Crystal Cruises to launch evening bistro

With almost a dozen dining choices on each ship, Crystal Cruises' most popular daytime gathering spot, The Bistro, is expanding to evening hours.  Reflecting the space's European-style sidewalk cafe ambiance, the complimentary menu will offer "small bites," desserts, and "midnight" snacks, along with premium wines and flavored coffees.  The new nightly cafe debuts in April on Crystal Symphony and June on Crystal Serenity, shortly after the ships go all-inclusive. The Bistro has long been a meeting place for cruisers due to its central location and quick, easy access to continental breakfast, fresh fruits, afternoon snacks, and wide selection of teas and coffee drinks, from morning to late afternoon.  Signature Guy Buffet china and Six-Star service remains at night, but gastronomic offerings greatly expand:     6-8 pm: Charcuterie of cured meats, prosciuttos, and pates, plus international cheeses paired with premium wines and champagne.     8-11 pm: Artisanal cheeses, with complementary accompaniments such as truffle honey and fig chutney, plus an assortment of fresh fruits and desserts, including a chocolate fountain and petit fours handmade by onboard pastry chefs, with fine wines, digestifs, and hot drinks.     11 pm-12 am: Late-night munchies such as mini-sandwiches, freshly-baked pizzas, quiche, tandoori chicken, and trendy beef "sliders." "In traditional Crystal luxury fashion, our evening Bistro brings aboard the elegance and international panache of a European cafe experience—a central place to meet, people-watch, and enjoy a glass of wine or espresso and a snack," says Vice President Food and Beverage Operations Toni Neumeister.  "In addition, this expansion really enhances the culinary and social options for guests who spend a full day sightseeing and/or like to mix up their evening dining." Casual dining on deck is also offered most evenings with a new Chinese "Comfort Food" menu augmenting choices on Crystal Serenity. Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation.  The ultra-luxury line's extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio's specialty restaurants; and, starting this spring, all-inclusive premium spirits, fine wines, and champagnes throughout the ship. Until February 28, couples can receive $1,000 to $4,000 in "Book Now" Savings on 48 remaining 2012 worldwide itineraries, including 25 seven- to 15-day voyages visiting the Mediterranean from March through December.