New European Inland Journeys Expand Crystal's Luxury Mediterranean Cruise Experience

LOS ANGELES, June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- New luxury packages to Spain's Costa Brava and Madrid and Segovia are among several pre- and post-cruise hotel and land programs Crystal Cruises is offering with 15 Mediterranean cruise itineraries this summer and fall. From inland journeys through Prague and Budapest to Italy's posh Lake Como, each carefully crafted program provides in-depth experiences that allow guests to extend their vacation and immerse themselves in a destination. Available with Crystal Serenity's Mediterranean, Black Sea and Canary Islands cruises from June through October, the optional three- to five-night programs depart from Barcelona, Venice and Rome.

The tours showcase the regions' architecture, history, villas, castles and other attractions at World Heritage sites and Europe's vacation playgrounds. Mirroring Crystal's ultra-luxury onboard experience, guests will dine at renowned restaurants and stay at some of the world's most sought-after hotels, like Villa d'Este and Prague's Carlo IV Boscolo.

2009 Extended Land Programs include:

• NEW! Castile Kingdom Splendor - Explores the legend of Don Quixote and visits Madrid and Spain's World Heritage sites of Segovia and Toledo (four nights);
• NEW! Costa Brava Exploration - Features Spain's "wild coast," set against the Pyrenees Mountains, charming Catalonian villages, as well as Salvador Dali's birthplace (four nights);
• Lake Como and Villa d'Este - Ultra-luxury resort Villa d' Este at Cernobbio on Italy's Lake Como is the favored playground of royalty and international celebrities (three nights); and
• Prague and Budapest - Castles, palaces and monuments in two of the world's most fascinating cities (five nights).

"Crystal's Extended Land Programs are designed to provide seamless transitions from the luxury cruise experience to equally luxurious land experiences," said John Stoll, director, land programs. "The popularity of these programs continues to grow as more guests seek to expand their travels and experience destinations further ashore, without sacrificing the quality and luxury they find with Crystal."

Crystal Serenity's Mediterranean cruises depart from Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, Lisbon, Monte Carlo, Rome and Venice. Celebration fares start at $3,535 per person, double occupancy, and offer an All Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credit to customize one's vacation. Fares for Crystal's Mediterranean Extended Land Programs start at $4,499 per person, double occupancy.

For more information or Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the line's website, crystalcruises.com.

    CONTACT:  Mimi Weisband or Julie Dibble (310) 203-4305
              mediarelations@crystalcruises.com

SOURCE Crystal Cruises