Acupuncture Added To Crystal's Wellness Options

Enriching its portfolio of wellness opportunities, Crystal Cruises is introducing onboard acupuncture, along with a menu of Chinese herbs revered for restoring and enhancing health, beauty and longevity. A menu of optional acupuncture treatments, launching this month on Crystal Serenity, focuses on weight loss, pain management, stress reduction, detoxification, smoking cessation, facial rejuvenation and even sea sickness.

"For many, a vacation offers the freedom to try something new," says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, hotel operations. "Whether one is just curious or one wants to pursue new treatments, acupuncture complements Crystal's myriad of onboard wellness activities, which have transformed guests into devotees of disciplines like yoga or reflexology or Spinning®."

Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body to ease pain and for other therapeutic purposes. According to the World Health Organization and other reputable entities, acupuncture helps relieve aches and pains; stimulate weight loss; alleviate stress; detoxify the body; smoking cessation; seasickness; and anti-aging.

The Crystal acupuncture program includes:

  • · Onboard acupuncturist - Nancy Kerastas, Crystal Serenity's licensed acupuncture physician, has been practicing the art since 2002;
  • · Menus of Chinese herbs - Includes remedies that reactivate the body's fat-burning process; stabilize blood sugar metabolism; and relieve swollen or immobile joints; and
  • · Shipboard seminars - Three to five classes will be held per cruise, discussing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Feng Shui practices and benefits.

Guests receive pre-session consultations to discuss their conditions and medical histories. Cost is $150 for a 60-minute session and can be booked through Crystal's Feng Shui-designed spa.

Crystal also offers complimentary yoga, Pilates and newly introduced "Tour de Spin" cycling classes, and an exclusive Walk on Water® program utilizing weighted vests to increase resistance. The line continues its partnership with the esteemed Cleveland Clinic to feature onboard lectures and seminars with leading medical experts.

In December 2008, and in 2009 both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity host Mind, Body & Spirit theme cruises, focusing on general wellness through classes and discussions with guest instructors in Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates and general fitness.

 

Read More

Double Christening of the MS Amadante and MS Amacello

 

The charming, medieval town of Regensburg, Germany formed a festive backdrop for a unique double christening ceremony on Monday, July 7.  AMAWATERWAYS’ two newest vessels, the MS Amacello and MS Amadante were christened before a crowd of specially-invited guests, travel executives and media.  Guests were greeted by AMAWATERWAYS President, Rudi Schreiner and Vice President of Sales, Kristin Karst.  The Lord Mayor of Regensburg gave a welcoming address, and as a special treat, the world-famous boys’ choir, the Regensburger Domspatzen performed, delighting invited guests and assembled townspeople.  Located along the picturesque Danube River, Regensburg is a year-round highlight of several AMAWATERWAYS itineraries. 

Recognized as an innovative industry leader, AMAWATERWAYS offers river cruise vacations on Europe’s legendary rivers.  In addition to the MS Amacello and MS Amadante, the line’s fleet of luxurious, state-of-the art vessels includes the MS Amalegro (2007) and MS Amadagio (2006).  The MS Amadolce and MS Amalyra will make their debut in 2009, and two additional ships will join the fleet in 2010. 

AMAWATERWAYS vessels feature an unparalleled array of amenities and services, including: the most spacious cabins on the rivers, with over eighty percent featuring French Balconies; plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs;  in-room “Infotainment system,” with complimentary Internet access; marble-appointed bathrooms, spa-quality bath amenities, terry robes and slippers.  Each vessel offers complimentary Wi-Fi as well as a complimentary specialty coffee and tea station.  Gourmet meals in the restaurant are accompanied by complimentary local wines.  The ships also feature a fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool, walking track on the Sun Deck and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. Each vessel is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service. An elite AMAWATERWAYS cruise director accompanies passengers.  And expert local guides conduct complimentary city tours at each location.

 

Read More

Azamara Navigates Near Main Cities in Thailand and Vietnam

--Azamara Cruises has modified its 2008-09 itineraries in order to navigate ships closer to main cities in Thailand and Vietnam. To do so, Azamara will utilize docks that can accommodate smaller ships. The 694-passenger Azamara Quest, which begins sailing in Asia in December, originally was going to implement the changes with is 2009-10 Asia season but was able to make them sooner, the line said. In Bangkok, the Quest will dock at Klong Toey Port, located on the Chao Phraya River, typically less than 30 minutes from the city center. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Quest will dock at Saigon Port, approximately three miles from the city center. The Quest will sail up the Song River, offering scenic views along the way. Larger ships must dock or tender two-and-a-half hours away at the Vung Tau anchorage or dock at Phu My Port, the line said. (www.TravelWeekly.com, 7/3)

Read More

Displaying 1 – 4 of 4      Page 1 of 1