Crystal Guests to Explore Land of Wadi Rum and Bedouin Camps on Exclusive President’s Excursion
Guests aboard Crystal Symphony’s 2017 President’s Cruise will be treated to special receptions and other experiences on board the ultra-luxury ship and ashore, hosted by Crystal’s Chairman, CEO and President Edie Rodriguez.
The culmination of these exclusive events will begin in coordination with a President’s Excursion from Aqaba into the fabled desert wilderness of Wadi Rum and an immersive glimpse into the region’s Bedouin tribes during an authentic dinner feast.
The voyage marks Crystal’s return to the Holy Land for the first time since 2012, and Arabian Peninsula calling in Limassol, Cyprus; Haifa and Ashdod, Israel; Aqaba, Jordan; and Salalah and Muscat, Oman, and transit of the Mediterranean, Red and Arabian Seas and the Suez Canal. For the 18-day sailing, Rodriguez and her husband, Tom, will join guests for receptions and parties.
Wadi Rum boasts grand wind-blown sand and stone formations and the geographical inspiration of the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia. The mountainous region is still home to Bedouin tribes, who will welcome Crystal guests into their culture for an exclusive and festive evening. Elegant entertainment, ornate carpets and candlelight will set a contrasting scene against the harsh desert terrain, where Crystal guests will dine on specially prepared cuisine at the private party.
“This incredible event is something I am greatly looking forward to sharing with our guests, as I know, like me, they relish eye-opening experiences that showcase cultures and historic sites,” says Rodriguez. “As this year’s President’s Cruise will be my first visit to Jordan, it will be my pleasure to discover this fascinating region alongside our guests.”
In addition to the exclusive Wadi Rum and Bedouin Crystal Adventure, enlightening experiences ashore include exploration of the lost Rose City of Petra and an overnight stay in Muscat in time for the Sultan’s extravagant birthday celebrations. Adventurous archaeological expeditions, rugged rock climbing and Indian Ocean scuba dives in Salalah are balanced by indulgent experiences like Sky Tea at the opulent Burj Al Arab and Sunset at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
All-inclusive cruise only fares for the “Holy Land & Suez Canal” voyage start at $4,750 per person.
