Crystal Cruises - Scaling Sacred Mt. Huashan

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 $5,995 per person, double occupancy, and include a two-category upgrade for deluxe staterooms and up to $2,000 savings per person for Penthouse accommodations. Mt. Huashan excursion rates are $2,759 per person, double occupancy, and include flight and hotel accommodations among its many features.
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a Member Concierge by calling 888-392-5643 or email myconcierge@topcruiseclub.com.

When it comes to bringing items through checkpoints, we’ve seen just about everything. Traveling for the holidays is an even bigger challenge. Everyone has favorite foods from home that they want to bring to Thanksgiving dinner, or items from their destination that they want to bring back home.

Not sure about what you can and can’t bring through the checkpoint*? Here’s a list of liquid, aerosol and gel items that you should put in your checked bag, ship ahead, or leave at home:

Gravy
Salad dressing
Oils and vinegars
Cranberry sauce
Salsa
Sauces
Creamy dips
Wine, Liquor and beer
Other beverages
Jams and jellies
Soups

Note: You can bring pies and cakes through the security checkpoint, but be advised that they might be subject to additional screening.

Picking up a last-minute gift at the airport or taking holiday gifts from home on your flight? 3-1-1 applies to gifts purchased before the checkpoint* too:

Perfume
Cologne
After shave
Lotions
Wine, beer and liquor
Gift baskets with food items like salsa, jams and salad dressings

Remember! – do not wrap gifts you’re taking on the plane. Security officers may have to unwrap gifts if they need to take a closer look. Either ship wrapped gifts ahead of time or wait until your destination to wrap them.
* Items purchased after the checkpoint have been pre-screened and can be taken on the plane.

If you have travel tips that have worked well for you during the holiday season, feel free to share them with your fellow members by replying to this post!