Crystal Sets 2008 Theme Cruises on Art, Music, Golf

Crystal Cruises has announced its 2008 lineup of theme cruises, headlined by a new art and antiquities program, a classical music voyage, and an expanded series of golf cruises. Crystal’s 12 theme programs are offered on both the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

The “Arts & Antiquities” cruise explores the Greco-Roman empire aboard an October 6 cruise from Athens to Rome featuring artists, architects, and experts from top museums and auction houses, as well as a shipboard overnight in Cairo, and the chance to explore ancient Ephesus.

The luxury line also welcomes back the “Crystal Wine & Food Festival” for its 12th year with six voyages featuring noted chefs and wine experts. Also returning is the golf cruise, expanded from one cruise in 2007 to three sailings in 2008, featuring Crystal’s exclusive partnership with TaylorMade and the chance to play world-class courses and learn from PGA pros.

The “Big Band & Ballroom Dancing” cruise is on the Crystal Serenity’s November 21 10-day transatlantic cruise from Lisbon to Miami. Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute is offered on nine voyages and features expanded curriculums in music, art, language and computers.

The “Film & Theatre Festival” will be available on the Sept. 2 Symphony cruise from London to New York, while the November 30, seven-day Mexican Riviera roundtrip from Los Angeles will feature a jazz theme. Two “Mind, Body & Spirit” cruises, featuring experts in Tai Chi, yoga and Pilates, will be held on the Symphony’s December 7 15-day cruise from Los Angeles to Valparaiso and the Serenity’s December 12, 11-day Panama Canal cruise from Caldera to Miami.

Crystal President Gregg L. Michel and his family will host a 12-day Mediterranean sailing from Athens to Rome, departing August 24 on Crystal Serenity. Smithsonian Journeys with lecturers of the Smithsonian Institute will be on the January 4, 15-day Panama Canal cruise from Miami to Los Angeles.

The Crystal Wine & Food Festival cruises are scheduled for the April 25 16-day cruise from Singapore to Dubai, the May 7 12-day cruise from London to Rome, the May 25 13-day voyage from Athens to London, the July 31 12-day cruise Monte Carlo to Venice, the October 18 12-day cruise from Rome to Barcelona, and the October 19 10-day cruise from Montréal to New York.