Crystal Esprit to Sail Immersive Itineraries through the Greek Isles,
French & Italian Rivieras, Holy Land and Seychelles in 2023 and Early 2024
Voyages opening for reservations next week include new routes, special events and at least one overnight on nearly every itinerary
As luxury travellers look ahead to journeys in the world’s most stunning and fascinating locales, Crystal Yacht Cruises – voted the Best Small Ship Cruise Line by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler in 2019 – announces a preview of the complete deployment for the all-suite, 62-guest Crystal Esprit for 2023 through the first quarter of 2024. Following the yacht’s previously announced January-March 2023 Seychelles voyages, the collection of 35 all-inclusive luxury sailings in 2023 invites travellers to fully immerse themselves in the most historically rich and famously beautiful destinations through the Mediterranean, Adriatic and the Holy Land. Most of the itineraries – eight of them brand new – are intensively focused on specific regions, with multiple options featuring all or most ports in the Greek Isles, Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast, Italy and France, plus Holy Land voyages exploring beyond Israel to Egypt, Jordan and Cyprus.
In early 2024, the boutique yacht repositions to the Seychelles for 11 idyllic sojourns through the region’s islands and bays, perfect for tropical water adventures and outdoor activities.
“The wow factor of Crystal Esprit is found in the intimate, luxurious atmosphere of the yacht, which is perfectly suited for navigating the hidden harbors of destinations not accessible by larger vessels, as well as coveted ports of profound glamour and historical significance,” said Mark Spillane, director of sales and marketing for Crystal Yacht Cruises. “We’ve designed the 2023 and early 2024 itineraries to complement this boutique, private yacht experience by allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the destinations and feel personally connected both on board and ashore.”
In all, Crystal Esprit’s 2023 deployment comprises 12 sailings through the Seychelles; 13 intensive Greek Isles sailings; 10 voyages through the Adriatic in Croatia and Turkey; seven Holy Land and Middle East sailings; and five Mediterranean sailings through Italy and France. Nearly all 2023 and early 2024 Crystal Yacht Cruises are six, seven or eight nights in length, with select Holy Land and Holiday sailings of 11 and 12 nights. The explorations in store aboard the award-winning yacht include:
April – October 2023
Greek Isles & Corinth Canal – Visiting shores of ancient archaeological wonders and contemporary holiday havens alike, with highlights including Athens; Ionian Sea gems Parga and Lefkada; passage of the Corinth Canal; Cycladic isles of Delos, Mykonos and Santorini; and hidden, out-of-the-way spots like Patmos, Paros and Crete.
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast & the Adriatic – Offering a blend of deep history in Sibenik, Dubrovnik, Split and Trogir, where archaeological and UNESCO sites abound, the outdoor treasures and pursuits found in Kotor, Montenegro, along the peninsula of Piran, Slovenia and Venetian influences in Vis and Hvar and more.
Italian Riviera – Featuring calls in locales of legendary beauty like the dramatic cliffs of Positano, the chic island of Capri, lovely island of Elba and the hilltop vistas in Taormina, as well as the boot-tip gem of Otranto, Eternal City of Rome, Riviera spots Portofino and Porto Venere (for Cinque Terre) and the world’s marble capital of Marina da Carrara, which also offers access to the chic beaches and shops if Forte dei Marmi.
French Riviera – Highlighting the chic harbours fancied by elite travellers for decades, calling in Nice, St-Tropez, Cannes and Corsica, with an overnight in Monte Carlo and a visit to charming Le Lavandou. A new itinerary combines the Côte d’Azur and Italian Riviera for a stunning early summer escape.
April, November and December 2023
Holy Land and Middle East – Exploring the ancient civilizations and multi-spirituality of Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Cyprus, with new seven-night routes round-trip from Eilat, longer itineraries and multiple overnights including Ashdod, Eilat, Aqaba, Cairo (Suez) and Larnaca and visits to Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh, Safaga and Hurghada. Guests can trace historical paths to the Pink City of Petra and Wadi Rum via Aqaba, Jerusalem and Bethlehem and the pyramids and temples of Egypt, while stops along the Red Sea Riviera afford access to excellent sites for diving, snorkelling and off-road desert adventures. The Holiday itinerary spends overnights in Ashdod and Aqaba, allowing guests to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas exploring Jerusalem and a New Year’s Eve celebration in Wadi Rum.
January – March 2023 & 2024
Seychelles Islands – Nineteen identical itineraries (total for 2023 and 2024) sailing round-trip from Mahé/Eden, focused on the tropics and natural treasures of the archipelago, from the unspoiled beaches of powdery sand, UNESCO-protected wildlife reserves and crystal blue waters surrounding Praslin, Cousin Island, La Passe, Laraie Bay, Aride Island and Mahé/Victoria.
Several of the itineraries maximize the distinct features of Crystal Esprit, including the yacht’s private marina, fully outfitted for complimentary use of water skis, wake and paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis and snorkel gear, and deep-water adventures up to 1,000 feet in the private submersible for an additional charge. The all-suite yacht offers Crystal’s signature acclaimed standard of luxury and service with private butler service for every suite; fresh, farm-to-table cuisine and an array of open-seating dining venues.
Crystal Esprit’s 2023 and early 2024 itineraries open for reservations on August 26, 2020. Crystal has unveiled peace of mind booking opportunities for travellers looking ahead to future voyages from 2021 through 2023. Crystal Confidence 2.0 offers a new 90-day deposit window, extended final payments and relaxed cancellation schedules for all voyages on all Crystal brand experiences through 2023.
The safety of guests and crew members is Crystal’s number one priority and the fleet will resume service only when the company’s expert team and global health and government authorities indicate that it is safe to do so. In the meantime, Crystal has suspended all voyages across its fleet for the remainder of 2020, and introduced Crystal Clean+ – the initial set of health and safety protocols to be implemented when the company resumes service.
SOURCE: Crystal Cruises
