At present, they are free, but from September 8, the US will start charging $14, or around £9 based on the current exchange rates.

The move has been criticised by the European Union, which said it could deter or complicate travel. Consumer groups are advising people planning a trip to the US to apply now, before the new charge comes into force.

The Esta lasts for two year, or until a person's passport expires.

Visit USA said although it did not support any taxes on tourism, it was relieved at the price set. "We had expected it to be around $17-20, so we were pleasantly surprised that it is $14, which comes in at around less than £10 a head with the exchange rate," said a spokesman.

He said agents should warn customers that there are bogus websites around charging higher rates. "Agents could benefit their customers by offering advice and referring them to our website to avoid being ripped off," he said.

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US Authorities are keen to highlight the fact that the information required of passengers is no different to that on the old style Visa waiver form and that, in the vast majority of cases, a message indicating authorisation to travel-or not- will be instant.

Those planning to travel to the US are encouraged to apply for authorisation as far in advance as possible and no later than 72 hours before travelling, although "there will be accomodations for those flying at the last minute or in emergencies"

US to start charging for tourist entry align="justify">The ESTA itself is an electronic authorisation matched to a passport- rather than a physical endorsement or certificate-and can be applied for even without the passenger knowing their exact travel and destination details

Those in posession of an ESTA should update their travel details(via the same website)for each subsequent journey to the US during it's two year validity.

For more information and for ESTA approval visit https://esta.chp.dhs.gov]]>http://www.selectworld.travel/destination-essentials/2010/6/30/crystal-symphony-and-crystal-serenity-bow-to-bow-in-harmony.htmlLee Harrison2010-06-30T13:10:02Z2010-06-30T13:10:02ZLee 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?"

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

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.

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.

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.

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY SUN DECK 12

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

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

PENTHOUSE DECK 10

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

SEABREEZE DECK 09

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

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

PROMENADE DECK 07

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

TIFFANY DECK 06

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY CRYSTAL DECK 5

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.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE ON CRYSTAL SERENITY

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.