Crystal Cruises is putting its trademark elegant spin on cruise vacation memories by featuring award-winning Master Photographers to shoot guest portraits on eleven 2012 sailings. “The Master Collection” line-up consists of top-tier professional portrait photographers who have the distinction of being Fellows (highest certification possible) of the British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) and the Master Photographers Association (MPA).

During their voyage, travelers can arrange private photography sessions aboard Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity, or at exotic destinations on land with pros renowned for their portraiture. Individuals, couples, or families/groups can opt for different wardrobe, locations, and activities to customize their shoots.

Reservations include pre-planning consultation, unlimited shoot time, unlimited number of pictures, and photo review. Final, retouched photographs are printed in a handcrafted, custom-bound, 16”x12”, embossed-aluminum album. Other framed photo and presentation product options are available to celebrate a special occasion, create a family treasure, or just give a grand gift to one’s self. All products are created at Europe’s leading professional photo laboratory and shipped anywhere in the world four weeks after the end of the cruise.

Operated by esteemed photography company Paragon Pixels, the program is an expansion of the popular “Crystal Celebrations” Private Portrait Program.

“One’s wedding might be the only time one secures a professional photographer to record meaningful moments in one’s life,” says Paragon founder Keith Roberts. “This program provides rare access and opportunity to have one’s personality, relationship, lifestyle, or intimate vacation memories beautifully captured by a prominent industry artist.”

Photographers include:

· David MacDonald: UK Family Portrait Photographer of the Year
· Sophocles Alexiou: Four-time BIPP Gold Medal-winner for Outstanding Photographic Art
· Richard Dutkowski: Past MPA President, UK Master Photographer of the Year
· John Parris: British Fashion, and Scottish Wedding, Photographer of the Year
· Kevin Wilson: 17-time Kodak European Gold Award-winner, three-time Kodak UK Portrait Photographer of the Year

One Master Photographer will be on each of the following sailings: January 18 LA-Sydney; February 6 Miami-Rio; February 7 Sydney-Singapore; March 3 Buenos Aires-Miami; March 13: Hong Kong-Osaka; March 31 Osaka-LA; May 8 NY-London; July 8 Copenhagen-Stockholm; September 5 London-NY; October 12 Athens-Venice; October 31 NY-LA;

he Master Photographer will also host an informal talk giving trade tips and insight into their life and work, as well as mentor staff photographers while aboard.

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, resort, or hotel in history.