Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan. Photo Credit: dreamstime
LOS ANGELES, March 7, 2017 – 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. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel professional, call 888.799.2437, or visit Crystal’s website, www.crystalcruises.com .
As it expands its reach to all luxury travelers across the globe, Crystal evolves to The World’s Most Luxurious Hospitality and Lifestyle Brand Portfolio™. Crystal Cruises is the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line™, having earned “World’s Best Cruise Ship” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards for 23 years; been voted “World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure readers for 20 years; and the “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by travel professional organization Virtuoso for three consecutive years (2014, 2015 & 2016). The newest and upcoming extensions of the celebrated Crystal brand include Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises, Crystal Luxury Air, Crystal River Cruises – The World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line ™ – Crystal AirCruises and Crystal Exclusive Class™ with Crystal Residences.
As “Bookbound” travel rises, Tradewind Aviation connects readers to the real-life settings behind their favorite…
The 650-room Hyatt Ziva Punta Cana, a new-build resort slated to open in 2029, will…
Recent data increasingly shows travel companies are drowning in fragmented systems as AI raises expectations…
Paris, France, 11 March 2026 – Cambon Partners, an independent investment bank specializing in…
From Million-Dollar Hotel Buyouts to Once-in-a-Lifetime Private Experiences, Global Travel Collection Advisors are Redefining What’s…
What does AI really mean for travel advisors? March 11, 2026 - Andy Ogg…