Barcelona to Copenhagen

Welcome to Barcelona! Renowned for its unique architecture and vibrant culture. If you have time before your cruise departs today, take a stroll down Las Ramblas, a lively street filled with street performers, shops, and cafes, leading to the historic Gothic Quarter. Or for a taste of local life, explore the bustling La Boqueria market, offering a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

The ancient Mediterranean port of Cartagena has more then 2,500 years of history, each corner, street and square offers monumental examples of its splendorous past. Its manicured promenades lined with palm trees lead you to ancient ruins surviving marvellously between modern-day buildings. Ships will dock at the Alfonso XII Pier.

Top Things to Do in Cartagena:

• visit the Roman Theatre and museum
• explore the 18th-century Concepcion Castle
• travel to nearby Murcia
• watch an Andalusian horse performance

European and Moroccan traditions intertwine in everything from the beguiling blend of medieval and modernist architecture to the food in Melilla, Spain’s North African outpost. This cultural crossroads has religious buildings for each of the Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu faiths. Explore Old Melilla, with its beautifully preserved fortress on a rock jutting out into the Mediterranean, and stroll past ornate buildings designed by Enrique Nieto, a student of Antoni Gaudí. And when you need more sustenance than this visual feast provides, tuck into everything from tapas to dishes laced with Moroccan spices.

Veiled in myth, Morocco’s enigmatic port, Tangier, reveals history at every turn. The legend goes that the Greek god Hercules rested from his labors here – for certain, it was a Phoenician colony that could date from as early as the 10th century BCE. Pick out travelers’ treasures to take home in the labyrinthine alleyways of the city’s Medina, within the walls of a 15th-century Portuguese fortress.

Uncover the magic of Cadiz, one of Europe's oldest cities where the sea and heritage come together in perfect harmony. Tracing its roots back to the Phoenicians, this thriving cosmopolitan city seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary sophistication. Take a leisurely stroll through its cobbled streets and marvel at the stunning Moorish castles, magnificent ancient ruins, and quaint pastel homes. Indulge in the flavors of its renowned Andalusian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and local wines, and take in the impressive sea views of this captivating city.

The white contour of a church on a hilltop, the narrow streets of the old fishermen and tradesmen quarter, the presence of the sea and the immense beach known as Praia da Rocha identify the character of Portimao. The old town is dominated by the architecture of the late 19th and 20th centuries: houses boasting wrought-iron balconies, ornate stonework around the windows and doors, balustrades of stone and tile-covered ceramics and walls. This southern Portuguese port is the gateway to many historic towns of the Algarve region. The town offers a rich heritage of historical monuments and the eternal natural beauty of the Ria de Alvor. Portimao is also known for its extraordinary Portuguese cuisine. To savour the spirit of Portimao, there is nothing better than to sit in the shade of the trees in the gardens of Manuel Bivar, to watch the fishing boats sail by and to walk through streets and squares that exude the ambience of an active, hard-working town.

From Moorish walls and Manueline carvings to elaborate azulejo tiles and Gothic arches – the traces of Lisbon’s rich history can be seen and felt simply by wandering its storied (and rather hilly) streets. But Europe’s second-oldest city is also one of its most cosmopolitan, and amid historic landmarks like Jerónimos Monastery and São Jorge Castle, you’ll find chic rooftop bars with views across red terracotta rooftops and the sparkling Tagus river, design-led concept stores selling artisanal souvenirs, and stylish restaurants serving up inventive takes on local ingredients.

This picturesque city is popular for its colorful tile-decorated buildings, its many hills and the iconic bridges by the Douro River. For an authentic Portuguese experience, go to the Ribeira neighborhood and cross the Dom Luis I bridge to watch the magical sunset among the locals.

Perched on a rocky peninsula in Spain's northwest, A Coruna is brimming with ancient Roman heritage and maritime history. This historic town is nicknamed the 'Crystal City' due to the 19th-century enclosed glass balconies that reflect the glittering waters of the Atlantic. Ships will dock at the Port of A Coruna.

Top Things to Do in A Coruna:

• visit the Tower of Hercules
• stroll the streets of La Coruña’s Old Town
• cycle along the Paseo Marítimo
• visit the Santiago de Compostela
• sample some of the areas delicious seafood

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Known as the Port of the Moon for the graceful curve of its harbor, the UNESCO-listed city of Bordeaux showcases some of the finest culture, cuisine, and architecture of southwest France. Surrounded by prestigious vineyards – including Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes – the city is a paradise for oenophiles. Learn about the history of wine at La Cité du Vin, a state-of-the-art museum that’s appropriately shaped like a wine decanter, before setting off to the vineyards for an afternoon of wine tasting. Or, simply amble around the city, strolling along the River Garonne, admiring the gothic spires of Cathédrale St-André, and stopping for oysters and a glass of wine at the Marché des Capucins.

Old meets new in this quintessential Atlantic seaport, where half-timbered medieval houses and hidden Renaissance passageways co-exist with a modern marina of sleek 21st-century yachts and even an electro-solar sea bus. Dip into daily life here under the 19th-century wrought-iron roof of Les Halles market, where there’s a hum of haggling shoppers and traders shouting about the freshness of their produce amid stalls selling briny oysters and a rainbow of local fruit (look out for juicy Charentais melons in summer). Stop for a petit café on the terrace outside before exploring the old town, with its clock tower, stone gargoyles and shipowners’ mansions.

The sea has always defined Brest, in a sheltered bay on the westernmost finger of Brittany. A harbour for ships since Roman times, its strategic importance in World War II was the reason 90 per cent of it was bombed by the Allies. Remarkably, the castle overlooking the harbour survived (today it houses a marine museum), while the rest of the city was rebuilt on a modern chequerboard pattern. But it’s the sea that draws the eye, from the jumble of ports and quays to the futuristic Oceanopolis, which plunges you into the wonders of marine life, with penguins, tropical lagoons, and shark tanks to see.

If you are looking for a unique blend of British and French charm in an idyllic setting, then look no further than St. Peter Port. The Channel Islands' blend of cultural diversity, historical significance, natural beauty, and autonomy make them one of the most coveted archipelagos on travelers’ wish lists. The 19 islands (seven of which are inhabited) possess a distinct identity, they have their own governments, legal systems, and even currency and are known for their olde world charm, stunning landscapes with beautiful beaches, lush countryside, and historical sites. St Peter Port, the largest town on the second largest islands Guernsey, sits around 40 miles off the French coast of Normandy – in the Gulf of St Malo – and the influence of past French culture can still be felt on the island. It’s like stepping back in time: St. Peter Port's heart lies in its picturesque harbor, where colorful houses cascade down the hillside, creating a postcard-worthy scene and the bustling harbor is dotted with sailboats and fishing vessels, giving it an authentic maritime ambiance. The town boasts a rich history evident in its architecture. St. Peter Port Castle, dating back to the 13th century, and Castle Cornet, a historic fortress, stand as reminders of the island's past. Georgian and Regency buildings lend an air of timeless elegance to the streets. Naturally, there are plenty of pubs serving pints and fish and chips and tea shops serving cream teas – this is still Britan after all! Be sure to enjoy some authentic Channel Islands fare before you leave.

With a name that literally means, "the Harbor," Le Havre is indeed a city that grew out of a need for a working port. In the early 16th century, the harbor at Honfleur was silting up, rendering the port less and less usable. King Francois I had a solution: establish another harbor on the right bank of the Seine estuary, just 15 miles from Honfleur. So it came to pass that in 1517, Le Havre was built. Though it always had a military function, Le Havre flourished essentially as a commercial port, receiving cotton, tobacco and sugar from America and distributing the goods throughout France. But its military role was expanded in the 17th century when the harbor was converted to a naval base. In WWII, Le Havre was pressed into even greater military service as it became a stronghold on the continent. The city you see today is mostly post-war construction-much of Le Havre was destroyed during the war. Its reconstruction was overseen by architect Auguste Perret. Its commercial rebirth was spurred by the bustling port activity that began in the 1960s, and continues today.

The oldest sailing regatta in the world breezes into the harbor of this salty-aired town on England’s biggest island every summer. But the buzz it creates is felt year-round. Amble along the esplanade for cloud-scudding views across the Solent to the mainland or browse the charming independent stores on the high street. This nautical powerhouse has a long history of shipbuilding, which can be discovered at the maritime museum and the quirky Sir Max Aitken Museum, set in a loft where sails for the royal racing yacht Britannia were made. Across the river in East Cowes, lemon-yellow Osborne House is where Queen Victoria retreated to after the death of her beloved Prince Albert.

You would be hard pressed to find a city with a more significant naval heritage than Portsmouth. The world's oldest dry dock, it is home to some of history's most storied ships, including Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Victory; Henry VII's Tudor warship, Mary Rose; and the world's first iron hulled armored ship, HMS Warrior. The city also has impressive cultural and entertainment credentials. It is the birthplace of author Charles Dickens and comedian Peter Sellers and has served as a shooting location for a variety of films, including the James Bond installment, Tomorrow Never Dies. For all its high-level associations, Portsmouth remains a wonderfully low-key destination. Enjoy a pass along the cobbled streets of the shopping district or step aboard a high-speed elevator of the Spinnaker Tower, the sail-inspired observation tower that rises 560 feet above the port to showcase magnificent views.

A crossroad in the English Channel for centuries, Zeebrugge is the gateway to Flanders, whose Golden Age heritage resides in three historic cities: Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges. Here, museums display the glories of the old Flemish masters, from Van Dyck to Rubens. Summertime is a delight, showcasing colorful flower-filled window boxes, the graceful arcs of windmills, a patchwork of farms and picturesque rivers.

Everyone has an image of Amsterdam, for some, it’s small boats gliding on the canals and locals two-wheeling on bikes to work and, as frequently, to meet friends for drinks. For others, it’s gabled buildings leaning, seemingly precariously, over cobbled streets and cozy taverns illuminated by candles. Still others imagine tulips in bloom and the paintings Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Each vision is even more beguiling when experienced in person. 

At just 17 miles from Amsterdam, many visitors to Ijmuiden opt to go straight to the capital. But, while the bright lights of the big city might be the biggest attraction, Ijmuiden provides easy access to many of the country’s highlights. The vast beaches of Ijmuiden Strand are just 2 miles away and easily reachable by foot, while Haarlem, the Netherlands’ finest example of cafés, canals, cobbled streets and cosy bars is only 30-minutes by train.

From its comedy clubs and craft breweries to indie shops and nightclubs, this riverside city on England’s northeast coast is a lively port of call. Newcastle and adjoining Gateshead, across the River Tyne, is a place where Victorian factories have been repurposed into art galleries and renowned live music venues, and handsome Grainger Town is home to some of Britain’s best-preserved examples of Georgian architecture. Surrounded by sandy beaches and backed by steep, wooded valleys, the “Toon” is a great place for hiking and biking, as well as being gateway to Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman fortifications running across the country just to the west.

Gateway to Edinburgh, this deepwater anchorage has a tender dock flanked by quayside shops and cafes. A former fishing community, Newhaven harbour dates to the 1480s; today the town has merged with cosmopolitan Leith where you’ll find sourdough bakeries, art studios, chic bars, and some of Scotland’s best chefs at work. It’s also home to Britannia, the former Royal Yacht, now museum, that hosted the British royal family on foreign travels for almost 50 years before being decommissioned in 1997. A modern tram service connects Newhaven, Leith, and the historic sights of Edinburgh in 20 minutes.

A place of contrasts and balance, Kirkwall offers the high points of a large Scottish city – stellar local shopping and impressive historical sites like the St. Magnus Cathedral and ruins of the Bishop’s Palace and Earl’s Palace – as well as the charms of a small village. It is a relatively quiet ferry landing town that is also an excellent example of an ancient Norse settlement, making Kirkwall itself a living museum.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

At the head of the Oslofjord, which boasts many densely wooded islands, lies the impressive Norwegian capital of Oslo. This inspiring city is the site of many of Norway's finest historic and cultural achievements. Towering above our dock near the city center is the imposing Akershus Fortress and Castle. Graceful Viking ships, the Munch Art Museum and Gustav Vigeland's awesome sculpture collection are among the rich treasury of attractions this city has to offer.

This west coast harbor, where the Gullmarsfjorden meets the sea, is a favorite haunt of Swedes, who come here to reconnect with the great outdoors and feast on oysters, mussels and other shellfish plucked from the bountiful local waters. While Lysekil built its fortunes on fishing, especially the herring shoals that patrol the Bohuslän coast, someone had the bright idea of promoting the virtues of the salty air and sea in the mid-19th century and turned this place into a fashionable health resort. You can still take a restorative dip in one of the baths, a later edition of the original Kallbadhuset. Overlooking it all is the neo-Gothic church cut from this coast’s distinct pink granite.

Originally established as a Viking village in the 10th century, Copenhagen comes with a colorful past, traces of which are still visible today – from centuries-old cobblestoned streets to resplendent royal palaces. But this storied Scandinavian city also sits firmly at the forefront of contemporary culture and design, with its world-class architecture, cutting-edge art galleries, and eco-friendly approach to urban living. Do as the locals do and explore the city on two wheels, pausing along the way at notable sites like the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle and Gardens, the 19th-century amusement park Tivoli Gardens, and the waterfront hub of Nyhavn, lined with candy-colored townhouses.

Copenhagen captivates with its blend of royal history and modern Scandinavian cool. Visit the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, home to Denmark’s crown jewels, or stroll through the picturesque Nyhavn harbor with its colorful townhouses and lively cafés.

The iconic Little Mermaid statue sits serenely by the waterfront, while Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offers charming rides and lush gardens in the heart of the city. Your ship will dock at the Port of Copenhagen, which is a 30 minute drive to Copenhagen Airport and a 15 minute drive into the city centre.