This holiday season marks the last call for
Crystal Cruises’ award-winning ships to Antarctica. Beginning in
2011, a proposed ban on the carriage of certain fuel oils on board
will effectively prohibit the sailing of most passenger vessels in
the Antarctic.
Crystal Symphony’s December 20
Christmas / New Year cruise is the only time Crystal will be
cruising the region in 2009 and 2010. The 19-day journey departs
from Buenos Aires to Valparaíso with visits to several ports in
Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, including the breathtaking Chilean
Fjords and Cape Horn.
“There’s no more magical destination
to spend the holidays than in Antarctica, among the snow and
stunning wildlife,” said Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales
and marketing. “In fact, this itinerary affords guests the
opportunity to sail through the spring and summer in South
America, and then see snow on the pool deck while cruising in
Antarctica, all on the same itinerary.”
Ashore,
adventurous guests have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly
to King George Island and walk on Antarctica, take a helicopter to
a humpback whale sanctuary, enjoy a 4 x 4 expedition to a King
penguin colony, and trek the mountains of Chile.
Completing the Crystal Holiday
experience, Crystal Symphony will boast more than
$100,000 of exquisite seasonal décor. Handcrafted
ornaments, elaborately decorated trees and
larger-than-life toy soldiers are among the ship’s
holiday furnishings
Extravagant holiday
dinners, parties and entertainment are planned for Christmas Eve
and Christmas Day, culminating in a black tie gala on New Year’s
Eve. Clergy will be on board to conduct services. Also during the
holidays, Crystal’s junior activities staff will be on hand to
coordinate daily programming for children of all ages. Cruise
fares start at $8,995 per person, double occupancy.
The Antarctic Holiday cruise can be
taken as part of a 62-day voyage, roundtrip from Miami
that makes a complete circumference of South America,
including an exploration of the Amazon.
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