The Da Vinci Code Inspires New Crystal Adventure in Italy

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Crystal Cruises Also Welcomes Math and the Mona Lisa Author Bulent Atalay Aboard Two Mediterranean Cruises

LOS ANGELES, March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Fans of Dan Brown's best-selling Angels & Demons -- prelude to his blockbuster The Da Vinci Code -- will relish the opportunity to follow the "Path of Illumination" on a new Crystal Adventure in Rome this summer. Given the growing fascination with The Da Vinci Code and works of Leonardo himself, Crystal Cruises will also welcome the author of Math and the Mona Lisa aboard two new Mediterranean cruises this summer.

"With the motion picture release of The Da Vinci Code just two months away, interest in Dan Brown's novels is at an all-time high. From the Sistine Chapel to the Castle St. Angelo, the Angels & Demons tour offers a topical look at some of Rome's most historic, artistic and architecturally significant monuments and churches -- all with a dash of religious and scientific intrigue," says John Stoll, Crystal Cruises' director of land programs.

Walking in the steps of protagonist Robert Langdon, the new shore excursion showcases the four symbols along the "Path of Illumination" together with the exceptional works of renowned Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini:

* Earth -- the Chigi Chapel where "Habakkuk and the Angel" points the way
down the Path of Illumination;
* Air -- the "west wind medallion" in St. Peter's Square;
* Fire -- the "Ecstasy of St. Teresa" at the church of Santa Maria della
Vittoria; and,
* Water -- the "Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi," or Fountain of the Four
Rivers, in Rome's famed Piazza Navona.

Showcasing the key symbols and landmarks in Angels & Demons, the tour also visits the Spanish Steps and the Church of St. Ignatius; the Pantheon, Rome's best-preserved ancient temple devoted to the goddess of the earth; St. Peter's Basilica, the largest shrine on earth; and, the many Egyptian obelisks so prominently displayed throughout the city and featured throughout the book.

With the escalating buzz surrounding The Da Vinci Code, Crystal will also welcome author Bulent Atalay aboard two Mediterranean cruises (July 19 and July 26) to discuss his book Math and the Mona Lisa. A mathematician and scientist, Atalay's amazing lectures examine the unity of art and science in all of Leonardo Da Vinci's works -- including two of the most famous paintings in history -- "The Last Supper" and the "Mona Lisa."

The 10 1/2-hour Angels & Demons excursion is $249 per person and includes a three-course lunch at a local restaurant. Fares for cruises that offer this tour in Rome start at $3,395 per person, double occupancy. The two Mediterranean cruises featuring Bulent Atalay start at $2,390 per person, double occupancy.

The Crystal Difference

With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity are distinguished by classic service, abundant space, exceptional quality, and extensive choices. Their unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations.

In the February 2006 issue of Conde Nast Traveler, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity were awarded with the coveted No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the magazine's 6th annual "Best Cruise Ships in the World" readers' poll. For the past ten consecutive years, Crystal Cruises has been voted "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines -- the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.

For additional information, contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at http://www.crystalcruises.com.

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