New private car excursions with Crystal Cruises in 2013

Due to guest demand, beginning this spring, Crystal Cruises’ luxury travelers have a new and flexible private option for exploring Europe: their own car and driver, with local, English-speaking guide.  The new private car or van offerings allow singles, couples and small groups (8 maximum) to fully customise time ashore upon arrival.  While Crystal is launching the program in 50 European ports on Crystal Symphony Mediterranean cruises and Crystal Serenity Northern European cruises, the ultra-luxury line plans to extend the program to other destinations later in the year.
“Many of today’s luxury guests like to explore on their own, but don’t enjoy the hassle, time and questionable quality of searching for transportation and guides, as well as the aggravation of negotiating fees,” says John Stoll , vice president, land and port operations.  “With our trusted transportation and destination expertise at their disposal, and by using fully licensed and insured companies, guests can tour independently with ease and safety, as well as be ultra-flexible should they want to follow a last-minute insider’s suggestion or just see how they feel in the moment.”
The program is the newest addition to a rapidly-expanding roster of Crystal Adventures shore excursion choices, including:
*  Organised shore tours that range from special-interest adventures and city overviews to very intimate only-with-Crystal Cruises Boutique Adventures, and unique, high end Signature Collection experiences to You Care, We Care voluntourism excursions.
*  Private Options: For guests wanting to follow the same tour itinerary as select Crystal Adventures, privately.
*  Private Adventures: Ultra-personalised and fully customised to a guest’s exact wishes in advance by Crystal, including itineraries, admissions, meals, and transportation.
Overland Adventures: Multiple-day excursions on land, further from port, providing two to three days of intimate exploration ashore, with hotel stays.
The new private car and driver services start at $270 per car, with guides speaking languages other than English also available upon request.
Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shoreside experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures program, helping earn the line top ratings for two decades.