Crystal Cruises' 2006 Themed Cruises

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From History and Nature to Fitness and Cuisine, 34 Cruises Feature Dedicated Enrichment Programming

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises will showcase 10 different theme cruise topics on more than half of its worldwide itineraries next year. Naturalists from The Smithsonian Associates, experts from Sotheby's Institute, PGA golf pros, celebrated chefs, jazz artists, fitness gurus and more, will present lectures on board with many hosting excursions ashore. Focusing on destination enrichment, or taking advantage of days at sea, the line's rich collection of themed voyages is designed to reveal the archaeological, natural, cultural, or culinary wonders of the world.

From Crystal's renowned Wine & Food Festival to Golf-themed cruises, 34 of the award-winning cruise line's 63 global itineraries feature dedicated theme programming. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity host an impressive roster of themed voyages that also includes its Distinguished Speaker Series; Film & Theater Festival; a Health & Fitness series; Golf cruises; a Jazz journey; and the annual President's Cruise hosted by company President Gregg Michel.

"Today's sophisticated traveler is looking to collect more than postcard memories of a destination. They want greater immersion and authentic experiences of their travels," says Kristin Turner, the line's manager of enrichment programming. "By partnering professionals on a variety of contemporary interests with destinations relevant to their expertise, our savvy clientele is rewarded with deeper perspectives and insights into the world's most intriguing regions."

For example, popular and respected naturalist Patricia Hostiuck will host a Smithsonian Associates cruise aboard Crystal Symphony, a 14-day exploration from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso rounding Cape Horn, March 16-30, 2006. Hostiuck's work has taken her nearly 'pole-to-pole' with an emphasis on Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica. Well-versed on polar ecosystems, she will share her expertise during seminars on board, followed by personally hosted excursions ashore.

Careful consideration is given to the development and timing of each theme cruise and its destinations. Highlights of the 2006 program include:

Destination-specific lectures from the cultural and educational arm of the Smithsonian Institution are featured on eight itineraries dedicated to The Smithsonian Associates, showcasing the Panama Canal, the Amazon, South America and Antarctica, and New England.

Experts from the world-renowned Sotheby's Institute continue the cultural enrichment by illuminating the secrets of art history on three voyages to the Amazon, the Mediterranean, and the Mexican Riviera.

The easy-going rhythms of the Caribbean and Panama Canal provide a

soothing backdrop for two Health & Fitness cruises with specialized

instruction in yoga, as well as tai chi provided by the founders of the Tai Chi Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California. The line's state-of-the-art spa facilities (including a Pilates Reformer), wide jogging and walking decks, and healthful menus, including low-carb and low-fat selections add to the allure of a rejuvenating journey.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the attention from PGA pros and golf celebrities aboard two Golf cruises, affording exclusive opportunities to tee-off at some of the world's legendary courses in the British Isles and Western Europe.

Crystal's theme cruise programming takes advantage of extended days at

sea with Big Band and Jazz cruises featuring marquee names and hot new talent on Trans-Atlantic crossings; and two Film Festival cruises spotlight lectures and film authorities saluting American films.

The line's Distinguished Speaker Series is showcased on two Mediterranean voyages with informative lectures from some of the world's most noted personalities, including former Carter White House Chief of Staff Hamilton Jordan.

Crystal's annual President's Cruise aboard Crystal Serenity travels the British Isles round-trip from London on August 30, with company President Gregg Michel.

The cornerstone of Crystal's theme programming -- the highly regarded

Crystal Wine & Food Festival -- will celebrate its tenth year on 12 different sailings in 2006. Some of the most established names in cuisine and wine share the spotlight with the cutting-edge stars of the culinary world, providing guests with an experience that is both enriching to the mind and pleasing to the palate.

Crystal's theme cruises are a vital component of the Crystal Visions® Enrichment Program of renowned speakers and celebrity guest lecturers offered on every Crystal cruise.