Crystal Expands Ancient Lands With Haifa and Bodrum This Fall

LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to political unrest and uncertainty in Egypt, Crystal Cruises has revised its October 12 "Ancient Land and Cultures" voyage to replace its call in Alexandria with a visit to Haifa, Israel and Bodrum, Turkey.  Crystal Serenity's amended itinerary extends guests' experience in Israel to three days – two previously scheduled days in Ashdod and one additional day in Haifa. The new destinations offer remarkable ancient history, such as Bodrum's Mausoleum, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, in addition to legendary beauty and culture among unspoiled beaches and charming whitewashed houses.

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The changes mark Crystal's only visit to Haifa and one of just two visits to Bodrum in the Crystal Cruises' 2012 through early 2014 calendars.  From Athens to Venice, the voyage also includes Santorini, Ashdod (overnight), Corfu, Dubrovnik, and Venice (overnight).

Among the illustrious shipboard speakers adding destination insights along the way are former Ambassador Marc Ginsburg, who was the first U.S. Ambassador of Jewish heritage to a Middle East nation, and Dr. Jean-Pierre Isbouts, an award-winning filmmaker/professor/author of numerous publications on biblical history and archeology.

Until April 30, "Book Now" fares for the 12-day, all-inclusive cruise start at $4,395 per person/double occupancy.  Attractive air add-ons for all voyages are also available from more than 90 North American airports.  Crystal's Family Memory Program offers additional savings for groups of family/friends on more than 20 luxurious Mediterranean cruises in 2012.

Crystal's passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more "World's Best" awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history. 

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT:  Mimi Weisband or Susan Wichmann 310-203-4305, [email protected]

VISIT:  Crystal's Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises