Lisbon to Fusina
Lisbon to Fusina
Cruise overview
Cruise ID
CRYSTALCSE-C27-250331
Cruise Line
Cruise Type
Ocean
Ship
Duration
27 nights
Departure Port
Destination
Fusina
Departure Date
31 Mar 25
From £9,900pp
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Day 1
Lisbon (Portugal)
About Lisbon
Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.
Day 3
Cádiz (Spain)
About Cádiz
Believed to be the oldest town on the Iberian Peninsula, the Andalusian port of Cádiz enjoys a stunning location at the edge of a six-mile promontory. The town itself, with 3,000 years of history, is characterised by pretty white houses with balconies often adorned with colourful flowers. As you wander around be sure to take a stroll through the sizeable Plaza de Espãna, with its large monument dedicated to the first Spanish constitution, which was signed here in 1812. Cádiz has two pleasant seafront promenades which boast fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, and has a lovely park, the Parque Genoves, located close to the sea with an open-air theatre and attractive palm garden. Also notable is the neo-Classical cathedral, capped by a golden dome.
Day 4
Málaga (Spain)
About Málaga
As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.
Day 5
Cartagena (Spain)
About Cartagena
A Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain, Cartagena’s sheltered bay has attracted sailors for centuries. The Carthaginians founded the city in 223BC and named it Cartago Nova; it later became a prosperous Roman colony, and a Byzantine trading centre. The city has been the main Spanish Mediterranean naval base since the reign of King Philip II, and is still surrounded by walls built during this period. Cartagena’s importance grew with the arrival of the Spanish Bourbons in the 18th century, when the Navidad Fortress was constructed to protect the harbour. In recent years, traces of the city’s fascinating past have been brought to light: a well-preserved Roman Theatre was discovered in 1988, and this has now been restored and opened to the public. During your free time, you may like to take a mini-cruise around Cartagena's historic harbour: these operate several times a day, take approximately 40 minutes and do not need to be booked in advance. Full details will be available at the port.
Day 6
Valencia (Spain)
About Valencia
Valencia, Spain's third-largest municipality, is a proud city with a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene, quality museums, and spectacular contemporary architecture, juxtaposed with a thoroughly charming historic quarter, making it a popular destination year in year out. During the Civil War, it was the last seat of the Republican Loyalist government (1935–36), holding out against Franco’s National forces until the country fell to 40 years of dictatorship. Today it represents the essence of contemporary Spain—daring design and architecture along with experimental cuisine—but remains deeply conservative and proud of its traditions. Though it faces the Mediterranean, Valencia's history and geography have been defined most significantly by the River Turia and the fertile huerta that surrounds it.The city has been fiercely contested ever since it was founded by the Greeks. El Cid captured Valencia from the Moors in 1094 and won his strangest victory here in 1099: he died in the battle, but his corpse was strapped into his saddle and so frightened the besieging Moors that it caused their complete defeat. In 1102 his widow, Jimena, was forced to return the city to Moorish rule; Jaume I finally drove them out in 1238. Modern Valencia was best known for its frequent disastrous floods until the River Turia was diverted to the south in the late 1950s. Since then the city has been on a steady course of urban beautification. The lovely bridges that once spanned the Turia look equally graceful spanning a wandering municipal park, and the spectacularly futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), most of it designed by Valencia-born architect Santiago Calatrava, has at last created an exciting architectural link between this river town and the Mediterranean. If you're in Valencia, an excursion to Albufera Nature Park is a worthwhile day trip.
Day 8
Valletta (Malta)
About Valletta
Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta's compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.
Day 9
Valletta (Malta)
About Valletta
Malta's capital, the minicity of Valletta, has ornate palaces and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-color limestone. Houses along the narrow streets have overhanging wooden balconies for people-watching from indoors. Generations ago they gave housebound women a window on the world of the street. The main entrance to town is through the City Gate (where all bus routes end), which leads onto Triq Repubblika (Republic Street), the spine of the grid-pattern city and the main shopping street. Triq Mercante (Merchant Street) parallels Repubblika to the east and is also good for strolling. From these two streets, cross streets descend toward the water; some are stepped. Valletta's compactness makes it ideal to explore on foot. City Gate and the upper part of Valletta are experiencing vast redevelopment that includes a new Parliament Building and open-air performance venue. The complex, completed mid-2013, has numerous pedestrian detours in place along with building noise and dust. Before setting out along Republic Street, stop at the tourist information office on Merchant Street for maps and brochures.
Day 11
Khania (Greece)
About Khania
The second-largest city in Crete and capital of the Homonym Prefecture, Chania is located in Minoan Kidonia at the end of the Homonym Gulf between the Akrotiri and Onicha peninsulas. Chania City is divided into two parts; the Old Town, which is comprised of several connected districts built around the old Venetian Harbour, and New Town, a larger, more modern city whose centre is situated next to, and south of, the Old Town. The Old Town is home to Venetian buildings and Turkish elements that combine to create a unique architectural style, and is considered to be the most beautiful urban district on Crete. It was once surrounded by old Venetian fortifications that separated it from the New Town; however, only the eastern and western parts remain today. Due to its compact size, Skiathos can be easily explored in just a single day.
Day 12
Rhodes (Greece)
About Rhodes
Early travelers described Rhodes as a town of two parts: a castle or high town (Collachium) and a lower city. Today Rhodes town—sometimes referred to as Ródos town—is still a city of two parts: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that incorporates the high town and lower city, and the modern metropolis, or New Town, spreading away from the walls that encircle the Old Town. The narrow streets of the Old Town are for the most part closed to cars and are lined with Orthodox and Catholic churches, Turkish houses (some of which follow the ancient orthogonal plan), and medieval public buildings with exterior staircases and facades elegantly constructed of well-cut limestone from Lindos. Careful reconstruction in recent years has enhanced the harmonious effect.
Day 13
Kusadasi (Turkey)
About Kusadasi
Whilst the busy resort town of Kusadasi offers much in the way of shopping and dining – not to mention a flourishing beach life scene, the real jewel here is Ephesus and the stunning ruined city that really take centre stage. With only 20% of the classical ruins having been excavated, this archaeological wonder has already gained the status as Europe’s most complete classical metropolis. And a metropolis it really is; built in the 10th century BC this UNESCO World Heritage site is nothing short of spectacular. Although regrettably very little remains of the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), the superb Library of Celsus’ façade is practically intact and it is one of life’s great joys to attend an evening performance in the illuminated ruins once all the tourists have left. The history of the city is fascinating and multi-layered and it is well worth reading up on this beforehand if a visit is planned. Another point of interest for historians would be the house of the Virgin Mary, located on the romantically named Mount Nightingale and just nine kilometres away from Ephesus proper. Legend has it that Mary (along with St. John) spent her final years here, secluded from the rest of the population, spreading Christianity. An edifying experience, even for non-believers. For the less historical minded amongst you, Kusadasi offers plenty in the way of activities. After a stroll through the town, jump in a taxi to Ladies’ Beach (men are allowed), sample a Turkish kebap on one of the many beachfront restaurants and enjoy the clement weather. If you do want to venture further afield, then the crystal clear beaches of Guzelcamli (or the Millipark), the cave of Zeus and the white scalloped natural pools at Pamukkale, known as Cleopatra’s pools, are definitely worth a visit.
Day 15
Istanbul (Turkey)
About Istanbul
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
Day 15
Istanbul (Turkey)
About Istanbul
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
Day 16
Istanbul (Turkey)
About Istanbul
The only city in the world that can lay claim to straddling two continents, Istanbul—once known as Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire—has for centuries been a bustling metropolis with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. Istanbul embraces this enviable position with both a certain chaos and inventiveness, ever evolving as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan crossroads. It’s often said that Istanbul is the meeting point of East and West, but visitors to this city built over the former capital of two great empires are likely to be just as impressed by the juxtaposition of old and new. Office towers creep up behind historic palaces, women in chic designer outfits pass others wearing long skirts and head coverings, peddlers’ pushcarts vie with battered old Fiats and shiny BMWs for dominance of the noisy, narrow streets, and the Grand Bazaar competes with modern shopping malls. At dawn, when the muezzin's call to prayer resounds from ancient minarets, there are inevitably a few hearty revelers still making their way home from nightclubs and bars. Most visitors to this sprawling city of more than 14 million will first set foot in the relatively compact Old City, where the legacy of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires can be seen in monumental works of architecture like the brilliant Aya Sofya and the beautifully proportioned mosques built by the great architect Sinan. Though it would be easy to spend days, if not weeks, exploring the wealth of attractions in the historical peninsula, visitors should make sure also to venture elsewhere in order to experience the vibrancy of contemporary Istanbul. With a lively nightlife propelled by its young population and an exciting arts scene that’s increasingly on the international radar—thanks in part to its stint as the European Capital of Culture in 2010—Istanbul is truly a city that never sleeps. It’s also a place where visitors will feel welcome: Istanbul may be on the Bosphorus, but at heart it’s a Mediterranean city, whose friendly inhabitants are effusively social and eager to share what they love most about it.
Day 17
Çanakkale (Turkey)
About Çanakkale
Day 18
Thessaloníki (Greece)
About Thessaloníki
Day 19
Vólos (Greece)
About Vólos
Day 20
Mykonos (Greece)
About Mykonos
Although the fishing boats still go out in good weather, Mykonos largely makes its living from tourism these days. The summer crowds have turned one of the poorest islands in Greece into one of the richest. Old Mykonians complain that their young, who have inherited stores where their grandfathers once sold eggs or wine, get so much rent that they have lost ambition, and in summer sit around pool bars at night with their friends, and hang out in Athens in winter when island life is less scintillating. Put firmly on the map by Jackie O in the 1960s, Mykonos town—called Hora by the locals—remains the Saint-Tropez of the Greek islands. The scenery is memorable, with its whitewashed streets, Little Venice, the Kato Myli ridge of windmills, and Kastro, the town's medieval quarter. Its cubical two- or three-story houses and churches, with their red or blue doors and domes and wooden balconies, have been long celebrated as some of the best examples of classic Cycladic architecture. Luckily, the Greek Archaeological Service decided to preserve the town, even when the Mykonians would have preferred to rebuild, and so the Old Town has been impressively preserved. Pink oleander, scarlet hibiscus, and trailing green pepper trees form a contrast amid the dazzling whiteness, whose frequent renewal with whitewash is required by law. Any visitor who has the pleasure of getting lost in its narrow streets (made all the narrower by the many outdoor stone staircases, which maximize housing space in the crowded village) will appreciate how its confusing layout was designed to foil pirates—if it was designed at all. After Mykonos fell under Turkish rule in 1537, the Ottomans allowed the islanders to arm their vessels against pirates, which had a contradictory effect: many of them found that raiding other islands was more profitable than tilling arid land. At the height of Aegean piracy, Mykonos was the principal headquarters of the corsair fleets—the place where pirates met their fellows, found willing women, and filled out their crews. Eventually the illicit activity evolved into a legitimate and thriving trade network. Morning on Mykonos town's main quay is busy with deliveries, visitors for the Delos boats, lazy breakfasters, and street cleaners dealing with the previous night's mess. In late morning the cruise-boat people arrive, and the shops are all open. In early afternoon, shaded outdoor tavernas are full of diners eating salads (Mykonos's produce is mostly imported); music is absent or kept low. In mid- and late afternoon, the town feels sleepy, since so many people are at the beach, on excursions, or sleeping in their air-conditioned rooms; even some tourist shops close for siesta. By sunset, people have come back from the beach, having taken their showers and rested. At night, the atmosphere in Mykonos ramps up. The cruise-boat people are mostly gone, coughing three-wheelers make no deliveries in the narrow streets, and everyone is dressed sexy for summer and starting to shimmy with the scene. Many shops stay open past midnight, the restaurants fill up, and the bars and discos make ice cubes as fast as they can. Ready to dive in? Begin your tour of Mykonos town (Hora) by starting out at its heart: Mando Mavrogenous Square.
Day 21
Piraeus (Greece)
About Piraeus
It's no wonder that all roads lead to the fascinating and maddening metropolis of Athens. Lift your eyes 200 feet above the city to the Parthenon, its honey-color marble columns rising from a massive limestone base, and you behold architectural perfection that has not been surpassed in 2,500 years. But, today, this shrine of classical form dominates a 21st-century boomtown. To experience Athens—Athína in Greek—fully is to understand the essence of Greece: ancient monuments surviving in a sea of cement, startling beauty amid the squalor, tradition juxtaposed with modernity. Locals depend on humor and flexibility to deal with the chaos; you should do the same. The rewards are immense. Although Athens covers a huge area, the major landmarks of the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods are close to the modern city center. You can easily walk from the Acropolis to many other key sites, taking time to browse in shops and relax in cafés and tavernas along the way. From many quarters of the city you can glimpse "the glory that was Greece" in the form of the Acropolis looming above the horizon, but only by actually climbing that rocky precipice can you feel the impact of the ancient settlement. The Acropolis and Filopappou, two craggy hills sitting side by side; the ancient Agora (marketplace); and Kerameikos, the first cemetery, form the core of ancient and Roman Athens. Along the Unification of Archaeological Sites promenade, you can follow stone-paved, tree-lined walkways from site to site, undisturbed by traffic. Cars have also been banned or reduced in other streets in the historical center. In the National Archaeological Museum, vast numbers of artifacts illustrate the many millennia of Greek civilization; smaller museums such as the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum illuminate the history of particular regions or periods. Athens may seem like one huge city, but it is really a conglomeration of neighborhoods with distinctive characters. The Eastern influences that prevailed during the 400-year rule of the Ottoman Empire are still evident in Monastiraki, the bazaar area near the foot of the Acropolis. On the northern slope of the Acropolis, stroll through Plaka (if possible by moonlight), an area of tranquil streets lined with renovated mansions, to get the flavor of the 19th-century's gracious lifestyle. The narrow lanes of Anafiotika, a section of Plaka, thread past tiny churches and small, color-washed houses with wooden upper stories, recalling a Cycladic island village. In this maze of winding streets, vestiges of the older city are everywhere: crumbling stairways lined with festive tavernas; dank cellars filled with wine vats; occasionally a court or diminutive garden, enclosed within high walls and filled with magnolia trees and the flaming trumpet-shaped flowers of hibiscus bushes. Formerly run-down old quarters, such as Thission, Gazi and Psirri, popular nightlife areas filled with bars and mezedopoleia (similar to tapas bars), are now in the process of gentrification, although they still retain much of their original charm, as does the colorful produce and meat market on Athinas. The area around Syntagma Square, the tourist hub, and Omonia Square, the commercial heart of the city about 1 km (½ mi) northwest, is distinctly European, having been designed by the court architects of King Otho, a Bavarian, in the 19th century. The chic shops and bistros of ritzy Kolonaki nestle at the foot of Mt. Lycabettus, Athens's highest hill (909 feet). Each of Athens's outlying suburbs has a distinctive character: in the north is wealthy, tree-lined Kifissia, once a summer resort for aristocratic Athenians, and in the south and southeast lie Glyfada, Voula, and Vouliagmeni, with their sandy beaches, seaside bars, and lively summer nightlife. Just beyond the city's southern fringes is Piraeus, a bustling port city of waterside fish tavernas and Saronic Gulf views.
Day 22
Santorini (Greece)
About Santorini
Undoubtedly the most extraordinary island in the Aegean, crescent-shape Santorini remains a mandatory stop on the Cycladic tourist route—even if it's necessary to enjoy the sensational sunsets from Ia, the fascinating excavations, and the dazzling white towns with a million other travelers. Called Kállisti (the "Loveliest") when first settled, the island has now reverted to its subsequent name of Thira, after the 9th-century-BC Dorian colonizer Thiras. The place is better known, however, these days as Santorini, a name derived from its patroness, St. Irene of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine empress who restored icons to Orthodoxy and died in 802. You can fly conveniently to Santorini, but to enjoy a true Santorini rite of passage, opt instead for the boat trip here, which provides a spectacular introduction. After the boat sails between Sikinos and Ios, your deck-side perch approaches two close islands with a passage between them. The bigger one on the left is Santorini, and the smaller on the right is Thirassia. Passing between them, you see the village of Ia adorning Santorini's northernmost cliff like a white geometric beehive. You are in the caldera (volcanic crater), one of the world's truly breathtaking sights: a demilune of cliffs rising 1,100 feet, with the white clusters of the towns of Fira and Ia perched along the top. The bay, once the high center of the island, is 1,300 feet in some places, so deep that when boats dock in Santorini's shabby little port of Athinios, they do not drop anchor. The encircling cliffs are the ancient rim of a still-active volcano, and you are sailing east across its flooded caldera. On your right are the Burnt isles, the White isle, and other volcanic remnants, all lined up as if some outsize display in a geology museum. Hephaestus's subterranean fires smolder still—the volcano erupted in 198 BC, about 735, and there was an earthquake in 1956. Indeed, Santorini and its four neighboring islets are the fragmentary remains of a larger landmass that exploded about 1600 BC: the volcano's core blew sky high, and the sea rushed into the abyss to create the great bay, which measures 10 km by 7 km (6 mi by 4½ mi) and is 1,292 feet deep. The other pieces of the rim, which broke off in later eruptions, are Thirassia, where a few hundred people live, and deserted little Aspronissi ("White isle"). In the center of the bay, black and uninhabited, two cones, the Burnt Isles of Palea Kameni and Nea Kameni, appeared between 1573 and 1925. There has been too much speculation about the identification of Santorini with the mythical Atlantis, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and by Plato (who says it's in the Atlantic), but myths are hard to pin down. This is not true of old arguments about whether tidal waves from Santorini's cataclysmic explosion destroyed Minoan civilization on Crete, 113 km (70 mi) away. The latest carbon-dating evidence, which points to a few years before 1600 BC for the eruption, clearly indicates that the Minoans outlasted the eruption by a couple of hundred years, but most probably in a weakened state. In fact, the island still endures hardships: since antiquity, Santorini has depended on rain collected in cisterns for drinking and irrigating—the well water is often brackish—and the serious shortage is alleviated by the importation of water. However, the volcanic soil also yields riches: small, intense tomatoes with tough skins used for tomato paste (good restaurants here serve them); the famous Santorini fava beans, which have a light, fresh taste; barley; wheat; and white-skin eggplants.
Day 23
Monemvasía (Greece)
About Monemvasía
Monemvasia boasts a varied and colorful history that can be traced to the 8th-century when Greeks fleeing the Slav invasion of Lakonia found refuge here. In its heyday it controlled sea travel between the Levant and European shores. The wall-encircled Lower Town extends along the slopes of a 985-foot-high crag that projects into the sea on the east side of the Peloponnese. For centuries an impressive stronghold, population dwindled as the inhabitants moved to the mainland. But with the beginning of a restoration program aimed to preserve Monemvasia's heritage, the Lower Town experienced a new lease on life, and people have begun to return. The Upper Town is situated on top of the Rock of Monemvasia. It is reached via a zigzagging, paved lane. An almost impregnable bastion in earlier days, it has been uninhabited for centuries, but still manages to preserve its magnificent appearance. Visitors today can explore the remains of the ancient citadel-castle and visit the church of Hagia Sofia. From the summit there is also a fantastic view of the surrounding area.
Day 24
Katakolon (Greece)
About Katakolon
Katakolon could not seem less of a cruise port if it tried. A tiny enclave clinging to the western Peloponnese coast, it's a sleepy place except when ships dock. But it's a popular cruise destination because of its proximity to Olympia. Ancient Olympia was one of the most important cities in classical Greece. The Sanctuary of Zeus was the city's raison d'être, and attracted pilgrims from around the eastern Mediterranean, and later the city played host to Olympic Games, the original athletic games that were the inspiration for today's modern sporting pan-planetary meet. At the foot of the tree-covered Kronion hill, in a valley near two rivers, Katakolon is today one of the most popular ancient sites in Greece. If you don't want to make the trip to Olympia, then Katakolon is an ideal place for a leisurely Greek lunch while you watch the fishermen mend their nets, but there's just not much else to do there.
Day 25
Corfu (Greece)
About Corfu
Corfu town today is a vivid tapestry of cultures—a sophisticated weave, where charm, history, and natural beauty blend. Located about midway along the island's east coast, this spectacularly lively capital is the cultural heart of Corfu and has a remarkable historic center that UNESCO designated as a World Heritage Site in 2007. All ships and planes dock or land near Corfu town, which occupies a small peninsula jutting into the Ionian Sea.Whether arriving by ferry from mainland Greece or Italy, from another island, or directly by plane, catch your breath by first relaxing with a coffee or a gelato in Corfu town's shaded Liston Arcade, then stroll the narrow lanes of its pedestrians-only quarter. For an overview of the immediate area, and a quick tour of Mon Repos palace, hop on the little tourist train that runs from May to September. Corfu town has a different feel at night, so book a table at one of its famed tavernas to savor the island's unique cuisine.The best way to get around Corfu town is on foot. The town is small enough so that you can easily walk to every sight. There are local buses, but they do not thread their way into the streets (many now car-free) of the historic center. If you are arriving by ferry or plane, it's best to take a taxi to your hotel. Expect to pay about €10 from the airport or ferry terminal to a hotel in Corfu town. If there are no taxis waiting, you can call for one.
Day 26
Dubrovnik (Croatia)
About Dubrovnik
Nothing can prepare you for your first sight of Dubrovnik. Lying 216 km (135 miles) southeast of Split and commanding a jaw-dropping coastal location, it is one of the world's most beautiful fortified cities. Its massive stone ramparts and fortress towers curve around a tiny harbor, enclosing graduated ridges of sun-bleached orange-tiled roofs, copper domes, and elegant bell towers. Your imagination will run wild picturing what it looked like seven centuries ago when the walls were built, without any suburbs or highways around it, just this magnificent stone city rising out of the sea.In the 7th century AD, residents of the Roman city Epidaurum (now Cavtat) fled the Avars and Slavs of the north and founded a new settlement on a small rocky island, which they named Laus, and later Ragusa. On the mainland hillside opposite the island, the Slav settlement called Dubrovnik grew up. In the 12th century the narrow channel separating the two settlements was filled in (now the main street through the Old Town, called Stradun), and Ragusa and Dubrovnik became one. The city was surrounded by defensive walls during the 13th century, and these were reinforced with towers and bastions in the late 15th century.From 1358 to 1808 the city thrived as a powerful and remarkably sophisticated independent republic, reaching its golden age during the 16th century. In 1667 many of its splendid Gothic and Renaissance buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. The defensive walls survived the disaster, and the city was rebuilt in baroque style.Dubrovnik lost its independence to Napoléon in 1808, and in 1815 passed to Austria-Hungary. During the 20th century, as part of Yugoslavia, the city became a popular tourist destination, and in 1979 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the war for independence, it came under heavy siege. Thanks to careful restoration, few traces of damage remain; however, there are maps inside the Pile and Ploče Gates illustrating the points around the city where damage was done. It’s only when you experience Dubrovnik yourself that you can understand what a treasure the world nearly lost
Day 27
Trogir (Croatia)
About Trogir
Day 28
Fusina (Italy)
About Fusina
Crystal Penthouse Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Our largest suite, with expansive living areas, a private veranda, sumptuous finishings and attentive butler service.
DETAILS
- Large private veranda and custom stone foyer floor
- Spacious living room
- Separate den with full-size sleeper sofa, TV, and closet plus separate dining area with ocean view and binoculars
- Two TV's
- Butler's pantry with refrigerator and espresso/cappuccino machine
- Large bedroom with queen-size bed or twins with sumptuous bedding
- Master bath featuring a television, Duravit spa flotation tub with ocean view, and state-of-the-art shower with customized shower direction and a heated bench, plus bidet
- Master walk-in custom closet with illuminated rods and custom shelving and security safe
- Sophisticated one-touch lighting and surround-sound system
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Room service from Osteria D'Ovidio
- Unlimited dining in Osteria D'Ovidio
- Turndown service with handmade truffles
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
- Free unlimited laundry and dry cleaning, 2nd day service
- In-suite cocktail parties
- Private transfer to and from ship up to 100 miles
- Butler or Concierge escort from terminal to suite on embarkation day
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Flowers
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Afternoon canapés
- Nespresso coffee maker
- Binoculars
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Redesigned in 2023, this large suite includes spacious rooms with separate dining and living areas, looking onto a private veranda, and accompanied by attentive butler service.
Sapphire Veranda Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Spacious suite, with living area, elegant finishings and private veranda, accompanied by attentive butler service. Sapphire suites are available to book in new and classic design.
DETAILS
- Private veranda
- Spacious living room
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding, and third berth
- Walk-in closet
- Two TV's
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
- Dry cleaning for five pieces plus one bag of free laundry every 10 cruise days, 2nd day service
- Free pressing (5pcs/day), 2nd day service
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Flowers
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Afternoon canapés
- Nespresso coffee maker
- Binoculars
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
Aquamarine Veranda Suite
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Suite offering comfortable living area, private veranda and perfect for grand yet intimate moments, accompanied by attentive butler service. Aquamarine suites are available to book in new and classic design.
DETAILS
- Private veranda
- Sizeable living area
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding
- Vanity in dressing area
- Walk-in closet
- TV
- Sophisticated one-touch lighting and surround-sound system
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Turndown service
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Flowers
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Afternoon canapés
- Nespresso coffee maker
- Binoculars
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
Double Guest Room with Veranda
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Contemporary classic bedroom redesigned in 2023, with butler service and comfortable seating constellations opening onto a private veranda.
DETAILS
- Private veranda
- Spacious living area with sofa
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding
- Walk-in shower
- TV
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Turndown service
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
Double Guest Room with Ocean View
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Contemporary classic bedroom redesigned in 2023, with butler service and impressive windows onto ocean views.
DETAILS
- Large picture window
- Sizeable living area with sofa
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding
- Walk-in shower
- TV
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Turndown service
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
Single Guest Room with Ocean View
Min.
occupancy: 1
Min.
occupancy: 2
Cozy bedroom redesigned in 2023, with welcoming and comfortable detailing, butler service and ocean views.
DETAILS
- Large picture window
- Sizeable living area with sofa
- Queen-size bed or twin beds with sumptuous bedding
- Walk-in shower
- TV
SERVICES
- 24 hour in-suite dining
- Turndown service
- Shoeshine service
- Assistance with packing and unpacking
AMENITIES
- Welcome champagne
- Complimentary wine and spirits from set menu
- Complimentary soft drinks
- Fresh fruits, daily change, on request only
- Pillow menu (selection from a variety of pillow types)
- Complimentary unlimited standard WiFi
- In-suite safe
- Interactive tablet for news, updates, and reservations
- Hair dryer
- Hair iron (available upon request)
Crystal Serenity
With an industry-leading space to guest ratio across an array of social areas, Crystal Serenity offers the utmost comfort, quality, personalisation and choice.
Ship Facts
| Speed | 22 | ||||||||
| Width | 32 | ||||||||
| Length | 250 | ||||||||
| Capacity | 740 | ||||||||
| Currency | USD | ||||||||
| Language | en-US | ||||||||
| Crew Count | 600 | ||||||||
| Deck Count | 9 | ||||||||
| Refit Year | 2018 | ||||||||
| Cabin Count | 545 | ||||||||
| Launch Year | 2003 | ||||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 68870 | ||||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
|
||||||||
| Large Cabin Count | 0 | ||||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | 8 |
Deck 13
- Glass Roof
- Forward Observation Deck
- Crystal Life Fitness
- Crystal Life Spa & Salon
- Wimbledon Court
Deck 12
- Marketplace
- Tastes Kitchen & Bar
- Wave's & Fantasia
- Seahorse Pool
- Palm Court
- Scoops Ice Cream Bar
- Trident Grill
Deck 11
- Crystal Penthouse Suite
- Sapphire Veranda Suite
- Aquamarine Veranda Suite
- Self-Service Laundry
Deck 10
Sapphire Veranda Suite
- Double Guest Room with Veranda
- Aquamarine Veranda Suite
- Self-Service Laundry
Deck 9
Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite
- Sapphire Veranda Suite
- Double Guest Room with Veranda
- Aquamarine Veranda Suite
- Self-Service Laundry
Deck 8
- Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite
- Sapphire Veranda Suite
- Double Guest Room with Veranda
- Shuffleboard Courts
- Self-Service Laundry
Deck 7
- Double Guest Room with Ocean View
- Single Guest Room with Ocean View
- Uma Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar
- Bridge Lounge
- The Vintage Room
- Library
- Osteria D'Ovidio
- Computer University@Sea
- The Studio
- Self-Service Laundry
Deck 6
- Apropos & Facets Onboard Shopping
- Avenue Saloon
- Connoisseur Club
- Crystal Images
- Golf Driving Nets
- Pulse Night Club
- Stardust Club and Supper Club
- Table Tennis
- Putting Green
- Hollywood Theatre
- Galaxy Lounge
- Crystal Collection
- The Bistro
- Atrium
Deck 5
- Medical Center
- Concierge Desk
- Crystal Cove
- Future Sales Consultant
- Reception
- Shore Excursion Desk
- Crystal Plaza
- Waterside Restaurant
Our award-winning cuisine is created and influenced by pioneers in the global food scene, with nine distinct complimentary venues to choose from. Open seating with extensive dining options are tailored around the personal preferences of our guests, allowing them to choose exactly what they want at a time that works for them. Whether that be a late breakfast, six-course wine pairing lunch, or dinner in our exclusive Osteria d’Ovidio or Umi Uma.
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
Waterside Restaurant
Experience: complimentary
Food: casual
The main dining room, features open seating as well as tables for two and four guests. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No reservations are required.
Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar
Experience: cover
Food: japanese
Created by legendary Master Chef Nobuyki (Nobu) Matusuhisa, Umi Uma is an innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant inspired by the rich culture of Japanese cuisine and Peruvian ingredients. Reservations required and limited per sailing
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
Osteria D'Ovidio
Experience: cover
Food: italian
Fine Italian cuisine, featuring original menus and dishes created by talented Crystal chefs. Reservations required and limited per sailing.
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
The Bistro
Experience: complimentary
Food: french
Parisian-inspired café and coffee bar with light snacks such as fresh pastries, bagels and fruit in the morning and a selection of international cheeses, pâtés, prosciutto, smoked salmon and dessert delicacies through late afternoon.
The Vintage Room
Experience: complimentary
Food: fine
The Vintage Room offers guided pairings and dinners highlighting the vast selection of wines in the ship’s onboard cellar. This intimate, innovative concept offers guests an education in fine wine and cuisine, allowing them to gain privileged insights into the art of enology. In addition to daytime tastings and discussions, guests may enjoy a variety of private wine-themed lunches and dinners by special arrangement with the Head Sommelier.
Trident Grill
Experience: complimentary
Food: bbq
Our pool restaurant featuring favorite classics such as Burgers, melts, salads and quick snacks for an indulgent poolside snack.
Tastes Kitchen & Bar
Experience: complimentary
Food: regional
Globally inspired cuisine, and casual dining, Tastes offers tapas-style cuisine inspired by regional itinerary. The venue encourages a "family-style" experience for guests to enjoy on their own or with newfound friends. Open seating.
Scoops Ice Cream Bar
Experience: complimentary
Food: ice_cream
A sumptuous ice cream bar featuring fresh toppings and homemade cookies, with frozen yoghurt accompanying classics from Ben & Jerry’s.
Marketplace
Experience: complimentary
Food: buffet
Buffet style dining wrapped in floor to ceiling windows and a chic open air dining area. This venue offers breakfast and lunch with a variety of choices from appetizers to desserts. Itinerary driven food selections keep the menu’s fresh, while carving stations and individual a la minute cooking add a dynamic element. Open seating.
24 Hours In-Suite Dining
Experience: complimentary
Food: room
Dine in the comfort of your own suite, 24 hours a day. Savor the extensive selection of delicious dishes from Waterside’s menu. Guests staying in the Crystal Penthouse can also enjoy in-suite dining from our specialty restaurants, during opening hours.Service includes afternoon snacks and our Connoisseur Caviar Menu, for a epicurean treat (for an additional charge).
Tea Time
Experience: complimentary
Food: casual
More information coming soon.
Our two elegant vessels host an equally exceptional offering including world-renowned restaurants, restorative spas and endless opportunity for inspiration and enrichment, tied together by unparalleled personal service.
Crystal Cove
An ideal refreshment stop any time of the day, and the perfect place to meet friends for a pre-dinner cocktail. Enjoy a variety of musical styles as the day turns into night.
Reception & Atrium
The Reception can be found on Deck 5.
Palm Court
Featuring large sky lights, floor-to-ceiling windows and a fabulous 270-degree forward view, this venue is perfect for afternoon tea, social gatherings and dancing.
Library
A well-stocked library containing over 2,000 books on a range of subjects from classics to popular biographies, history to contemporary mysteries. Plus enjoy an ample selection of magazines and board games perfect for poolside reading
Seahorse Pool
Our lap pool with plenty of surrounding deck space to sunbathe, relax and read while enjoying a cool drink in the afternoon.
Pulse Night Club
An intimate lounge for a late-night drink, dancing or a place to let loose with karaoke.
Apropos & Facets Onboard Shopping
Heighten the experience on board with a selection of fine jewelry, watches and cruise wear available in our arcade, alongside designer apparel. Make the most of being at sea with a selection of duty free items available.
Stardust Club and Supper Club
On selected evenings before and after dinner, this entertainment lounge features dancing, production spot shows, cabaret performances and other themed events. Additionally, on select nights, Stardust will open the doors for Supper Club for up to 116 guests to enjoy an evening show where they can dine and dance at the same time. Supper Club is by reservations only.
Galaxy Lounge
Performances are the focal point here, with appearances by fantastic Broadway-style performers and headline entertainers. Drink service provided before each show.
Hollywood Theatre
The ship's sleek cinema for recent-released movies, live sport events, guest lectures and religious services.
Connoisseur Club
An elegant space to indulge in the finest cigars and cognacs.
Computer University@Sea
Our innovative Computer lab onboard led by a team of tech experts.
Observation Deck
More information coming soon.
Crystal Plaza
Crystal Plaza can be found on Deck 5.
Avenue Saloon
Signature piano bar with an intimate ambience. The perfect setting for a cocktail before and after dinner.
Bridge Lounge
The Bridge Lounge can be found on Deck 7.
Casino De Monte-Carlo
Live the high life at our glamorous new casino, a unique collaboration between Crystal and the world leader in luxury gaming, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.