Crystal
Cruises Information
Cruise Fares
Your cruise fare includes all
normal shipboard services and facilities plus all non-alcoholic
beverages. The cruise fare does not include port, security and
handling charges, fuel surcharges, airfare, transfers, shore
excursions, sightseeing or meals ashore, taxes, gratuities, liquor,
wines, laundry or valet services, telephone, Internet and e-mail
communications, or any items or service of a personal nature such as
massage, spa services and hairstyling.
Transfers, porterage and
luggage handling are part of our all-inclusive Crystal Air/Sea
Program. If you choose to arrange for air travel independently, you
may purchase embarkation and disembarkation transfers from Crystal
Cruises.
Cruise fares quoted are in
U.S. dollars and are per person, based on double occupancy.
Applicable port, security and handling charges are additional.
Air Transportation /
Luggage
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When making your own air
arrangements, we recommend allowing a minimum of four hours
between your flight arrival time and the ship's sailing time.
Specific port and pier information and embarkation times are
stated on your cruise ticket. Port authorities sometimes change
the location of the pier or berth number, so be sure that you
actually see your ship when you arrive at the port/pier.
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When disembarking at the end
of your cruise, do not plan to leave the ship for at least three
hours after it docks at your final destination. Customs and
Immigration must conduct various inspections before you are allowed
to disembark. Please also take into account the time needed at the
airport for airline check-in procedures before booking your
departing flights. If you are making independent reservations to fly
home directly after the cruise, please have your travel agent
contact Crystal Cruises' Reservations for flight departure
guidelines, which vary based on the distance between the pier and
the airport.
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Transfers, porterage and
luggage handling are part of our all-inclusive Crystal Air/Sea
Program. If you choose to arrange for air travel independently, you
may purchase embarkation and disembarkation transfers from Crystal
Cruises.
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Flight schedules sometimes change.
We strongly suggest that you reconfirm all flight times with the airline
48 hours prior to departure. Seating assignments, special meal requests,
details regarding checked and carry-on luggage allowances and
restrictions (size, weight and quantity), or other flight-related
inquiries should be discussed directly with the airline or through your
travel agent. Please confirm your seat assignments for both outbound and
return flights prior to your departure for the ship.
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We recommend that you do not lock
your luggage due to the Transportation Security Administration's policy
of screening all baggage. However, please be sure to lock your luggage
when in transit between airport and ship. Ship and airline safety
requirements prohibit the transportation of dangerous goods including,
but not limited to, explosives, weapons, ammunition, mace, pepper-spray,
hazardous material, martial arts devices, swords or similar items that
may be considered a security risk.
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You may wish to avail yourself of
the services of our affiliate luggage-free travel service, Virtual
Bellhop. By registering online at www.virtualbellhop.com, your luggage
(including golf clubs) will be picked up at your home and delivered
directly to the ship. Fees apply.
Boarding the Ship
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At embarkation ports, the ship is
usually available for guest boarding at 3 pm. The exact embarkation and
sailing times are specified on your cruise ticket. Please note that you
may not board earlier than the time stated. All guests must carry a
government-issued photo identification card in order to embark.
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Keep in mind that you must be on the
ship at least one hour prior to sailing. Once you are on board, our Six-Star
crew welcomes you, assists with your hand luggage and shows you to your
stateroom. Your luggage is delivered to your stateroom.
Clothing Suggestions
Throughout the day, our guests wear a
casual mix of active resort wear. Dining room attire is casual during the
day; however, swimsuits are not appropriate. If you do not wish to change
for a meal in the afternoon, alfresco dining on deck is available.
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For days in port, be sure to bring
comfortable walking shoes. Check with your travel agent for special
items you might want to pack for your destination and the time of year
you are traveling.
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Each evening on a Crystal cruise has a
specific dress code, which applies to all public areas of the ship after 6
pm. Guests find that the occasional formal evenings create a special
atmosphere in contrast to the other more informal evenings on board. The
three codes of attire are casual, informal and formal. Typically, 10- to
14-day cruises have three formal nights. The number of informal nights is
usually based on the number of days at sea, and casual nights are based on
days in port and the time of departure.
Formal Evening Attire
Informal Evening Attire
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Informal attire is appropriate for
most evenings on board. For ladies, evening dresses, cocktail dresses or
pantsuits are suitable. For gentlemen, we suggest sport coats and slacks;
ties are optional.
Casual Evening Attire
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On casual evenings, a more relaxed
attire is accepted, such as casual dresses and pantsuits for ladies, and
sport shirts and slacks for gentlemen. Ties and jackets are not required.
Cruise Ticket / Luggage Tags
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After full cruise payment, receipt of
immigration information and 30 days prior to departure, guests receive their
ticket wallet which contains all cruise documents: cruise ticket complete
with the day-to-day itinerary, air ticket and hotel confirmations (if
purchased through Crystal Cruises), luggage tags and other necessary
information. Be sure to complete and attach a Crystal Cruises luggage tag to
each checked bag so it can be easily identified upon arrival.
Deposits, Payments & Refunds
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Reservations must be accompanied by a
deposit within the period specified at time of booking. A deposit of 20% per
guest is required for all Penthouse accommodations (PH-CP). A deposit of 10%
per guest is required for all staterooms (E-AA). World Cruise 2006 Voyages
of 43 days or more: 20% deposit (C-CP); 42 days or less: 20% deposit
(PH-CP); 10% deposit (C-AA). Staterooms are subject to cancellation if
required deposits are not received within the specified option period. The
balance of the cruise fare must be received by Crystal Cruises no later than
75 days before sailing. All reservations are subject to cancellation if
payments are not received by the due date. Reservations made within 75 days
(90 days for World Cruise) of sailing require full payment, due three days
after reservation is made. Reservations made within 14 days (21 days for
World Cruise) of sailing require full payment, due one day after reservation
is made.
Third Berth
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A limited number of staterooms on each
ship are designated for triple occupancy. Crystal Cruises discourages the
use of third berths for adults due to the size of the sofa bed.
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A third person age 12 and over may travel
in a triple occupancy stateroom (subject to space availability) at the minimum
fare for that cruise. Children age 11 and under traveling as a third berth guest
are charged 50% of the minimum fare for that cruise.
Children / Minors
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Any child under the age of 18 must be
accompanied by an adult over the age of 21. In addition, if the adult
accompanying the child is not a parent or legal guardian, the "Parental
Consent Guardianship Form" must be signed by a parent or legal guardian and
received by Crystal Cruises prior to sailing.
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Guests age 11 and under must be
accompanied by an adult 21 or older in the same stateroom. Guests age 12 and
over may be accommodated in a stateroom connected or adjacent to the stateroom
of a parent or adult responsible for them.
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Infants 6-24 months of age who will be
utilizing a crib may travel as a third berth in either a double or triple
stateroom. Crystal Cruises is unable to accommodate children under six (6)
months of age as the ships medical facilities are not designed to provide
services to very young children. On very limited itineraries where adequate
medical facilities may be readily available a waiver may be granted provided a
release of liability is signed by the parent(s). Crystal also reserves the right
to restrict the number of those under three (3) years of age aboard the ship.
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Children occupying a double stateroom will
be charged the adult rate regardless of age.
Customs / Duty-Free Allowance
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All luggage is subject to inspection
by U.S. Customs upon return to the United States. Guests originating or
terminating their cruise in a foreign port are also subject to inspection by
U.S. Customs officials. U.S. residents are allowed a duty-free exemption of
$800 per person; those over the age of 21 may include one liter of liquor,
200 cigarettes or 100 cigars. U.S. residents returning from the U.S. Virgin
Islands (or any of the U.S. insular possessions) are permitted an additional
$800 ($1600 total) in foreign purchases duty-free, provided the additional
$800 in merchandise is acquired in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The alcohol and
cigarette allowance is 5 liters of alcoholic beverages and 1000 cigarettes
provided the additional allowance of 4 liters and 800 cigarettes are
purchased in the US Virgin Islands.
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The duty free allowance for Non-US
residents is $100 per person if their stay in the US is not less than 72 hours
and they have not used their allowance in the last 6 months. The alcohol and
cigarette allowance is 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 4.4lbs
of tobacco if the person is 21 years or older.
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Additional information can be obtained at
any local U.S. Customs office or at
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/dutyfree_exemption.xml.
Customs regulations are subject to change.
Single Travelers
Single occupancy of double staterooms is
available on a limited basis, subject to availability at the time of
reservation. Single guests pay 125% (130% for World Cruise 2006 Voyages) of the
per-person fare for categories C through E; 135% (140% for World Cruise 2006
Voyages) of categories A and B; 150% of category AA; 175% of category PH; and
200% of categories CP and PS. Single fares are capacity-controlled and may be
withdrawn at any time.
Safety & Security
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Our ships have been designed with your
complete safety in mind, equipped with modern stabilizers and built to the
world's highest standards of shipbuilding quality. Our ships comply with all
safety codes and pass annual testing inspections with the highest marks.
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When in port during a cruise, our unique
computerized security system takes a reading of your stateroom key card at the
gangway to identify you and inform us when you leave the ship and when you
return. A government-issued photo identification is also required for boarding.
All personal items are scanned by an x-ray machine when boarding to ensure the
safety and security of our guests.
Valuables
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While in transit to and from the ship,
personal items and valuables such as jewelry, medication, tickets, passports
and visas should be packed with your hand luggage and kept with you at all
times. Each stateroom and penthouse is equipped with a personal safe.
Because each guest must assume full responsibility for items kept in his or
her stateroom, we recommend that items of special value be placed in the
complimentary safe-deposit boxes at the Reception Desk.
Inoculations
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Requirements for inoculations often
change. Crystal Cruises informs you of the health requirements; however, it
is your responsibility to have all required vaccinations with a signed
International Certificate of Vaccination. We recommend that you contact your
personal physician with any health concerns. Failure to comply may result in
refusal of passage by Customs and Immigration authorities.
Passports / Visas
U.S. Citizens
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All U.S. citizens who travel abroad
are required to carry a valid passport. Please note that Crystal Cruises
requires passports to be valid for at least six months after the completion
of your trip.
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In addition to your passport, you should
also bring along a current government-issued photo identification card to use at
pier and airport security checkpoints.
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Visa requirements vary from country to
country. Crystal Cruises informs U.S. citizens of specific visa requirements.
Visa information may also be obtained through the local embassy or consulate of
the country you will be visiting. It is your responsibility to obtain all
necessary visas. Visas must be obtained regardless of whether you plan to go
ashore or remain on board while in ports which require Visas. Everyone must be
cleared by local Immigration authorities upon arrival in port, regardless of the
length of the ship's call.
International Citizens
Special Dietary Requests
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If you require a special diet or if
you need special food items available on board during your cruise, please
submit your dietary requests in writing to our Onboard Guest Services
Department no later than one month prior to your cruise, and confirm your
arrangements with the Food and Beverage staff on the day of embarkation.
There may be a charge for some special requests.
Visitors
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Whenever conditions allow, visitors
will be permitted on board. Requests may be made through Crystal Cruises'
Onboard Guest Services or Marine Operations departments, or if requested on
board, through the ship's Reception Desk. All requests and supporting
information must be received in writing by the Crystal Cruises' Marine
Operations Department no later than two weeks prior to the intended visit
day (no later than four days if requested while on board). The numbers and
types of visitors allowed are capacity-controlled and subject to the
security level at the port of call. Due to changing world conditions,
Crystal Cruises may institute a no-visitor policy on board its ships from
time to time. This policy is subject to change, without notice, at any time.
Safety & Security
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The safety and security of our guests,
staff and crew are of paramount importance to Crystal Cruises. In an effort
to provide our guests a safe and enjoyable travel experience, we closely
monitor world events on a daily basis through contact with various U.S
governmental agencies, local area officials, our port agents, local tour
operators, and the International Council of Cruise Lines.
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We are presently operating as scheduled,
but if events abroad or at home ever appear to have the potential to compromise
safety or security; Crystal Cruises would readily revise the ships' itineraries.
Guests on board would immediately be advised of any such changes. Guests
preparing for a future voyage would also be notified, as feasible, when and if
revisions are made to our itineraries.
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Since the events of September 11, 2001, we
have intensified our security measures and have instituted special added
procedures aboard Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. We
have taken these actions in accordance with the International Ship and Port
Facility Security (ISPS) Code developed by world governments under the auspices
of the International Maritime Organization and in consultation with our Flag
State, the United States Coast Guard (USCG), private security consultants and
the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL).
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In May 2004, the security plans and
organization for Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity were
inspected by Lloyd's Register, and the ships were issued International Ship
Security Certificates.
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Under ISPS, cruise ships operate under one
of three levels of security. In general, security precautions include, but are
not limited to, the following measures:
* Visitors Policy
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Whenever conditions allow, visitors
will be permitted on board. Requests may be made through Crystal Cruises'
Onboard Guest Services or Marine Operations departments, or if requested on
board, through the ship's Reception Desk. All requests and supporting
information must be received in writing by the Crystal Cruises' Marine
Operations Department no later than two weeks prior to the intended visit
day (or four working days if requested on board). The numbers and types of
visitors allowed are capacity controlled and subject to the security level
at the port of call. Due to changing world conditions, Crystal Cruises may
institute a no-visitor policy on board its ships from time to time. This
policy is subject to change, without notice, at any time.
* Identification of all guests and crew
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Crystal Cruises compares guest and
crew lists with names of interest provided by U.S. government agencies, and
all crew members are vetted before they are employed, and all non-American
crew and staff are required to have U.S. visas. Government issued photo
I.D.s are required in all ports of call. In addition, key cards, which serve
as boarding passes, are given to each guest when they check in. Access to
the ship by all individuals is controlled.
* Restricted access areas
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Critical areas on the ship are
designated restricted access areas. There are no guest tours of restricted
areas. Therefore, there are no scheduled tours of the bridge or technical
spaces, including the engine room. Video surveillance cameras and access
alarms have also been installed.
* Additional screening of all guest
baggage, carry-on luggage, ship stores and cargo
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All items brought on board by guests
or crew will be subjected to extra screening by x-ray machines or personal
hand inspection by the ship's security staff. Also, non-carry-on baggage is
compared to the official guest list and is x-rayed at the loading point
prior to be being loaded on board the vessel. Manifests of delivered ship
stores and cargo are matched to purchase orders before items are loaded on
the ships. Stores and cargo are monitored for unauthorized materials, as
appropriate. No shell door is opened without personnel stationed to prohibit
entry of unauthorized personnel.
* Port and shore-side security
* Onboard security
* Continuous monitoring of upcoming
itineraries and ports of call
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We recognize that world events
continue to change. As a result, we are in consultation with appropriate
U.S. governmental agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. State
Department, our Flag State, the governments of countries our ships are
scheduled to visit, port agents, tour operators and our insurance
underwriters to insure that we are taking every reasonable step to recognize
and assess potential risks, and to make changes as may be necessary under
the circumstances.
Crystal Adventures Shore Excursions
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From Olympic bobsledding in
Lillehammer to flying in a MiG figher jet to driving a Formula 1 race car in
Monte Carlo, our Crystal Adventures Shore Excursions are truly one-of-a-kind
experiences that personally enriching.
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The variety of Crystal Adventures promises
to pique the interests of all Crystal guests-here are few examples from our 2006
Baltic/Northern Europe and Mediterranean voyages:
Active Adventure
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A hot air balloon journey showcases
the idyllic Irish countryside (from Dublin)
New horseback riding adventures along the scenic trails of Dryhaven forest
(from Copenhagen)
New golfing excursions at the Montgomerie at Carlton House in Dublin, and
the St. Mellion Golf & Country Club in Plymouth
Drive a Formula 1 race car with instruction both on and off the course (new
from Monte Carlo)
Kayak Dubrovnik's Adriatic coast, river-raft in Split, and canoe in Zadar
for new perspectives of Croatia
Soar above the Ctte d'Azur (from Monte Carlo), the Amalfi Coast (from
Sorrento) or the Dolomite Mountains (from Venice) on a helicopter journey
Explore the underwater world of Punta Campanella on a scuba diving
expedition (from Sorrento)
Art & Culture
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An organ recital at the 11th-century
Dome Cathedral, the largest place of worship in the Baltics housing one of
the largest organs in all of Europe (from Riga)
The masterful collections of the Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt House are
showcased on a new tour (from Amsterdam), as are the treasured works of
Author Astrid Lindgren at the Junibacken Museum (from Stockholm)
Before The Da Vinci Code, there was Angels & Demons. A new tour of Rome
showcases the key symbols and landmarks in Dan Brown's best-selling book
A private visit to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel (in Rome) is
available through special arrangements exclusively for Crystal guests
The Popular - Spirits & Wine
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A pub crawl in Dublin, a beer tasting
seminar in Zeebruge, gin tasting at the Plymouth Gin Distillery, and a visit
to the famed Carlsberg Brewery in Copenhagen provide a 'taste' of local
flavor
Three new journeys to the renowned chateaus of Bordeaux offer wine
enthusiasts the chance to sample first growths and explore the pastoral
countryside
A wine tasting with the Italian Association of Sommeliers in Rome, a visit
to the renowned Jean Lesn Winery in Barcelona, and a journey from Cadiz into
Andalusia to sample famed sherries offer new discoveries in intimate
settings
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Our Crystal Adventures emphasize variety
and as we've increased the active experiences available we have also maintained
a balance of traditional favorites including tours showcasing the cultural and
culinary secrets of each destination.
Crystal Private Adventures
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Crystal Cruises is happy to provide
customized shore excursions, for guests who wish to have an exclusive or
private experience. Your customized excursion can be as simple as requesting
your own car and driver or making an existing Crystal Adventure private. Or
your outing could be more elaborate with private tours, catered lunches and
select on shore evening entertainment. If you can dream it, Crystal Cruises
can make it happen for you.
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Please note: the Crystal guest must be
booked on the cruise and the guest or Travel Agent must produce a valid booking
number in order to request a Crystal Private Adventure. A $100 non-refundable
service fee for each Crystal Private Adventure is due at the time the request is
received. Payment in full is due upon acceptance and confirmation of the Crystal
Private Adventure. The $100 non-refundable service fee and payment in full is to
be charged against the guest's or Travel Agent's credit card. All major credit
cards are acceptable for payment. In the event that each Crystal Private
Adventure is accepted and confirmed, the $100 non-refundable service fee for
each Crystal Private Adventure will be applied.
Hotel Programs
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Crystal Cruises takes great pride in
its Hotel Programs, carefully screening each property for its location,
ambiance, level of service and attention to detail. Join us in some of the
world's most beautiful cities at luxurious five-star hotels for an exciting
and memorable beginning or end to your Crystal cruise experience.
Crystal "Classic" Hotel Program
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Whether you wish to begin your cruise
experience in grand style or complete your ocean journey exploring a
fascinating city, the Crystal "Classic" Hotel Program is the perfect choice.
Our Crystal "Classic" Hotel Program includes:
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Luxurious hotel accommodations
Meet & Assist arrangements at the airport
Group transfer by motor coach between airport and hotel, or hotel and airport
Direct transfer by motor coach between hotel and ship, or ship and hotel
Priority embarkation for pre-cruise guests
Hotel tax and porterage
Hospitality Desk offering local advice and optional sightseeing
Crystal "Classic-Plus" Hotel Program
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For the ultimate hotel experience, we
offer the Crystal "Classic-Plus" Hotel Program. Our Crystal "Classic-Plus"
Hotel Program includes:
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Upgraded hotel accommodations
Breakfast daily
Personal Meet & Assist arrangements at the airport
Private car transfer between airport and hotel, or hotel and airport
Direct transfer by motor coach between hotel and ship, or ship and hotel
Priority embarkation for pre-cruise guests
Hotel tax and porterage
Hospitality Desk offering local advice and optional sightseeing
Extended Land Programs
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Crystal Cruises is proud to offer
in-depth, luxury touring experiences before and after select voyages. If you
are already traveling across the globe, why not extend your trip a few days
in order to gain a deeper appreciation of the port city and the surrounding
country?
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Discover the glamour, the opulence and the
mystery of the Orient-Express. Step on board the Orient-Express, where you will
be surrounded by intimate and stylish spaces, savor high tea and four-course
dinners, and sip cocktails in the renowned car bar-all while being whisked
through spectacular scenery of Europe.
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