Conference abbott::cruise_travel

156.0. "Crystal Cruises" by CAMLOT::FAMULARO (Joe, ZKO3-2T43, DTN381-2565) Tue Aug 29 1989 23:17

                            Crystal Harmony

    Crystal Cruises, a new Los Angeles-based cruise line company, will
    launch Crystal Harmony, the first ship in its luxury fleet, in July
    1990.  A subsidiary of NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), whose reputation
    for building technologically-advanced ships is world renowned, Crystal
    Cruises will offer the ultimate in sophisticated cruising.

    Established in July 1988, Crystal Cruises is headed by accomplished
    cruise industry executive, Arthur A. Rodney.  As president and chief
    operating officer, Rodney explains, "we believe that the strong
    shipping heritage and financial strength of NYK, coupled with our
    highly experienced management team, will enable Crystal Cruises to
    surpass all other cruise lines in commitment toward providing guests
    with an unequaled cruise experience."

    The line's superbly designed, elegantly sleek 49,400 ton ship, Crystal
    Harmony is currently being built in Nagasaki, Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy
    Industries.  The ship's design team is headed by noted Swedish ship
    architect, Robert Tillberg.  Assisting Tillberg are award-winning
    designers from Scotland, England, Denmark and Italy.

    Carrying 960 guests in refined luxury, Crystal Harmony will offer a
    variety of innovative industry firsts that will immediately distinguish
    the line from its competitors.  they include: the largest luxury
    penthouses afloat; highest stateroom and penthouse verandah ratio; a
    specially-designed refrigeration system; two alternative dinner
    restaurants at no cost; and Caesars Palace of Las Vegas' first casino
    at sea.

    Boasting approximately 948 square feet of living space, the ship's four
    Crystal Penthouses will be the industry's largest.  The penthouses will
    feature oversized private verandahs and include a dining area for
    intimate meals and parties, a wet bar and a full living room.  The
    elegantly-appointed bedroom will feature a kingsize bed and walk-in
    closet with three entrances.  The marble accented bathroom will include
    towel warmers and a large, circular shaped Jacuzzi that overlooks both
    the penthouse and the private verandah.

    The ships's Penthouse Suites and 32 Penthouses will also offer a full
    line of first-class amenities including mini-safes, large Jacuzzi's and
    oversized private verandahs.  In addition, the Penthouse Deck will
    offer a special 24-hour butler service.

    In addition to featuring private verandahs in the penthouses, more than
    47 percent of the ship's staterooms will also have private verandahs. 
    Each stateroom will provide such services/amenities as 24-hour room
    service, spacious sitting areas, oversized closets, a complete line of
    bathroom amenities including hairdryers and plush robes, both showers
    and bathtubs, make-up mirrors, mini-refrigerators, color television
    systems and video cassette recorders.

    To ensure that its guest are presented with only the finest and
    freshest international cuisine afloat,  Crystal Harmony will feature
    an exclusive Fine tuned Cooling System, which will enable the ship to
    store fresh fish, fruits and vegetables -- even fresh picked flowers --
    on board for the full length of the cruise.

    Crystal Harmony will also be the first ship at sea to offer two
    alternative dinner restaurants at no additional charge.  In addition
    the the ship's luxurious main dining room, guests can enjoy Oriental
    specialities at the elegant Grill Restaurant, which will feature
    continental cuisine in an intimate atmosphere.

    Other on board luxuries will include a 3,000 square foot ocean-view
    Crystal Cruises Spa and fitness center, which will offer a diverse
    array spa, fitness and beauty activities.  For joggers and walkers.
    Crystal Harmony will boast a full promenade deck.  The ship will also
    feature and indoor/outdoor air-conditioned swimming pool with a swim-up
    bar and a large lap pool with two adjacent Jacuzzis.

    For guests who enjoy the indoor sport of gambling, Crystal will feature
    "Caesars Palace At Sea," the first sea-going version by the
    internationally renowned Las Vegas hotel.  Designed to look like a Roman
    Forum, the casino will have seven blackjack tables, 75 slot machines
    and a roulette table.

    The central focus of Crystal Harmony will be its Atrium Lobby, which
    will be accented by lush greenery and hand cut glass sculptures. 
    Surrounding the Atrium Lobby will be the casino, disco and piano bar
    (featuring a crystal piano), a 270 seat cinema and 3,000-square foot
    "Avenue of the Stars" shopping area, featuring upscale clothing stores,
    jewelry stores and boutiques.  Also visible from the Atrium Lobby will
    be "The Bistro," an intimate bar offering imported coffees, cheeses and
    international wines by the glass.

    Commanding the magnificent Crystal Harmony will be noted Norwegian
    Captain Kai Julsen, who will be assisted by Norwegian and Japanese
    officers.  The crew will be international and the dining room and
    restaurants will be operated and supervised by an Italian management
    team.

    Crystal Harmony's maiden season will begin July 24,1990 and will
    feature round trip sailings from San Francisco to Alaska/Canada.  Other
    inaugural year sailings include the Caribbean and Mexican Riviera via
    the Panama Canal, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and the Orient.

    Crystal Cruises is headquartered at 2121 Avenue of the Starts, Los
    Angeles, 90067; 213/785-9300.  Crystal cruises are booked exclusively
    through professional travel agents.