Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises Ship: Crystal Serenity Region: Panama and Central America. Departs: Dec 12, 2008 From: Caldera, Costa Rica

11 Nights from 3550.00 USD

Itinerary

Description

11 Night Cruise sailing from Caldera to Miami aboard Crystal Serenity. 11 Night Cruise sailing from Caldera to Miami aboard Crystal Serenity.

Crystal Serenity joined the Crystal Fleet in July 2003 and raised the already lofty standards of Crystal Cruises to even greater heights. She offers an expanded space-to-guest ratio (62.9) than her spacious sister ships. Her elegantly appointed staterooms are all outside, over 85% with private verandahs, and all offer completely unobstructed views, thanks to a unique recessed lifeboat design. Onboard amenities include grand lounges, five separate and distinctive evening dining venues, a Caesars Palace at Sea casino, a lavish spa, two paddle tennis courts and award-winning entertainment.

Highlights of this cruise include:

Caldera
Superlatives abound when describing Costa Rica, one of Latin America's most peaceful countries. Often called the "Switzerland of Central America," it does not possess an army and boasts a stable democratic government as well as a high literacy rate.

Strategically located between two great continents, it has been the benefactor of great cultural contributions from each. In addition to discovering its fascinating traditions, visitors to Costa Rica will be welcomed by friendly people and will enjoy superb scenery and an ideal climate.

Aruba
Aruba is a long, narrow island, located just 15 miles from Venezuela's coast, with a dry and sunny climate year-round. Its distinctive beauty lies in the stark contrast between the sea and its countryside. Next to arid deserts, which host an array of wild rock formations, curiously bent divi-divi trees and cactus jungles, are magnificent beaches that shelve into transparent blue waters.

Combining Dutch efficiency and Caribbean charm, Aruba has become one of the most popular playgrounds in the Caribbean, boasting sophisticated resorts and casinos.

Tortola
The British Virgin Islands were first settled by the Dutch in 1648 and later annexed by the English in 1672. Tortola, the capital, is the largest of the 50 British Virgin Islands. In Road Town, the seat of government, the Union Jack proudly flies above the residence of the British-appointed governor.

As part of the turbulent history of this region, pirates and other European adventurers, famous seamen such as Blackbeard, Kidd and Francis Drake, plied the waters of this magical area. Although diminishing levels of fishing and native farming are still in evidence, tourism and offshore finance are the principal industries of the territory today.

Miami
It has the largest city population in Florida, is the third most visited American city among international travelers and showcases an Art Deco Historic District encompassing one of the largest neighborhoods entered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Miami certainly boasts its share of impressive characteristics, even before adding to the list its gorgeous beaches, spirited Cuban population and ritzy enclaves of Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.


Miami wasn't always the glamorous and energetic city you see today. Until the late 1800s, it was mostly swamp, disconnected from the rest of the country thanks to its position on the edge of the continent and lack of the essential link of the day: a railroad. All that changed in 1896, when the railroad in northern Florida was extended to the latent tropical paradise of the south.


The rest, as they say, is history, as Miami has since seen recurrent booms fueled by surges of immigration, perennially good weather and an insouciant refusal to do anything halfway. Admire the full glory of Miami Beach with a stroll along South Beach's famous Ocean Boulevard, where splendidly restored art deco buildings compete with fashion models and sun worshipers for attention. For a taste of Cuban cuisine and culture, visit Little Havana on the mainland (Miami Beach is separate both in its municipality and its geography: it sits on a barrier island four miles off the coast, and is reached by a causeway). Also outside mainland Miami are the acres of rare tropical plants nurtured to their fragrant and beautiful best in Fairchild Tropical Gardens. The aforementioned slice of heaven known as Coral Gables lies to the southwest. A gem of 1920s city planning, the city unfurls impressive boulevards and features the alluring Venetian Pool, where waterfalls and underwater caves offer the chance for a uniquely refreshing dip.

Call Now 1300 308081 or email res@platinumcruising.com