Barcelona to Venice on Crystal Serenity

With a saltwater lagoon behind it, the grand sweep of the Mediterranean Sea out front, the 600-foot Mont St-Clair at its center and a network of canals running in between, Sete boasts a truly unique setting. Also unique is its “ordinariness.” Unlike many coastal Mediterranean locales, this port town is busily engaged with everyday work and life, giving visitors a refreshing glimpse of the daily routine of the French outside big cities like Paris and the wine and castle towns of the Loire Valley. While nicely grounded in its work ethic, there is plenty of charm in Sete. The canals are atmospheric, lined with grand houses and looking a bit like Venice here on the Mediterranean. Eight miles of beach entice a stroll and the rowdy tradition of joutes nautiques, or water jousting, brings a playful sense of competition and due laughter every August, when boat crews with long poles attempt to knock each other into the water.

Renowned for its serene way of life, this romantic port exudes a special magic. Its dramatic bluffs and surrounding flowered hills bid travelers welcome to a town overflowing with charm and character. It is easy to relax in this languid southern Italian atmosphere.

The sensational Amalfi Coast and the haunting ruins at Pompeii are among the region’s highlights.
 

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 the state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along our 360o Promenade Deck; learn how to translate your story into a movie with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts Digital Filmmaking class at the Creative Learning Institute ®; or learn about art, history and worldly destinations with our engaging celebrity entertainers and speakers with a Crystal Visions® Enrichment Program; sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theatre, shop 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?

Rising above the Adriatic Sea, the town of Kotor is splendid for both its ocean views and medieval Old Town. To walk through its streets is to take a stroll through history. You’ll see fortifications dating from the 9th century; the Church of Saint Ana dating from the 12th century; the Church of Saint Luke from the 13th century; the Church of the Healing Mother of God from the 15th century; the Prince’s Palace from the 17th century; and Napoleon’s Theatre from the 19th century. Stylish gates, enticing flights of stairs and inviting squares, all accessed via a maze of narrow lanes, make Kotor’s Old Town a true delight. With your visit, you will understand why Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.