Raye And Marty Trencher's Cruise Blog - Top 10 Ways To Save On Luxury Cruises in 2009. Tried-and-true tips and an insiders guide to have a successful cruise vacation.

Luxury Savings With Crystal Cruises

While a Crystal Cruises vacation is inherently loaded with inclusive value, the luxury line is sweetening the cruise savings for 2009 and beyond. From getting there to being there, Crystal's significant savings promotions range from upgraded and complimentary air travel to family incentives, extended land programs and dollars off.

"This is the broadest scope of savings opportunities we've ever offered," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. "Even the most affluent travelers are seeking strong value now. Discerning cruisers also place high importance on brand, reputation and consistency of product delivery, which is continually validated by the unprecedented number of consumer and industry awards Crystal has earned in the past year alone."

The top 10 ways to save in 2009 include:

1. Save Now, Save Later

Guests booking and sailing on any 2009 Europe, transatlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise can realize significant savings on these sailings, and also save 20% on virtually any 2010 voyage, excluding the World Cruise and its segments.

2. Asia Stateroom Upgrades and Penthouse Savings

Crystal is offering complimentary two-category stateroom upgrades and up to $2,000 per person for Penthouse accommodations with Crystal Symphony's spring cruises in China & Japan and Southeast Asia. The two cruises between Hong Kong and Beijing also feature an inclusive three-night land stay in Beijing.

3. Free One-Way Air with Panama Canal Cruises

Guests originating in Los Angeles, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale or Palm Beach air gateways on the February 16 or May 7 cruises between Los Angeles and Miami can fly for free one way.

4. Europe Celebration Savings

In celebration of an unprecedented 15 years as "Best Large-Ship Cruise Line," Crystal is offering savings of $1,500, $1,000 or $750 per person off nearly all 11-day Baltic and 12-day Mediterranean cruises, and half that off most shorter European sailings, depending on accommodations selected. Savings also apply to Crystal Symphony's September 3 port-filled transatlantic sailing and Crystal Serenity's combination of two weeklong cruises in June.

5. Air Upgrades to Europe

Promotional business class air add-on fares start at just $799, one-way to the Baltic, and $899, one-way to the Mediterranean in conjunction with virtually all Baltic itineraries aboard Crystal Symphony, and Mediterranean voyages aboard Crystal Serenity, from June through August. Low premium economy upgrades are also available with Crystal Symphony's Northern European itineraries between June and September.

6. Crystal Family Memories Program

Valid with virtually all of the line's 2009 itineraries, the Crystal Family Memories Program offers one complimentary berth for every 10 full-fare berths, plus other perks like prepaid gratuities and credit toward a Crystal Private Adventure.

7. Value Collection Sailings

Save up to 50% on more than a dozen sailings of seven to 17 days through the Panama Canal, South America, the Mediterranean, Western Europe, New England and Canada, Caribbean and the Amazon, as well as Atlantic and Pacific Ocean crossings.

8. Crystal Assurance Plan

In combination with its existing price guarantee, Crystal is reducing cruise fare deposits - as low as 5% - deadlines and cancellation periods.

9. Combo Cruise Savings

Guests booking two or more cruises back-to-back, with the exception of World Cruise segments, can save up to 5% on the fare for each voyage.

10. Book 180 Days in Advance

All guests save 3.5% when they pay in full six months in advance.

Plus, Bonus Savings with Crystal Society Benefits

Not only do returning Crystal cruisers automatically save between 4% and 4.5% on their next cruise, but they can enjoy additional savings that range from shipboard credits, gifts and parties to stateroom upgrades and an 11-day free cruise in a Crystal Penthouse. All guests who book a future cruise on board save an additional 4% to 4.5% off their next cruise.

Always an Exceptional Value

Crystal Cruises continues to offer the highest level of luxury on every itinerary, adhering to the winning formula of service, space, quality and choices. Thoughtful amenities include:

Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
Complimentary specialty restaurants, including the celebrated cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa
Complimentary enrichment classes, including computer learning, yoga and mat-based Pilates, wine tasting, language, wellness, music, art and bridge
Complimentary transportation to the town centers from most ports
Complimentary Ambassador Host program offering dance partners
Complimentary lavish Broadway-style evening productions in the Galaxy Theatre
Complimentary daily feature films in the Hollywood Theatre
Complimentary elegant afternoon tea service in Palm Court

Restrictions apply for air arrangements. The Business Class and Premium Economy air promotions are capacity controlled and subject to space availability. For more information and Crystal reservations, please contact your travel agent.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

Labels: luxury cruises, crystal cruises