Crystal Cruises to explore Persian Gulf in 2010

Crystal Cruises has set an exotic new course with a unique Middle Eastern twist for its 15th annual World Cruise set for 2010. The detailed 108-day itinerary features maiden visits to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and a host of other fascinating destinations. Although the departure is more than a year and half away, the luxury World Cruise specialist already has more than 100 guests on waitlist.

On January 10, 2010, the Crystal Serenity will depart Miami on a voyage exploring South America, Africa and India, with a greatly expanded focus on the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Black Sea, and several European ports in the Mediterranean Sea en route to London. The epic journey will visit 41 ports in 37 countries.

“Based on extensive research, site inspections and discussions with contemporary world affairs experts, we feel we have created an unparalleled voyage for the most discriminating travelers,” said Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises. “On one itinerary, our 2010 World Cruise guests can visit an incredible combination of destinations renowned for being profoundly rich in antiquities and cultural history.”

Significant for 2010:

• Seven maiden calls: Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Bandar Abbas, Iran; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Manama, Bahrain; Khasab, Oman; Alfujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE); and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

• It is the first time Crystal has included Black Sea ports in a World Cruise.

• Overnight stays in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Safaga, Egypt (for Luxor/Karnak); Athens, Greece; Odessa, Ukraine; Istanbul, Turkey; and Barcelona, Spain.

• Two-night shipboard stays in Cape Town, South Africa and Dubai, UAE.

• Late night calls in, among others, Ashdod, Israel; Cochin and Mumbai, India; Bandar Abbas, Iran; Manama, Bahrain; Aqaba, Jordan; Alexandria, Egypt; Kusadasi, Turkey; Livorno, Italy.

• Complimentary shore-side events, Crystal Adventures shore excursions, onboard parties, gifts, enhanced onboard entertainment, and expanded Creative Learning Institute and Crystal Visions lecture program.

• Available in seven individual segments ranging from 13 to 21 days, or back-to-back segment combinations.

Full World Cruisers booked for 2009 will have the opportunity to book 2010 before it is open to the public.

“Seasoned cruisers appreciate the attention to detail and extraordinary value of a Crystal World Cruise,” added Michel. “New-to-Crystal cruisers, of which there are surprisingly, many, find that the World Cruise is the ultimate travel experience that one never forgets.”

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