Experts guide guests through the finer nuances of cheeses and pairings



    LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4 /EMWNews/ -- Crystal Cruises is the first line

to feature professionally trained and certified cheese sommeliers who,

rather than simply suggesting cheese selections, ascertain the finer

nuances of guests' palates. In true Crystal luxury fashion, sommeliers will

introduce travelers to samplings of new flavors, textures and cheese

combinations that complement food and wine -- adding sophistication and

knowledge to guests' culinary experiences. The sommeliers will be

introduced this month on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity following

intensive training and certification supervised by Professor Gerhard Ebner

of the International Cheese Academy of the Hotel and Tourism School in Bad

Gleichenberg, Austria.



    "Cheese continues to play an increasingly important role in the

worldwide dining experience," says Toni Neumeister, vice president, food &

beverage. "The certification of sommeliers is the kind of subtle luxury

amenity that guests won't think about or truly appreciate until they've

encountered it -- and then they'll be quite impressed. It also demonstrates

the commitment in training Crystal's culinary staff to be the best at what

they do."



    Benefits to guests include:



    -- Sommelier suggestions on pairings with meals and wines, and insights

on what blends thrive in certain regions of the world;



    -- Varying selections of cheeses, depending on season and regional

delicacies;



    -- In all, 50 cheese vintages from 20 countries -- from the

internationally renowned to more obscure artisan choices made by hand, and



    -- Complementary sommelier services, part and parcel to the overall

Crystal Experience, illustrating that true luxury is illustrated in the

finest details



    Certification participants included the head sommelier; assistant

maitre d'(senior head waiter) chef de cuisine; Prego restaurant sommelier;

two head waiters; and food and beverage manager. A rigorous daily training

schedule included courses covering the history of cheese; its production --

including regional differences and how cows' diets impact the flavor of the

cheese -- slicing techniques; tastings; presentation; creating cheese

menus; and cooking with cheese. Participants also visited a restaurant

specializing in cheese menus and toured a regional cheese market.



    The Crystal Difference



    As of the beginning of 2008, all Crystal wine sommeliers have been

certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers. The renowned Crystal

experience continues to be 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.



    For additional information and Crystal reservations, please contact a

travel agent or call 888-799-4625. Visit the luxury line's website at

crystalcruises.com.



    CONTACT: Mimi Weisband (310) 203-4302




[email protected]