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February 20, 2011updated Jul 10, 2015

Luxury Liner Crystal Cruises Adds Alaska And Libya To Its Roster

By Pardhasaradhi Gonuguntla

New York, New York – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine

Crystal Cruises newest itineraries explore the natural and ancient worlds.

First to set sail is a 12-day cruise to Alaska, the company’s initial journey to the state since 2005. Crystal’s May to August itinerary offers expeditions galore to explore the Last Frontier. Seafaring types can survey the state’s deep waters by safari boat, private catamaran or WWII duck vehicle. Majestic aerial views via seaplane or helicopter rides are exhilarating to take in while horse-drawn trolley, ATV, jeep, sled, motorcycle, old-fashioned railcar or Unimog 4×4 offer more grounded—but equally breathtaking—vistas.

Eco-conscious guests are invited to volunteer at a salmon hatchery or marine-life exhibits. Romance seekers can soar above mountain passes and alpine meadows in a helicopter before landing atop a centuries-old glacier to indulge in champagne and chocolate.

There are also many options for family fun. You and your loved ones can pan for gold, make 24K gold glass-blown art or scout for killer whales, bears and bald eagles. History buffs can delve into a day of bordello profiling and shoot-outs, native traditions and Alaska’s Russian past. Extreme adventure types, meanwhile, can rock climb or zipline over rainforest canopies.

Other activities include golf, custom photography excursions and a gourmet cooking classes—think local cuisine like alderwood-smoked salmon, fresh halibut chowder and all-you-can-eat crab—that culminates in dinner at Alaskan Chef’s Table in Ketchikan.

The ship departs from San Francisco and sails through Victoria, Vancouver, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, Ketchikan and either Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay.

From snowy Alaska, Crystal sails to sandy Libya in November 2011. The North African nation, which was closed to American tourists for 20 years, recently lifted its ban on tourist visas. Part of the Italian Splendor Mediterranean cruise, the itinerary turns exotic in Tripoli, Libya’s largest city.

Culture hawks can mingle with local and tribal groups, feast on mouthwatering traditional delicacies and meditate upon the empty grandeur of the Saharan desert.

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You’ll delight in the ancient wonders that cover every corner of the country, which boasts archeological relics from Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Phoenician and Islamic civilizations. After so much splendid sightseeing, one thousand miles of Mediterranean coastline in the north present plenty of spots for lounging in the sun.

Additional ports on the 11-day voyage include Venice, Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Sicily, Naples and excursions to Rome, Florence and Tuscany.

For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com

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