Crystal unveils first 2028 itineraries of Crystal Serenity


Crystal unveils the first wave of itineraries for 2028 aboard Crystal Serenity, crafting a winter and spring season focused on journeys where cultural connection and natural discovery intertwine harmoniously.

From the deep intimacy of the Amazon to the warmth of the Caribbean, and on to the spring Atlantic crossing to the Azores, the company reaffirms its vision of cruising as a refined, immersive, and harmonious experience. The new program, running from January to April 2028, is part of a broader strategy that also includes the already announced 2028 World Cruise of Crystal Symphony, Treasures of the Tides: A Global Odyssey, a global voyage that will visit 84 destinations in 39 countries. Within this framework, Crystal Serenity plays a complementary role, offering regional itineraries of great depth and experiential value.

The planning behind the 2028 itineraries is grounded in a clear philosophy: to balance natural beauty, culture, and unhurried discovery. Mario Parodi, Vice President of Itinerary Planning and Port and Fuel Operations at Crystal, emphasized that the goal is to offer guests meaningful ways of traveling, enriching each destination without sacrificing the comfort and tranquility that define the onboard experience.

Crystal Serenity, with its spacious areas, elegant atmosphere, and highly personalized service, thus becomes the ideal stage for a journey that goes beyond simply moving from port to port, it invites guests to immerse themselves in the visited regions, respecting their rhythms and identities.

The 2028 season of Crystal Serenity kicks off in January with roundtrip cruises from Fort Lauderdale, a choice that allows guests to begin their journey in a simple, relaxed manner. The itineraries take guests into the heart of the Caribbean and Central America, visiting iconic destinations and charming ports. Among the stops are the British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, as well as historic Cartagena in Colombia and vibrant Puerto Limón in Costa Rica. Each port of call is designed to offer a balanced mix of culture, nature, and authenticity, with excursions inspired by the region and extended time in port to encourage leisurely exploration.

One of the most anticipated moments of the entire season is undoubtedly the 25-day river voyage along the Amazon River, starting in January and continuing into February. This experience represents one of the most intense expressions of Crystal’s philosophy, taking guests to the heart of one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich regions on the planet. The voyage includes stops in Manaus and remote river communities, offering the opportunity for direct contact with Amazonian nature and local cultures. The approach is not one of hurried exploration, but of mindful observation, with curated excursions and moments of reflection that allow guests to understand the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.

This itinerary can be combined with other adjacent cruises to create the Caribbean Circle Grand Voyage, an extended journey that covers 14 Caribbean islands and five Central American countries, offering a comprehensive and in-depth view of the region.

In March, Crystal Serenity continues with sailings in warm waters, combining islands, coral reefs, and tranquil bays. The routes include stops such as Cartagena, Roatán, and Belize—destinations that blend spectacular marine landscapes with fascinating cultural heritage. These itineraries are characterized by balanced planning, alternating days of coastal exploration with pleasant days at sea. The result is a harmonious travel pace, ideal for those who wish to experience the destination without sacrificing the pleasure of fully enjoying onboard amenities, from wellness areas to fine dining.

April marks the transition to a more contemplative aspect of travel. The month begins with final warm-water itineraries, with stops in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and the Dominican Republic, offering a last celebration of beaches, historic ports, and coastal culture. Later, Crystal Serenity embarks on a spring transatlantic crossing to the Azores, timed with the whale migration. During the voyage, guests may spot large cetaceans such as blue whales, fin whales, and, to a lesser extent, northern right whales, making the journey a deeply emotional natural experience. The cruise concludes in Lisbon, where Crystal Serenity will enter dry dock for a scheduled enhancement program, reaffirming the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining its ships to the highest standards.

Alongside the itineraries of Crystal Serenity, Crystal has also provided a first look at the 2028 inaugural season of Crystal Grace, which will begin on June 11, 2028, with a cruise from Rome to Venice. The ship will then continue its summer season in the Mediterranean, arriving in New York in September, before exploring the Northeastern United States and Canada, and concluding the year in the Caribbean. Further details will be announced in the coming months, with sales set to open in April 2026.

With the unveiling of the first wave of 2028 itineraries, Crystal reaffirms its vision of travel, placing quality and authenticity at the forefront. From the Amazon to the Azores, through the Caribbean and Central America, the 2028 season stands as an invitation to rediscover the pleasure of mindful travel, where each route is designed to leave a lasting impression on travelers’ memories.

Crystal continues to stand out in the global cruise scene, offering itineraries that focus not on the quantity of destinations, but on the quality of the experience, providing guests with a deeper, more refined, and authentic way to explore the world.

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Gabriele Bassi

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