Snorkeling In Thailand, Vietnamese Cooking And Two Nights In Hanoi Highlight Crystal Cruises’ Return To Asia In 2007

LOS ANGELES, November 1, 2006 - Renowned for its authentic and innovative shoreside excursions, Crystal Cruises is introducing more than three dozen new land adventures as part of the luxury cruise specialist's 2007 return to Asia. Canoeing and snorkeling in Thailand, a Tate-do martial arts performance in Japan, longboat sailing along the Vietnamese Mekong Delta, cookery classes in Vietnam and Hong Kong and multiple-night overland adventures to Hanoi, Angkor Wat and Laos are but a small sampling of the new and carefully designed excursions Crystal Cruises is introducing to experience the allures of the East.

In conjunction with four cruises departing between March 29 and May 1 aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony, tailored tours expose travelers to the exotic cultural heritage, enchanting history, and colorful outdoor adventures available throughout Asia's ancient dynasties. Among the more than three dozen new Crystal Adventures are:

- Palate-pleasing excursions including a Kagoshima exploration to learn about the brewing of rice vinegar and liquors and visits to local produce markets in Hong Kong and Vietnam in conjunction with regional cooking demonstrations.

- Two- and three-night overland adventures to Hanoi, Angkor Wat and Laos.

- Canoeing and snorkeling off the coast of Thailand.

- Visits to the imperial city of Hue and the preserved, ancient Vietnamese seaport, Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- A Mumbai Jewish heritage journey to the Gateway of India, Knesseth Eliahod Synagogue, the Magen David Synagogue and Magen Hassidin Synagogue, as well as a visit to the fascinating local laundry called the dhobi ghats.

- Restorative hot springs soaks in Taiwan and energizing spa treatments at the Cheraim Spa in Thailand.

"Today's sophisticated travelers are looking to explore the nuances of local culture and rich history while immersing themselves in the region's diverse traditions and landscapes," explains John Stoll, Crystal's director of land programs. "Our new Asian Crystal Adventures provide destination experiences beyond the typical city tours."

Crystal guests can also choose to ride an elephant in Thailand, explore the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, and dozens of other adventures throughout Asia.

Onboard destination experts, including speakers from the Smithsonian Institution, will add rich insights on Asian culture, history, art and literature.

On cruises ranging from 11- to -16-days, Crystal Symphony will visit 17 cities in nine different countries, including a maiden call at Chan May, Vietnam. A Trans-Pacific cruise from Los Angeles to Hong Kong on March 11 kicks off Crystal's Asia Collection:

- March 29, 2007 - Hong Kong to Beijing, including an overnight in Hong Kong and Shanghai, and three nights in Beijing, plus Taipei/Keelung, Kagoshima and Dalian;

- April 6, 2007 - Beijing to Hong Kong, including three nights in Beijing, an overnight in Shanghai, Osaka and Hong Kong, plus Nagasaki;

- April 20, 2007 - Hong Kong to Singapore, including an overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, Laem Chabang (for Bangkok) and Singapore, Chan May; and

- May 1, 2007 - Singapore to Dubai, including two overnights in Yangon and an overnight in Dubai, plus Phuket, Cochin and Mumbai.

Cruise fares begin at ,295 per person, double occupancy.

Crystal's complimentary land program in Beijing, with the season's first two cruises, showcases the Forbidden City, Tian An Men Square and the Great Wall, among other attractions, with luxurious accommodations at the Shangri-La Hotel. Crystal is also offering pre- and post-cruise land programs to Tibet, Xi'an and hotel stays at the InterContinental Hong Kong or The Peninsula Hong Kong.