Guide, as well as seasonal winter, Europe and an upcoming Fall Collection brochures.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history.