Cruise Description

44 Night Cruise sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai aboard Crystal Serenity.

Enjoy a riot of color, charisma, and happy cacophony on this cruise. Start by immersing in the vibrant rhythms of Rio’s famous Carnival before enjoying plenty of serene sea days. Stop in remote St. Helena en route to Namibia, where you’ll overnight in beautiful Walvis Bay. Sail on to the captivating city of Cape Town before espousing the scenic coasts of South Africa, sailing east. Immerse yourself in the heady aromas of Zanzibar, aka the spice isle, then sail on to the white sandy beaches of Mombasa, the Seychelles, and the Maldives. Continue the voyage to Sri Lanka, culminating in India's vibrant and diverse treasures.

Highlights of this cruise:

Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is one of those rare locales that needs to be experienced in order to understand the spell it casts on all who visit its shores. Rio is Brazil's vibrant metropolis, captivating everyone with its electrifying energy and striking natural beauty. Nestled between lush mountains and sparkling beaches, the city boasts iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Samba rhythms infuse the air during the world-famous Carnaval, while the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches draw sun-seekers year-round. The city's infectious joie de vivre is matched by its warm and welcoming Carioca culture. Whether exploring historic neighborhoods like Santa Teresa or reveling in the colors of the Escadaria Selarón, Rio de Janeiro entices with its fusion of history, passion, and tropical allure. Little wonder that the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its food, music, scenery, and inimitable energy and spirit all combine to make Rio de Janeiro an unquestionable bucket list destination.

St Helena
What Saint Helena lacks in size, it more than makes up for with history. Famous for being the final exile place of Napoleon Bonaparte (he died here in 1821),the island boasts lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and a rich maritime history. Isolated from the world, St. Helena offers a unique opportunity for adventure, with hiking trails, diving, and wildlife encounters. The island’s capital, Jamestown, nestled between two towering cliffs, retains the charm of a small English village, albeit one that just happens to reside in the tropics. Here, you’ll discover some of the best examples of British Georgian Era Colonial architecture. For the more adventurous, there’s the 699-step Jacob’s Ladder. The reward for climbing the ladder (and your bravery) are views that defy description.

Walvis Bay
Situated on the edge of the Namib desert, north of the Tropic of Capricorn in the Kuiseb River delta, Walvis Bay is one of Africa's most exciting destinations. It has a history spanning centuries - it was first “discovered” by the explorer Bartholomeus Diaz in 1487; the Cape Dutch, "founded" it in 1793; and in 1840, Great Britain annexed Walvis Bay and a small area surrounding the territory to ensure the safe passage of British ships around the Cape. The many layers of colonial influence have, of course, left their mark, and a short stroll around the city will see you looking at remnants of the town's history in the facades of old trading posts, maritime-related structures, and charming cottages. The real showstopper, however, is Dune 7—a colossal sand dune that beckons adventurers to conquer its heights of 1,250 feet or 380 meters. For those who climb the towering mountain of sand, your efforts will not be in vain: the desert panorama spreads before you when you reach the summit, leaving you both literally and metaphorically breathless. But Walvis Bay's allure doesn't stop there. Its lagoon shimmers with a flamboyance of flamingos, the salt pans glisten like scattered diamonds, and playful dolphins dance in the Atlantic's embrace. Take a boat trip to view the wildlife in its natural habitat.

Cape Town
While it might sound like hyperbole, the southernmost tip of Africa truly is one of the most stunning parts of the world with spectacular scenery, sweeping beaches, two oceans, and enough attractions to make even the most jaded of traveler blissfully happy. The city sits at the foot of Table Mountain which dominates the entire region. Part of a national park, the mountain features several hiking trails and even cable cars to take you to the summit where an unforgettable view awaits. If you prefer to keepcloser to the sea, then head to the V&A Waterfront. Named after England’s Queen Victoria and her son, Prince Alfred, the waterfront is where you'll find lots of shops, a food and craft market featuring lots of local good, and even an aquarium.

Maputo
Maputo is the capital and largest city of Mozambique, located in the southern part of the country along the Indian Ocean coastline. With its Mediterranean-style architecture, lush, tropical foliage, and stunning waterside locale, it’s easy to understand why this city consistently ranks as one of East Africa’s prettiest capitals. The heart of the city is the always bustling baixa (old town). Stop at one of the many sidewalk cafés, sit in the shade, and watch a vibrant parade of locals go about their day. Stroll the seaside Avenida Marginal, where you’ll find new development and a more relaxed pace or visit the railway station at Praca de Trabalhadores, which was designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel. While the city has a rich history influenced by various cultures, including Portuguese colonial rule, do not miss a chance to venture beyond the town: Maputo is a gateway to the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Mozambique, making it a captivating destination for travelers exploring the southeastern part of Africa.

Zanzibar
Both exotic and chaotic, Zanzibar is a destination that has been feeling on wanderlust wishlists for years. The town heaves with its sombre past - Zanziabar is known as being the last place where the horrific Slave Markets took place. Located in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a visit to this historical site is a powerful experience that serves as a testament to the resilience of those who suffered and a reminder of the need for empathy and human rights. Today, the site has been transformed into a memorial and museum, where visitors can pay tribute to the countless lives affected by this tragedy. Beyond its historical significance, Zanzibar entices with dazzling beaches and turquoise waters. Snorkelers and divers explore vibrant coral reefs, while spice tours evoke its fragrant legacy.

Mombasa
As a result of being a trading hub for hundreds of years, enchanting Mombasa is a vibrant coastal city boasting a unique blend of Indian, Arabian, and African cultures. The city's diverse culture is reflected in its cuisine, music, and traditions. Swahili culture plays a significant role in shaping the city's identity, and visitors can experience its vibrant street markets, art galleries, and traditional music and dance. Take a trip to the the Old Town, the most exotic part of Mombasa. Along its narrow, cobblestone streets you’ll find many mosques; you might even hear the haunting sound of the faithful being called to prayer. On the pier, vendors offer a variety of arts and crafts like Zanzibar-styled chests and carved soapstone. A swatch of the vividly printed African fabrics worn by local women are also popular keepsakes. Beyond the city, Mombasa serves as a gateway to popular tourist destinations like Diani Beach, Tsavo National Park, and the Kenyan coast's stunning marine life.

Mahe
Mahe is the largest and main island of the Seychelles, boasting a captivating blend of world-famous stunning beaches, psychedelic marine life, lush mountains, and vibrant culture. Home to the capital city Victoria, as well as 90% of the population, Mahe offers a mix of modern amenities and natural wonders. If your prefer to spend your day exploring rather than relaxing, try some of the land-based points of interest including the vibrant Victoria Market, where you’ll find a bounty of fish from local waters, as well as tropical fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts. Plant and flower lovers will find the Botanical Gardens worth their time, where you can view several endemic species of flora. Explore botanical gardens, savor delicious Creole cuisine, and embark on hiking trails to discover hidden waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints. With its warm climate and welcoming ambiance, Mahe is a tropical paradise where relaxation and adventure seamlessly merge.

Colombo
Known for its lively local culture, Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital, combines tropical landscapes with an unforgettable cosmopolitan vibe. Sri Lanka’s capital until recent times, this fascinating city is filled with an intriguing blend of cosmopolitan buildings and ancient temples. A key stop on the spice routes, Portuguese, Dutch, and British trading companies left behind churches, monuments and religions, as well as smatterings of their languages that have been incorporated into the speech and daily routine of the local Sri Lankans.

Mumbai
Explore Mumbai, the home of Bollywood and the dizzying commercial capital of India. Known as the city of dreams, Mumbai offers exhilarating experiences. Formerly known as Bombay, this city of temples where Mahatma Gandhi once lived, is home to extraordinary UNESCO treasures including the Elephanta and Ellora Caves, Agra Fort, and the Red Fort Complex. Overland journeys may be arranged to the exquisite Taj Mahal and the 2019-inscribed Jaipur Rajasthan, known also as the Pink City and revered for its colonnaded City Palace complex with royal gardens and courtyards.