Cruise Description

51 Night World Cruise sector sailing from Cape Town to Barcelona aboard Crystal Serenity.

This epic 51-night Grand Journey from Cape Town to Barcelona is brimming with diverse wonders. Beginning with the savannah-strewn landscapes of South Africa, you’ll sail on to relish overnights in the exotic paradises of Zanzibar and Mombasa. Dive into the turquoise allure of the Seychelles and the Maldives next, then experience the vibrant tapestry of India, including an overnight in Mumbai. Venture on through the Middle East, discovering the ancient wonders of Petra and the Pyramids. Sail on to the cultural riches of Athens, the scenic beauty of Sicily, and Italy's coastal allure, culminating in Barcelona's whimsical grandeur.

Highlights of this cruise:

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.

Durban
Carressed by the deep blue of the India Ocean, Durban, South Africa’s third largest city is renowned for its vast, golden beaches. In fact, the city’s bustling seaside promenade, filled with hotels, restaurants, and street vendors is known as the Golden Mile, and is where the city's rich multicultural heritage comes alive in its diverse cuisine, markets, and festivals. For a unique perspective of Durban, hop into a three-wheeled “tuk-tuk,” taking in the historical buildings in the city center, as well as public parks and manicured gardens. Stop at the famous Victoria Street Indian Market, where you can visit temples, do some shopping, and sample some local delicacies, including a famous curry, a legacy of the Indian community in Durban.

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.

Male
A tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, Male is a treasure trove of pristine beaches, colorful coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. A tiny dot of land covering an area of approximately one square mile, the island of Malé (pronounced "maaley") is among the largest of the miniscule coral islets of the Maldives, the country's political, business and cultural center. Sugar-white beaches are sanctuary to countless sea birds, while coral reefs host an endless variety of exotic fish and marine life.

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.

Safaga
Delve into the world of ancient Egypt in Luxor, a treasure trove of historically significant temples, tombs and monuments located on the east bank of the Nile. On the Red Sea coast, this small city offers beautiful beaches and glorious weather, even snorkeling and diving among the offshore reefs. More intriguingly, it serves as the gateway to Luxor on the west bank of the Nile River, where the Valley of the Kings reveals the elaborate tombs and underground mausoleums of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun and Ramses II.

Rome
Discover the charming port town of Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome and the treasures of the Eternal City. Venture through Civitavecchia, noted for its fine seafood and beautiful monuments. Then, travel to Rome, with more than 2,500 years of history and ancient landmarks that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Barcelona
Barcelona is a vibrant city on the northeastern coast of Spain known for its stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Barcelona’s seaside beauty, sprawling beaches, eclectic architecture, world-class tapas and Tempranillo are all reasons to fall in love with the city of Gaudí. Indeed, the treasures here are many and diverse, captivating travelers and experts alike. In fact, nine important sites in the city, seven designed by the famed architect himself, have earned the acclaim of UNESCO.