CRYSTAL CRUISES SETS NEW VOLUNTOURISM EXCURSIONS FOR AUTUMN NEW ENGLAND, CANADA & CARIBBEAN SAILINGS

This September/October, Crystal Cruises’ guests and staff will help international refugees resettle in Canada, Massachusetts children-in-need survive winter, feed the hungry in Halifax and care for stray/rescued donkeys in Antigua - all as part of the ultra luxury cruise line’s “You Care, We Care” programme in New England, Canada and the Caribbean this autumn.
Volunteer opportunities are offered free of charge on every 2011 sailing, giving guests and crew an easy, hands-on way to “give back” to local communities, while simultaneously providing an alternative cultural perspective to traditional shore excursions.
Participants can assist four aid organisations on five east coast Crystal Symphony voyages:         Cradles to Crayons (Boston on 16th September and 8th October): Prepare vital winter items for homeless/low-income children, from schoolbags to warm coats and shoes.
· Romero House (St John, New Brunswick on 30th September): Provide kitchen aid for a housing community that assists less-fortunate locals and resettling refugees.   Feed Nova Scotia (Halifax on 20th October): Help food bank preparation/distribution,  Donkey Sanctuary at the Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society (Antigua on 31st October): Feed, clean or walk the shelter’s stray donkeys, dogs and cats.
Launched in January, 2011, Crystal’s “You Care, We Care” programme has been widely recognised as a trailblazing effort for socially responsible tourism.
Crystal’s voluntourism efforts thus far in 2011 have helped orphans, animals and the environment. June/July projects include care-taking cats and birds at the oldest independent animal protection organisation in Norway and a summer-long project of rehab-ing an eco-friendly salmon hatchery and education facility in Alaska.
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 reservations call Crystal Cruises on 020 7287 9040 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk