Trip Reports
22 June
Setting sail from Portsmouth
Perfectly located on a magnificent harbour on the south coast of England, Portsmouth boasts a rich maritime and naval heritage. In addition, it has a glorious sea front, and theatres, art galleries, cathedrals and museums. The Spinnaker Tower gives you a fine perspective on the area with stunning views from the top, and an interactive introduction to local history, including the Mary Rose wreck and Nelson's Victory. You can visit the house where Charles Dickens was born, and learn more about D-Day and Operation Overlord.
Don't miss
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard features a number of historic ships as well as some great interactive exhibitions introducing you to the city’s long and rich history. A magnificent day out.
23 June
Belgium: Zeebrugge (Bruges)
Zeebrugge’s main attraction is its proximity to Bruges. This beautifully preserved old town is a magical maze of winding cobbled lanes, narrow canals and gorgeous gabled houses, and it’s no wonder so many visitors throng the streets in summer.
24-25 June
Netherlands: Ijmuiden
26 June
At sea
27 June
Norway: Stavanger
Stavanger originally grew rich from its fishing industry, though these days it’s Norway’s oil boom that is powering the city’s economic growth. In spite of this modern gold rush the historic centre of Stavanger retains its charm, and the spectacular Lysefjord is within easy reach of the city.
28 June
Norway: Kristiansand
You might not expect to find a beach resort in Norway, but the sunny city of Kristiansand is where Norwegians go for a spot of fun by the seaside. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions, including a zoo, and it’s also a good base for exploring the pretty fishing villages of the south coast.
29 June
Denmark: Aarhus
Aarhus is Denmark’s second largest city, but it’s also a compact and likeable place with a burgeoning cultural scene and a large student population. The combination of superb restaurants, attractive cobbled streets and excellent museums make Aarhus an unexpected highlight of any cruise around the Baltic.
30 June
Arriving in Copenhagen
With a history that dates back to 1043, this small city is full of historic landmarks, significant buildings and interesting sights and museums. It is of course also a history that sits alongside the height of modern Danish design. It is great to explore on foot, by bicycle or by water. Be sure to visit Amalienborg Palace and to walk down the famed shopping street (Strøget). The pretty harbour of Nyhavn is a great location to stop for coffee or lunch and watch the world go by. And of course highlights include the Tivoli Gardens, and the (surprisingly) tiny statue of The Little Mermaid.
Don't miss
We love the open air museum, the Frilandsmuseet, just north of the city, housing more than 50 farms, mills and houses from the mid 17th to the mid 20th centuries.
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
Where to stay in Portsmouth
Fortitude Cottage, just 50 steps from the water’s edge in the Old Town, is a great B&B. Try to get the Penthouse Room.
Day trips from Portsmouth
Portsmouth is gateway to so many Hampshire gems, but the best must be Chichester, perfect for a day tour.
Two nights in Copenhagen
Excellent super modern hotels abound, but our favourite for comfort and value is 71 Nyhavn, overlooking the harbour front.
Around Copenhagen
Travel out of the city to North Zealand to see the renaissance Frederiksborg Castle, and Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle at Elsinore.
