San Diego to Guayaquil (Crystal Wellness Retreat Cruise)

Embrace the laidback lifestyle of this coastal Californian city, where the weather is as sunny as the dispositions of its inhabitants. There are 17 miles of pristine coastline, so pick a stretch of sand to lay your towel upon, admire cliffside views on a coastal hike, or take to the waves with a surf lesson – this is, after all, one of the world’s most renowned surfing destinations. In the heart of the city, you’ll find the 1,200-acre Balboa Park, a leafy oasis that houses multiple museums, as well as Japanese gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Refuel at one of the many local taquerias or independent burger joints.

Close to the U.S. border, Ensenada offers a fun introduction to Baha California, a laid-back beach resort renowned for its Baha-Med flavors as well as fish tacos created from the catch of the day in the Mercado Negro. Stroll the seaside promenade, the Malecon, to the strains of ranchera music played by mariachi bands and, if there’s time, head an hour out of town to the wineries of the Valle de Guadalupe, which open their vineyards and cellar doors for tours. Back in town, the tastings on offer are of Mexico’s favorite spirit at the Tequila Room.

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.

Cabo San Lucas is the sunny resort town on the tip of Mexico’s Baja California. This colourful small town is known for its excellent big-game fishing, great diving spots and challenging surf waves. Ships will anchor offshore in Cabo San Lucas bay and tender guests to shore.

Top things to do in Cabo San Lucas:

• catch the sunset at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
• snorkel the coral reefs along the Sea of Cortez
• relax on Medano beach
• explore nearby Todos Santos

A charming and buzzing seaside town that offers traditional Mexican culture with a modern twist. Second only to Acapulco when it comes to the Mexican Riviera's leading resort cities, Puerto Vallarta is embraced by rugged tropical mountains on one side and the lovely Banderas Bay on the other. The city brims with life, with its bougainvillea-lined cobblestone streets, picturesque alleyways, luxury hotels and smart boutiques, and stunning seaside location. Shop for leather goods here as well as shell and silver jewelry, hand-embroidered blouses or painted figures from Oaxaca.

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.

Unearth the charm of Acajutla, El Salvador's thriving port city, where sun-kissed Pacific beaches meet a rich history and a lively culture, crafting an extraordinary Central American experience. The seaside town of El Salvador is famous for its fishing culture and maritime heritage. In this charming town, you will be able to explore beautiful beaches, visit El Imposible National Park and taste delicious, fresh seafood dishes in the many local restaurants.

Costa Rica's Playa Flamingo is a tropical paradise with golden shores, cerulean lagoons, and hidden coves that make it one of the Guanacaste province's best-loved coastal destinations. Here, a day spent basking in the sun and paddling in crystal waters is a day well spent, but should you wish to crank up the adventure, take a short boat ride to the nearby Catalina Islands and dive beneath the blue to discover an underwater idyll teeming with colorful schools of fish and giant manta rays. There's plenty to do on dry land, too – from golfing at one of the region's world-class 18-hole courses to exploring surrounding national parks (keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys, hummingbirds, and iguanas).

Once the center of Costa Rica’s coffee-exporting boom, Puntarenas sits on a slender spit of sand that snakes into the Pacific Ocean. Still a working port, home to a charming blend of colonial buildings, chatty street vendors, and a must-visit market selling tropical fruit and handmade souvenirs, this place packs a punch. Ticos, as Costa Ricans are known, flock here to soak up the laid-back beachfront atmosphere and stroll along the promenade. The place is famed for its fresh seafood, and traditional dishes include zesty lime-drenched ceviche, best sampled at the family-run sodas, or restaurants, that line the old dock.

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.

Once a small fishing village, Manta is today Ecuador's second busiest port, known for being the unofficial "Tuna Capital of the World." A morning arrival ensures seeing commercial ships being loaded and unloaded and, with a little luck, the tuna fleet will be bringing in the night's catch. The city has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous cultures inhabited the region. The area was later encountered by Spanish explorers during the 16th century and the city's name, Manta, is believed to originate from the indigenous Ecuavole tribe that lived in the area. Stroll the waterfront esplanade, where you’ll not only find a refreshing breeze but a variety of tempting restaurants, bars, and street vendors selling everything from Alpaca shawls and hats to paintings and wood carvings.

To most seasoned travelers, Guayaquil is known for being the gateway to the Galapagos Islands. However, there’s much to appreciate and enjoy about the “Pacific Pearl” all on its own. The Malecon 2000 is the beating heart and signature feature of this city. Running along the Guayas River, this promenade offers up lovely green spaces, shops and boutiques, museums, a wide variety of restaurants, handicraft market, and all kinds of entertainment options. Cast your gaze up toward the distant hills and you’ll see Las Peñas, the picturesque, barrio dotted with brightly colored houses. You’ll also want to look up into the trees at the Parque Seminario, where you’ll spot iguanas wisely waiting out the heat of the day in the shade.