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Crystal plots four world cruises in 2018 with ability to switch ships

Crystal plots four world cruises in 2018 with ability to switch ships
For the first time in Crystal Cruises’ history, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will each embark on two world cruises in 2018, with the opportunity to switch ships in Sydney.

It will be Crystal Symphony’s first full world sailing since 2003.

The first voyage, Cape Town-Miami, embarks Jan. 7 aboard Crystal Symphony on a 114-day program focused on the Southern Hemisphere. It charts South Africa, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific/French Polynesia and South America before exploring the Caribbean.

Crystal Serenity's first voyage, meanwhile, begins Jan. 23 in Los Angeles, ending in Rome 112 days later. It focuses on the South Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Arabia, India and the Mediterranean.

The ships simultaneously arrive in Sydney on Feb. 17, giving the opportunity for cruisers to switch vessels.

That enables the third world cruise, Jan. 7 to May 16, beginning with Crystal Symphony's Cape Town departure. Then passengers switch to Crystal Serenity in Sydney and the 129-day sailing ends in Civitavecchia (Rome) on May 16.

The fourth world cruise begins with Crystal Serenity's Jan. 23 departure from Los Angeles and, in Sydney, passengers transfer to Crystal Symphony for an unusual west to east voyage totaling 97 days and ending in Miami on April 30. The full voyage includes Milford Sound, French Polynesia, Easter Island and a Panama Canal transit.

The voyages will visit a combined 111 destinations in 45 countries, with 16 maiden calls and 50 overnights in port. During the ships' rendezvous in Sydney, full world cruise passengers will be treated to a spectacular gala celebration.

The 2018 world cruises are a 'testament to Crystal’s continued innovation and creativity, and our commitment to guests in broadening their luxury travel experiences,' president Edie Rodriguez said.

The announcement means Crystal has published and opened for booking world cruises available for the next three years, from 2016 to 2018.

The 2018 voyages are also available in segments. Beginning today through April 30, full world cruise 'Book Now' fares start at $47,150 per person with Crystal Society (repeat guest) savings of up to $9,335 per person.

The 2018 full world cruise program includes two exclusive shoreside events, $2,000 per person 'As You Wish' shipboard credits, special on-board events and included chauffeured private car transfers between the airport to ship and ship to airport.