Crystal Cruises to run active excursions on Esprit

Active clients that want to work off the inevitable excess cruising calories will be able to get up and running with the shore excursion programme for Crystal Esprit’s new Croatian itineraries.

Challenging hikes and bike rides feature as optional tours on the seven-night Dubrovnik to Venice itineraries, which can be sold as a 14-night package as the cruise features different ports of call in each direction. Crystal Cruises’ first ultra-luxury yacht, which was christened in the Seychelles last December and recently repositioned in the Adriatic.

John Stoll, vice president of land programme, showcased the all-action excursions at the line’s Sales Gala onboard Crystal Symphony.

“We looked at our shore excursions to find out what passengers wanted and this was the feedback,” he said. “Clients can now sign up for hikes, bike rides and diving excursions where professional divers will come onto the yacht.”

For the ultimate challenge there is also the opportunity to take part in a mini triathlon-style event in Dubrovnik which combines a cycle and run with sea kayaking.

Stoll said the activities were very different to the gentle bike rides and walks usually associated with shore excursions, and therefore it was important for agents to make sure their clients were aware of this before booking and had the appropriate level of fitness. However, he said the tours would be welcomed by keep-fit enthusiasts who were experienced walkers, cyclists, runners and watersports enthusiasts and wanted to maintain a fitness programme during their cruise.

For passengers who want to have an adventure but take things a little easier, the 62-passenger Esprit, which was built in 1991 and been extensively refurbished for Crystal Yacht Cruises, also and has its own two-passenger submarine for guests to use. Sailing between Dubrovnik and Venice until the autumn, it also has two Zodiac boats for expedition-style excursions, a 12-passenger Wider super yacht tender water skis, wake boards, snorkels and fishing tackle.

And for something completely different, the shore excursion programme also includes the opportunity to learn how to row a gondola in Venice.