Itinerary

Welcome to one of the world’s most famous and exciting cities. Broadway, Times Square, the Empire State Building and Central Park are just some of the celebrated spectacles this bustling city has to offer. Giovanni da Verrazano was the first European to glimpse Manhattan Island in 1524, but the area was not explored until Henry Hudson arrived in 1609. It is said that Peter Minuit bought the entire island from Native Americans for $24 worth of beads and trinkets in 1629 – the biggest real estate bargain in history. In 1664 the Dutch surrendered to a British Fleet, and the town was renamed New York in honor of the Duke of York. George Washington was inaugurated here in 1789, and for a time, New York served as the country’s capital. Since then, the city has grown spectacularly and has become one of the most exciting and electrifying cities in the country – not to mention one of the most rewarding to visit and explore.

Newport, Rhode Island, is a stylish, world-famous yachting center with a long tradition of elegance. For almost a century and a half, it was the home of the America’s Cup yachting races. The colonial sections of Newport boast many authentic historic buildings, some dating back to the 1600s. However, most impressive of all, are the opulent mansions built at the turn of this century by industrial tycoons along Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue. Fashioned after the palaces of Europe their interiors boast lavish use of marble, alabaster, gilt, mosaics and stained glass complemented by magnificent furnishings and fine tapestries. You’ll be spellbound listening to the legends and stories of families such as the Morgans, Astors, Fishers and Vanderbilts, all of whom had “cottages” here. Although Rhode Island is America’s smallest state, it has a legacy of history and tradition that far outweighs it size.

Relive nearly four hundred years of history as you explore myriad sights of Boston, a city that exudes pride in its past and future. Superb shopping abounds and sightseeing attractions are legendary. You’ll revel in exploring the Freedom Trail, the Old North Church and the Boston Common. A few miles away lie Lexington and Concord where the momentous events that began in 1775 come alive. Boston has not been content to rest on the laurels of its glorious past. Progress is everywhere. Glazed high-rises soar skyward and the colorful waterfront area has been artfully renovated. Your visit to this thriving metropolis is bound to impress.

Cradled off the craggy coast of Maine lies Mount Desert Island and the charming seaport town of Bar Harbor. Earlier last century, when it was the summer retreat of millionaires, it boasted magnificent estate homes, or “cottages,” many of which were completely destroyed by the fire of 1947. However, some things never change. The priceless asset of the island’s scenic beauty remains untouched by time. Vistas of emerald-green forests and rugged valleys from the superb vantage point of Mount Cadillac remain just as spectacular, and the rugged shoreline scenery is still as awe inspiring as it ever was. The choice is yours. Take a scenic drive through some of Maine’s most spectacular scenery or stroll along the picturesque main street with its inviting shops and galleries. Perhaps you will choose to sample some of North America’s most delectable seafood at an authentic lobster bake, or cruise the fascinating coastal area.

To say that Saint John is historic is a bit of an understatement. After all, Saint John is host to the oldest continuing farmers’ market in Canada (the Old City Market), home to the oldest continuing museum in the country (the New Brunswick Museum), and is itself the oldest incorporated city in Canada. Experience Saint John’s fascinating past with a stop to see Carleton Martello Tower, a structure constructed as a watchtower for the War of 1812. Not actually completed until 1815, the tower was never utilized for the 1812 skirmish, but did function as a command post during World War II. Today it is a Canadian National Historic Site. Also glimpse Canada’s Loyalist history with a walk along the Loyalist Trail and a visit to the 1817 Loyalist House. One of the oldest buildings in Saint John, it appears much as it did in the early 19th century and is another of Canada’s designated National Historic Sites.

Your Story at Sea
Adventure. Romance. Discovery.
Aboard the most award-winning ships at sea, your story can be written exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360^o Promenade Deck; learn how to translate your story into a movie with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts Digital Filmmaking class at our Creative Learning Institute ^®; or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers with our Crystal Visions^® Enrichment Program; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theatre, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply lounge poolside while our attentive crew caters to your every whim. From mat Pilates and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the renowned culinary creations of Nobu Matsuhisa, and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs with new Modern Cuisine and Global Inspired menus, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, breakout new production shows, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices as always aboard the World’s Best are yours. How will you write your story on board?

As your Crystal ship approaches the pier, bagpipers bid a warm welcome to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia and the most Scottish of all Canada’s great cities. Fall in love with Halifax’s architectural blend of old and new. The Citadel Fortress, which dates back to the city’s founding in 1749 with the present complex completed in 1856, stands over the thriving downtown area, where modern office and hotel blocks nestle alongside the exquisitely restored Historic Properties waterfront shopping area. Shoppers will delight in the authenticity of buys from colorful Scottish tartans to pewter and superb hand-knit woolens. Nova Scotians claim they have the freshest air and warmest smiles in Canada.

Your Story at Sea
Adventure. Romance. Discovery.
Aboard the most award-winning ships at sea, your story can be written exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at our state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360^o Promenade Deck; learn how to translate your story into a movie with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts Digital Filmmaking class at our Creative Learning Institute ^®; or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers with our Crystal Visions^® Enrichment Program; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theatre, shop our luxury boutiques, or simply lounge poolside while our attentive crew caters to your every whim. From mat Pilates and yoga to PGA golf instruction and paddle tennis on full-size courts, today is all about you. As evening arrives, dine on the renowned culinary creations of Nobu Matsuhisa, and Crystal’s own acclaimed chefs with new Modern Cuisine and Global Inspired menus, enjoy special wine-makers dinners, breakout new production shows, intimate lounges, a pulsing dance club or our action-packed Crystal Casino. The choices as always aboard the World’s Best are yours. How will you write your story on board?

Québec stands proudly beside the majestic St. Lawrence River, resembling no other city in the world. Its cuisine, language and traditions combine to make this a unique cradle of French civilization in North America. Within fortress walls high atop Cap Diamant, the old city is a sheer delight for lovers of history. Here, magnificent churches, cobbled streets, fragrant gardens and chic boutiques all vie for your attention. Just outside the city, you’ll discover a veritable riot of fall colors, North America’s largest shrine, picturesque villages and an impressive waterfall. At the end of the day, there is the tempting opportunity to discover the French art of good cooking at some of North America’s finest restaurants.

Cosmopolitan Montréal is Canada’s second-largest city and cultural capital. It is the third-largest French-speaking city in the world and has been dubbed the “Paris of the North.”

Cultural contrasts are widespread as, although Montréal is predominantly French in culture, ethnic diversity abounds.

This is a city of great charm, as you’ll discover in its sympathetic blend of the old and the new, from the Place d’Armes and its beautiful 18th-century buildings to the ultra-modern downtown area.

Montréal received international acclaim when it hosted Expo `67 and the 1976 Summer Olympic Games. Its exuberant vitality promises to keep it at the forefront of great world cities well into this century and beyond.