LOS ANGELES, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Strap in behind the wheel of a Formula 1 race car in Monte Carlo. Explore the Balkan Mountains, the Greek Isles and the hilltop villages of Southern France on a 4x4 off-road adventure. In keeping with its penchant for enriching adventure ashore, Crystal Cruises is debuting its most dynamic collection of Mediterranean Crystal Adventures in 2006. With 33 new shore tours, travelers are promised unique experiences in treasured destinations.

From May through November 2006, the ultra-luxurious, award-winning Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity explore the Eastern and Western Mediterranean on 17 diverse itineraries. To enrich one's experience of each destination, Crystal Cruises' land programs team has set 275 active and cultured excursions ashore.

"The trend among our well-traveled guests is for more active experiences -- ones that cast a different view of a destination yet are still filled with enrichment and culture," says John Stoll, Crystal's director of land programs. "With an emphasis on variety, Crystal's 2006 collection of Mediterranean shore tours showcases individual adventures and authentic experiences providing guests with a more personal connection to each destination."

Balancing the line's increase in active Crystal Adventures are traditional favorites including tours showcasing the cultural and culinary secrets of each destination. Throughout the Mediterranean, Aegean, Adriatic and Black seas, breathtaking scenery, countryside and historic treasures are revealed in unique detail. Highlights include:

Active Adventure * Drive a Formula 1 race car with instruction both on and off the course (new from Monte Carlo). * New 4-wheel-drive adventures explore the rugged trails of Corfu, the natural beauty of Croatia's Konavle region (from Dubrovnik), and the Balkan Mountains (from Nesebur, Bulgaria). * Kayak Dubrovnik's Adriatic coast, river-raft in Split, and canoe in Zadar for new perspectives of Croatia. * Soar above the Cote d'Azur (from Monte Carlo), the Amalfi Coast (from Sorrento) or the Dolomite Mountains (from Venice) on a helicopter journey. * Explore the underwater world of Punta Campanella on a scuba diving expedition (from Sorrento). Culinary Delights * A wine tasting with the Italian Association of Sommeliers in Rome, a visit to the renowned Jean Leon Winery in Barcelona, and a journey from Cadiz into Andalusia to sample famed sherries offer new discoveries in intimate settings. * Learn to make paella in Spain (from Barcelona) and discover the secrets of Tuscan cuisine (from Florence) from leading chefs on two new culinary tours; or savor a private cooking lesson at renowned Le Moulin de Mougins (from Monte Carlo) or an exclusive three-course meal with one of Greece's culinary masters (from Santorini). Cultural Insights * An overnight adventure to Sienna in the heart of Tuscany reveals the best preserved medieval city in Italy (new from Rome). * Before The Da Vinci Code, there was Angels & Demons. A new tour of Rome showcases the key symbols and landmarks in Dan Brown's best-selling book. * The newly reopened Teatro Tasso presents the colorful history of Naples in a rich production of music, drama and dance (new from Sorrento). * Evening concerts at Ephesus (from Kusadasi) and classical performances at the Odessa Philharmonic Society Concert Hall offer historical insights both architectural and musical. * A private visit to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel (in Rome) is available through special arrangements exclusively for Crystal guests. High Style * Discover the Cote d'Azur behind the wheel of a convertible Mercedes, BMW, Fiat or Peugeot. Or spend the day in high style cruising the Riviera in a Ferrari or Lamborghini (from Monte Carlo). * Shop the fashionable boutiques of the French Riviera with a personal shopper, and then enjoy lunch at the legendary Cafe de Paris. * Create a signature perfume at Galimard's Studio des Fragrances in Cannes.

With more seven-day departures added to its roster of 10-, 11- and 12-day cruises, sophisticated travelers enjoy the luxury of choice among itineraries, destinations and activities ashore. Traveling from Athens, Lisbon, Venice, Monte Carlo and Rome, ports of call vary by itinerary and may include: Nesebur, Bulgaria; Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar, Croatia; Alexandria, Egypt; Katakolon, Mykonos, Rhodes, Samos and Santorini, Greece; Florence, Naples, Portofino, Rome, Sorrento, Taormina, and Trieste, Italy; Tripoli, Libya; Funchal, Portugal; Barcelona, Bilbao, Cadiz, Gijon, Las Palmas and Tenerife, Spain; and, Istanbul and Kusadasi, Turkey.

Seven-day cruise fares begin at just $1,995, and are based on per person, double occupancy accommodations.

The Crystal Difference

Aboard the ultra-luxurious ships of Crystal Cruises, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices, and quality, providing worldwide vacations that bridge the best of land and sea.

The 940-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,080-guest, 68,000-ton Crystal Serenity are among the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising in the luxury market. Their unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant accommodations. Their features include grand lounges, a lavish spa outfitted in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, extensive exercise facilities, complimentary golf, yoga and Pilates instruction, Asian and Italian specialty restaurants, and the popular Computer University@Sea(R), offering 24-hour e-mail and internet access, as well as hands-on instruction. Other distinguishing features include expansive decks, two pools, award-winning cuisine and entertainment, and exquisitely appointed staterooms, more than half of which offer private verandahs.

Crystal Cruises enjoys a reputation for excellence, grounded in a decade of prestigious accolades including having been voted "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines -- the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.

For additional information, please contact a travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at http://www.crystalcruises.com/.

CONTACT: Mimi Weisband 310-203-4302

publicrelations@crystalcruises.com

CONTACT: Mimi Weisband of Crystal Cruises, +1-310-203-4302,
publicrelations@crystalcruises.com

Web site: http://www.crystalcruises.com/