TV's Larry King and Top Culinary Stars Headline Crystal Cruises' 2001Alaska Season

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29 -- CNN's Larry King, renowned chefs
Jean-Louis Palladin, Hubert Keller, and a dozen others share the spotlight
with the natural beauty of Alaska during Crystal Cruises' 2001 voyages to "The
Last Frontier."

Crystal Harmony will be the only cruise ship sailing round-trip from San
Francisco to Alaska this summer. The line's eight 12-day cruises call in the
Alaskan ports of Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan; Victoria and Vancouver,
British Columbia; and features the Inside Passage and, depending on the
itinerary, Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier. Departures are available May 21;
June 2, 14 and 26; July 8 and 20; Aug. 1 and 13.

"We have assembled an impressive roster of pioneers in the worlds of food,
wine and culture," said Adam Leavitt, senior vice president, marketing.
"Crystal Harmony's guests will not only experience the unspoiled beauty of
Alaska, but will also be treated to stimulating and entertaining activities
presented by leaders in their fields."

Larry King, master interviewer and one of television's best-known figures,
brings his indomitable style to the Aug. 1 sailing. Joining him is Udo
Nechutnys, executive chef of Jordan Winery in Sonoma, Calif., for a dynamic
coupling of "greats" in their respective fields. Jacques Pepin, legendary
French chef, prolific cookbook author and media personality in his own right,
highlights the final summer Alaska cruise on August 13 alongside a leading
wine authority and Los Angeles Times opera critic.

A host of other critically-acclaimed chefs and restaurant owners, critics
and Master Sommeliers, from the Bay Area to the Southwest and Pacific Rim,
distinguish all sailings:
-- June 2 - 14: Alan Wong, chef/proprietor, Alan Wong's, Honolulu;
Elizabeth Schweitzer, M.S., director wine & spirits, Beverly Hills
Hotel
-- June 14 - June 26: Hubert Keller, chef/proprietor, Fleur de Lys, San
Francisco; Fred Dame, M.S., newly named president, Guild of Master
Sommeliers, and leading wine educator
-- June 26 - July 8: Janos Wilder, chef/proprietor, Janos, Tucson and
winner of the 2000 James Beard Award, Best New Southwest Chef; Larry
Stone, M.S., wine director and partner, Rubicon Restaurant, San
Francisco
-- July 20 - August 1: Jean-Louis Palladin, Napa Restaurant, Rio Suite
Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas; Philip di Belardino, wine educator and vice
president, Banfi Vintners
-- August 1 - 13: Udo Nechutnys, executive chef, Jordan Winery; Dan
Berger, wine columnist, Los Angeles Times Syndicate, wine judge and
educator
-- August 13 - 25: Jacques Pepin, television personality and cookbook
author; Bartholomew Broadbent, wine importer, San Francisco, and
leading authority on ports and Madeira; Martin Bernheimer, Los Angeles
Times opera critic

Also as part of the Crystal Visions Enrichment Lecture Program,
special-interest lecturers including noted geologists, historians and
naturalists will be aboard all sailings to share their insight on the natural
beauty, history and culture of Alaska.

Crystal Cruises' enrichment programs continue ashore for an intimate Alaskan
experience. Adventure seekers, wildlife fans, history-lovers, photo buffs and
sybarites can explore the exceptional natural attributes of the region through
a diverse offering of shore excursions.

The luxury cruise specialist takes yet another step toward best serving
travelers by offering another convenience, before the cruise begins.
Understanding that many guests prefer not to fly, and may wish to drive to San
Francisco to embark, Crystal Cruises has teamed with the Port of San Francisco
to provide easy and secure parking near the cruise terminal.

Guests may choose among three ways to extend their Bay Area experience.
Capitalizing on the exceptional culinary traditions of the region, "The Wine
Making Tradition of Napa Valley" is an optional 3-night, pre-cruise program
featuring exclusive winery tours, private tastings and dining experiences at
the famed Culinary Institute of America and the Auberge de Soleil. All
accommodations -- including overnight stays at the Fairmont Hotel and the
Vintage Inn in Yountville, select meals, sightseeing, transportation,
porterage and tips -- is $2,170 per person, double occupancy.

Pre- or post-cruise one- to three-night stays at the Ritz-Carlton, San
Francisco's highest-rated hotel, are available starting at $375 for the first
night and $240 for each subsequent night, per person, double occupancy. Prices
include hotel tax and porterage, airport, airport/hotel/ship transfers and
Crystal Cruises Hospitality Desk services.

With Crystal Cruises "Perfect Harmony" savings, guests enjoy 40% off of
regular fares, representing savings of $600 to $1700 per couple. Cruise fares
start at $2,980 per person, double occupancy for the 12-day voyage.

Crystal Harmony is an elegant and spacious resort from which to enjoy the
breathtaking glaciers and unspoiled Alaskan landscape. At 50,000 tons
carrying only 940 guests, she features expansive decks, richly-appointed
staterooms, more than half of which boast private verandahs, a wide variety of
lounges for critically-acclaimed entertainment, gourmet dining, full-service
spa and fitness facility, plus a full-time sports director. Expert bridge,
dance and golf instruction are offered on each cruise.

Crystal Cruises is booked exclusively through professional travel agents.
For a complimentary brochure on the 2001 Alaska season, or any of the Crystal
Cruises worldwide sailings, call 800-820-6663. For parking details, call the
Port of San Francisco at 415-274-0400. Visit the line's Web site at
www.crystalcruises.com.

For further information, please contact Mimi Weisband or Kristin Turner of
Crystal Cruises, 310-203-4305, publicrelations@crystalcruises.com.


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