What to Expect From Crystal Esprit's Maiden Voyage

crystal espritCrystal Yacht Cruises, the first part of Crystal Cruise Line's major expansion, is set to launch with the maiden voyage of Crystal Esprit on December 23.

The yacht’s maiden voyage offers an inclusive post- and pre-cruise New Year’s Eve Extravaganza in Dubai, with three- or four-night accommodations at the Dubai Taj Hotel and fireworks display, as well as dozens of Crystal Adventures ashore, some of which are complimentary. 

The yacht will call at ports never before visited by Crystal's larger oceangoing vessels as it sails itineraries throughout the Indian Ocean/Seychelles, Mediterranean/Adriatic Coast, Holy Land and Middle East/Persian Gulf.

Crystal has recently announced shore options for the new vessel, which include:

Deep-sea fishing off the coast of Desroches, Seychelles, for the chance to catch Barracuda, Wahoo, Dogtooth and Yellowfin tuna and Giant and Bluefin Trevally.

One-tank scuba dive in St. Anne Island, Seychelles, geared toward certified divers, who can immerse themselves in the underwater world of shipwrecks, giant rock formations and sea life.

Rafting down the Krupa and Zrmanja Rivers in Zadar, Croatia, then picnicking in Muskovac.

Quad adventures on the rugged trails of Cyprus, with views of waterfalls and swimming at the Baths of Adonis.

Trek to Delphi at Mount Parnassus in Itea, Greece, the sacred site once thought to be the center of the earth.

Every Crystal Esprit itinerary will also offer at least one complimentary excursion in every port, including hiking and rafting the Acheron River in Parga, Greece; ziplining through the dense forest in Ephelia (from Mahé, Seychelles); and exploring the medieval city of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia (from Piran). “In-transit” excursions allow guests combining itineraries to fully maximize their time in embarkation/disembarkation ports between voyages.

To celebrate the inauguration of Crystal Esprit, Crystal will be offering two inclusive land programs for guest who would like to extend their vacation and even ring in the New Year with Crystal. These programs include:

Seychelles’ Inclusive Dubai Program, a two-night, pre-cruise experience inclusive with every Seychelles voyage, giving guests the opportunity to explore the wonders of Dubai, from haute couture shopping malls and traditional gold souks to desert safaris, world-class golf and complimentary entrance to the Wild Wadi Water Park.

New Year’s Eve Dubai Extravaganza, a three- or four-night program offered to guests who sail on one of the first two Crystal Esprit sailings, which includes an uninterrupted view of the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Extravaganza, where the world’s tallest building lights up in a presentation of light and pyrotechnics. Offered three nights post-cruise on the yacht’s December 23, 2015, maiden voyage, and four nights pre-cruise on the inaugural 2016 voyage.

Complete itineraries and fares for December 2015 through the beginning of 2018 are now available on Crystal’s website.