LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in three years, Crystal Cruises' 2008 World Cruise will take guests on a 108-day odyssey through Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, India, Northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Responding to travel agents anxious to promote its 2008 World Cruise, Crystal Cruises has set its 13th annual World Cruise earlier than ever. This is the first of the luxury line's 2008 itineraries to be announced.

Considered to be the grandest of voyages, the 2008 World Cruise will span the globe visiting 45 ports of call in 22 different countries. Crystal Serenity, voted "World's Best Cruise Ship" earlier this year by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, will depart Los Angeles on January 19, 2008, and arrive in Southampton, England, on May 7. The global journey features overnight stays in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, India, Egypt and Monaco, and maiden calls at Crete/Aghios Nikoloas, Greece, and La Coruna and Valencia, Spain. The complete itinerary will be posted at http://www.crystalcruises.com/ on September 14. Fares will be released in mid-October.

Bill Smith, Crystal Cruises' senior vice president, sales & marketing, says, "Due to Crystal's World Cruise reputation and the increased interest from travelers around the world in taking longer cruises, we were hearing from travel agents much earlier than usual about finalizing this voyage. Before we even finalized an itinerary, we found we had dozens of guests on a 2008 World Cruise waitlist. Travelers know they are going to have an exceptionally enriching and completely pampering experience ashore and onboard a World Cruise with Crystal Cruises."

In 2006, Crystal boasted a record number of full World Cruisers and is expecting a very strong 12th annual World Cruise, which begins on January 12, 2007. Approximately 300 guests are already booked for the entire 109-day 2007 World Cruise, and many are taking multiple segments. Interest in the 2008 World Cruise has been stronger than ever, prompting the luxury line to release the itinerary so early.

Crystal's 2008 World Cruise is offered in eight different segments ranging from 11 to 18 days with departures from Los Angeles; Papeete, Tahiti; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Hong Kong, China; Singapore; Mumbai, India; and Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy.

On a voyage of ultimate discovery balancing days at sea with days ashore, Crystal Serenity will explore the tropical waters of Hawaii en route to the exotic islands of French Polynesia in the South Pacific. The ship then travels Down Under to reveal the scenic and natural beauty of New Zealand, Tasmania and Australia.

Leaving Australia, Crystal Serenity will visit the Sultanate of Brunei before continuing up through Asia and on to Myanmar for three days in Yangon. After exploring India, North Africa beckons with an overnight in Safaga, Egypt, allowing for exploration of Luxor and the Valley of Kings, followed by a transit of the historic Suez Canal and discovery of the architectural wonders of Greece, Sicily and Italy. From Rome, the World Cruise concludes with a delicious segment blending the food, wine, and spices of Italy, Spain and Portugal before arriving in Southampton, England.

Full World Cruise guests will enjoy two exclusive, grand shoreside events; a complimentary Crystal Adventure ashore on each of the eight segments; a gala event on the eve of departure from Los Angeles; pre-paid shipboard gratuities; private car transfers within 100 miles of Crystal Cruises' air gateway cities from home to airport, and back; complimentary air transportation; $1,000 shipboard credit, per person; and a rich array of onboard events and gifts.

The Crystal Difference

With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, Crystal Serenity is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, exceptional quality and extensive choices. At 68,000-tons, the 1,080-guest liner is among the most spacious and luxurious vessels cruising in the luxury market. Her unique size allows for smooth sailing and a wide range of innovative facilities, generous amenities and elegant staterooms, most with private verandah.

The line enjoys a reputation for excellence, grounded in over a decade of prestigious accolades. Most recently, Crystal Cruises has been voted "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines for 10 and 11 consecutive years, respectively -- the only cruise line, resort or hotel to have achieved such distinction.

"Each year, our goal is to create the luxury cruise experience of a lifetime, and the 2008 World Cruise showcases the some of the world's most treasured natural wonders, ancient civilizations, romantic islands and sophisticated cities," adds Smith.

For additional information, 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/