Crystal Cruises Adds Mount Kilimanjaro Climb to 2007 Sailings

Crystal Cruises will be the first cruise line to offer an excursion to climb Tanzania´s 19,340-foot Mount Kilimanjaro, said John Stoll, Crystal´s director of land programs.

Starting in March 2007, the nine-night pre or post cruise program will be available to Crystal Serenity passengers on two cruises out of Cape Town, South Africa.

The hike scales the highest mountain in Africa, ending on the continent´s only glacier. The climb encompasses an average of four to six hours of hiking each day, and includes overnight accommodations in mountain huts.

Geared toward very fit travelers, participants will have to commit four months in advance and will be offered a recommended eight-week fitness program to condition for the climb.

According to the cruise line, the excursion is aimed at younger travelers, such as baby boomers, the group Crystal is targeting most for its current cruises.