Portsmouth to Copenhagen

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.

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 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.