Crystal Cruises Unveils Design Plans for Third Ship

Press Release: Crystal Cruises
March 7, 2001
LOS ANGELES, CA -- The luxury of quality choices has been Crystal's signature since the line's inception. Expanding on its award-winning formula for large-ship luxury cruising, Crystal Cruises announces it is adding more of its most successful features to the line's third ship, scheduled for delivery in late June 2003. At 1,080 guests and 68,000 tons, the yet-unnamed vessel will offer more dining venues, more penthouse accommodations, more staterooms with verandahs, more entertainment lounges, and more fitness options, among other features.

``While we plan to introduce a new, state-of-the-art, innovative ship, we also want to maintain the brand consistency valued by our guests and travel agents,'' says Joseph A. Watters, president, Crystal Cruises. ``In response to their feedback, our third ship will expand upon the best of Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony.''

In the public areas, among the added features are a sushi bar, the ship's third alternative evening restaurant; a second paddle tennis court; a completely new learning center for a variety of creative and educational hands-on classes; a classic boardroom with wine cellar; and a ``clubby,'' social lounge designed for Crystal Society members, the line's repeat guests, to support their love of travel and geography. In addition to the new areas, the line is incorporating contemporary renditions of its guests' favorite public rooms, including the airy Palm Court and adjacent Vista Lounge, cozy Avenue Saloon and sophisticated Connoisseurs Club. Plans also include a significantly enlarged Computer University@Sea classroom, more than 50% larger than its existing facilities, with a 24-hour Internet center and a private area for one-on-one computer instruction; and a lavish Spa and Gym, expanded by approximately 40%.

Crystal's new vessel will boast an even greater space-per-guest ratio (62.9) than her sister ships within 93,500 square feet of public space (34% greater than Crystal Symphony) and 14 decks (one more than Crystal Symphony).

Accommodations

Approximately 85% of its all outside staterooms and suites will offer private verandahs.

On a deck and a half, the new ship will offer 100 Penthouse accommodations verandahs (56% greater than on Crystal Symphony) with private verandahs. Of those, the most lavish accommodations will be four, 1345 square-foot Crystal Penthouses, which will be at least 37% larger than those on the existing fleet (and two more than Crystal Symphony). There will be almost double the number of Penthouse Suites (32 on the new ship vs. 18 on Crystal Symphony) and 64 Penthouses, a 45% increase.

In keeping with Crystal's successful approach of offering a range of luxury accommodations, there will be 368 outside staterooms with verandahs and 82 outside staterooms with large picture windows.

Eight specially designed, wheelchair-accessible accommodations include two Penthouses, two staterooms with verandahs and four staterooms with large picture windows.


Dining

While Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony have two alternative specialty restaurants, Crystal's third ship will have three: an Italian restaurant, an Asian restaurant, and, for the first time, a separate sushi bar. There will be a total of five evening dining venues, including the main Crystal Dining Room, the three specialty restaurants and an indoor/outdoor poolside area for casual evening dining.

Crystal is also retaining its popular daytime dining venues on the new ship, with some new additions. Permanent hot food stations aft of the ships' second pool will service themed luncheon buffets and other dining options. Also, the line is featuring stylish versions of its famous Bistro, a social coffee and wine bar, for morning and afternoon snacks, the country-club style Lido Cafe for breakfast and lunch, the Trident Grill for casual poolside lunches throughout the afternoon, the ice cream/frozen yogurt bar, in addition to 24-hour complimentary room service.


Spa, Sports and Fitness

Crystal's sybaritic Spa will be approximately 40% larger on the new ship with more treatment rooms, a larger gym and an aerobics studio. Due to the popularity of the paddle tennis court on Crystal's fleet, the line is adding a second court to its third ship.

In response to the feedback from guests, the ship will retain its outdoor lap pool, flanked by two outdoor whirlpools; a second indoor/outdoor pool covered by a magrodome roof; a full promenade around the exterior of the ship for walking and jogging; and a sports deck with a golf driving range, a shuffleboard court and table tennis area.


Entertainment and Learning Lounges

Crystal Cruises' entertainment and enrichment programs have earned the line numerous awards and the highest ratings from its guests. The line is promising a rich entertainment and social experience aboard the new ship, along with increased opportunities for stimulating learning activities.

The Galaxy Show Lounge is the main entertainment venue for the line's distinctive award-winning production shows, featuring more intimate seating arrangements, improved sight lines and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. A second cabaret lounge provides another venue for day activities such as dance classes and wine tasting, as well as evening dancing and cabaret entertainment.

The Palm Court/Vista lounge is a top deck lounge for afternoon tea, evening dancing and entertainment, special events and for simply enjoying the changing scenery, with floor-to-ceiling 360 degree panoramic windows and new room extensions that offer unique views of the glass-enclosed bridge wings one deck below.


Other rooms include:

Crystal Cruises is the recipient of the industry's most prestigious awards. For the fifth consecutive year, the line has won the ``World's Best'' large-ship line and the ``Best Large-Ship Line'' from the readers of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, respectively. The line's Six-Star rated ships, Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony, sail on worldwide itineraries.

For further information, please contact Mimi Weisband, 310-203-4302, or Kristin Turner, 310-203-4304, publicrelations@crystalcruises.com, both of Crystal Cruises.

SOURCE: Crystal Cruises