Once In a Lifetime: Crystal Goes Extreme in Antarctica

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- In an industry first, Crystal Cruises is
offering just six intrepid holiday travelers a new two-day excursion to the
windiest, coldest and least populated continent on the planet.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090831/LA68374)

In below freezing temperatures, the brand new rugged and rare overland
excursion will take Crystal guests to King George Island, Antarctica. Brave
adventurers will trek through remote villages and a petrified arctic forest
once covered by glaciers, to scientific research bases, and to the breeding
and stomping grounds of three species of penguin, elephant seals and fur
seals. Available with Crystal Symphony's 19-day Christmas/New Year cruise
departing December 20 from Buenos Aires, the "Extreme Overnight Adventure in
Antarctica" is limited to only six guests. Among other destinations, the
voyage features three days cruising Antarctica en route to Valparaiso, Chile.

"Brace for a once-in-a-lifetime excursion that literally exemplifies the type
of highly unusual, off-the-beaten-path experiential adventures our guests are
seeking," says John Stoll, director, land programs. "Only a handful of people
will ever have the chance to see this remarkable region so intimately."

The adventure departs from Ushuaia, Argentina and rejoins Crystal Symphony in
Punta Arenas, Chile. Highlights depend on weather conditions, and include:

-- Travel by King Air beach craft from Ushuaia to King George Island;
-- Overnight accommodations at the Chilean Antarctic Institute;
-- Visits to the Chilean Eduardo Frei Antarctic Base and the Uruguayan
Base
Artigas;
-- Snow coach trek to Collins Glacier, which once covered 90 percent of
the
island;
-- Zodiac excursion to Ardley Island and a penguin breeding ground; and

-- Two-hour hiking expedition to observe elephant and fur seals, and
Villa
Las Estrellas.

Other adventures ashore include a helicopter ride to a humpback whale
sanctuary, a 4 x 4 expedition to a King penguin colony, and trekking the
mountains of Chile. Fares for the "Extreme Overnight Adventure" start at
$9,774 per person, double occupancy.

In addition to Buenos Aires and Valparaiso, the cruise visits Montevideo,
Uruguay; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; Ushuaia,
Argentina; and Punta Arena and Puerto Montt, Chile. Cruise fares start $8,995
per person, double occupancy.

For terms and conditions and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent,
call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT: Mimi Weisband or Julie Dibble (310) 203-4305,
mediarelations@crystalcruises.com

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

Mimi Weisband or Julie Dibble, both of Crystal Cruises, +1-310-203-4305,
mediarelations@crystalcruises.com