Crystal Charting a Future of Globe-Trotting Cruises

A rare meeting of both of Crystal's ships--Crystal

The new Crystal is setting a global course for 2024, planning extended cruises to iconic and off-the-beaten-track destinations around the world while almost never repeating a port.

The luxury line’s two ships will both be globe-trotters, highlighted by a 141-night world cruise on Crystal Serenity as well as a series of unique Grand Journeys ranging from 37 to 68 nights. On shore, with its partnership with Abercrombie & Kent, the cruises feature exclusive events curated by experts and taste makers in the region, the re-incarnated line promises.

Crystal Serenity’s 2024 World Cruise heading west from San Diego and finally arriving in Miami will visit 29 countries and 62 destinations. At the same time, sister ship Crystal Symphony will be doing a seven-week voyage from Sydney to Hong Kong departing January 4, 2024 with highlights including the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and overnight calls in multiple destinations such as Vietnam, Thailand, and China.

After that, Symphony will do 15- and 17-day trips around Asia and the Indian Ocean on its way to the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean.

The ship’s 45-night journey from Lisbon to Monte Carlo will offer passengers a taste of Iberian culture with port calls in Portugal and Spain before sailing to Cannes and Monte Carlo. Crystal Symphony will then head south in Italy towards ports in France, Croatia, and Greece – featuring visits to breathtaking islands such as Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos. An overnight call in Istanbul kicks off the last segment before this trip concludes in Monte Carlo.

Then Symphony does an intensive Baltic and Northern Europe Grand Journey that begins with visits to destinations including Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. Four overnights, including Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Dundee, allow for further destination immersion as guests make their way through the Netherlands and United Kingdom en route to Iceland. There, the ship will spend seven nights offering passengers the opportunity to explore the country including opportunities to view the iconic Northern Lights. The voyage will sail down the Scottish coast and around England and conclude in Dover.

Meanwhile, Crystal Serenity is going coast to coast in Canada the long way. Starting in Vancouver on Aug. 13, 2024. the voyage will sail down the Pacific, Baja California, and Mexican coasts offering guests time to experience the region’s stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and tropical paradises. Serenity will then explore the Caribbean before heading up the east coast to New York City and concluding in Quebec City on Sept. 24, 2024.

The extended voyages can be booked in segments as short as seven nights, depending on availability.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony are currently undergoing extensive refurbishments in Trieste, Italy. When Crystal Serenity debuts at the end of July and Crystal Symphony arrives in September, enhancements will include larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, onboard wellness facilities and a pickleball court on deck, as well as a revamped spa.

More information on the Grand Journeys can be found here.

About Wallace Immen 755 Articles
Wallace Immen is Executive Editor of The Cruisington Times, the Best in Cruising, Travel, Food and Fun. He's sailed on all of the world's seas to ports in over 100 countries and travelled on every continent.