
Accommodations
Serenity II
Crystal Cruises has been named the World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure magazine for an unprecedented 13th consecutive year!
Launched in 2003 and designed with your absolute comfort in mind, the state-of-the-art Crystal Serenity offers one of the most generous space-per-passenger ratios of any luxury ship afloat! Its many amenities are distinguished by personalized service rendered through thoughtful details. Work out in the fully equipped gym, relax with a massage in the spa, put a new spring in your step with dance lessons and shave a few strokes off your game with pointers from the golf pro. Grand-themed luncheon buffets present a colorful display of taste sensations from around the globe! In the evening, enjoy fine cuisine and the doting hospitality of your wait staff in the Crystal Dining Room. The Crystal Serenity also celebrates the specialties of Italian and Asian restaurants, as well as a Sushi Bar, at no extra cost. Entertainment showcases Broadway-style productions, Big Band and jazz, comedy and the Crystal Casino!
At day's end, elegant staterooms, the most spacious at sea, are stylishly furnished with modern amenities such as a color television, DVD player, direct-dial telephone and safe.
The Crystal Serenity promises more than just a cruise, it takes your vacation experience to a higher level with the luxury of individual attention!
|

Ancient Lands & Seas 
Istanbul to Venice ~ Serenity II
September 18 - October 1, 2011
Delight in a thrilling adventure on board the Six-Star Crystal Serenity as you sail to captivating ports on the Mediterranean Sea. Begin in Istanbul, Turkey, a stunning city that stands on the banks of the Bosporus Strait. Cruise the narrow Dardanelles, a strait connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Sail to beautiful Kusadasi, the Gateway to Ephesus, and to Fethiye, situated on a wide Mediterranean bay dotted with islands. Visit Mykonos, Greece, where traditional whitewashed windmills line powdery beaches. Discover crescent-shaped Santorini where legend whispers that this was the site of the ill-fated city of Atlantis! Journey to beautiful Argostolio, and the city of Kotor, located at the head of southern Europe’s deepest fjord. Explore the walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia and marvel at the incomparable splendor of Venice, Italy—a superb end to a fabulous journey!
Best of all, take advantage of 2-for-1 pricing, and also receive $1,000 As You Wish shipboard credit, per passenger, redeemable in the shops, spa and lounges aboard.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
INCLUDED FEATURES
EXCLUSIVE AHI EXTRAS
Immerse yourself in the picturesque natural beauty and ancient heritage of the Turkish Coast and the Greek Isles as you cruise from Istanbul to Venice.
Take advantage of 2-for-1 pricing.
Fly from select gateway cities for free.
Receive $1,000 shipboard credit, per passenger, redeemable in the shops, spa and lounges aboard—a $2,000 per couple additional value!
Attend two special AHI Parties, including an open bar and hot and cold hors d’oeuvres.
Experience why world-renowned Crystal Cruises has received the ranking of “World’s Best” from Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler!
Cost Special Tulane pricing is from approximately $5275 per person, plus airfare, and V.A.T., based on double occupancy. An Air Program will be offered.
Booking For booking information please contact Alumni Holidays International at 800-323-7373, or Tulane Alumni Travel at 877-488-5263.
Specific trip details (itinerary, meals, sightseeing & accommodations) will be published in the brochure.
Brochure Request
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 :
In Transit from North America to Istanbul, Turkey
Depart for Istanbul, Turkey, aboard scheduled jet service, which is provide for Air/Cruise Program participants. Travelers participating in the Air/Sea Program will enjoy advanced seat assignments on most airlines; an air price guarantee including all fuel surcharges, airport and airline taxes; arrival and departure transfers including baggage handling; and many other benefits.
Day 2 :
Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul. Air/Sea Program passengers will be met by an AHI Travel Representative in the arrivals hall. Other passengers who arranged independent flights through AHI and are able to join the group transfer and Cruise Program passengers who have purchased a transfer from AHI should check the flight arrivals monitor and proceed to the group flight arrivals hall to join the awaiting AHI Travel Representative.
Transfer to the pier to embark the Crystal Serenity. On board, your cabin keys will be distributed and luggage will be delivered directly to your room. Your AHI Travel Director will be with you throughout your journey. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and settle into your new environment.
Day 3 :
Istanbul
Located on two continents, Istanbul is a pleasing mix of the civilizations that have called the city home throughout the centuries. Spend the day discovering its many treasures, including the Blue Mosque and St. Sophia’s Cathedral.
Day 4 :
Cruising
Spend the day cruising the Dardanelles, a narrow strait separating Europe and Asia. Take advantage of the ship’s many amenities.
Day 5 :
Kusadasi
Located on Turkey’s west coast, Kusadasi is reputed to be one of the loveliest cities on the Aegean. It is also the gateway to Ephesus, renowned as one of the most important cities of antiquity.
Day 6 :
Mykonos
Spend an idyllic day exploring this sophisticated island resort. Delight in its picturesque windmills, sun-drenched beaches, whitewashed houses and interesting shops.
Day 7 :
Santorini
The ship arrives on Santorini, a magnificent island of charming villages and stunning natural scenery. You may decide to visit Thíra, its fascinating capital.
Day 8 :
Fethiye
Located on the Turquoise Coast, Fethiye is famous for its swimming and diving opportunities. It is also known for the tomb of Amnytas, which dates from the fourth century B.C.
Day 9 :
Cruising
Spend a relaxing day sailing the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 10 :
Kefalonia
The ship stops at Kefalonia, the largest of Greece’s Ionian Islands. You may wish to see Melissani, a beautiful underground lake; explore the city of Argostoli, the island’s capital; or relax on one of the pristine beaches, considered to be among the best in the world.
Day 11 :
Kotor
Arrive in Kotor, whose best highlight is the well-preserved Old Town. A walk along its streets is a journey through history, as the many buildings date from different centuries.
Day 12 :
Dubrovnik
The day is yours to discover the treasures of Dubrovnik. Admire its Venetian-style architecture and ancient stone buildings.
Day 13 :
Venice
The ship arrives in Venice. Fall under the spell of this enchanting and romantic city as you stroll along winding canals, marvel at opulent St. Mark’s Basilica and discover the graceful beauty of the Bridge of Sighs.
Day 14 :
In Transit to your Gateway City
Disembark the ship, and transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city. Flight and transfer provided for Air/Sea participants only.
Crystal Cruises offers a full selection of optional excursions in each port of call, at an additional cost.
Note: Itinerary sequence and/or scheduled events may change. Many excursions in this program involve an element of walking.
back
INCLUDED FEATURES
Your Luxurious Cruise
- Set sail from Istanbul, Turkey for 12 nights aboard the Six-Star Crystal Serenity.
- Cruise the Mediterranean Sea. Your ports of call include Kusadasi, Turkey; Fethiye; Mykonos, Greece; Santorini; Kefalonia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Dubrovnik, Croatia before disembarking in Venice, Italy.
- Receive $1,000 per couple shipboard credit redeemable for excursions, tipping, shops, spa and on board lounges.
Special Crystal Features
- Attend many festive parties, including exclusive AHI Welcome and Farewell Receptions; Captain's Welcome Aboard and Farewell Receptions; Crystal's First Timers or Society Member parties.
- Gala entertainment presented nightly.
- Experience dining aboard Crystal Cruises, featuring all meals.
- Superb gourmet cuisine served daily in the Crystal Dining Room.
- Complimentary 24-hour room service in your cabin or on your verandah, including breakfast, lunch, snacks or even a seven-course dinner.
- Meals served on deck featuring specialties of the world.
- Free ice cream bar daily.
- Two alternative restaurants available at no additional charge.
- A full selection of Crystal Cruises’ Optional Shore Excursions (offered at an additional cost) in each port of call and led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
Air/Sea Program
- Free air to Istanbul, Turkey, with return from Venice, Italy from major North American gateway cities.
- All transfers and baggage handling between airports and piers on days of embarkation/disembarkation for Air/Sea passengers.
back
OPTIONAL INDEPENDENT ACTIVITY T'ang Dynasty Dinner Show Xi'an, cosmopolitan capital of the T'ang Dynasty (618-907), was an important city on the Silk Road. Standing on the crossroad of commerce and culture, the city's affluence grew and the arts flourished as rulers of this dynasty embraced the many cultures introduced to the city. So admired was Xi'an that the ancient Japanese capitals of Nara and Kyoto were modeled after it. Join this excursion to an entertaining T'ang Dynasty Dinner Show that highlights the culture of this Chinese Golden Age. Enjoy the music, dancing and singing of this glorious period in Chinese history. back
|