Crystal Cruises to Launch Jazz / Wine & Food Cruises in November

Crystal Cruises is offering travelers two compelling Experiences of Discovery cruises sailing from Miami this Thanksgiving.

The Duke Ellington Alumni Band – featuring several of the original members of Ellington’s orchestra – will headline Crystal Serenity’s roundtrip, seven-day Caribbean Jazz voyage roundtrip from Miami.

On Crystal Symphony, some of the most renowned names in the culinary, wine and mixology fields will spice up the 13-day Wine & Food cruise to Manaus, which marks the first time in three years Crystal has sailed the Amazon.

Both itineraries depart 22 November 2009.

“Holiday cruises are extraordinary experiences aboard Crystal ships,” said Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. “In addition to the fantastic destinations and elaborate Thanksgiving feasts, the caliber of entertainment and enrichment on these itineraries will only enhance the celebration.”

Aboard the Jazz voyage, along with the Duke Ellington Alumni Band, jazz artist Kitt Moran and renowned jazz pianist Eddie Tobin will perform. Phil Schaap, the jazz curator at New York’s Lincoln Center, will lecture on a variety of jazz-related topics. Crystal’s Yamaha Passport to Music program will also offer keyboard and music classes.

Guests aboard the Wine & Food cruise will enjoy a multi-course menu and cooking demonstrations from special guest Michelin Star-awarded chef Andre Rochat of Andre and Alizé in Las Vegas; wine tastings led by head sommelier Kris Margerum of the Auberge du Soleil restaurant in California; and signature cocktails and cocktail classes and competitions with modern mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. Crystal’s own executive pastry chef will also give hands-on cooking and pastry classes.

Both ships will host gala Thanksgiving feasts and celebrations. Additionally, both itineraries are 2009 Value Collection cruises, with cruise fares starting at US $2,480 per person, double occupancy, and All Inclusive – As You Wish shipboard spending credits of up to US $2,000 per couple.

Crystal Symphony’s Thanksgiving itinerary can be extended to a 62-day grand voyage, roundtrip from Miami that makes a complete circumference of South America, including an exploration of Antarctica. Guests can customize their vacation with an All Inclusive – As You Wish spending credit of up to US$6,000 per couple.

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