Extreme Excursions Soar to New Heights During Crystal Cruises' 2005 European Season

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Exclusivity & Adventure From the Baltic to the Mediterranean

LOS ANGELES, March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel at twice the speed of sound in a MiG fighter jet over Moscow; journey to the Arctic Circle for a Lapland adventure from Helsinki; explore ancient civilizations in Cappadocia and Ephesus on an overland excursion from Istanbul; soar above the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains from Venice. This summer, luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises debuts its most exclusive collection of extreme Crystal Adventures shore excursions ever offered in Europe, appealing to travelers seeking exclusive adventure and privileged experiences.

During Crystal's 2005 Europe season, additional Crystal Adventures include:

* A two-night overland excursion to Moscow highlighted by an exclusive
visit to the KGB Museum and an overnight return to St. Petersburg
aboard the luxurious Nikolaevsky Express train;

* A two-night overland adventure to Krakow and Auschwitz revealing the
beauty, the history and the tragedy of Poland (also from
St. Petersburg);

* An adrenaline-filled high-speed sailing adventure in a
state-of-the-art V.O.60 Volvo professional ocean racer (from
Warnemunde);

* Exclusive tours of the stunning Amalfi Coast -- by helicopter or
private motor launch -- highlighted by lunch on the Isle of Capri
(from Sorrento);

* Helicopter or hot-air balloon flightseeing adventures over Dublin and
Tallinn -- a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site; and,

* An intimate tour of Italy's Veneto Valley for exclusive wine tastings
and meals at the captivating Villa Monteleone and Villa Spinosa (from
Venice).

From April to October, the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will offer 28 cruises through the Baltic (fares starting at $3,995), the Mediterranean (fares starting at $1,795), the British Isles (fares starting at $4,295), the North Cape (fares starting at $4,495) and the Black Sea (fares starting at $4,915). Port intensive itineraries of 7- to 12-days are enriched by the luxury line's most extensive collection of Crystal Adventures shore excursions, offering everything from intimate tours of renowned wineries, museums and cathedrals to active adventures including hiking, diving and kayaking.

"Whether soaring high in a fighter jet, a helicopter or a hot air balloon, or diving the ancient Roman underwater ruins of Baia, our extreme excursions allow guests to view the fascinating architectural and geological wonders of Europe from a remarkable perspective available only to a privileged few," says John Stoll, Crystal's director of land programs. "For the true adventurer, access to exclusive experiences doesn't come with a price tag. We've crafted this special collection of Crystal Adventures to satisfy their hunger for extreme adventure and intimate experiences."

With a minimum price of $500 to explore the underwater ancient Roman ruins of Baia to a maximum of $13,500 for a flight aboard a Russian MiG (rates are per person), participation in these Crystal Adventures is extremely limited and most must be pre-reserved. Additional details on these extreme shore tours, as well as all Crystal Adventures, may be accessed on the line's website at http://www.crystalcruises.com.

The Crystal Difference

Aboard the luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choice, and quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of land and sea.

The 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity are among the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising in the luxury market. Their unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations. The Six-Star rated liners feature grand lounges, a lavish spa outfitted in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, extensive exercise facilities, complimentary golf, yoga and Pilates instruction, Asian and Italian specialty restaurants, the only Caesars Palace at Sea(R) casino afloat, and the popular Computer University@Sea(R), offering 24-hour e-mail and internet access, as well as hands-on instruction, expansive decks, two pools, award-winning cuisine and entertainment, and exquisitely appointed staterooms, more than half of which offer private verandahs.

The luxury liners have consistently earned the travel industry's most distinguished hospitality awards and guidebook ratings, including the best large-ship line award in the most recent readers' surveys conducted by Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines.

For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 866-446-6625. Visit the luxury line's website at http://www.crystalcruises.com.

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