30 July
Setting sail from Dover
White Cliffs Country is a fascinating region, one packed with history and natural beauty. We think there is no sight like that of the stunning cliffs rising from the sea, topped by the fortifications of Dover Castle, and surrounded by lush green countryside. But the nearby area is also packed with charm, and not so further afield are captivating pretty villages, fascinating towns such as Sandwich (one of the original Cinque ports), and of course Kent's glory, Canterbury with its magnificent cathedral. A final thought must go to the many castles including Deal, Walmer and the magnificently photogenic Leeds Castle.
Don't miss
Perhaps our favourite restaurant in the South is The Sportsman at Seasalter, an extraordinary isolated pub on the bleak estuary coast. A Michelin Star, fantastic food and astonishing value.
31 July - 1 August
Netherlands: Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of our very favourite cities to visit, as well as also being a perfect base to explore the nearby landscape of windmills and dikes. There is a wealth of famous museums and galleries to choose from, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.
2 August
Germany: Hamburg
Known locally as ‘the gateway to the world’, the port of Hamburg has a rich maritime history. Of course the city has its seedy side, as characterised by the old red light district around the Reeperbahn, but it’s also a vibrant, progressive city with some excellent museums, galleries and theatres.
3 August
At sea
4 August
Denmark: Copenhagen
Wonderful Copenhagen is the perfect city to explore on foot, by bicycle or by water. Visit the bustling wharf at Nyhavn, enjoy the palaces, galleries and museums, wander through the amazing Tivoli Gardens, and if you have time, make the most of Copenhagen’s gastronomic revolution.
5 August
Poland: Gdansk
The Baltic port of Gdansk occupies an important place in 20th century history; the first shots of World War II were fired at the Westerplatte naval base, and it was amongst the shipyards of Gdansk that the Solidarity movement was born in the 1980s.
6 August
At sea
7 August
Estonia: Tallinn
The historic harbour city of Tallinn in Estonia is really quite captivating. Just the perfect size to explore on foot, its medieval (and UNESCO listed) town centre, with its cobblestone streets and a busy Town Hall Square, is the perfect introduction to Estonia’s rich history.
8 August
Finland: Helsinki
Finland’s lovely capital Helsinki is a maritime city, with the sea on three sides and almost 100 kilometres of shoreline, as well as around 300 islands. Its contemporary architecture and focus on modern design sit surprisingly well alongside its four hundred year history.
9 August
Finland: Turku
Situated on the west coast surrounded by thousands of islands, Turku is Finland’s oldest city and was once the nation’s capital. This history is still visible in the medieval castle and impressive cathedral, and the city’s large student population means that there is a vibrant cultural scene.
10-11 August
Arriving in Stockholm
The buzzing city of Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. Visitors are captivated by the busy waterfront, the beautiful cobbled streets in the Gamla Stan, or Old Town, the museums, palaces, gardens and galleries, whilst a mere 20 minutes away, Stockholm's archipelago of 30,000 islands offers its own delights, not least some serene tranquillity. The city itself features trend-setting restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and a rich cultural heritage. Many interesting excursions from the city centre ensure that a prolonged stay will be both stimulating and varied.
Our tip
Hop on hop off boat tours are a perfect way to visit this waterbound city.
Your home from home
Crystal Symphony returned to the ultra-luxury cruise sector in 2023 - newly refurbished and enhanced and not to be missed.
What we love
The beloved Crystal Symphony, having been dutifully maintained for the past three decades has undergone an extensive refurbishment, reducing the guest capacity and enhancing the accommodations onboard. Crystal signatures such as exceptional service and world-class dining remain but the ship returns to service with a new lease of life.
Capacity |
606 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 |
|
Year built | 1995 |
Last refurbished | 2023 |
Tonnage | 51,044 grt |
Length | 781 feet |
Breadth | 99 feet |
Cruising speed | 21 knots |
Tailor-make your trip
Extend your stay in Kent
We love historic Walletts Court, just ten minutes outside Dover but feels like another world – cosy, welcoming, and great food too.
Our recommended private tour
An extraordinary trip up the coast by RIB to the mouth of the Stour River and the orange seals basking on the mudflats.
Extend your stay in Stockholm
Lovers of classic hotels should stay at The Grand Hôtel, which is situated in the best waterfront location imaginable.
Add on a private tour
Visit Drottningholm Palace, Sweden's best preserved royal palace, constructed in the seventeenth century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.