Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Crystal Cruises Sails into the New Age

I love everything about Crystal Cruises' ultra-upscale ships.  Possibly with one exception that they don't offer all-inclusive fares--but they do provide free water and soft drinks--so that a good thing.  The spas on these ships are feng shui super and now the company is offering speical 'holistic, wellness' voyages... and well read excerpts from their recent releases for yourself: 

  In keeping with this global trend, Crystal Cruises is introducing two "Mind, Body & Spirit" cruises this December.  Holistic, comprehensive programming incorporates lectures, classes and workshops given by leading experts and instructors from The Cleveland Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Institute and the line's exclusive Walk on Water program.  The Mind, Body & Spirit focus is set for Crystal Symphony's December 7 South America voyage from Los Angeles to Valparaiso, Chile and Crystal Serenity's December 12 Panama Canal cruise from Caldera, Costa Rica to Miami.

"Our guests are active and inquisitive individuals looking to continue their healthy lifestyles while on vacation," says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's vice president, hotel operations.  "The sophisticated programming on the Mind, Body & Spirit cruises allows them to learn about the latest developments in health, fitness and well-being from top experts."

Crystal Symphony guest lecturers--who will discuss  medical treatment and prevention, spiritual healing and growth through tai chi and yoga, and the physical and mental fulfillment of strenuous exercise  include:

* Donald Malone, M.D. - The Cleveland Clinic instructor and staff psychiatrist will speak about wellness in relation to mind, body and spirit;

* John McMichan, M.D. - Mayo Clinic staff physician specializing in Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology and Medical Education;

* Dr. Martin Lee and Emily Lee - Dr. Lee, a Stanford University physicist and his wife founded the Tai Chi Cultural Center in 1974, utilizing a pioneering approach to understand Tai Chi, health and the self;

* Debbie Rocker - Founder of Crystal's exclusive Walk on Water program featuring the WALKVEST(r) Training System, revolutionizing walking by adding weight resistance;

* Richard Deutsch, - Author of One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome, Deutsch has inhabited every continent, hiking his way through some of the most challenging areas of the world; and

* Cathy L. Greenberg, PhD - Dr. Greenberg delivers time-tested "happiness tips" and is the author What Happy Women Know, What Happy Companies Know; What Happy Parents Know and What Happy Leaders Know.
And on her sister ship, Crystal Serenity - the "Caribbean Jewels" cruise will feature:

 Jim Karras, - Author of the bestseller The Business Plan for the Body Karras is also a fitness contributor on ABC's Good Morning America;

* Leslie Cho, M.D. - Director of The Cleveland Clinic's Women's cardiovascular center, Cho specializes in heart disease in women;

* Sandra Shaner - Certified by the Yoga Institute and a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, Shaner has been teaching yoga for more than 10 years;

* Mollie Epstein - Epstein oversees Crystal's exclusive Walk on Water program featuring The WALKVEST(r) Training System; and

* Jeff Corbett - Corbett, a member of the Tai Chi Cultural Center will conduct workshops utilizing Dr. Lee and Emily Lee's unique approach to the art.

 Adventures shore excursions catering to the wellness-minded. include kayaking Eco-Adventure in Cabo San Lucas, a hike through Caldera's tropical rainforest and "power" snorkeling in Grand Turk all challenge the body and mind, while a day's retreat to a tranquil resort and spa in St. Barts soothes the soul.

The Feng Shui Crystal Spa offers the ultimate in pampering along with fitness options like the "Tour de Spin," a complimentary indoor cycling program that mirrors stages of the Tour de France.  You can also get in a good jog, walk or run around the large  promenade decks, try your hand at  paddle tennis or even shoot hoops (all of which I have enjoyed on these ships). What's more you can forgoe the dreaded seafarer's weight gain by eating light cuisien or  drinking cocktails made with fresh  fruit purees and juices.
And hopefully booze.
Cruise fares for Crystal Symphony's 15-day South America itinerary begin at $3,450; Crystal Serenity's 12-day Panama Canal voyage begins at $3,550, per person, double occupancy.

www.crystalcruises.com

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Monday, May 12, 2008

Have You Cruised?

Hi loyal readers, want to know if you've taken a cruise and if so how many and on what cruise lines? Please email me at diningdiva939@aol.com, thank you for being a part of my little poll.