Lee Harrison Owner/Director of Select World Travel was invited by Crystal Cruise Lines to a unique event on 5th June 2010.
"How Would you like to come and see our entire Fleet on a Day trip to Barcelona?"
When you are asked to Inspect Two Of the finest Ships, consistantly Voted Number 1 and 2 in the middle ship size category around the world, and the added bonus of it being in Barcelona, who would have said no!
At the end of this article, there is a complete Photo album of both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity with full descriptions to each Photograph OR CLICK ON THIS LINK
TO BOOK YOUR CRYSTAL SYMPHONY OR CRYSTAL SERENITY CRUISE CALL OUR EXPERTS ON 01684 577007 OR e-mail info@selectworldtravel.co.uk
CRYSTAL CRUISE LINES 2010 ITINERARIES.PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VIEW
CRYSTAL CRUISE LINES 2011 ITINERARIES.PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VIEW
Our Flight from Gatwick was due to leave at 06.55 with easyjet. At The Check in desks it soon became apparent why guests should check in at least two hours before departure, as it was manic. Luckily as we were only travelling for the day, and with no hold luggage, it was sensible to have pre-checked in the day before and with boarding passes in hand we went straight through security to the departure lounge.
On arrival at Terminal 2 in Barcelona, our small group of agents and our 3 Hosts from Crystal's London office boarded 3 Taxis for the short 20 Minute drive to The Cruise Terminal which is situated not that far from one of Barcelonas most famous streets and attraction, Las Ramblas.
CRYSTAL SYMPHONY AND CRYSTAL SERENITY BOW TO BOW
Barcelona is a fantastic destination to start and finish any cruise, as it's only about an hour and 45 minutes away from the UK, It is the perfect destination to offer pre and post Cruise Holidays for discerning travellers.Using Select World Travels Concierge service in conjunction with Kirker Holidays, we can arrange luxury Hotels, opera tickets, book private guided tours and recommend and book restaurants to ensure that you can sit back and relax and make the most of your time ashore before or after your Crystal Cruise Experience.
THE AMAZING SIGHTS OF BARCELONA AND LAS RAMBLAS
There is always something special about visiting a cruise ship,no matter the Size or category of the ship,the importance for us as Travel Agents is to be able to match the right Cruise ship to the right passenger and the right Itinerary. First Impressions count enormously, and it was rather special to gain our first views of Symphony and Serenity, bow to bow in Port at Barcelona, no mean feat by the Captains of both Ships, although i'm sure that bow thrusters made the manouvre a little easier.
We boarded Crystal Symphony having gone through various security checks,she is 1 Deck smaller than sister ship Crystal Serenity, and as we were to find out, some enhancements during a Multimillion-dollar ship refurbishments made her quite different in certain aspects than Serenity
The Atrium has New Lighting designs and it added a sparkling glow of warmth and welcome. On Some Cruise Ships the Atrium might give a wow factor, but is usually far too glitzy and covered in funny shaped Balconies and can be totally overpowering, not so on Crystal Symphony, my first impression was of a beautiful statue with a gently cascading waterfall, a relaxing and not too cluttered bar area that I could imagine enjoying having a pre-Dinner Cocktail,whilst listening to gentle Piano music in the background.
THE ATRIUM OFFERS A WARM AND INVITING WELCOME ABOARD
CRYSTAL SYMPHONY SUN DECK 12
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Attention to Service makes Crystal stand out from other Cruise Lines, and we leave the atrium by elevator noticing how quiet and silent it is to start our tour on Sun DECK 12. There is a FORWARD OBSERVATION DECK and GOLF DRIVING NETS on both Port(left) and starboard(right) sides of the Ship. for the energetic, THE WIMBLEDON COURT has two full size paddle tennis Courts. Crystal has the first FLOATING SPA to use the principles of feng shiu in a calming atmosphere, with steam and sauna area and an array of exotic cultural therapies from around the world.Panoramic sea views surround a facility offering a state of the art FITNESS CENTRE and a speciality holisitic fitness classes in the group exercise studio. You can indulge in a spin, yoga or pilates class , under the guidance of a qualified fitness director.
CRYSTAL SYMPHONY LIDO DECK 11
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PALM COURT is Light and airy, and Afternoon tea is a special event at Crystal Cruises. Each afternoon tea service presents an array of savouries and sweets served in the sunlit charm of Palm Court. The Mozart Tea is a visit to 18th-century Vienna as you are greeted by staff dressed in velvets and brocades and are tempted by a selection of the finest cakes and pastries from Austria. Crystal's Chocolate teatime offers an immersion in chocolate Pastries and assorted treats for the chocolate lover. The American Tea is a Crystal Cruise creation, paying tribute to the classics of the American summertime.
On Lido Deck, THE SEAHORSE POOL now has enhanced poolside features, Slouch Couches, new Cabanas, Oversize lounging sofas and a larger Jacuzzi as well as Sunbeds Certainly an enhancement,as most Cruise Ships Pool areas are far too cluttered with Sunbeds almost on top of each other.
Another feature I liked is that THE TRIDENT BAR AND GRILL and LIDO CAFE are not connected to the Poolside areas, as on other ships, and are only a short walk away.This creates another area to the lido deck and has the same themed furniture in a light and spacious seating area. As We Walked through The Trident Bar, the smell of freshly cooked fish was heavenly and the Colours of the different Desserts on display at the Lido Cafe extremely tempting
TEMPTATION IN ABUNDANCE AT THE LIDO CAFE
PENTHOUSE DECK 10
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CLICK HERE FOR CRYSTAL SERENITY PENTHOUSE DECK 10PLAN
CRYSTAL PENTHOUSES (CP GRADE) have been completely rebuilt to reflect the elegant feel of a residential apartment, with contemporary new furnishings, new layout and state of the art audio video system. There are two Crystal Penthouses with verandah (CP grade) 982 sq ft.
44 PENTHOUSES(PH GRADE)367 sq ft with Verandah and 19 PENTHOUSE SUITES(PS GRADE) 491 sq ft with Verandah have new carpets, headboards, updated lighting and much more to create a plush ambience, while bathrooms are all new with tile and stone finishings.
There is a Self Service Laundry situated Midships on Penthouse deck
PENTHOUSE SUITE (PS)WITH VERANDAH nos 11012 on CRYSTAL SERENITY.(all grades on Symphony were full and unfortunatly we were unable to view)
PENTHOUSE WITH VERANDAH (PH)WITH VERANDAH nos 11022 on CRYSTAL SERENITY (all grades on Symphony were full and unfortunatly we were unable to view)
SEABREEZE DECK 09
CLICK HERE FOR CRYSATAL SYMPHONY SEABREEZE DECK 09 PLAN
CLICK HERE FOR CRYSTAL SERENITY SEABREEZE DECK 09 PLAN
112 DELUXE STATEROOMS WITH VERANDAH (A GRADE). All Staterooms now have Sumptuous new leather sofas and are 246 square ft with Verandah. Typical features are Private Verandah, Seating area, Queen size or twin beds. Complimentary soft drinks and bottled water in room. Flat panel television with DVD / CD player, Full bathtub / shower combination, Refrigerator and security safe.
There is a Self Service Laundry situated Midships on Seabreeze deck
HORIZON DECK 08
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82 DELUXE STATEROOMS (B GRADE),Deluxe staterooms with Verandah. All Staterooms now have Sumptuous new leather sofas and are 246 square ft with Verandah. Typical features are Private Verandah, Seating area, Queen size or twin beds. Complimentary soft drinks and bottled water in room. Flat panel television with DVD / CD player, Full bathtub / shower combination, Refrigerator and security safe.
52 DELUXE STATEROOMS WITH LARGE PICTURE WINDOW( E grade Limited or extremely limited view)
There is a Self Service Laundry situated Midships on Horizon deck
DELUXE STATEROOM WITH LARGE PICTURE WINDOW nos 7064(C)WITH VERANDAH nos 11022 on CRYSTAL SERENITY (all grades on Symphony were full and unfortunatly we were unable to view)
PROMENADE DECK 07
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One of the nicest features on both Crystal Symphony and also Crystal Serenity is the wide Promenade deck, ideal for an early morning stroll before breakfast, Viewing your first sight of the next port of call or having a Jog and completing a Circuit. Three circuits of the promenade deck = a mile.Why not join in with Crystals "Walk on Water" WOW programme created by fitness guru Debbie Rocker or the Workout programme with LEKI Nordic walking poles
ALL STATEROOMS ON PROMENADE DECK HAVE CLEVER SEE OUT GLAZING,BUT NOT SEE IN TINTED GLAZING
TIFFANY DECK 06
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THE GALAXY LOUNGE is the venue for Crystal's venue for award winning production shows and a hostof other evening performances. The showroom is custom designed to offer perfect views from each of it's seats, and features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, Each Broadway - style show is a dazzling blend of music and dance performed by the finest talent in musical theatre. Each cruise features a variety of Cabaret entertainers, which may include a vocalist, pianist, comedian, multi-instrumentalist, ventriliquest or Classical artist.
THE CRYSTAL CASINO houses blackjack and poker tables (including) ultimate Texas hold em) craps, roulette, slot machines and upon request, mini baccarat.
THE HOLLYWOOD THEATRE features a selection of poular recent-release films, and is equiped with devices for the hearing-impaired.
THE CASINO, THE GALAXY THEATRE,THE HOLLWOOD THEATRE ON TIFFANY DECK 6
LUXE NIGHTCLUBDJ Justice plays a great mix of music in the luxurious nightclub from 21.30 till late (Usualally when the last person leaves) AVENUE OF THE STARS SHOPPING AREACrystal Ships offer a chic and spacious Avenue of the stars shopping arcade, featuring an exclusive selection of fine jewellery, designer apperel, accessories and cruise wear, Crystal also offers a full range of private-label logo apperel. FACETS FINE JEWELRY BOUTIQUE includes Bellari unique jewelry designs and Chopard fine watch collections.THE CRYSTAL COLLECTIONoffers a range of Cosmetics, Perfumes and Designer accessories whilst APROPOS offers fashion apparel and logo wear.
THE BISTROis a popular Parisienne-style coffee bar and cafe and a favourite meeting place.Complimentary Espresso, Coffee Latte, Cappucino and speciality teas are served in the comfortable cafe,graced by the whimsical paintings of clebrated artist Guy Buffet. Wines by the glass are also available. Light snacks are served throughout the day, ranging from fresh pastries and fruit in the morning to a selection of international cheeses, charcuterie, pastries and other delicacies in the afternoon.
THE LIBRARY contains over 2,000 books from classics to popular biographies, history to contemporary mysteries. There is also an ample selection of magazines for use in the library, plus movies on DVD and board games which maybe checked out free of charge for your enjoyment during your cruise.
THE STARLITE CLUB offers a range of Cabaret entertainers before and after dinner hours, musical entertainment and dancing or ballroom dance bands,classical artists etc.
THE VINTAGE ROOM is an innovative concept in wining and dining is offered aboard Crystal Cruises. The Vintage room promotes wine education and the vast range of fine wines available on board. In addition to daytime tastings and discussions in this beautiful room, guests may partake in a variety of private wine "themed" dinners by special arrangement with the head Sommelier.There is an all-inclusive, per person charge for the food,reserve wines and gratuities.Both the tastings and dinners are available to book with Select World Travel Ltd by using our pre-registration service.
THE PHOTO SHOP meets a wide range of photographic needs, including the sale of cameras and photographic accessories, as well as digital photo processing. The Master Collection is available on selected Cruises to have your own personal Crystal Photographer capture those special moments and present to you a special portfolio of your cherished memories.
THE CONNOISSEUR CLUB offers Cigars and Cognacs and is the ideal place to enjoy an after dinner Havanna Cigar with a choice of some of the best Cognacs from South West France.
THE STARLITE CLUB, THE VINTAGE ROOM MENU,THE CONNOISSEUR CLUB
SILK ROAD AND THE SUSHI BAR serve the finest Asian cuisine featuring innovative dishes created by NOBU MATSUHISA for both venues. Reservations sre required in these speciality restaurants, and are accommodated on a first-come, first served basis.In these speciality restaurants, Crystal suggests a gratuity of $7 per guest, per dinner
THE AVENUE SALOON is another venue that is a popular meeting place for Pre-and post Dinner Drinks whilst being entertained as Jeoff Deutsch plays the Piano for your listening pleasure between 18.45 to 20.30 and again at 22.00 to 01.00a.m. THE CRYSTAL COMPUTER UNIVERSITY AT SEA programme provides e-mail services , internet access, group and individual instruction on use of a PC, and extensive complimentary enrichment course offerings. Complimentary lectures or classes are offered each cruise.
BRIDGE LOUNGE Complimentary Bridge classes are availabloe on board and in the afternoon whilst in Port, Bridge players can meet for unhosted play.PREGO ITALIAN RESTAURANT A new enhancement and the acclaimed restaurant's popular "Carnival in Venice" theme is enhanced with redisigned lighting and refined Italian details. Prego features cuisine inspired by the regions of Italy complemented by wines selected by famed Valentino restaurant owner and wine expert Piero Selvaggio.
SILK ROAD AND SUSHI BAR, AVENUE SALOON, PREGO ITALIAN RESTAURANTCRYSTAL SYMPHONY CRYSTAL DECK 5
CLICK HERE FOR CRYSTAL SYMPHONY CRYSTAL DECK 05 PLAN
CLICK HERE FOR CRYSTAL SERENITY CRYSTAL DECK 05 PLAN
19 DELUXE STATEROOMS WITH LARGE PICTURE WINDOW (D GRADE)some of these staterooms are suitable for guests with disabilities and have twin beds only.
THE MEDICAL CENTRE has a trained physician and medical staff are on call 24 hours a day. THE CRYSTAL PLAZA has a RECEPTION/ FRONT DESK AND CONCIERGE AND EXCURSION DESKCrystal's Concierges are members of the prestigious Union Internationale des Concierges d'hotels "Les Clefs d'Or and a 24 -hour reception desk staff are available to assist with any special needs.
SHORE EXCURSIONSCrystal offers an extensive selection of Crystal Adventures shore excursions that have been developed to enhance your cruise experience. Options include sightseeing, flightseeing and adventure tour programmes. Activity levels vary from tours requiring less walking to more active excursions such as cycling and kayaking, each providing you with an opportunity to explore the points that interest you most about the ports you are visiting.Crystal also offers a more personalised and private experience ashore such as a private guide or chauffer to chartering a yacht or private airplane.
CRYSTAL SOCIETY HOST/ESSOn every sailing, Crystal Cruises offers a host programme that includes carefully screened gentlemen with interests and backgrounds similar to those of our guests. Each distinguished Ambassador host is cultured, well travelled and an accomplished ballroom dancer.
CRYSTAL COVE is the ideal and relaxed bar lounge to enjoy a pre- or post Dinner Cocktail or aperitif whilst listening to JOE FOS on the Crystal Piano between 17.30 and 18.30 and again at 21.30 to 22.30
THE CRYSTAL DINING ROOM will be offering CRYSTAL'S PERFECT CHOICE DINING from the start of 2011. Classic Main and Late Seating will all be still available whilst a new Open Dining by Reservation system allows guests to be able to reserve a table in the Crystal Dining Room at a different (or same) time for each night of their cruise if they wish. Guests simply make their reservations just as they would in the speciality restaurants Prego and Silk Road.
THE CRYSTAL DINING ROOM OFFERS FINE DINING ON BEAUTIFUL VILLEROY AND BOCH TABLEWARE
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE ON CRYSTAL SERENITY
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The Standard of Service on Crystal Serenity is exactly the same as Crystal Symphony as you would expect, and it is nice to have subtle differences between the two ships. Serenity has a Second Swimming pool, The Neptune situated in between The Trident Grill and Tastes restaurants and the Lido Cafe. Palm Court has a more Tropical feel and also a stage area. Some of the Restaurants and the Crystal Dining room are different shapes but Overall It is the attention to detail and High Standards of Courtesy and Service that you Wouldn't be able to differentiate between either Ship.
To View each Photograph Description you can click on the Speech Bubble to the left hand side of the Album and click again to remove the description before going onto the next photograph
in 
Crystal Cruise segments, Crystal Cruises, Crystal Cruises Africa, Crystal Cruises Asia, Crystal Cruises Australia / New Zealand, Crystal Cruises Conde Nast Traveler, Crystal Cruises Deck Plans, Crystal Cruises Europe, Crystal Cruises Grand Exotic Expedition, Crystal Cruises Itineraries, Crystal Cruises South Pacific, Crystal Cruises World Cruise 2011, Crystal Harmony, Crystal Refelections, Crystal Society benefits, Crystal Symphony, Crystal Symphony Penthouses, Crystal serenity penthouses, Cryustal Cruises sailing from UK, Cryystal Serenity, Les Clefs d'or, The difference is crystal clear
Monday
Jun212010
Monday, June 21, 2010 at 10:23
The Wait for the 5th Largest Cruise Ship, Norwegian Epic is over, and tomorrow,Tuesday 22nd June 2010 UK Travel Agents will be amongst the first to get an in depth view of NCL's new Innovations on a 2 night Inaugural cruise from Southampton, although due to a technical fault, the visit has been delayed. Norwegian Epic was due to arrive in Southampton at 10.00a.m on Tuesday 22nd but at the time of writing,this has been put back to approx 17.00p.m bst(British Summer time)
DAZZLING DISCOUNTS SAVE UP TO £150.00 PER STATEROOM IF YOU BOOK WITH SELECT WORLD TRAVEL BETWEEN 21 JUNE & 5 JULY 2010 PLUS FOR 3 DAYS ONLY SAVE UP TO £300 PER STATEROOM IF YOU BOOK BEFORE 26-28 JUNE 2010Valid on all 2010, 2011 &2012 cruises over 5 days excluding all Hawaii departures. Terms and conditions apply.
Lee Harrison, Owner / Director of Select World Travel has been invited to be one of the first Cruise Experts to stay on Board EPIC and will have one of the more unusual Views of this brand new Ship, as he will be staying in an outside Balcony stateroom at the stern of the ship (also known as Aft end)
Norwegian Epic is not just another new ship. This is a step forward. This is cruising re-imagined, with a ship unlike any other. This is World-class entertainment that is way beyond your expectations. A wide array of accommodation, with different levels of Suites and staterooms having keycard-only access to private lounges, exclusive pool decks and the spa. And every oceanview stateroom is a Balcony Stateroom. Plus, discover the most diverse collection of restaurant choices ever assembled at sea. This is Norwegian Epic- the most spectacularly innovative ship in NCL's fleet or, quite frankly,any other
PLEASE CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VIEW THE SELECT WORLD TRAVEL NORWEGIAN EPIC WEBSITE
For More Details of Availability and the Latest Freestyle Savers Pricing for 9 Night Norwegian Epic's Eastern Caribbean Fly-Cruise,, 9 Night Western Caribbean Fly-Cruise and The EPIC Caribbean 16 Night Fly Cruises call Select World Travel on 01684 577007
VIEW INTERACTIVE DECK PLANS AND STATEROOM FLOORPLANS BY CLICKING THIS LINK
Having completed her Maiden season in the Caribbean, NORWEGIAN EPIC will move to THE MEDITERRANEAN and on May 18 2011 she will be starting a 4 Day Roundtrip from /to Barcelona that Visits Marseille and Palma Majorca, an Ideal add-on to a 3 Night City break to the wonderful City of Barcelona.
On May 22nd and through to October 16th, a 7 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise starts in Barcelona, has a relaxing day at Sea and calls at Livorno (Florence and Pisa) Civitavecchia (Rome) Naples (Pompeii)another Relaxing day at sea,Palma Majorca and back to Barcelona. PRICES LEAD IN FROM ONLY £449 per person
For Facebook Viewers please vist www.selectworld.travel to view all of our links in this article.
Select World Travel will be posting all of their Photographs and Video from the 2 Night Inaugural Voyage shortly
in Norwegian Cruise Lines, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Epic Nickelodeon at sea., Norwegian Epic Cirque dreams and Dinner, Norwegian Epic Deck Plans, Norwegian Epic La Cucina, Norwegian Epic Manhattan room, Norwegian Epic Taste restaurant, Norwegian Epic Teppanyaki, Norwegian Epic entertainment, Norwegian Epic spiegel tent, Norwegian Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian epic Blue man group, Norwegian epic Cagneys steakhouse
Monday
May242010
Monday, May 24, 2010 at 11:16
The history of the world-famous Passion Play in Oberammergau dates back to 1634. In 2010 for the 41st time more than 2000 village residents will present the five hour long performance telling the story of ‘The Passion of Jesus of Nazareth’.
The premiere takes place on Saturday, 15 May 2010.
The Play will be staged for a total of 102 days up to four times a week.
Select World Travel in partnership with the UK’s leading tour operator to Germany has provided travel arrangements to five previous passion play seasons, Select World Travel will be offering the following offers for the Oberammergau Passion Play 2010:
Travel arrangements for individuals and groups
Tailor-made packages for group bookings
5, 8 or 10 day group itineraries including Austria and Germany
Travel by Air,Fly Drive,Coach or Self-Drive
In Addition to the above options, Select World Travel has an Exclusive Escorted Departure from Great Malvern and Worcestershire Areas.( Other local departures would be on a request basis or you may join our party at London Heathrow) Our 7 Night departure includes 5 Nights in Berchtegaden and 2 nights in Oberammergau departing on the 2nd of August 2010. This Departure will include a Special Select World Travel Bonus as well as Optional Excursions to Innsbruck and the 'City of music' Salzburg.Please contact Select World Travel for more details on 01684 577007 or info@selectworldtravel.co.uk.Please note at the time of writing this tour is almost full
A PDF SHOWING DETAILS OF OUR ESCORTED TOUR DEPARTING ON AUGUST 2ND CAN BE SEEN BY CLICKING THIS LINK
Lee Harrison, Owner and Director of Select World Travel has recently returned from a Visit to Berchtesgaden,Oberammergau and has met the Owners and Inspected the Hotels and guesthouses being used in our programme in association with Dertour." I was so impressed at the very high standards of the accommodation we are using, and the added benefit that all of our Accommodation allocated for our groups is right in the heart of Oberammergau and just a short distance from the Passion play theatre".
PLEASE CLICK ON THE SCREEN ABOVE TO READ DESCRIPTIONS OF OUR VISIT TO BERCHTESGADEN AND OBERAMMERGAU
We are delighted to enclose our Brand new Oberammergau Passion Play 2010 brochure which goes on sale from 29th of September 2008.PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK OR ON THE BROCHURE COVER BELOW TO OPEN UP A PDF COPY OF THE BROCHURE.Please note the brochure contains 16 pages and is 21.5mb, so please allow a short time for the download of the brochure
In previous years the demand for tickets has always been much higher than the number available; therefore we recommend that you book now to avoid disappointment!Please Contact Select World Travel on 01684 577007 or e-mail info@selectworldtravel.co.uk for more information or to Book for Oberammergau 2010
