Top 10 Value Sailings on Crystal This Fall

For the past few months, Crystal Cruises has emphasized what they call the "exceptional value" of their itineraries combined with a vast array of services and amenities. To underscore that assertion, the line just announced a "top 10" list of ways to snag a Crystal itinerary at a great price in 2007 or 2008. Whether you're considering an exotic Far East cruise or a closer-to-home Caribbean experience, Crystal probably has an itinerary to match your vacation preferences. Review Crystal's list of ways to save; it just may convince you to add yet another cruise getaway to your calendar.

My own Crystal "dream" cruise has to be the October 6, 2007 "Temples of Gods & Pharaohs" sailing. In just 11 days Crystal's Serenity whisks guests from Istanbul to Kusadasi in Turkey before visiting Rhodes, Greece. The next port of call is Alexandria, Egypt and the adventure finally winds down in Santorini and Athens, Greece. (There's a nice Crystal Society savings on that particular itinerary, by the way.)

For other excellent values, see Crystal's Top 10 list below:

1. Save Up to 48% on Select 2007 Fall Mediterranean Cruises
Offer is valid on six late August and fall 11- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages aboard Crystal Serenity. Cruises depart from Venice, Monte Carlo, Athens, Istanbul and Rome. Fares start at $3,890.

2. Save $1,000 Per Couple on 2007 Thanksgiving Voyages
This November, guests can save $500 per person in most stateroom categories—including verandahs—on voyages through the Panama Canal and Caribbean aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

3. Kids Sail Free on 2007 Thanksgiving Voyages
Along with Crystal's family-friendly activities and supervised junior activities program, kids eleven and under will sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare adults. Plus, Crystal Serenity has just increased its third berth capacity by 15%, offering more choices for families. Travelers can save up to 60% off brochure fares. Fares start at $2,195.

4. 2007 and 2008 Value Collection
The Value Collection offers savings of up to 52% on three applicable 2007 cruises that sail through the Panama Canal, Mediterranean, and Caribbean. Crystal's 2008 Value Collection features 11 diverse sailings of 10 to 17 days through the Panama Canal, South America, the Mediterranean, Western Europe, Caribbean, and a Trans-Pacific voyage from Los Angeles to Hong Kong.

5. Save Up to 20%—2008 Western Europe
For new bookings made before September 14, 2007, guests can save 20% on all Deluxe Stateroom accommodations (including verandah staterooms) and 10% on all Penthouse
accommodations aboard Crystal Symphony's 13-day Western European voyage departing May 25, 2008 from Athens to London. Fares start at $3,995.

6. Save 20% on 2008 Europe "Combo" Cruises
Travelers seeking a longer cruise experience in Europe can save 20% on all categories of staterooms and suites for new bookings made before September 14, 2007 when combining Crystal Symphony's May 25 Athens to London cruise with the cruise prior or cruise following. The combination cruises offer guests a 27-day exploration of Egypt, the Mediterranean, and Western Europe, or a 24-day journey from Greece to the Baltic Sea, at savings ranging from $1,000 to $2,530 per person. Combine all three voyages for a 38-day cruise adventure and receive total savings of $3,840 per person.

7. Onboard Booking Savings
All guests who book a future cruise on board receive between 4% and 4.5% off their next cruise.

8. Book 180 days in Advance
All guests will receive a discount of 3.5% when they pay in full six months in advance.

9. Crystal Society Savings
Not only do returning Crystal cruisers automatically save between 3% and 4% on their next cruise, but they can enjoy additional savings that range from shipboard credits, gifts, and parties to stateroom upgrades and an 11-day free cruise in a Crystal Penthouse.

Additionally, Crystal Society members who sail on Crystal Serenity's Mediterranean voyages departing July 19, July 31, or August 24 in 2008 will receive a $150 per member shipboard credit if booked by October 15, 2007.

10. Special Singles Fare
Starting fares for single travelers are just 125% of the applicable double occupancy fare.

For further details, contact your travel agent or Crystal Cruises.

Logo courtesy of Crystal Cruises.