Crystal Cruises operates the ultra-luxurious 940-passenger Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, capable of carrying 1,072 passengers.

The luxury vessels sail on worldwide itineraries to Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Mexican Rivera and Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Canada/New England and South America.

Crystal Cruises unveils dramatic new interiors and deck spaces for Crystal Symphony in September following a revamp costing more than $25 million. The 50,000-ton ship will boast redesigned Penthouses (including the uber-plush Crystal Penthouses), pool areas, Prego Italian restaurant, Lido Café as well as guest elevators and numerous of behind-the-scenes upgrades.

The line’s global 2010 cruise itineraries span 174 ports in 70 countries on 62 voyages. New offerings range from maiden calls in Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on the World Cruise to new North American cruises to the Sea of Cortez and Hawaii.

Crystal has organised 17 cruises at 10 nights or less – almost double those in 2009. The two ships will maintain an emphasis on port intensive, destination driven itineraries with many overnight stays in port.

New for 2010 are maiden calls in Topolobampo, Mexico; Holyhead, Wales; Portland, England; Sevastopol, Ukraine; and Almeria in Spain. There are two British Isles cruises in June and August and five voyages starting and/or finishing in a UK port.

An expanded choice of Mediterranean and North European cruises can be combined to create extended voyages without repeating ports.

On January 10, 2010, Crystal Serenity will depart Miami on an extended voyage exploring South America, Africa and India, with a greatly expanded focus on the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, the Black Sea and several European ports in the Mediterranean en route to Dover. The journey will visit 41 ports in 37 countries.

The on board experience is focussed on choice - a stimulating and indulgent environment, a variety of different restaurants and cuisines, plus plenty of sports and fitness opportunities. Contemporary Asian cuisine is on offer in the specialty restaurant Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, offering dishes created by internationally renowned Japanese master chef, Nobu Matsuhisa.

Crystal Cruises’ Creative Learning Institute is an educational programme offering five areas of learning: Arts & Entertainment; Business & Technology; Lifestyle; Wellness and Wine & Food. Expert instruction from various partners including Yamaha, Berlitz, Tai Chi Cultural Centre, The Cleveland Clinic, The Society of Wine Educators and Parsons School of Design. Each class and workshop is designed to expand guests’ knowledge in an entertaining, hands-on style

Other activities on board include wine tastings, cookery demonstrations, a bridge room, a shopping arcade offering fragrances and cosmetics, jewellery, clothing and gifts, art galleries and a fully stocked library offering books and CDs. The ships also feature casinos offering blackjack tables, as well as mini-baccarat, craps, roulette, and more than 85 slot machines.

Crystal Cruises provides Ambassador Hosts on every cruise. All accomplished ballroom dancers, they are on hand to dance with guests or simply provide companionship. Children are well catered for with a fully supervised Junior Activities programme for those aged 17 and under. Fantasia – the dedicated children’s playroom – contains games, craft materials, Sony Playstation video games and personal computers with entertainment and education software.