Crystal Cruises’ Volunteers To Aid Even More European Communities

Crystal Cruises’ Volunteers To Aid Even More European Communities In 2012

LOS ANGELES, May 29, 2012 - Crystal Cruises continues to expand its complimentary “You Care, We Care” voluntourism program with new opportunities for guests and crew to give back in Europe.  This year, participants can spend a small portion (4-7 hours average) of their luxury vacation time aiding those less fortunate in the Ukraine, Italy, and Spain.  The offerings add to a calendar of European goodwill opportunities already established for Greece, Estonia, Norway, Croatia, Germany, and Ireland in 2012.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120529/LA15205)

New philanthropic offerings include:

  — Providing assistance to the homeless at a social services center in
      Odessa.
  — Aiding the 400 year-old charity brotherhood of Pio Monte della
      Misericordia, on excursions from Sorrento and Naples.
  — Maintaining the gardens/greenhouses of Olacau’s AIDEM Association, which
      supports disabled persons by growing medicinal and aromatic plants, as
      well as providing job training in the gardening field (from Valencia).
  — Helping to protect endangered marine life at the CRAM Foundation in
      Barcelona.
“Since launching last year, this program has fostered an environment for understanding and caring about cultures, places, animals, and people in a way that traditional shore excursions often don’t,” says John Stoll, vice president, land and port operations.  “Worthwhile causes that serve the people and the communities in destinations around the world, and enable our guests and staff to help them hands-on during their travels.”

Those sailing Europe this summer and fall can also help rescued sea turtles in Athens, hungry families in Tallinn, homeless cats in Bergen, underprivileged youth in Dublin, disabled persons in Livorno, the elderly in Dubrovnik, and troubled children in Navplion.  Crystal Cruises has committed to arranging the logistics and offering at least one volunteer excursion free of charge on every Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony cruise around the globe.

A cornerstone of Crystal Cruises’ culture is its genuine hospitality and service that has been internationally-celebrated for two decades.  This spirit of generosity extends to its respectful treatment of the environment, oceans and communities in which it travels.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, visit http://www.crystalcruises.com.

CONTACT:  Mimi Weisband or Susan Wichmann 310-203-4305, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

VISIT:  Crystal’s Media Center

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

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Web Site: http://www.crystalcruises.com