Cape Town, South Africa to Mahé, Seychelles

13 nights from £5,600pp departing Monday 23rd Dec 2024

This Christmas cruise around the Indian Ocean embarks in Cape Town then ventures to Mossel Bay, at the western end of South Africa's Garden Route. There will be plenty to keep you amused onboard for the following sea day, before reaching East London wildlife-rich savannas, best seen on an Abercrombie Kent safari tour. Sail to Madagascar via two sea days, disembarking in little-visited Taolagnaro, a small town on the island's southeastern tip almost entirely circled by beaches. Ring in 2025 on your way to the island of La Reunion, followed by Mauritius with its dreamy powder sands lapped by ...

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	23rd23	DecDec	202424	Cape Town, South Africa, embark on the Crystal Symphony		18:00
Sometimes referred to as the Mother City, Cape Town is the most famous port in South Africa and is influenced by many different cultures, including Dutch, British and Malay. The port was founded in 1652 by Dutch explorer Jan Van Riebeeck, and evidence of Dutch colonial rule remains throughout the region. The port is located on one of the world's most important trade routes, and is mainly a container port and handler of fresh fruit. Fishing is another vital industry, with large Asian fishing fleets using Cape Town as a logistical repair base for much of the year. The region is famous for its natural beauty, with the imposing Table Mountain and Lions Head, as well as the many nature reserves and botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch which boasts an extensive range of indigenous plant life, including proteas and ferns. Cape Town's weather is mercurial, and can change from beautiful sunshine to dramatic thunderstorms within a short period. A local adage is that in Cape Town you can experience four seasons in one day.
	24th24	DecDec	202424	Mossel Bay, South Africa	09:00	19:00
	25th25	DecDec	202424	At Sea
	26th26	DecDec	202424	Durban, South Africa	08:00
Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.
	27th27	DecDec	202424	Durban, South Africa		19:00
Durban, a glistening jewel on the south-east coast of Africa, is the third largest city in South Africa and the major city of KwaZulu-Natal. It has been a centre of sea trade since before colonisation and now has a flourishing artistic centre, which perfectly complements the vibrant markets and rich cultures of the city. Durban’s port is a natural half-moon harbour lined with white sand and azure water, punctuated by the port’s many piers which reach into the water like the leaves of a fan. The beaches of Durban’s famous Golden Mile stretch along the harbour and are popular all year round, as travellers and locals alike enjoy Durban’s warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters.
	28th28	DecDec	202424	At Sea
	29th29	DecDec	202424	At Sea
	30th30	DecDec	202424	Tôlanaro, Madagascar	08:00	19:00
	31st31	DecDec	202424	At Sea
	1st01	JanJan	202525	Port Louis, Mauritius	08:00	19:00
Mauritius’ largest city, Port Louis is a vibrant and exciting place whose culture is a mix of African, Chinese and Indian influences. There are activities and sights to keep you busy and explore the different aspects of the city.
	2nd02	JanJan	202525	Possession, Réunion	08:00	19:00
	3rd03	JanJan	202525	At Sea
	4th04	JanJan	202525	At Sea
	5th05	JanJan	202525	Mahé, Seychelles, disembark the Crystal Symphony	08:00
Like jade-coloured jewels in the Indian Ocean, the more than 100 Seychelles Islands are often regarded as the Garden of Eden. Lying just four degrees south of the equator, the Seychelles are some 1,000 miles (1,610 km) from the nearest mainland Africa. Little more than 200 years ago, all 115 islands were uninhabited. Then in 1742 a French ship dispatched from Mauritius sailed into one of the small bays. Captain Lazare Picault was the first to explore these unnamed islands. He encountered breathtaking vistas of rugged mountains, lagoons, coral atolls, splendid beaches and secluded coves. After Picault sailed away, the islands remained untouched for the next 14 years. Then France took possession of the seven islands in the Mahé group. During an expedition Captain Morphey named them the Sechelles, in honour of Vicomte Moreau de Sechelles. This name was later anglicised to Seychelles. The first settlers arrived at St. Anne’s Island in 1770; 15 years later the population of Mahé consisted of seven Europeans and 123 slaves. Today there are about 80,000 Seychellois, the majority of whom live on Mahé; the rest are scattered in small communities throughout the archipelago. The people are a fusion of three continents - Africa, Asia and Europe. This has created a unique culture and the use of three languages - Creole, French and English. Mahé is the largest island in the archipelago and the location of the capital, Victoria. Ringed by steep, magnificent mountains, few capitals can claim a more beautiful backdrop. The town features a mixture of modern and indigenous architecture; it is the centre of business and commerce thanks to the extensive port facilities. Noteworthy sites in Victoria are the museum, cathedral, government house, clock tower, botanical gardens and an open-air market. The major attractions are found outside of town where the island’s quiet, lazy atmosphere delights visitors. With 68 pristine, white sand beaches, Mahé boasts more beaches and tourist facilities than any of the other Seychelles Islands. Beautiful and remote Mahé with its green-clad mountains and palm-fringed beaches is indeed an island of abundance; pleasant surprises are around every bend in the trail. Come ashore and discover for yourself this marvellous island paradise.

Crystal Symphony

Launch Year

1995

Refit Year

2023

Tonnage

51,044

Capacity

606

Cabins

477

Accessible

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Marketplace

Buffet style dining wrapped in floor to ceiling windows and a chic open air dining area. This venue offers breakfast and lunch with a variety of choices from appetizers to desserts. Itinerary driven food selections keep the menu’s fresh, while carving stations and individual a la minute cooking add a dynamic element. Open seating.

Waterside

The main dining room, features open seating as well as tables for two and four guests. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No reservations are required.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Hollywood Theatre

The ship's sleek cinema for recent-released movies, live sport events, guest lectures and religious services.

Crystal Cove

An ideal refreshment stop any time of the day, and the perfect place to meet friends for a pre-dinner cocktail. Enjoy a variety of musical styles as the day turns into night.

Starlite Club

On selected evenings before and after dinner, this entertainment lounge features dancing, production spot shows, cabaret performances and other themed events.

Avenue Saloon

Signature piano bar with an intimate ambience. The perfect setting for a cocktail before and after dinner.

Connoisseur Club

An elegant space to indulge in the finest cigars and cognacs.

Palm Court

Featuring large sky lights, floor-to-ceiling windows and a fabulous 270-degree forward view, this venue is perfect for afternoon tea, social gatherings and dancing.

Library

A well-stocked library containing over 2,000 books on a range of subjects from classics to popular biographies, history to contemporary mysteries. Plus enjoy an ample selection of magazines and board games perfect for poolside reading.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

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Holiday Summary

	13 nights aboard the Crystal Symphony
	Gratuities included
	Complimentary drinks including wines, champagne, spirits throughout the ship
	Award winning Broadway style entertainment
	Complimentary speciality dining (one visit per restaurant)
	Choice of shore excursions in every port
	Butler Service
	Enrichment programs & lectures
	Complimentary shuttle buses in selected ports
	Complimentary Wi-fi throughout the ship
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

Oceanview staterooms		Call
CSWF	Double Guest Room with Ocean View (Forward/Back)	Call
CSWM	Double Guest Room with Ocean View (Midship)	Call
GSWM	Sapphire Ocean View Suite	Call
SSWM	Aquamarine Ocean View Suite	Call

Balcony staterooms		Call
CSVF	Double Guest Room with Veranda (Forward/Back)	Call
CSVM	Double Guest Room with Veranda (Midship)	Call
GSVF	Sapphire Veranda Suite (Forward/Back)	Call
GSVM	Sapphire Veranda Suite (Midship)	Call
SSVF	Aquamarine Veranda Suite (Forward/Back)	Call
SSVM	Aquamarine Veranda Suite (Midship)	Call

Suite staterooms		Call
RYVF	Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite (Forward/Back)	Call
RYVM	Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite (Midship)	Call
CHV4	Crystal Penthouse Suite	Call