APRIL 20 - MAY 1, 2009 MYSTERIES OF THE FAR EAST HONG KONG TO SINGAPORE The Six-Star Crystal Symphony

April 20 - Embark Hong Kong, China

April 21 - Cruising South China Sea

April 22 - Chan May, Vietnam

April 23 - Cruising South China Sea

April 24 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

April 25 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

April 26 - Cruising Gulf of Thailand

April 27 - Bangkok, Thailand

April 28 - Bangkok, Thailand

April 29 - Cruising South China Sea

April 30 - Singapore

May 1 - Disembark Singapore

HIGHLIGHTS:

Hong Kong, China: Here East meets West and the result is electric. Soaring skyscrapers rise from the hills and harbor, blending geography and nature with commercial concrete, steel and pulsating neon in a way that brings traditional Chinese culture and Western-style commerce into perfect harmony. The bustling city streets are lined with teeming markets and sophisticated boutiques tucked tightly into any available crevice. Some of the world’s best shopping is found in Central, located on Hong Kong Island and only a short ferry ride away.

Chan May, Vietnam: With this new call for Crystal Cruises, you will dock closer to Hue, allowing you to see this important imperial city at a more relaxed pace. Indeed, Hue merits a full-day excursion. Having served as the Vietnamese capital from 1802 to 1945, the city was home to thirteen emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Fascinating as it is, Hue is not the only sight to be explored during your call in Chan May. You will also have a chance to visit the historic commercial seaport of Hoi An, see the city of Da Nang, or head to China Beach, the stretch of sand that offered some R & R to U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Known universally and affectionately by residents as Saigon. You will have a stimulating insight into Vietnam’s eventful past and a glimpse into its hopeful future. Over two decades have passed since American forces left these shores. Since then, Ho Chi Minh City has regained a prosperous air of thriving activity. Rice boats float down the waterways, streets bustle with commerce, scooters speed by and a sense of history fills the air. Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City can be assured of a friendly and hospitable welcome. Ho Chi Minh City serves as our main gateway to the alluring wonders of Cambodia (Kampuchea).

Bangkok/Laem Chabang, Thailand: The port city of Laem Chabang is your gateway to Bangkok, Thailand’s glittering capital. This “City of Angels” is a lustrous city of immense Oriental charm, festooned with ornate temples, shrines and a lacework of canals. Towering golden spires reach for the heavens while sunlight glistens on the majestic Royal Palace and boats laden with produce drift up and down the canals. Shining through this dream-like setting is the hospitality and warmth of the gentle Thais. These talented people have raised folk dance to high art, created mouth-watering cuisine and built a splendid capital, unique in all the world.

Singapore: Singapore blends the contemporary splendor of a sparkling modern city with influences from throughout the Orient. This island state has grown from a small fishing village to one of Asia’s greatest success stories. Temples, mosques and churches stand as serene reminders of the varied collection of migrations that have graced its history. Discover the mansions and polo greens of colonial Singapore, the mystique of Chinatown and the heady aroma of spices and curry along Arab Street. You will quickly come to understand why Singapore is acclaimed as the “Crossroads of the East.”