To celebrate their prestigious 25th anniversary, ultra-luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises have released an astonishing Worldwide Cruise Atlas for 2015 and early 2016, detailing all of the line’s 72 cruise itineraries setting sail over the next couple of years. This impressive 175-page brochure addresses a total of 275 ports located across 75 countries within all seven continents – all of which the award-winning Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will visit over the coming years, including lesser-known maiden calling points.
As Crystal commemorates its silver anniversary with the release of this new almanac, this blog will take a look at 25 of our favourite ports available on the line’s itineraries throughout 2015 and 2016. Has your favourite destination made it onto our list? If not, let us know!
1. Istanbul, Turkey
Located on a narrow straight between the Marmara Sea and the Black Sea, Istanbul bridges the gap between Europe and Asia and is hub of Turkish culture and history, home to a plethora of impressive and beautiful landmarks.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia
The historic walled-city of Dubrovnik sits on the Adriatic coast of southern Croatia and has gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status due to its abundance of ancient architecture and incredible historical significance.
3. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo exudes glitz and glamour at every turn and is well-known as a popular destination for the rich and successful, attracting many famous faces to its shores. Ultra-luxury yachts and extravagant architecture is to be expected across this spectacular city.
4. Bergen, Norway
Often referred to as the gateway to the Norwegian fjords, Bergen offers plenty of outdoor pursuits and areas of natural beauty in the surrounding regions. The city itself is also a tourist hotspot, boasting many interesting structures and cultural exhibitions.
5. Ambodifotatra, Madagascar
Ambodifotatra is the main town of the island of Ile Sainte Marie, located just off the coast of Madagascar. The area is perfect for wildlife lovers, offering plenty of opportunities to observe some of the region’s unique animals, both on land and at sea.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Natural, cultural and political history is a big part of Cape Town’s many wonderful tourist attractions. Head to Robben Island to see Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, explore Table Mountain for dramatic views or visit the region’s many fantastic museums and galleries.
7. Antarctica
A land of true extremes, Antarctica is the perfect cruise destination for adventurous travellers. Observe amazing wildlife in it natural habitat, appreciate spectacular views across the icy plains and stand where few people have ever stood before.
8. Valparaiso, Chile
Valparaiso is situated on the Pacific coast of Chile and is famous for its romantic ambience, brightly-coloured buildings and stunning coastal scenery. A stroll through the bohemian centre of town or along the many beaches is a truly rewarding experience.
9. Lima, Peru
Lima is Peru’s lively capital and offers an immersive South American experience. Take a tour of the city to appreciate its history and make sure to try some of the delicious local cuisine available in many excellent restaurants all over the city.
10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As an iconic holiday destination, Rio de Janeiro offers a profusion of once-in-a-lifetime sightseeing opportunities. Visit Christ the Redeemer monument, hike to Sugarloaf Mountain and relax or party on Copacabana Beach in true Brazilian fashion.
11. Panama City, Panama
The capital of one of the most diverse nations on Earth, Panama City is a fantastic place to experience a range of natural and man-made attraction, from dense rainforest and towering mountains to the world-famous Panama Canal connecting Atlantic to Pacific.
12. Tortola, British Virgin Islands
The picture perfect island of Tortola is a quintessential Caribbean destination, offering an array of stunning beaches on which to relax and surrounding by crystal clear ocean waters – perfect for swimming and scuba diving.
13. Castries, St Lucia
From the port of Castries, the island of St Lucia is waiting to be explored. This verdant destination offers plenty of scenic excursions, including hiking trails through the verdant rainforest and up the mighty Gros Piton, to unwinding with a cocktail on a pristine stretch of coastline.
14. Willemstad, Curacao
An often underrated cruise destination, Willemstad can be found on the exotic island of Curacao. Alongside its wonderful tropical climate, the island’s harbour has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its distinctive historical architecture.
15. Quebec City, Canada
Quebec City is perched upon the cliffs that overlook Canada’s St Lawrence Seaway. The city’s old town is a World Heritage Site and one of the Quebec’s most popular tourist attractions, boasting an array of impressive historic structures, including the iconic Chateau Frontenac.
16. Juneau, Alaska
The dramatic landscape and quaint culture of Alaska is truly on show in the state capital of Juneau. There are several ways to explore the Alaskan landscape and there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep visitors occupied whilst visiting the area.
17. San Francisco, USA
The cosmopolitan city of San Francisco lie on the East Coast of the USA and is famous for its numerous iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, and its bohemian way of life, which is heavily influenced by the arts and popular culture.
18. Easter Island, Chile
Surrounded in mystery and intrigue, Easter Island is well-known for its maoi – or giant head as they are less eloquently known. The island – which belongs to Chile – is located in the Pacific Ocean and is a fantastic destination to explore and uncover a lost culture.
19. Bora Bora, Society Islands
As one of the most blissful islands in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is a firm favourite amongst cruisers looking for an idyllic escape from normal life, where the sun always shines and golden sandy beaches meet crystal clear ocean waters all around.
20. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and is a great place to start an exploration of the archipelago. The area is not only home to gorgeous beaches and abundant sunshine, as it is also the hub of Hawaiian culture and a fabulous experience for first-timers.
21. Sydney, Australia
Home to some of the world’s most famous man-made landmarks, including Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, Sydney is one of Australia’s most popular tourist hotspots. Explore the city on foot or take part in numerous coastal activities, from surfing to scuba diving.
22. Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is one of New Zealand’s largest metropolitan areas offering a plethora of entertainment and sightseeing opportunities. Also, the beautiful landscape of New Zealand can be observed and explored not far from the city.
23. Tokyo, Japan
An astonishing hub of Japanese culture both modern and historic, Tokyo is a neon jungle of discovery and a fantastic place for tourist to find out what life is like in a major Japanese city. The city contains a wealth of great attractions, from the Imperial Palace to Tokyo Tower.
24. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is an idyllic island located just off the coast of Thailand. The island is a fantastic place for relaxation, offering a profusion of stunning and pristine beaches, each with a particularly soothing ambience complemented by a wonderfully warm climate.
25. Shanghai, China
The bustling metropolis of Shanghai is one of China’s largest and busiest cities. A tour of the city is a great way to explore and uncover a wealth of fabulous landmarks and impressive monuments, including everything from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers.