Philadelphia Becomes New Fall Port for Crystal Cruises -- First Time in 10 Years

LOS ANGELES, June 28, 2007 - The world's most celebrated luxury cruise line is set to return to Philadelphia this fall for the first time in 10 years. The award-winning Crystal Symphony will visit The City of Brotherly Love on October 31, 2007 - a special treat for guests on an 11-day journey from Montréal to Miami.

The full-day visit to Philadelphia is featured on a new itinerary showcasing classic East Coast ports of call including Québec City, Québec; Boston, Massachusetts; an overnight in New York, New York; and Charleston, South Carolina. Departing Montréal on October 24, this is the only colonial coast cruise to be offered by Crystal in 2007.

The cruise features a rich line-up of shoreside exploration and onboard enrichment including the line's renowned Wine & Food Festival. Award-winning Iron Chef America Beau MacMillan of Arizona's Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort returns to the East Coast (he was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts) to host cooking demonstrations and gala dinners spotlighting his innovative cuisine. He is joined by Eric Hemer, Educational Director for Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and one of only 72 Americans to hold the title of Master Sommelier.

During the cruise, cultural historian Dr. Donald Friary, a native of Boston and a graduate of the Boston Latin School (America's oldest public school), Brown University, and the University of Pennsylvania, from which he received a Ph.D. in American civilization, will host discussions on the region's art, architecture and history.

"Philadelphia is one of the greatest cities in America, a destination of true historical importance, distinctive architecture and cultural enrichment - and one that our well-traveled guests are eager to explore. We're thrilled to return to Philly on an itinerary that pays tribute to our American heritage," says Bill Smith, Crystal's senior vice president, sales and marketing.

Long regarded for its engaging Crystal Adventures ashore, Crystal Cruises has arranged a choice of 9 tours to explore Philadelphia, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, The Barnes Foundation, Valley Forge, and naturally, all of the city's significant historical points of interest. Guests can also explore Philadelphia independently or arrange a custom excursion through the luxury line's Crystal Private Adventures shore excursion program.