Trip Reports
Duration
8 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
6 Ports
14-15 December
Setting sail from Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias, to give the city its full name, was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1533, and the beautifully preserved centre is a real highlight of Colombia's Caribbean coast. The walled old town, the Ciudad Amurallada, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a camera-friendly collection of cobbled streets and colourful, colonial-era buildings. It's not all about the old town though; the Bocagrande peninsula, fringed by a long stretch of beach, is where many of Cartagena's hotels are situated, and it's a trendy district that's home to chic restaurants and a thriving café culture.
Our tip
Don’t even think of changing money on the street – you will find plenty of banks and exchanges in the historic centre.
16 December
At sea
17 December
Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus (Christopher’s brother). The city’s history is most keenly felt amongst the streets of the Zona Colonial, home to beautiful old churches and colonial era houses.
18 December
Dominican Republic: Samaná
The Samaná Peninsula provides a different perspective on the Dominican Republic to the overdeveloped east coast, offering both unspoilt natural beauty and glimpses of everyday life. Between January and March the bay is a popular location for spotting humpback whales, while the town of Las Terrenas is known for its sophisticated nightlife.
19 December
Turks and Caicos Islands: Grand Turk
Grand Turk is the capital of the Turks and Caicos, a collection of sleepy and spectacularly beautiful coral islands to the east of the Bahamas. The pristine white sands and turquoise waters are the main attraction, and the extensive barrier reef makes this a popular destination for divers in the know.
20 December
At sea
21 December
Bahamas: Freeport
22 December
Arriving in Fort Lauderdale
These days Fort Lauderdale is a sophisticated place awash with upmarket hotels and excellent restaurants. The glorious weather and swathes of golden beach are still a huge draw, but there are also plenty of cultural attractions, such as the Museum of Art and the Museum of Discovery and Science. The city also boasts 300 miles of navigable waterways and canals, meaning there's plenty of space for the resident millionaires to park their yachts, and the cruise port is one of the busiest in the world.
Don't miss
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens is a great visit, with remains dating back to 2000 BC – in Florida - who knew there was anything so old there?! It’s a fascinating museum too, and the gardens are beautiful.
Your home from home
Arguably one of the finest ships at sea returned to the ultra-luxury cruise sector in 2023, newly refurbished and enhanced.
What we love
Following extensive refurbishment, Crystal Serenity has emerged reinvigorated with contemporary, spacious accommodations and an industry-leading space to guest ratio. The array of social areas, wide-ranging entertainment and world-class dining options deliver the ultimate in luxury cruising.
| Capacity | 740 Guests |
|---|---|
| Style | A new era of Crystal: Reduced guest capacity means nearly one staff member per guest and together with enhanced contemporary accommodations, award-winning cuisine and extensive entertainment options means this is a true luxury experience. |
| Inclusions |
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Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Our favourite hotel in Cartagena
Casa San Agustin – authentic Colombian style, in the heart of the old town.
What to see in Cartagena
The Palace of the Inquisition - a fascinating museum you will enjoy even more with a guide to tell you the history.
Overnight in Fort Lauderdale
The Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina has been THE hotel of choice for cruise passengers for as long as we can remember.
See more of Florida
Go out into the Florida Everglades and Sawgrass Recreation Park with native flora and fauna and reconstructed Seminole villages.
