Page 17 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – January/February 2016

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Crystal Cruises
It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This
After 100+ cruises under my belt, I thought I had seen and experienced everything at sea. I was wrong. As I write this column, I am gazing out onto the ocean aboard the luxurious and oh-so-pretty Crystal Symphony en route to the Caribbean.
Celebrating their 25th anniversary, Crystal has long epitomized gracious living at sea for the seasoned and well-heeled traveler – and now, Crystal is making luxury a more affordable vacation for all of us. With only two ships (for now), Crystal has been voted “World’s Best” more than any other cruise line, resort or hotel in history. For 25 years, Crystal has set the standards for luxury living at sea.
The ships are larger than most other vessels in the luxury market and the all-inclusive onboard lifestyle, combined with more space, more activities, and more amenities seem to keep the Crystal guests coming back over and over again. (There are 50-80% repeat Crystal cruisers on every cruise).
Boasting world-class entertainment, the Crystal Visions Enrichment programs feature expert speakers and well-known personalities. (I was particularly excited to meet and hear Bill Miller, better known as “Mr. Ocean Liner,” an international authority on the subject of ocean liners and cruise ships with over 75 books on the subject and 350+ cruises completed.)
Crystal Symphony offers a more traditional cruise experience, featuring daily afternoon tea with champagne, live music and homemade scones; early and late dinner seating in the sumptuous Crystal Dining Room; and a round-the-ship promenade deck. Guests have the chance to dine in one of three specialty dinner restaurants, including Silk Road, the renowned Asian cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa, and The Sushi Bar, serving world-famous sushi by Nobu. (It was the most delicious Asian food I’ve ever eaten, hands down.)
While celebrating its silver anniversary and in keeping with its six-star service, Crystal recently announced “Crystal: The Next Chapter,” with some very ambitious plans for the near future.
Crystal has introduced Crystal Yacht Cruises (an exclusive yachting atmosphere for just 62 highly discerning guests), followed by Crystal River Yacht Cruises (with five river vessels sailing Europe by 2017); Crystal Luxury Air, a first class airline that
will fly Crystal guests around the world; Crystal Residences aboard three new Crystal Exclusive Class luxury ocean vessels.
To keep up with all Crystal Cruises' sales, promotions and news, talk to your favorite cruise expert at your local AAA Central Penn office.
By Sandy Fenton
I spent some time with Scott Peterson, Hotel Director for Crystal Symphony, and asked him a few questions:
Q. What are your favorite things to do onboard Symphony – what do you recommend?
A. Eat at all of our restaurants – they’re excellent.
The fresh oysters and lobster served in the Main Dining Room, the pasta in Prego, and Nobu-style black cod at Silk Road. Be sure to take in as many shows as possible. Our entertainment is top-notch and world famous. You will be amazed at the talent we book onboard our ships. Take a walk around our promenade, and then relax with your favorite cocktail in one of our terrific lounges and listen to your favorite music performed live. It doesn’t get better than that!
Q. Name a few of your favorite ports of call.
A. I have so many, and have been around the world many times, but I would say Sydney, Australia; Hong Kong; Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark; New York City and San Francisco.
Tune into “Let’s Talk Travel with AAA” every Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on WHP-AM580. For more information, go to www.whp580.com and click on the link to “Let’s Talk Travel.”
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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