Trip Reports
Duration
9 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
8 Ports
28 November
Setting sail from 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.
Our tip
A great way to see Fort Lauderdale is on the hop on hop off water taxi tour – a one day pass gives you unlimited travel and it’s a great way to sightsee as well as to get around.
29 November
At sea
30 November
Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman
Far more than just an offshore tax haven, Grand Cayman boasts the staggeringly beautiful white sands of Seven Mile Beach and some fantastic snorkelling in crystal clear waters. The capital, George Town, is a compact and friendly place, home to some interesting architecture and a suspiciously large number of registered companies.
1 December
Jamaica: Montego Bay
Montego Bay is Jamaica’s tourism capital, and is the second largest city on the island after Kingston. The beach bars along the ‘Hip Strip’ offer a taste of the Jamaican way of life, with the ubiquitous Bob Marley providing the soundtrack; alternatively you may prefer an excursion to nearby sights such as Dunn’s River Falls or Seven Mile Beach.
2 December
At sea
3 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.
4 December
Puerto Rico: San Juan
Founded by the Spanish in 1521, Puerto Rico’s capital is the second oldest European settlement in the Americas. Modern San Juan is a bustling city, home to over a third of the island’s population, but the cobbled streets of the Old Town remain the biggest tourist draw.
5 December
Saint Martin: Marigot
Marigot is the gateway to an intriguing little Caribbean island with a dual personality: the Dutch side, St. Maarten, is the livelier of the two, with shopping malls, casinos and more of a nightlife scene, while French-speaking St. Martin is a more refined (and more expensive) affair, with a laid-back, continental air and a host of exclusive resorts and restaurants.
6 December
Martinique: Fort-de-France
The volcanic French Caribbean island of Martinique is a land of contrasts, from the lush rainforests of the north to the busy streets of the capital, Fort-de-France. There are plenty of lovely beaches geared towards relaxation, and the French influence also means that the cuisine is a cut above the usual Caribbean fare.
7 December
Arriving in Bridgetown
The tiny eastern Caribbean island of Barbados has long been a favourite for British holiday makers, thanks in no small part to the platinum sands and warm, crystal clear waters of the west coast. But there's more to Barbados than just beaches; the delightful architecture of the old garrison in Bridgetown, the capital, is fully deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status, and the island interior is littered with old sugar plantations and natural wonders such as Harrison's Cave. Perhaps the island's biggest asset, however, is the Bajans themselves, who are some of the friendliest people you're ever likely to meet.
Don't miss
Barbados is packed with historic houses, signal stations and sugar mills – one of our favourites is Sunbury Plantation House.
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
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.
The best place to stay in Barbados
There are so many fantastic hotels to choose from, but the Mundy favourite is Cobblers Cove.
See more of Barbados
This is a lovely island to explore with amazing views, particularly on the East (Atlantic) coast, so get a driver to take you on a circuit.
