Crystal Cruises Makes Early Launch of Europe Brochure

Crystal Cruises has published its 2008 Europe Crystal Collection brochure several months ahead of schedule, due to earlier booking patterns. The 57-page color catalogue details the 29 European itineraries to 84 ports and 30 countries aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity from late April through November 2008.

The brochure illustrates the “Crystal Experience” with new photography and 110 bullet points highlighting the luxury line’s dining, space, entertainment and enrichment.

Featuring 19 cruises in the Mediterranean, eight in Northern European and two transatlantic sailings, the 2008 Europe Crystal Collection compendium outlines each cruise with easy-to-read maps, day-by-day itineraries, cruise fares, special values, themes, Crystal Visions Enrichment programming and a summary of optional Crystal Adventure shore excursions.

The brochure also provides deck plans and information on Crystal Cruises’ expanded European pre- and post-cruise hotel options.

Cruise highlights feature seven new ports of call, including Sarande, Albania; Valencia, Spain; and Olden, Norway; 11 theme cruises such as new “Arts & Antiquities” and classical music themes; guest lecturers such as former White House Press Secretary Marlin Fitzwater; and five cruises priced at up to 51 percent off.

Most itineraries feature shipboard overnight stays in cities such as Monte Carlo, Bordeaux, Sorrento, Venice, Istanbul, Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen and Edinburgh. Crystal Adventures shore excursions offer, among others, a volcano and glacier flight-seeing adventure in Reykjavik, Iceland; a master class for instruction on painting porcelain in St. Petersburg; and a three-island yacht cruise in Dubrovnik.