Crystal Explores Worldwide Jewish Heritage

[CrystalLady]

This is directly from my sources at Crystal, NOT an intermediary news outlet.

FROM MUMBAI TO MONTEVIDEO: CRYSTAL EXPLORES WORLDWIDE JEWISH HERITAGE

LOS ANGELES, November 3, 2009 - For 2010, Crystal Cruises is offering numerous optional Crystal Adventures that focus on destinations' Jewish Heritage. The excursions enable travelers to absorb a region's diverse spiritual culture, explore Judaic history and even trace their roots in the cities of Jerusalem, Berlin, Odessa, Rome, St. Petersburg, and even unexpected places like Stockholm, Dublin, Mumbai and Montevideo.

"Often, guests seek experiences that are not only historically significant, but personally relevant. It helps connect travelers to a foreign destination. Guests may be surprised at some cities that have a rich Jewish history, and thriving modern Jewish culture," said John Stoll, director, land programs.

Many options in Jerusalem explore the Jewish Quarter; the Western Wall, the holiest of Jewish sites; Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes Remembrance Authority, dedicated to the history of Jews during the Holocaust period; and other significant locations. Additionally, Jewish tours throughout the world include:

Berlin
* Sachsenhausen Concentration camp, a prototype for all the camps that followed.
* Jewish Old Quarter and the New Synagogue, laid in 1988, exactly 50 years after the "Night of Broken Glass."

Dublin
* The Irish Jewish Museum, formerly a synagogue, opened by President Chaim Herzog, Israel's Irish former leader, plus a visit to his childhood home.

Montevideo
* The Uruguay city's historic Sephardic and Ashke**** synagogues, as well as the Holocaust memorial and a glimpse into modern-day Jewish life.

Mumbai
* An array of Indian synagogues and other important Judaic cultural sites.

Odessa
* Shomrei Shabbos synagogue; the Jewish Cemetery and memorial to Shalom Aleyhem, famed Ukrainian writer of Fiddler on the Roof.

Rome
* The Jewish Ghetto, issued by anti-Semitic Pope Paul IV in 1555, isolated by walls until 1870.

St. Petersburg
* Special concert by the cantor of the Great Choral Synagogue, the second largest in Europe.

Stockholm
* The Great Synagogue, and its memorial to 8,500 Swedish Holocaust victims, plus one of the few Jewish museums in Scandinavia.

The tours are available on itineraries throughout 2010. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit crystalcruises.com.

[martinsfo]

I'm impressed. I always thought that Crystal had a very large number, myself included, of Jewish cruisers. I see that they are aware of it as well.

[Keith1010]

CrystalLady, thank you very much for posting this. It is most appreciated. I am one of those who often post press releases that I believe will be of interest to those on the board. I don't post them all and this is certainly one that would be of interest to many in my humble opinion.

One of the things that I greatly appreciate about the shore excursions that are offered by Crystal is their diversity. They offer a nice range of excursions to appeal to the diverse interests of their passengers.

My wife and I took the excursion in Mumbai and is was quite interestiing to visit three of the Synagogues. At one time, Mumbai had I believe clost to ten active Synagogues before much of the Jewish population left to go to Israel. We were fortunate to have Rabbi Morrie on the excursion with us. Likewise, we visited a Synagoue in Cochin.

On our upcoming voyage we have signed up for the programs noted above for Montevideo and Odessa, along with one in Jerusalem.

Keith

[marienbad]

We did the Jewish Heritage tour in St. Petersburg last June, and would highly recommend it. Not only do you see the Synagogue, and hear a wonderful concert given by the Cantor who was trained in Miami and has a marvelous operatic baritone, but you also go to the apartment of a St. Peterburg resident. The person we met at her apartment answered all our questions, and provided us with a unique perspective on Russia under Communism, and Russia today, as it was and is experienced by a resident.

[kjeffr8212]

I agree with Nadge's comments. Quite often the only site that I use for Crystal information is this one. I, as I'm sure do most people, recognize the press releases for what they are. However, at times, they contain information that I want. I appreciate posters taking the time to put the releases up on the website. They have always been clearly identified as media statements and if the subject is one that is not of interest to me, I skip it. Thank you Keith 1010, CrystalLady, Judith 02 and all others who share this information.

Kay

[CrystalLady]

Thank you for your kind comments. They are much appreciated.

Gillianrose - through my long friendship with Crystal dating back almost to their inception, I receive Press Releases directly from them. I would only post something that I feel might be of general interest.

[nancygp]

I did the excursion to the Irish Jewish Museum in Dublin back in 2004 and it was a terrific tour.

Nancy

[Shes]

Originally Posted by kjeffr8212

I agree with Nadge's comments. Quite often the only site that I use for Crystal information is this one. I, as I'm sure do most people, recognize the press releases for what they are. However, at times, they contain information that I want. I appreciate posters taking the time to put the releases up on the website. They have always been clearly identified as media statements and if the subject is one that is not of interest to me, I skip it. Thank you Keith 1010, CrystalLady, Judith 02 and all others who share this information.

Kay

Where is Nadge's comment? I can't see it for some reason!!

Shes.

[Texas Tillie]

Originally Posted by Shes

Where is Nadge's comment? I can't see it for some reason!!

Shes.

Shes,

There was a disagreement that got a little unpleasant, so the posts were removed. Don't worry, your brother didn't say anything inappropriate!

Patty