A cruise industry first: Scaling sacred Mt.Huasha (China)
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A cruise industry first: Scaling sacred Mt.Huasha (China)
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Category: Asia Pacific - China - Industry economy -
Trends / Expert's advice
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2008-12-10
Only Crystal’s Program Combines 7,000-Foot Peaks, Shanghai, Dalian and Xi’an
Following months of negotiation, Crystal Cruises has become the first line to debut an exhilarating three-night Crystal Overland Adventure allowing the most adventurous and fit guests the option to scale Mt. Huashan’s South Peak, the highest peak of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. Travelers can scale the mountain – known as the “Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven” – by grasping iron chain rails bolted into the cliffs’ side and maneuvering along a narrow 13’ x 1’ wood plank that winds its way up the peak. Whether or not guests choose to navigate the cliff-side “path,” all participants will be taken by cable car to the top of the peak, a thrilling panoramic ride 7,000 feet off the ground that showcases all five peaks.
Guests will also have the option of climbing the nearly vertical “Heaven Stairs” to a Taoist temple built into the side of Mt. Huashan’s West Peak. Other excursion highlights include tours of Shanghai, Dalian and Xi’an to see the excavated terra cotta warriors.
The three-night Crystal Overland Adventure is available during Crystal’s March 27 and April 5 China & Japan sailings between Hong Kong and Beijing, which also include a three-night Beijing inclusive program. Guests taking this excursion will disembark Crystal Symphony in Shanghai and rejoin in Dalian, or vice versa, depending on the direction of their cruise.
“The Huashan Mountain Adventure is a perfect example of how Crystal works with our partners around the world to offer the most unique and innovative programs,” said John Stoll, director, land programs. “This program raises the bar for shoreside experiences that sate guests’ desires for ‘extreme’ adventures.”
Cruise fares for the two 15-day itineraries, with departures on March 27 and April 5, start at US$5,995 per person, double occupancy, and include a two-category upgrade for deluxe staterooms and up to US$2,000 savings per person for Penthouse accommodations. Mt. Huashan excursion rates are US$2,759 per person, double occupancy, and include flight and hotel accommodations among its many features.
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