Hi there! The following is one of a multi-part series on 2009 gay cruises. The purpose of each page is to give you useful information about the cruise at a glance. Please feel free to discuss these cruises in the forums! -Ed.
Cruise: A Taste of the Mediterranean
When: June 7th to 19th, 2009
Company/Offered Through: Crystal Gay Group
Type: All-Gay
Departs: Rome, Italy
Visits: Porto Venere, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Tangiers, Lisbon, Bilbao, Bordeaux,
London
Basic Itinerary:
Pricing Info:
Detailed Itinerary:
Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 7
Departure Time: 9 pm
Civitavecchia was founded by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century. Today this port is noted for its fine seafood and attractive monuments. Located 90 minutes away is the Eternal City of Rome. Steeped in 2,500 years of history, Rome was for many centuries the center of Western civilization. It was both the focal point of the Roman Empire and of Christendom. Landmarks such as the Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Spanish Steps are reminders of the legacy of its rich past.
Porto Venere, Italy
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 8
Arrival Time: 8 am
Departure Time: 6 pm
Porto Venere, Italy, has all the essentials of an idyllic medieval town. It boasts two ancient churches, a 16th-century fortified castle, a bell tower built on the ruins of a Roman temple, even a wistful tale of English writers Lord Byron and Mary Shelley Lord Byron, the story goes, had a favorite spot on the rocks at the base of the church of San Pietro where he would pause to find his muse; it was also the place from which he would launch his swim across the bay to San Terenzo, where Shelley would be waiting. While the legend is certainly romantic, Porto Venere’s breathtaking natural beauty is enough to put it at the top of any traveler’s list. Poised on the tip of the small peninsula that extends from the celebrated Italian Riviera, Porto Venere is the southernmost town on the walking trails connecting the five villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre, or five lands. Though not officially a part of the Cinque Terre, Porto Venere should be, and perhaps it would be if it weren’t for its slightly removed location. With its sweeping views, brightly-colored houses, terraced gardens and three small islands — Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto — sitting prettily just off its rocky promontory, Porto Venere is so lovely, one wonders why Shelley did not instead make the swim to Byron.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 9
Arrival Time: 8 am
Departure Time: 5 pm
Monaco is an ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history. Its proud monarchy is presided over by Prince Albert, who assumed the throne after his famed father Prince Rainier died in 2005. Today when gazing on its modern skyline, it is hard to imagine that Monaco endured a turbulent past. Once a Greek settlement conquered by the Romans, it was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the world’s oldest monarchy. Monaco covers less than one square mile and is known primarily for its Grand Casino.
Barcelona, Spain
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 10
Arrival Time: 9 am
Departure Time: 10 pm
Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, is a celebration of history and heir to Greek, Phoenician, Roman, Carthaginian, Gothic and Arab cultural legacies. Since it is nearly as close to Rome, Geneva and Munich as it is to Madrid, Barcelona has long been the Spanish link to Western Europe. It was the home of Picasso, Miró, Dali, Casals and Gaudí and has been described as a Mediterranean Manhattan, a cosmopolitan experimental center for political ideas and artistic movements.In addition to its abundance of artistic and architectural treasures, Barcelona serves as the gateway to one of the world’s most impressive mountainside enclaves at Montserrat. Discover the secret legends of the Black Virgin and the alluring chants of monastic life high atop the Catalonian plains. Barcelona’s ancient city walls and the narrow crooked streets of the town’s old section are laid out for your discovery. You will find that Barcelona has something for everybody.
Cruising the Mediterranean Sea
Cruise: 9213
Your Day at Sea Enrich. Entertain. Escape.
Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness centeror Walk-on-Water along our 360o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at our Computer University@Seaor learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging lecture series; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply relax by one of our tranquil pools. From Tai Chiand yoga to PGA golfinstruction and paddle tennison full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the inspired cuisines of NobuMatsuhisa, PieroSelvaggioand Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, lavish Broadway-style productions, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance clubor our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices are yours.
Tangiers, Morocco
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 12
Arrival Time: 8 am
Departure Time: 1 pm
Situated at the western entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar, the Moroccan city of Tangiers is not only where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, but is also where empires have met to fight and conquer. Founded by Carthaginian colonists in the 5th century BC, Tangiers later came under Roman rule, became part of the Byzantine Empire, fell under Arab control and eventually found itself at the center of a tug of war between Portugal and Spain. Even England came into the picture, as Tangiers was given to Charles II as part of the dowry from the Portuguese Infanta Catherine Braganza. Morocco’s interesting past is on display throughout Tangiers and the surrounding area. Museums and souks reveal Moroccan history and vibrancy, while numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites feature ancient ruins and archaeological sites.
Lisbon, Portugal
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 13
Arrival Time: 7 am
Departure Time: 6 pm
Cosmopolitan Lisbon was the center of the world’s last great colonial empire. Today the city nostalgically reveres its imperial past while adapting to Portugal’s role as a member of the European Economic Community. Although located on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon has the soul of a Mediterranean city with Moorish castles, pastel and white buildings, orange-tiled roofs and luminous blue skies. Set amid the hills and valleys of the northern shore of the River Tagus, it is one of the loveliest capitals in the world.
Bilbao, Spain
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 15
Arrival Time: 8 am
Departure Time: 5 pm
Home of the newly-erected Guggenheim Museum, this bustling city epitomizes the merger of modernity and history. The gateway to the Cantabrico Sea from the plateau of Castilla, Bilbao has flourished from the middle ages as a busy port, and a major exporter of the metals found in surrounding areas. Today, the city flourishes with a vital exuberance, as modern architects erect new buildings next to 19th-century structures.
Le Verdon, France
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 16
Arrival Time: 6:30 am
Departure Time: 8:15 am
A contrast to the lush countryside found inland, the Atlantic coast offers its own kind of beauty with its crashing waves, long stretches of beach and conifer forests. Resort towns dot the coastline, bringing their additional charms to the region. One such place is Le Verdon, sitting at the most northerly point of the Médoc. In its harbor stands the oldest lighthouse in France, the Cordouan lighthouse, which boasts a petite chapel and royal chamber. A short distance from Le Verdon is the seaside resort of Soulac, the “Pearl of the Silver Coast.” The nearly 500 neo-colonial villas built here give Soulac a unique air of history and sophistication. Its morning market, pedestrian-friendly streets and seaside shops and cafes give the village a sense of joie de vivre.
Bordeaux, France
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 17
Departure Time: 2 pm
Bordeaux was at one time France’s richest community and largest port. It is second only to Paris as the country’s most densely populated city. Today it is best-known for its glorious châteaux, mouth-watering cuisine and incomparable wines. It is surrounded by the world’s most famous vineyards including Médoc, St-Emilion, Pomerol, Graves and Sauternes. Crystal Symphony’s sojourn in this world-renowned wine capital is bound to please even the most discerning bon vivant.
London/Dover, England
Cruise: 9213
Arrival Date: June 19
Arrival Time: 8 am
For centuries, Dover has been a symbol of England’s royal fortitude. The port’s legendary White Cliffs have long been a welcomed landmark for seafaring travelers. The solid Dover Castle has faced invasions by Roman, French and even English troops.London’s legendary sights, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament Square, Whitehall and the fashionable West End, lie just 80 miles from historic Dover.
Travel Info:
Cruise 9213 – A Taste of the Mediterranean aboard “Crystal Symphony”
Theme: Crystal Wine & Food Festival
Captain – EgilGiske
Hotel Director – Josef Matt
Cruise Director – Scott Peterson
Maître D’ – RemiSzutkiewicz
Crystal Society Host/ess– Kellie Hachten
Cruise Sales Consultant – Paula Jean Pfitzer
Headline Entertainers – Mark Haslam, Magician – Min Kwon, Classical Pianist – Jacqui Scott, Vocalist – Kenny Smiles, Comedian
A cappella Quartet “Full Sail” – Christopher Norton , Henry O’Neill, Joseph Sark, Joseph Torello
Lounge Pianists – David Williams, Avenue Saloon, Scott Mitchel, Crystal Cove
Production Shows – Featuring the Crystal Ensemble of Singers and Dancers – Cole,
Curtain Call, Million Dollar Musicals, Route 66, The Envelope Please (Please note: not all shows are performed on all cruises).
Crystal Visions Enrichment Program
Destination Lecturer – Dr. Jay Wolff (Naples, FL)
Dr. Jay Wolff took his undergraduate and doctoral degrees at Georgetown University in Washington DC. A member of the faculty of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Renaissance Academy and elected a member of the British Royal Society of Health, he has published more than a hundred articles on history and culture in professional journals as well as American Heritage, Forbes, American Legacy, The Washington Post and The L.A. Times. He has been a commentator on The History Channel and is an enthusiastically received destination lecturer who brings history to life with stories of the people and events that changed the world.
Special Interest Lecturer: World Affairs – Brigadier General Nick Halley (Napa, CA)
General Nick Halley is a recognized expert on leadership, terrorism, change management and integrity. His leadership expertise was learned and developed under the most stressful conditions – combat. His impressive background as a senior leader in the military, government and corporate worlds include: an Engineering Degree from West Point, Nuclear Physics Masters Degree from the University Of Virginia, Commander of soldiers in three conflicts-Vietnam, Grenada and Desert Storm (Iraq).
*Theme Presentation: Wine & Food Festival
Theme Lecturer – Nancy Harmon Jenkins
Nancy Harmon Jenkins – Food writer, journalist and historian with primary expertise in Mediterranean cultures and cuisines, and secondary strong interests in sustainable agriculture and farm-to-market connections. Her latest book, Cucina Del Sole: A Celebration of Southern Italian Cooking joins her other highly regarded titles covering Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, including The Essential Mediterranean, Flavors of Tuscany, The Flavors of Puglia, and The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook. Nancy also writes for national publications, including the New York Times, Saveur and Food & Wine Magazine. She also works closely with the Culinary Institute of America, leading tours to Italy & Spain for the CIA’s Worlds of Flavor Program and Viking Life Culinary Tours.
Guest Chef – Carmelo Chiaramonte
Carmelo Chiaramonte brilliantly interprets his native Sicily’s culinary traditions with typical Mediterranean ingredients, including Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences. Carmelo is the head chef of the Katane Palace’s restaurant in the beautiful city of Catania, Sicily and has also worked as a food stylist, artistic director of gastronomic events, television author for RAI television since 2000, and a freelance journalist.
Wine Expert – Leslie Sbrocco
Leslie is an Epicurious.com columnist, contributor to WineReview Online, San Francisco Chronicle, wine book author, Wine for Women, Simple & Savvy Wine Guide, co-founder of WineToday.com (wine site of the NY Times company), wine competition judge, wine consultant for Harry & David, Kimpton Hotel Group, and Virgin America Airlines, Emmy award-winning host of Check Please! and expert on other TV shows and a sought-after speaker.
Modern American Mixologist – Dale DeGroff
#1 Mixologist in the world and author of The Essential Cocktail and The Craft of the Cocktail, and founding President of the Museum of the American Cocktail. Dale is considered to be the pioneer of the modern mixologist movement, which reinvents classic cocktails with a gourmet, chef-like approach, using fresh and exotic ingredients. DeGroff provides consulting and bar training to beverage companies, hotels, and leading restaurants, and is a partner in Beverage Alcohol Resource, a provider of training and credentialing in distilled spirits and mixology.
The Crystal Cruises Creative Learning Institute –
Our innovative series of complimentary interactive classes created to enhance our guests quality of life in the areas of Arts & Entertainment, Business & Technology, Lifestyle, Wellness and Wine & Food. Guests receive a certificate of completion at the end of the curriculum.
Arts & Entertainment –
Passport To Music presented by Yamaha and Crystal Cruises: Instructor Lori Rhoden (Muncie, IN) teaches an innovative and fun course as an introduction to keyboard playing for adults. Tradition and technology meet in harmony to create this progressive piano-style program. With an emphasis on hands-on learning using Yamaha’s exciting portable keyboards supported by the Clavinova digital piano, guests learn nearly a dozen songs during the cruise. An overview of general musical skills, including listening skills and note reading is included, as well as fun group activities such as music trivia and name that song. Passport To Music is designed for those with little or no previous keyboard experience.
Odyssey Art At Sea Instructor – Kristina Nugent (Carlsbad, CA)
Computer University@Sea –
Senior Attendant TBA plus Instructor Alana Sowman (Los Angeles, CA). Our popular Computer University@Sea program: expanded curriculum of complimentary lectures and classes on a variety of computer-related topics, plus e-mail instruction in our computer center, equipped with 25 state-of-the-art workstations, all equipped for e-mail and Internet access (fees apply).
Lifestyle –
Berlitz Foreign Language Instruction: French classes, focusing on basic vocabulary and phrases to help guests communicate in foreign countries, are taught by certified Berlitz Language instructor TBA.
Wellness –
Crystal Cruises’ exclusive Walk-on-Water program features The WALKVEST® Training System which revolutionizes walking simply by adding resistance (added weight) to your walk.
Golf Teaching Professional – TBA
Conducts our exclusive program featuring TaylorMade, the best performance golf company in the world and #1 driver in golf.
ACBL Bridge Instructors – Roseanne and Gerald Levinson (Marblehead, MA) Beginner and intermediate bridge classes, and afternoon games.
Catholic Clergy – TBA
Dance Team/Instructors – Mark Sasnovski and LizlJooste (Houston, TX) Daily dance classes on sea days and private lessons by appointment.
Ambassador Hosts – Al Albero (San Francisco, CA), Monty Dennison (Seattle, WA), Peter Grant (Cheam, Surry, UK), Harold Torello (Hollywood, FL)
