Duration
44 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
22 Ports
5-6 March
Setting sail from Rio de Janeiro
The carnival capital of the world, Rio de Janeiro needs little introduction. We can think of few cities in the world that are able to compete when it comes to location: hugging the beautiful sandy shore and surrounded by jungle-clad islands and mountains, including the iconic Corcovado, the setting for Brazil's most vibrant city is simply breathtaking. Strut your stuff on Copacabana beach, shimmy to the rhythms of samba and bossa nova, or just drink in the view from the feet of Christ the Redeemer - Rio is truly a destination to be savoured.
Don't miss
A visit to Christ the Redeemer for the unbeatable views over the city.
7-11 March
At sea
12 March
Saint Helena: Saint Helena
The opening of a new airport in 2016 was supposed to herald a new era of tourism for Saint Helena, but the project has now been postponed indefinitely due to unforeseen problems with planes landing in high winds. As a result, this beautiful and remote island, where Napoleon Bonaparte lived his last days in exile, remains accessible only by ship.
13-14 March
At sea
15-16 March
Namibia: Walvis Bay
Walvis Bay is situated on the edge of a tidal lagoon, sheltered from the Atlantic by a long sand spit. This important wetland area is famous for its birdlife, home to one of southern Africa’s largest flamingo colonies, and it’s a short drive to the city of Swakopmund, known for its quirky German colonial architecture.
17 March
Namibia: Lüderitz
Sandwiched between the Namib Desert and the wild Atlantic coast, the geographically isolated town of Lüderitz is notable for its surreal Art Nouveau architecture. Most of these colourful buildings date back to the diamond rush period of the early 20th century, when Namibia was a German colony.
18 March
At sea
19-21 March
South Africa: Cape Town
Cape Town is a magical, multicultural city where Africa meets a European-style cosmopolitan atmosphere, creating a vibrant melting pot of cultures and religions. With flat-topped Table Mountain soaring above the city, beautiful natural landscapes, and gardens within the city, you never feel far from nature here.
22 March
South Africa: Mossel Bay
The sunny city of Mossel Bay is on South Africa’s famous Garden Route, situated roughly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The city has a pleasant seafront promenade and there are some lovely beaches nearby, along with whale and dolphin watching hotspots and game reserves.
23 March
South Africa: Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is home to some nice beaches and a handful of interesting buildings, but it is perhaps not the most exciting city on the Sunshine Coast. There are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area, however, and we highly recommend a day trip to the fantastic Addo Elephant Park.
24 March
South Africa: East London
East London is not the most appealing city in South Africa, but it serves as the gateway to the fascinating and often neglected Eastern Cape region. To the west is the Sunshine Coast and the arid, semi-desert landscape of the Great Karoo, while to the east is the rugged and undeveloped Wild Coast.
25 March
South Africa: Durban
Durban is a real melting pot; not only does the city feel more authentically African than Cape Town, it’s also home to a large Indian community that lends the city a distinctly Asian flavour. The lovely waterfront promenade was revamped for the 2010 World Cup, and the beach is a popular destination for domestic tourists.
26 March
South Africa: Richards Bay
Richards Bay itself is an industrial city with little in the way of tourist sights, but the port serves as a gateway for the many attractions of KwaZulu-Natal province. Head inland and you’ll find traditional Zulu villages, undulating hills and wildlife including crocodiles, hippos and the rare black rhino.
27 March
Mozambique: Maputo
Mozambique’s laid back capital is an eclectic mix of elegant Portuguese colonial architecture and concrete blocks that hark back to the days of Soviet influence. Maputo also has an excellent selection of restaurants and a lively nightlife scene, as well as some interesting museums and markets.
28-29 March
At sea
30 March
Mozambique: Island of Mozambique
The densely populated Island of Mozambique was the capital of colonial Portuguese East Africa, and the island gave its name to the country when it gained independence. An impressive collection of historical buildings saw the island awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1991, and it’s a fascinating place to explore.
31 March
At sea
1-2 April
Tanzania: Zanzibar
The name Zanzibar evokes images of sultans and spice traders, an island of beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters criss-crossed by dhows. It’s also a great place for spotting wildlife, including dolphins, antelope and the rare red colobus monkey.
3-4 April
Kenya: Mombasa
Mombasa is a vibrant and colourful city of contrasts, and the gateway to some of the extraordinary national parks of East Africa, as well as being an appealing beach destination with some beautiful hotels.
5-6 April
At sea
7 April
Seychelles: Mahé
Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles, home to the diminutive capital, Victoria, and 90% of the country’s population. It’s the quintessential tropical paradise, a sun-drenched landscape of granite mountains, lush jungle and heavenly white sand beaches.
8 April
Seychelles: Praslin Island
The island of Praslin is home to some of the Seychelles’ top attractions, including the Vallée de Mai, a protected forest where you’ll see the rare coco de mer, a tree that produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower. The grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been compared to the Garden of Eden.
8 April
Seychelles: Mahé
Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles, home to the diminutive capital, Victoria, and 90% of the country’s population. It’s the quintessential tropical paradise, a sun-drenched landscape of granite mountains, lush jungle and heavenly white sand beaches.
8 April
Seychelles: La Digue
Lovely little La Digue is every inch the desert island idyll, and with less tourist development than Mahé or Praslin to impinge on your Robinson Crusoe fantasies. This is a place where many locals still get around by ox cart, and the beaches are some of the most beautiful in the Seychelles.
9-10 April
At sea
11-12 April
Maldives: Malé
The low-lying reef-protected atolls of the Maldives, set in the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, are the perfect place to relax and unwind. A great choice for a honeymoon or romantic getaway, the Maldives also appeal to active travellers who love watersports, snorkelling and diving.
13 April
At sea
14 April
Sri Lanka: Colombo
Colombo may be a little chaotic, but there is plenty to recommend Sri Lanka's colourful capital. Faded colonial architecture and beautiful Buddhist temples hint at the city's considerable history, while the excellent restaurants, lively bars and characterful streets provide the perfect introduction to contemporary Sri Lankan culture.
15 April
At sea
16 April
India: Goa
17-18 April
Arriving in Mumbai
We love Mumbai! Formerly known as Bombay, this amazing city is larger than life and packed to bursting with things to see and do. Here people of all religions and nationalities live cheek by jowl, thriving communities from all over the world with the foods, smells, languages and rituals maintained at top volume - here in Mumbai, everything really is turned up to 11! For many people, the seething rush of humanity is too much, and we quite understand why some tell us they will never go back. But we think you could return time and again, and never get to grips with this thriving city. Be prepared to be overwhelmed!
Our tip
Keep your hands clean, drink plenty of bottled water, be careful about what you eat and you’ll be absolutely fine. Oh, and keep an open mind.
Your home from home
Arguably one of the finest ships at sea returned to the ultra-luxury cruise sector in 2023, newly refurbished and enhanced.
What we love
Following extensive refurbishment, Crystal Serenity has emerged reinvigorated with contemporary, spacious accommodations and an industry-leading space to guest ratio. The array of social areas, wide-ranging entertainment and world-class dining options deliver the ultimate in luxury cruising.
Capacity | 740 Guests |
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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 |
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Tailor-make your trip
Our favourite hotel in Rio
We like the Belmond Copacabana Palace – go for the upper floor suites for great views over the ocean.
Take a private tour around Mumbai
Get a guide to take you away from the tourist hotspots, exploring instead the many different communities and markets, for a taste of the real Mumbai. We thought the Fishing Slum was a wonderful place.