Cruise Line |
Crystal Cruises |
Ship |
Crystal Serenity |
Destination |
Caribbean |
Nights |
14 |
Departure Date |
22 Dec 2021 |
Description |
14 Night cruise sailing roundtrip from Miami onboard Crystal Serenity.
Two days in Barbados means world-famous pink sand beaches and a magical fireworks display to ring in the New Year; celebrate the holidays basking in the Caribbean sunshine and playing in warm tropical waters.
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.
Turks & Caicos,Grand Turk, UK
Although there are numerous spots on land that invite relaxation and exploration, the Turks and Caicos are really all about the water. More specifically, they're all about what's beneath the water. These islands have some of the best diving and snorkeling anywhere, courtesy of one of the world's largest network of coral reefs, easily accessible off the islands' shores. One reef, aptly called the Wall, is particularly spectacular; it drops 7,000 feet-straight down. Between the shore and the reef, the water is only waist deep, providing a perfect place for beginning snorkelers to get their feet wet.
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.
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.
Antigua, St. John's, West Indies
Antigua's sunny climate and easy-going Caribbean ways are alluring attractions for visitors. It boasts 365 superb white beaches and is home to a beautiful National Park that stretches for ten square miles. Found within this park are the famous English Harbor and Nelson's Dockyard. Horatio Nelson was posted here early in his career and the harbor was the headquarters for the British fleet during the 18th century. Although Antigua achieved its independence in 1981, it continues to bear the unmistakable imprint of centuries of British rule.
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!
Barbados/Bridgetown, British West Indies
Barbados offers sun-drenched beaches, clear blue-green waters and cool trade winds. Inland are lovingly preserved plantation houses, lush sugar cane fields and fragrant gardens. This charming former British colony is one of the most stable independent Caribbean nations. Reminders of British rule abound, from cricket fields to Lord Nelson's statue and the original Trafalgar Square. Don't miss Bridgetown's bustling Careenage and the shops on Broad Street, which offer exceptional deals on luxury imports from Britain.
St. Thomas/Charlotte Amalie, USVI
Glimmering bays, shining seas, powdery sand beaches, towering green hills and unsurpassed shopping - this is St. Thomas. The Danes originally declared St. Thomas a free port, making it the shopping paradise it remains today. You will delight in exquisite imported goods ranging from Danish silver to French porcelain and Swiss watches. While this mountainous island is one of the loveliest stretches of land in the Caribbean, its offerings are not limited to its idyllic tropical scenery. The former pirate haunts, Danish relics and picturesque old buildings are constant reminders of St. Thomas' exotic history, making this a fascinating place in which to sightsee.
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Itinerary |
Cruise Itinerary
Day | Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
1 |
22/12 |
Miami |
|
06:00 PM |
2 |
23/12 |
At sea |
|
|
3 |
24/12 |
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos |
08:00 AM |
05:00 PM |
4 |
25/12 |
At sea |
|
|
5 |
26/12 |
Philipsburg, St Maarten |
08:00 AM |
overnight |
6 |
27/12 |
Philipsburg, St Maarten |
|
05:00 AM |
6 |
27/12 |
Basseterre, St Kitts & Nevis |
09:00 AM |
10:00 PM |
7 |
28/12 |
St Johns, Antigua & Barbuda |
08:00 AM |
06:00 PM |
8 |
29/12 |
Castries, St Lucia |
08:00 AM |
06:00 PM |
9 |
30/12 |
Bridgetown, Barbados |
08:00 AM |
overnight |
10 |
31/12 |
Bridgetown, Barbados |
|
overnight |
11 |
01/01 |
Bridgetown, Barbados |
|
12:30 AM |
12 |
02/01 |
St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands |
07:00 AM |
05:00 PM |
13 |
03/01 |
At sea |
|
|
14 |
04/01 |
At sea |
|
|
15 |
05/01 |
Miami |
05:00 AM |
|
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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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