Our tip
If you are flying to the Galapagos, use the hotel proposed by the Galapagos cruise company, as they will then take care of all the arrangements.
From Guayaquil to San Juan
Guayaquil to San Juan
From Guayaquil to San Juan
Guayaquil to San Juan
Voyage Itinerary
5 September
Setting sail from Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and most important commercial centre, and acts as the gateway to the Pacific coast and the wildlife haven of the Galapagos Islands. It's a busy, buzzing sort of place, centred around the pleasant riverfront Malecón promenade, where you'll find some great restaurants and the impressive Museum of Anthropology and Contemporary Art. The historic district of La Peña is home to pretty, brightly coloured colonial architecture, and the city also has some nice parks and green spaces, so there is enough to warrant spending a day or two here before or after a Galapagos cruise.
6 September - At sea
7 September to 9 September
Panama: Fuerte Amador (Panama City)
The port of Fuerte Amador sits at the southern edge of Panama City, near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The shining skyscrapers of the Panamanian capital are a testament to the city’s status as a key financial centre, while the tiny Casco Viejo is home to pretty colonial streets, hip hotels and happening bars.
10 September
Colombia: Cartagena
Cartagena was founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1533, and the beautifully preserved centre is a real highlight of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The walled old town, the Ciudad Amurallada, is a camera-friendly collection of cobbled streets and colourful, colonial-era buildings.
11 September - At sea
12 September
Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus (Christopher’s brother). The city’s history is most keenly felt amongst the streets of the Zona Colonial, home to beautiful old churches and colonial era houses.
13 September
Dominican Republic: Punta Cana
Punta Cana is the broad swathe of coastline where the majority of the Dominican Republic’s resorts are clustered. The beaches are stunning, if rather overdeveloped in places, while inland attractions include the beautiful Ojos Indígenas ecological reserve.
14 September
Arriving in San Juan
Founded by the Spanish in 1521, Puerto Rico’s capital is the second oldest European settlement in the Americas. Modern San Juan is a bustling city, home to over a third of the island’s population, but the cobbled streets of the Old Town remain the biggest tourist draw.
Don't miss
Here in Puerto Rico it’s all about the history and the sea – you can’t miss the fabulous beaches, and you will enjoy the historic military buildings.
The ship
Crystal Symphony
- Capacity:
- 606 Guests
- Style:
- A new era of Crystal: Reduced guest capacity means nearly onestaff member per guest and together with enhanced contemporaryaccommodations, award-winning cuisine and extensive entertainmentoptions means this is a true luxury experience.
Crystal Symphony returned to the ultra-luxury cruise sector in 2023 - fully refurbished and enhanced and not to be missed.
What we love
The beloved Crystal Symphony, having been dutifully maintained for the past three decades underwent an extensive refurbishment in 2023, reducing the guest capacity and enhancing the accommodations onboard. Crystal signatures such as exceptional service and world-class dining remain but the ship returned to service with a new lease of life.
inclusions
- All meals including room service
- Drinks including premium spirits
- Onboard entertainment including shows, lectures, classes and more
- Onboard gratuities
- Complimentary WiFi
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Guayaquil
The Oro Verde is conveniently located for the airport.
Around Guayaquil
Take a bicycle tour to Santay Island, a wilderness in the middle of the river, joined to the city by a new pedestrian bridge.
Extend your stay in Puerto Rico
If you want to stay in San Juan itself, El Convento is definitely the nicest choice. For resort hotels, we love the Ritz Carlton Reserve at Dorado Beach.
Recommended excursions from San Juan
In the El Yunque rainforest you will find the habitat of Puerto Rico's endangered wildlife - not to mention beautiful views.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
cruise news
Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
