Crystal Cruises unveils four world cruises in 2018

Crystal Cruises has unveiled its plans for four world cruises in 2018 offering guests four separate global itineraries to choose from.

The concurrent world cruise routes for 2018 will begin in January, with both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity both arriving in Sydney on 17 February. This rare meeting allows the opportunity to combine the itineraries of the two ships, as guests can switch vessels for a new journey.

Ranging from 97 to 129 days, the voyages will travel to a combined 111 destinations in 45 countries, featuring 16 maiden calls and 50 overnight calls. During the ship’s rendezvous in Sydney, full World Cruise guests will be treated to a spectacular gala celebration.

The 2018 world cruise itineraries include:

World Cruise One – Cape Town to Miami – 7 January to 30 April

Crystal Symphony will depart Cape Town, South Africa on a 114-day sailing covering much of the Southern Hemisphere, including South Africa, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific/French Polynesia; and South America before exploring the Caribbean. The journey will make six maiden calls including: Geraldton, Bunbury, and Esperance, Australia; Burnie, Tasmania; Fakarava, French Polynesia, and Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile.

World Cruise Two – Los Angeles to Rome – 23 January to 16 May

Crystal Serenity will embark on a 112-day scenic exploration of the South Pacific, Australia, Indonesia, South-east Asia, India, Dubai and the Mediterranean. The journey is highlighted by maiden calls and overnight calls in Manila, Philippines, and Mumbai, India. Other overnight highlights include Muscat, Oman; Dubai, UAE; and Safaga, Egypt – the gateway to the Temple of Luxor.

World Cruise Three – Cape Town to Rome – 7 January to 16 May

This cruise spans 129-days and includes sailings on both cruise ships. The first part of Crystal Symphony‘s World Cruise sails from South Africa through Australia with the journey continuing aboard Crystal Serenity bound for Asia, India, Egypt, the Holy Lands and Italy.

World Cruise Four – Los Angeles to Miami – 23 January to 30 April

Following 24 days of navigating the islands of Hawaii, Fiji and other exotic beach destinations aboard Crystal Serenity, guests can join Crystal Symphony for a unique West to East coast voyage. The full 97-day sailing will travel through the Milford Sound, French Polynesia, Easter Island for Easter and Panama Canal.

Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s president, said “Crystal Cruises has long been celebrated for cultivating original, captivating itineraries throughout the world’s most beloved destinations, as well as less visited gems. The 2018 World Cruise voyages are a true testament to Crystal’s continued innovation and creativity, and our commitment to guests in broadening their luxury travel experiences.”

These world cruise voyages are also available for booking in shorter segments. Fares start at $47,150 (approximately £31,320) per person.

Recently we reported on how Crystal Cruises’ parent company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) had entered into an agreement with Genting Hong Kong (GHK), under which Crystal Cruises will be acquired by GHK, with the acquisition expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2015.

(Photo credit to Crystal Cruises)