Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden’s capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm’s 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory.
Stockholm is a city in the flush of its second youth. Since the mid-1990s, Sweden’s capital has emerged from its cold, Nordic shadow to take the stage as a truly international city. What started with entry into the European Union in 1995 gained pace with the extraordinary IT boom of the late 1990s, strengthened with the Skype-led IT second wave of 2003, and solidified with the hedge-fund invasion that is still happening today as Stockholm gains even more global confidence. And despite more recent economic turmoil, Stockholm’s 1 million or so inhabitants have, almost as one, realized that their city is one to rival Paris, London, New York, or any other great metropolis.With this realization comes change. Stockholm has become a city of design, fashion, innovation, technology, and world-class food, pairing homegrown talent with an international outlook. The streets are flowing with a young and confident population keen to drink in everything the city has to offer. The glittering feeling of optimism, success, and living in the here and now is rampant in Stockholm.Stockholm also has plenty of history. Positioned where the waters of Lake Mälaren rush into the Baltic, it’s been an important trading site and a wealthy international city for centuries. Built on 14 islands joined by bridges crossing open bays and narrow channels, Stockholm boasts the story of its history in its glorious medieval old town, grand palaces, ancient churches, sturdy edifices, public parks, and 19th-century museums—its history is soaked into the very fabric of its airy boulevards, built as a public display of trading glory.
A city of the sea, Helsinki was built along a series of oddly shaped peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic coast along the Gulf of Finland. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges reach to nearby islands, and ferries ply among offshore islands.Having grown dramatically since World War II, Helsinki now absorbs more than one-tenth of the Finnish population. The metro area covers 764 square km (474 square miles) and 315 islands. Most sights, hotels, and restaurants cluster on one peninsula, forming a compact central hub. The greater Helsinki metropolitan area, which includes Espoo and Vantaa, has a total population of more than a million people.Helsinki is a relatively young city compared with other European capitals. In the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden decided to woo trade from the Estonian city of Tallinn and thus challenge the Hanseatic League’s monopoly on Baltic trade. Accordingly, he commanded the people of four Finnish towns to pack up their belongings and relocate to the rapids on the River Vantaa. The new town, founded on June 12, 1550, was named Helsinki.For three centuries, Helsinki (Helsingfors in Swedish) had its ups and downs as a trading town. Turku, to the west, remained Finland’s capital and intellectual center. However, Helsinki’s fortunes improved when Finland fell under Russian rule as an autonomous grand duchy. Czar Alexander I wanted Finland’s political center closer to Russia and, in 1812, selected Helsinki as the new capital. Shortly afterward, Turku suffered a disastrous fire, forcing the university to move to Helsinki. The town’s future was secure.Just before the czar’s proclamation, a fire destroyed many of Helsinki’s traditional wooden structures, precipitating the construction of new buildings suitable for a nation’s capital. The German-born architect Carl Ludvig Engel was commissioned to rebuild the city, and as a result, Helsinki has some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. Add to this foundation the influence of Stockholm and St. Petersburg with the local inspiration of 20th-century Finnish design, and the result is a European capital city that is as architecturally eye-catching as it is distinct from other Scandinavian capitals. You are bound to discover endless engaging details—a grimacing gargoyle; a foursome of males supporting a balcony’s weight on their shoulders; a building painted in striking colors with contrasting flowers in the windows. The city’s 400 or so parks make it particularly inviting in summer.Today, Helsinki is still a meeting point of eastern and western Europe, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan image, the influx of Russians and Estonians, and generally multilingual population. Outdoor summer bars (“terrassit” as the locals call them) and cafés in the city center are perfect for people watching on a summer afternoon.
Estonia’s history is sprinkled liberally with long stretches of foreign domination, beginning in 1219 with the Danes, followed without interruption by the Germans, Swedes, and Russians. Only after World War I, with Russia in revolutionary wreckage, was Estonia able to declare its independence. Shortly before World War II, in 1940, that independence was usurped by the Soviets, who—save for a brief three-year occupation by Hitler’s Nazis—proceeded to suppress all forms of national Estonian pride for the next 50 years. Estonia finally regained independence in 1991. In the early 1990s, Estonia’s own Riigikogu (Parliament), not some other nation’s puppet ruler, handed down from the Upper City reforms that forced Estonia to blaze its post-Soviet trail to the European Union. Estonia has been a member of the EU since 2004, and in 2011, the country and its growing economy joined the Eurozone. Tallinn was also named the European City of Culture in 2011, cementing its growing reputation as a cultural hot spot.
Gotland is Sweden’s main holiday island, a place of ancient history, a relaxed summer-party vibe, wide sandy beaches, and wild cliff formations called raukar (the remnants of reefs formed more than 400 million years ago). Measuring 125 km (78 miles) long and 52 km (32 miles) at its widest point, Gotland is where Swedish sheep farming has its home. In its charming glades, 35 varieties of wild orchids thrive, attracting botanists from all over the world.
Rīga has an upscale, big-city feel unmatched in the region. The capital (almost as large as Tallinn and Vilnius combined) is the business center of the area while original, high-quality restaurants and hotels have earned Rīga some bragging rights among its Western European counterparts. The city also doesn’t lack for beauty—Rīga’s Old Town (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) is one of Europe’s most striking examples of the art nouveau architectural style. Long avenues of complex and sometimes whimsical Jugendstil facades hint at Rīga’s grand past. Many were designed by Mikhail Eisenstein, the father of Soviet director Sergei. This style dominates the city center. In many ways, the wonder of Rīga resides less in its individual attractions and more in the fabric of the town itself. In the medieval Old Town, an ornate gable or architrave catches the eye at every turn. The somber and the flamboyant are both represented in this quarter’s 1,000 years of architectural history. Don’t hesitate to just follow where your desire leads—the Old Town is compact and bounded by canals, so it’s difficult to get totally lost. When the Old Town eventually became too crowded, the city burst out into the newer inner suburbs. The rich could afford to leave and build themselves fine fashionable mansions in the style of the day; consequently, city planners created a whole new Rīga. Across the narrow canal, you’ll find the Esplanāde, a vast expanse of parkland with formal gardens and period mansions where the well-heeled stroll and play. Surrounding this is the art nouveau district. Encompassing avenues of splendid family homes (now spruced up in the postcommunist era), the collection has been praised by UNESCO as Europe’s finest in the art nouveau style. The best examples are at Alberta 2, 2a, 4, 6, 8, and 13; Elizabetes 10b; and Strēlnieku 4a. If the weather permits, eschew public transport and stroll between the two districts, taking in the varied skylines and multifaceted facades, and perhaps stopping at a café or two as you go. The city has churches in five Christian denominations and more than 50 museums, many of which cater to eclectic or specialist tastes.
By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.
By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.
By the 11th century, Copenhagen was already an important trading and fishing centre and today you will find an attractive city which, although the largest in Scandinavia, has managed to retain its low-level skyline. Discover some of the famous attractions including Gefion Fountain and Amalienborg Palace, perhaps cruise the city’s waterways, visit Rosenborg Castle or explore the medieval fishing village of Dragoer. Once the home of Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen features many reminders of its fairytale heritage and lives up to the reputation immortalised in the famous song ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’.
Nicknamed “Sommerbyen” (“Summer City”), Norway’s fifth-largest city has 78,000 inhabitants. Norwegians come here for its sun-soaked beaches and beautiful harbor. Kristiansand has also become known internationally for the outdoor Quart Festival, which hosts local and international rock bands every July. According to legend, in 1641 King Christian IV marked the four corners of Kristiansand with his walking stick, and within that framework the grid of wide streets was laid down. The center of town, called the Kvadraturen, still retains the grid, even after numerous fires. In the northeast corner is Posebyen, one of northern Europe’s largest collections of low, connected wooden house settlements, and there’s a market here every Saturday in summer. Kristiansand’s Fisketorvet (fish market) is near the south corner of the town’s grid, right on the sea.
In bustling Kirkwall, the main town on Orkney, there’s plenty to see in the narrow, winding streets extending from the harbor. The cathedral and some museums are highlights.
Founded by Dutch fishermen in the 17th century, Lerwick today is a busy town and administrative center. Handsome stone buildings—known as lodberries—line the harbor; they provided loading bays for goods, some of them illegal. The town’s twisting flagstone lanes and harbor once heaved with activity, and Lerwick is still an active port today. This is also where most visitors to Shetland dock, spilling out of cruise ships, allowing passengers to walk around the town.
More than 600 miles (nearly 1,000 kilometres) from Denmark’s west coast lie the Faroes, a triangle of eighteen windswept islands, seventeen of which are inhabited. Only 48,500 people plus some 70,000 sheep roam these remote lands. Much of the islands’ heritage reflects a medieval past, beginning with the arrival of farmers from western Norway who settled here in the 9th century. Evidence of this Scandinavian heritage is preserved through centuries of isolation; ancient structures can still be seen in villages clustered around old churches. Sheer cliffs and waterfalls carve Streymoy, the largest of the islands, where Torshavn is one of the world’s smallest capitals with about 12,400 inhabitants, plus another 5,000 living in the suburbs of Argir and Hoyvik. Visitors find interesting museums, churches, monuments and all the amenities of a modern town and thriving harbour here. The world’s oldest, still active parliament was founded in the Viking age. Today, it houses the main offices of the local government. Many of the attractions are found outside of Torshavn in the rugged beauty of Streymoy. There are fields with grazing ponies and sheep, tiny hamlets where residents live in half-timbered houses topped by green grass roofs, and dramatic rock formations. Birds by the thousands populate the craggy seaside cliffs, which make an ideal stopover for migratory gannets, guillemots and puffins. The Faroes’ climate is generally wet and windy. Because of the Gulf Stream, the temperature is a good deal more moderate than the latitude might imply; it also helps to keep Faroe harbours ice-free year-round.
Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation’s nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island’s population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík’s name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there’s no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city’s seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.
Two colossal terraces of sheer rock stand either side of this extraordinarily located town – which rides a jutting spit onto an immensity of black fjord water. Surprisingly, considering the remoteness of its location and its compact size, Isafjordur is a modern and lively place to visit, offering a great choice of cafes and delicious restaurants – which are well stocked to impress visitors. The town is a perfectly located base for adventures amongst Iceland’s fantastic wilderness – with skiing, hiking and water-sports popular pursuits among visitors.
Akureyri, called the Capital of the North is the second largest urban area in Iceland, and a lively one at that. Hemmed by the 60-km (37-mile) long Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is sheltered from the ocean winds and embraced by mountains on three sides. Late 19th-century wooden houses impart a sense of history, and the twin spires of a modern Lutheran church rising on a green hill near the waterfront, provide a focal point. To the south of Akureyri is the pyramid-shape rhyolite mountain Súlur. Beyond it is Kerling, the highest peak in Eyjafjörður District.
Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.
Longyearbyen is the biggest settlement in Svalbard. Seat of the Norwegian administration, it also has the best services and infrastructure in the archipelago. Located deep in the Adventfjord, a sidearm of the Isfjorden (Icefjord), Longyearbyen’s airport can be used all-year round, but its harbor is blocked by ice in winter. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and a hospital are within easy walking distance of the port. One of the most prominent buildings in town is the UNIS center, where several Norwegian universities have joined forces to operate and offer the northernmost higher education to both Norwegian and international students. Adjacent to UNIS, and well worth a visit, is the Svalbard Museum, covering the natural history and exploitation of Svalbard. Remnants of the former mining activity can be seen all around Longyearbyen and even in town.
Searching in 1553 for a northeast passage to India, British navigator Richard Chancellor came upon a crag 307 yards above the Barents Sea. He named the jut of rock North Cape, or Nordkapp. Today Europe’s northernmost point is a rite-of-passage journey for nearly all Scandinavians and many others. Most cruise passengers visit Nordkapp from Honningsvåg, a fishing village on Magerøya Island. The journey from Honningsvåg to Nordkapp covers about 35 km (22 miles) across a landscape characterized by rocky tundra and grazing reindeer, which are rounded up each spring by Sami herdsmen in boats. The herdsmen herd the reindeer across a mile-wide channel from their winter home on the mainland. Honningvåg’s northerly location makes for long, dark winter nights and perpetually sun-filled summer days. The village serves as the gateway to Arctic exploration and the beautiful Nordkapp Plateau, a destination that calls to all visitors of this region. Most of those who journey to Nordkapp (North Cape), the northernmost tip of Europe, are in it for a taste of this unique, otherworldly, rugged yet delicate landscape. You’ll see an incredible treeless tundra, with crumbling mountains and sparse dwarf plants. The subarctic environment is very vulnerable, so don’t disturb the plants. Walk only on marked trails and don’t remove stones, leave car marks, or make campfires. Because the roads are closed in winter, the only access is from the tiny fishing village of Skarsvåg via Sno-Cat, a thump-and-bump ride that’s as unforgettable as the desolate view.
Blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway (and goodness only know that this is land blessed with rolling hills, soaring peaks, valleys, tranquil fjords and white sandy beaches, so the competition is high!), Leknes is what Norway is meant to be. Pretty red houses lay dotted on the green covered hills, and the midnight sun is rises above the horizon from 26th May to 17th July, (while in winter the sun does not rise from 9th December to 4th January). Part of the stunning Lofoten islands, this pretty port offers much in the way of recreation, although understandably most of this is outdoor based. Take a boat ride around the archipelago, try your hand at some deep sea fishing, or simply stroll thought the city centre, perhaps rent a bicycle and discover the hinterland at your own pace. Bikes can be easily rented and note that hybrid and electric bikes are a great option for those who might be a bit out of practice with their pedal power. Gastronomes with a sweet tooth will be rewarded with one simple pleasure: a fresh-from-the-oven skillingsbolle – or big, fluffy cinnamon rolls, fit for indulging in if all the fresh air has made you hungry! Look out for the quirky coffee shops, settle down for some Norwegian kos, say takk for maten and enjoy!
Surrounded by mountains and sparkling fjords, the waterside city of Bergen has a spectacular setting. There has been a settlement here since medieval times and the colourful waterfront buildings of the Hanseatic wharf, known as Bryggen, are testament to its fascinating history of trade. As Norway’s best known medieval settlement, the Bryggen is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Our comprehensive selection of excursions allows you to discover the many sides of Bergen, such as the fish market and narrow cobbled streets, as well as stunning views of the city from the summit of Mt Fløyen. Alternatively, those who have visited the city previously may like to experience one of the tours that travel further afield. Just 300 yards from the main piers, you will find the Fortress Museum (Fesningsmuseum), which has an interesting collection of objects related to World War II.
Oslo is the capital of Norway and is also its largest city, situated at the head of Oslo Fjord and surrounded by hills and forests. Home to some 50 museums and full of galleries, cafés, a sculpture park and the Royal Palace, this vibrant city with its handsome 19th-century buildings and wide streets has much to offer. Its history dates back 1,000 years, and includes a rich seafaring heritage that ranges from the Viking era to Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon Tiki expedition. Discover more about this exciting city on our varied selection of excursions.
Nicknamed “Sommerbyen” (“Summer City”), Norway’s fifth-largest city has 78,000 inhabitants. Norwegians come here for its sun-soaked beaches and beautiful harbor. Kristiansand has also become known internationally for the outdoor Quart Festival, which hosts local and international rock bands every July. According to legend, in 1641 King Christian IV marked the four corners of Kristiansand with his walking stick, and within that framework the grid of wide streets was laid down. The center of town, called the Kvadraturen, still retains the grid, even after numerous fires. In the northeast corner is Posebyen, one of northern Europe’s largest collections of low, connected wooden house settlements, and there’s a market here every Saturday in summer. Kristiansand’s Fisketorvet (fish market) is near the south corner of the town’s grid, right on the sea.
North Holland’s ‘Gate to the North Sea’, IJmuiden has four harbours: the Vissershaven, Haringhaven, IJmondhaven and the Seaport Marina – the latter used by pleasure craft. It is the largest Dutch fishing port, but is a relatively young town: it grew up in the 1870s when the North Sea Canal was opened. During World War II, the German Navy demolished much of the town and built huge fortified concrete bunkers for their torpedo boats and submarines. After 1945, the town was rebuilt by the architect Willem Marinus Dudok. He designed IJmuiden’s most impressive building, the Stadhuis van Velsen, which houses local government offices. For cruise passengers IJmuiden is the gateway to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital and one of Europe’s truly great cities, where elegant canals are lined by old brick gabled houses, and superb art galleries and museums are home to some of the world’s best-known paintings. Please note that complimentary shuttle buses operate from the port to the centre of IJmuiden, not to Amsterdam.
North Holland’s ‘Gate to the North Sea’, IJmuiden has four harbours: the Vissershaven, Haringhaven, IJmondhaven and the Seaport Marina – the latter used by pleasure craft. It is the largest Dutch fishing port, but is a relatively young town: it grew up in the 1870s when the North Sea Canal was opened. During World War II, the German Navy demolished much of the town and built huge fortified concrete bunkers for their torpedo boats and submarines. After 1945, the town was rebuilt by the architect Willem Marinus Dudok. He designed IJmuiden’s most impressive building, the Stadhuis van Velsen, which houses local government offices. For cruise passengers IJmuiden is the gateway to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital and one of Europe’s truly great cities, where elegant canals are lined by old brick gabled houses, and superb art galleries and museums are home to some of the world’s best-known paintings. Please note that complimentary shuttle buses operate from the port to the centre of IJmuiden, not to Amsterdam.
Known as the gateway of England, Dover welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe each year in its role as the ferry capital of the world and the second busiest cruise port in the UK. The White Cliffs Country has a rich heritage. Within the walls of the town’s iconic castle, over 2,000 years of history waits to be explored, whilst the town’s museum is home to the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world’s oldest known seagoing vessel. The town’s cliffs that are a welcome sight for today’s cross-channel travellers also served as the control centre for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
Known as the gateway of England, Dover welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe each year in its role as the ferry capital of the world and the second busiest cruise port in the UK. The White Cliffs Country has a rich heritage. Within the walls of the town’s iconic castle, over 2,000 years of history waits to be explored, whilst the town’s museum is home to the Dover Bronze Age Boat, the world’s oldest known seagoing vessel. The town’s cliffs that are a welcome sight for today’s cross-channel travellers also served as the control centre for the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940.
Best known as the port from which Sir Francis Drake and the port which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from, Plymouth is awash with history. Walk down its cobbled streets, step back in time and discover the historical landmarks and sites.
Cork City’s nearby harbor district has seen plenty of history. Cork Harbour’s draws include Fota Island—with an arboretum, a wildlife park, and the Fota House ancestral estate—and the fishing port of Cobh.
From world-class attractions and sports to legendary music, Liverpool offers old-world charm with modern sophistication, underpinned by a rich cultural history.
Our largest suite, with expansive living areas, a private veranda, sumptuous finishings and attentive butler service.
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24 hour in-suite dining
AMENITIES
Redesigned in 2023, this large suite includes spacious rooms with separate dining and living areas, looking onto a private veranda, and accompanied by attentive butler service. Includes complimentary laundry.
DETAILS
SERVICES
AMENITIES
Spacious suite, with living area, elegant finishings and private veranda, accompanied by attentive butler service. Sapphire suites are available to book in new and classic design. Includes complimentary laundry.
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AMENITIES
Suite offering comfortable living area, private veranda and perfect for grand yet intimate moments, accompanied by attentive butler service. Aquamarine suites are available to book in new and classic design.
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Contemporary classic bedroom redesigned in 2023, with butler service and comfortable seating constellations opening onto a private veranda.
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Contemporary classic bedroom redesigned in 2023, with butler service and impressive windows onto ocean views.
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SERVICES
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Cozy bedroom redesigned in 2023, with welcoming and comfortable detailing, butler service and ocean views.
DETAILS
SERVICES
AMENITIES
The main dining room, features open seating as well as tables for two and four guests. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No reservations are required.
Created by legendary Master Chef Nobuyki (Nobu) Matusuhisa, Umi Uma is an innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant inspired by the rich culture of Japanese cuisine and Peruvian ingredients. Reservations required and limited per sailing
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
The most exciting flavors from the global street-food scene – Beef, Reef and Leaf – are fashioned from the freshest ingredients by creative chefs and served for sharing in stylish surroundings.
Beefbar’s curated menu features prime cuts from renowned regions, including Wagyu from Australia, Black Angus from the United States and and the flavorful Kobe beef from Japan. Each cut is meticulously chosen for its quality and flavor profile, ensuring a unique dining experience for every meat lover. Join us at sea to savor the finest beef, prepared with expert craftsmanship and served the Beefbar way, onboard Crystal’s ships.
Open for lunch & dinner (reservations required in the evening), everyday
Our pool restaurant featuring favorite classics such as Burgers, melts, salads and quick snacks for an indulgent poolside snack.
Fine Italian cuisine, featuring original menus and dishes created by talented Crystal chefs. Reservations required and limited per sailing.
All inclusive – however its one complimentary reservation in each specialty restaurant (Umi Uma and Osteria) is included on sailings of 11 days or less, two reservations on sailings between 12 and 22 days, three reservations on sailings 23 days or more, and unlimited reservations for all full World Cruise guests”. However guests can pay to dine outside of their allowance at £50 pp which is great value for these 2 specialist restaurants
Parisian-inspired café and coffee bar with light snacks such as fresh pastries, bagels and fruit in the morning and a selection of international cheeses, pâtés, prosciutto, smoked salmon and dessert delicacies through late afternoon.
The Vintage Room offers guided pairings and dinners highlighting the vast selection of wines in the ship’s onboard cellar. This intimate, innovative concept offers guests an education in fine wine and cuisine, allowing them to gain privileged insights into the art of enology. In addition to daytime tastings and discussions, guests may enjoy a variety of private wine-themed lunches and dinners by special arrangement with the Head Sommelier.
A sumptuous ice cream bar featuring fresh toppings and homemade cookies, with frozen yoghurt accompanying classics from Ben & Jerry’s.
Buffet style dining wrapped in floor to ceiling windows and a chic open air dining area. This venue offers breakfast and lunch with a variety of choices from appetizers to desserts. Itinerary driven food selections keep the menu’s fresh, while carving stations and individual a la minute cooking add a dynamic element. Open seating.
Dine in the comfort of your own suite, 24 hours a day. Savor the extensive selection of delicious dishes from Waterside’s menu. Guests staying in the Crystal Penthouse can also enjoy in-suite dining from our specialty restaurants, during opening hours.Service includes afternoon snacks and our Connoisseur Caviar Menu, for a epicurean treat (for an additional charge).
More information coming soon.
Visit the Shore Excursions desk to learn about our unique on shore experiences. Each experience is created in partnership with our sister company, A&K Travel.
Bridging shoreside discovery with onboard elegance — the lauded Crystal experience was voted #1 in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, and the very best for food, service, nightlife and romance in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards — both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will offer extended seasons throughout the Mediterranean and Europe. Crystal Symphony will spend the entire year sailing abroad, exploring places from Vietnam, Cambodia, and India to destinations including Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Egypt. Crystal Serenity will also navigate the shores of North America, with routes revealing treasures from Canada to the Caribbean.
Enjoy lectures and enriching experiences in this intimate classroom setting.
Le Casino de Monte-Carlo is offering a new and unique experience onboard. Place your bets on table games with the unique savoir-faire of Monaco’s world-famous casino or get excited to a dynamic range of slots to hit the jackpot. An ultimate way to embrace the thrill of the game in an elegant atmosphere adorned in the hues of the historical building.
An ideal refreshment stop any time of the day, and the perfect place to meet friends for a pre-dinner cocktail. Enjoy a variety of musical styles as the day turns into night.
A well-stocked library containing over 2,000 books on a range of subjects from classics to popular biographies, history to contemporary mysteries. Plus enjoy an ample selection of magazines and board games perfect for poolside reading
Featuring large sky lights, floor-to-ceiling windows and a fabulous 270-degree forward view, this venue is perfect for afternoon tea, social gatherings and dancing.
Our lap pool with plenty of surrounding deck space to sunbathe, relax and read while enjoying a cool drink in the afternoon.
Heighten the experience on board with a selection of fine jewelry, watches and cruise wear available in our arcade, alongside designer apparel. Make the most of being at sea with a selection of duty free items available.
On selected evenings before and after dinner, this entertainment lounge features dancing, production spot shows, cabaret performances and other themed events. Additionally, on select nights, Stardust will open the doors for Supper Club for up to 116 guests to enjoy an evening show where they can dine and dance at the same time. Supper Club is by reservations only.
An intimate lounge for a late-night drink, dancing or a place to let loose with karaoke.
Performances are the focal point here, with appearances by fantastic Broadway-style performers and headline entertainers. Drink service provided before each show.
The ship’s sleek cinema for recent-released movies, live sport events, guest lectures and religious services.
An elegant space to indulge in the finest cigars and cognacs.
Our innovative Computer lab onboard led by a team of tech experts.
Crystal Plaza can be found on Deck 5.
Signature piano bar with an intimate ambience. The perfect setting for a cocktail before and after dinner.
The Bridge Lounge can be found on Deck 7.
The Reception can be found on Deck 5.
More information coming soon.
Our spa offers a wide range of health and beauty services for ladies and gentlemen. There is a complete sauna and steam room facilities, as well as a variety of treatments, including aromatherapy, aqua meditation, exfoliation, reflexology and Swedish massage. Treatments are by appointment only.
Our 3,000+ square-foot Fitness Center, Weight Room and Aerobics Studio feature an extensive line of professional weights and Technogym® exercise equipment, along with panoramic views. We also offer Wellness program with classes in yoga, mat pilates and spinning classes. Our ships’ full-time Fitness Director offers fitness advice and a variety of stretch and aerobic instruction.
Hit the full-sized paddle tennis and pickle ball court for a friendly game. Crystal Serenity has two courts available.
Practice your golf-game with the expert coaching of our qualified PGA golf pro (available on most cruises). TaylorMade® clubs are available from the sports director or golf pro, and for personal use in port, you can head to the concierge desk to rent a set of clubs.
Challenge a friend to a fun game of ping-pong on one of our tennis tables.
Specialized fun for junior cruisers.
Guests with limited mobility should ideally be able to navigate the ship independently. Alternatively, they may opt to travel with a companion who can provide assistance if needed.
Service animals will be permitted on select voyages. Animals that are not trained to do work or perform tasks are not considered to be service animals. Emotional support animals, which provide emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship to an individual with disabilities but are not trained to do work or perform tasks, are not considered to be service animals. Pets and other animals who are not service animals are not allowed on board.
For more details, please contact obgs@crystalcruises.com
At Crystal, we recognise that some of our guests smoke and others do not. While most areas of the ship are non-smoking, there will be designated smoking areas throughout. Please note that pipe and cigar smoking is only allowed in the Connoisseurs Club and all suites/guest rooms are non-smoking, including on the verandas.
At Crystal, we want guests to feel confident and relaxed throughout their stay, so we have compiled the following guide to the different dress codes on board. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 1.888.617.0110 or +1.786.464.4420.
Day Casual
A less formal look allows guests to feel comfortable during the day; Day Casual attire may be worn everywhere, including our restaurants, until 18:00.
Suggestions for a Day Casual look:
Women
Men
NOTE: Swimwear on its own, wet swimwear, revealing clothing, bathrobes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, and clothes bearing any offensive messaging are not permitted. Covered swimsuits may only be worn at Trident Grill, Tastes, and Marketplace.
Evening Resort
A step up from Day Casual, after 18:00, we ask that guests adopt the more refined Evening Resort dress code.
Suggestions for an Evening Resort look:
Women
Men
NOTE: Please avoid flip-flops/sliders, swimwear, and hats.
Formal Evening
On sailings over seven days, there will be at least one optional ship-wide formal night (depending on the length of the segment), which will require more formal cocktail chic attire. These special events will be defined in your personal pre-sailing guide.
Suggestions for a Formal Evening look:
Women
Men
*Formal evening attire should be adhered to in the specialty restaurants, during a captain or officer dinner, and during a recognition dinner
As always, dress for the climate and conditions of any destination we visit.
WHICH RESTAURANTS ARE INCLUDED AND WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO AN UPCHARGE?
Our restaurants are complimentary, except for The Vintage Room. For our specialty restaurants, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar and Osteria d’Ovidio, guests will be allotted one complimentary reservation for two people per voyage of up to 11 days (more than one for more extended stays – see below). In addition, guests staying in Crystal Penthouse or Junior Crystal Penthouse Suites can enjoy unlimited free visits.
WHAT AMENITIES ARE INCLUDED IN SUITES AND GUEST ROOMS?
• Beverages including select fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, and all nonalcoholic beverages such as bottled water, soft drinks, and specialty coffees
• Gratuities for housekeeping, dining, and bar staff
• One complimentary reservation to Osteria d’ Ovidio and one complimentary reservation to our second Asian specialty restaurant (not yet announced)
• Butler service in all suites and guest rooms
• Wi-Fi/Internet access in-room and throughout the ship, signal permitting
IS DRY CLEANING INCLUDED WITH ALL ROOM CATEGORIES, OR JUST SUITES. OR WILL IT DEPEND ON THE TRAVEL TIER?
Dry cleaning will be included in select suite categories and detailed on your itinerary.
IS ROOM SERVICE INCLUDED?
An expansive, complimentary in-suite dining menu will be available. Select suite categories will also be able to order from specialty dining venues via their butler.
CAN I BRING OXYGEN ON BOARD?
If you are dependent on oxygen or require oxygen therapy, you must supply your own oxygen.
CAN I BRING A CPAP MACHINE?
The following devices are permitted on board:
The official language spoken on board is English. All officers, staff, and crew as well as local guides and regional specialists speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English.
In most cases, we can accommodate special requirements. Please provide details about any allergies or food requirements to our Reservations team or your travel advisor prior to your cruise departure.
You may bring your own nonalcoholic or alcoholic drinks aboard. Please note that certain restrictions apply by country or destination.
Launderette
Suites & Guest Rooms Beyond The Forward Elevators Are Subject To Alternative Pricing
Launderette
Suites & Guest Rooms Beyond The Forward Elevators Are Subject To Alternative Pricing
Suites & Guest Rooms Beyond The Forward Elevators Are Subject To Alternative Pricing
Suites & Guest Rooms Beyond The Forward Elevators Are Subject To Alternative Pricing
Suites & Guest Rooms Beyond The Forward Elevators Are Subject To Alternative Pricing