Your Cruise Your Way Cruise Blog

Crystal Cruise is reinforcing its dedication to the health and fitness of people, and giving them an additional opportunity to participate in these types of programs while taking a Crystal cruise. Now cruisers will have the opportunity to see how they stack up against the best on some of the toughest Tour de France venues. Crystal Cruises is launching “Tour de Spin,” a complimentary indoor cycling program that mirrors stages of the Tour de France. The program, inspired by top cyclist Lance Armstrong and led by onboard instructors, will utilize Le Monde Life Fitness Bikes and include three virtual Tour de France rides.

Participation in the program can benefit one’s health as well as The Lance Armstrong Foundation, which unites people to fight cancer. Guests who have completed all three rides in the program will receive a yellow Live Strong wrist band courtesy of Crystal’s onboard fitness operator, Steiner Leisure. For each wrist band distributed, Steiner Leisure will donate one dollar to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which unites people to fight cancer. Participants will also receive a letter from Lance Armstrong thanking them for their participation.

Beginning mid-April on Crystal Symphony and in May on Crystal Serenity, the classes will be available on all itineraries, and will be offered on every sea day and in port when time allows. The three rides are choreographed to music specifically selected for indoor cycling.

Rides include:

· Les Alps - a multi-level profile, which can include flat, medium-mount and mountain stages;

· Time Trial - an interval workout, where cyclists race alone against the clock; and

· Alp D’Huez - a mind-body climb, maximizing guests’ cycling potential.

“Our guests are health-conscious, active individuals looking for the very latest in sophisticated fitness classes and equipment, and we are thrilled to add yet another option to our roster,” says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal’s senior vice president, hotel operations. “This program allows them to participate in something that benefits their own health, as well as a worthy foundation.”

Crystal’s two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, are equipped with Fitness Centres complete with panoramic ocean views and state-of-the-art equipment including LifeFitness® treadmills with individual flat screen televisions, elliptical trainers, recumbent and upright life cycles and steppers, strength-training equipment, free weights and a Pilates Reformer® machine. Daily exercise classes include yoga and personal training sessions. Crystal’s Walk-on-Water program features the WALKVEST® Training System, which revolutionizes walking simply by adding resistance (added weight) to your walk. Fresh fruit, fresh fish, creative salads, low-calorie and low-carb meals add to the completely trans fat-free dining experience available throughout the ships.

This year, the line is also hosting renowned medical experts from the Cleveland Clinic - one of the nation’s most respected academic medical research centers — who will speak to guests about the latest trends and treatments on a variety of topics, from cardiovascular disease to wellness through mind, body and spirit.

The Crystal Difference

Aboard the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality, providing worldwide vacations of seven to 100+ days that bridge the best of land and sea. Grounded in more than a decade of accolades, Crystal has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history.

For additional information and Crystal reservations, please contact me at 888-579-8706. Visit the luxury line’s website at crystalcruises.com.