Cruise Line |
Crystal Cruises |
Ship |
Crystal Serenity |
Destination |
Caribbean |
Nights |
10 |
Departure Date |
12 Dec 2021 |
Description |
10 Night cruise sailing roundtrip from Miami onboard Crystal Serenity.
A return to Tortola means snorkeling, swimming and sailing and adventures to Virgin Gorda and its iconic Baths; St. Barts promises island chic while colonial history awaits in St. Kitts and batik treasures beckon in St. Lucia.
Highlights of this cruise:
Miami, Florida, USA
It has the largest city population in Florida, is the third most visited American city among international travelers and showcases an Art Deco Historic District encompassing one of the largest neighborhoods entered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Miami certainly boasts its share of impressive characteristics, even before adding to the list its gorgeous beaches, spirited Cuban population and ritzy enclaves of Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. Miami wasn't always the glamorous and energetic city you see today. Until the late 1800s, it was mostly swamp, disconnected from the rest of the country thanks to its position on the edge of the continent and lack of the essential link of the day: a railroad. All that changed in 1896, when the railroad in northern Florida was extended to the latent tropical paradise of the south. The rest, as they say, is history, as Miami has since seen recurrent booms fueled by surges of immigration, perennially good weather and an insouciant refusal to do anything halfway. Admire the full glory of Miami Beach with a stroll along South Beach's famous Ocean Boulevard, where splendidly restored art deco buildings compete with fashion models and sun worshipers for attention. For a taste of Cuban cuisine and culture, visit Little Havana on the mainland (Miami Beach is separate both in its municipality and its geography: it sits on a barrier island four miles off the coast, and is reached by a causeway). Also outside mainland Miami are the acres of rare tropical plants nurtured to their fragrant and beautiful best in Fairchild Tropical Gardens. The aforementioned slice of heaven known as Coral Gables lies to the southwest. A gem of 1920s city planning, the city unfurls impressive boulevards and features the alluring Venetian Pool, where waterfalls and underwater caves offer the chance for a uniquely refreshing dip.
Tortola/Road Town, British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands were first settled by the Dutch in 1648 and later annexed by the English in 1672. Tortola, the capital, is the largest of the 50 British Virgin Islands. In Road Town, the seat of government, the Union Jack proudly flies above the residence of the British-appointed governor. As part of the turbulent history of this region, pirates and other European adventurers, famous seamen such as Blackbeard, Kidd and Francis Drake, plied the waters of this magical area. Although diminishing levels of fishing and native farming are still in evidence, tourism and offshore finance are the principal industries of the territory today.
Gustavia, St. Barts
St. Barts forms part of the French Overseas Region of Guadeloupe. Descendants of settlers from Brittany and Normandy operate its tiny inns, shops and restaurants. This charming, slow-paced island attracts tourists year-round to its shores. The graceful meadows surrounded by low stone fences, spectacular beaches, the small volcanic mountains and the quaint Creole-style villages are just several of the alluring aspects of this tranquil island.
Basseterre, St. Kitts
Although discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493, St. Kitts was settled by the British and the French more than a century later. Known as the Mother Colony of the West Indies, today the island is an independent nation. British influences abound in Basse-Terre, the capital of St. Kitts. Featured here is the domed Treasury Building, now a national museum, the Circus, which was modeled after Piccadilly in London, and the St. George's Anglican Church. Christened Notre Dame in 1670 by the French, the church was destroyed four times before it adopted its present Georgian-style structure in 1869. Its graveyard, however, boasts stones dating back to the early 18th century. Explore the traditional white-sand beaches on the southeast peninsula, or admire breathtaking views of verdant mountains, expansive sugar cane fields and exotic gardens from the interior.
St. Lucia, Castries, West Indies
Quaint bays, lush landscapes and delightful strains of the Creole language are part of the magic that emanates from St. Lucia. From a volatile settlement that endured numerous changes of ownership, this idyllic Windward Island has developed into a land rich with life and culture. Birthplace of Josephine, the Empress of France and wife of Napoleon, French heritage is evident throughout the island. However, now that it is an independent country within the British Commonwealth, St. Lucia also possesses an English charisma. Look for its charming buildings and vehicles, driven on the left-hand side of the road in true British style!
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
With its colorful mix of French charm and Dutch hospitality, St. Maarten is like two islands rolled into one. In 1648, it was amicably divided between Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin until 2010. The island covers an area of 37 square miles, 17 of which are Dutch. Small as it is, St. Maarten has something for everyone - hideaway beaches, interesting cuisine and sophisticated boutiques. |
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Itinerary |
Cruise Itinerary
Day | Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
1 |
12/12 |
Miami |
|
06:00 PM |
2 |
13/12 |
At sea |
|
|
3 |
14/12 |
At sea |
|
|
4 |
15/12 |
Tortola, British Virgin Islands |
08:00 AM |
06:00 PM |
5 |
16/12 |
Gustavia, St Barts |
08:00 AM |
10:00 PM |
6 |
17/12 |
Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis |
08:00 AM |
06:00 PM |
7 |
18/12 |
Castries, St Lucia |
08:00 AM |
05:00 PM |
8 |
19/12 |
Philipsburg, St Maarten |
08:30 AM |
05:30 PM |
9 |
20/12 |
At sea |
|
|
10 |
21/12 |
At sea |
|
|
11 |
22/12 |
Miami |
08:00 Am |
|
|
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
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