Cruise Advice
Duration
17 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
8 Ports
26 April
Setting sail from Tema (Accra)
Ghana's capital city Accra is located on the Atlantic Ocean, where Europeans arrived to establish a trading hub on what was known as the Gold Coast. Precious metals were soon superseded by slaves, and visitors can get a flavour of the remnants of this grim practice in the former slave prisons and museums. Now a busy, dusty city where 17th century architectural remains can be seen alongside modern skyscrapers and vibrant markets, Accra is interesting but not inviting. To see Ghanaian life in the raw, visit Makola Market, and see the colonial architecture alongside modern developments including the vast concrete Independence Square.
Our tip
Be very careful – in much of the city it is forbidden to take photos. In theory, it’s only pictures of military and government buildings, infrastructure and people which are forbidden. But as with so much in Africa, it’s a bit vague and nobody can give you a definitive answer.
27 April
Ghana: Takoradi
Once just a little fishing village, Takoradi is now a deep-water sea port growing rapidly on the back of Ghana’s oil industry. Nearby points of interest include Cape Coast Castle, part of a network of colonial-era forts where slaves were held captive before being shipped across the Atlantic.
28 April - 1 May
At sea
2-3 May
Cape Verde: Praia
Praia is the capital of Cape Verde, set on the south coast of Santiago island. Highlights include a scattering of attractive Portuguese colonial architecture around the Praca Alexandre Albuquerque, while the lively fruit and vegetable market will give you a taste of local life at street level.
4 May
Cape Verde: Porto Grande
5-6 May
At sea
7 May
Canary Islands: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Situated on Tenerife’s north eastern shore, the island’s capital is a busy port that serves mostly as a gateway to the popular south west coast and the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the island’s interior.
8 May
Canary Islands: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Said to have the world's most perfect climate, cosmopolitan Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the largest city in the Canary Islands. The charming old quarter, La Vegueta, is where you'll find the city's most interesting colonial architecture, while beach fans should head for lovely Playa de las Canteras.
9 May
At sea
10-11 May
Portugal: Funchal
Funchal, Madeira’s bustling capital, tumbles down a dramatic hillside towards a beautiful sweeping bay. Highlights include colourful markets, wine lodges and the spectacular cable car ride up to the village of Monte, home of the famous toboggan run.
12 May
At sea
13 May
Arriving in Lisbon
The roots of historic Lisbon's fame lie in its strategic position on the edge of the Atlantic and the fact it offers one of the world's greatest natural harbours. No surprise therefore that it became the home of the world's most famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Built on seven hills, we always find Lisbon to be soulful, captivating and picturesque, with architecture which reflects its status as a great port.
Don't miss
Belem Tower, dating from the 1500s, was both a fortress and the explorers’ departure point. On the façade you will find a stone rhinoceros sculpted into the tower – Europe’s first sight of this extraordinary beast!
Your home from home
Crystal Symphony returned to the ultra-luxury cruise sector in 2023 - newly refurbished and enhanced and not to be missed.
What we love
The beloved Crystal Symphony, having been dutifully maintained for the past three decades has undergone an extensive refurbishment, reducing the guest capacity and enhancing the accommodations onboard. Crystal signatures such as exceptional service and world-class dining remain but the ship returns to service with a new lease of life.
|
Capacity |
606 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 |
|
| Year built | 1995 |
| Last refurbished | 2023 |
| Tonnage | 51,044 grt |
| Length | 781 feet |
| Breadth | 99 feet |
| Cruising speed | 21 knots |
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Accra
If you have to stay here, go for the Movenpick or the Labadi Beach. To be honest it’s not a city in which to linger.
Explore Accra
To be honest, the best way to see Accra is to find a local to give you excellent insight into Ghanaian life.
Our recommended hotel
The Pousada de Lisboa, newly opened in May 2015, has a great location in the heart of the city and an interior to wow you.
Take a day trip from Lisbon
Visit Sintra – Roman and Moorish influences make this magical city with its fairytale palaces and extravagant villas a must.
