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August 7, 2025

The itinerary offered by Crystal Cruises between Mumbai and Mombasa, departing on January 18, 2026, combines exotic destinations and excellent onboard services, taking guests through marine and cultural landscapes of extraordinary variety: each stop is carefully selected, and every moment of the voyage is designed to ensure an experience marked by comfort, discovery, and the quality that defines Crystal Cruises. 

The starting point is Mumbai, a dynamic, complex, and surprising metropolis, symbol of contemporary India. Chaotic and refined at the same time, Mumbai preserves architectural testimonies of the colonial era, sacred places of ancient devotion, colorful markets, and constantly evolving cultural districts. 

Crystal offers selected excursions to explore the many facets of the city: from visiting Jain temples to walking among the Victorian buildings of the Fort district, to discovering the Gateway of India and the Prince of Wales Museum. For those seeking a more authentic perspective, there are also experiences available in artisan quarters or urban art centers. 

The first stop along the west coast is Mormugao, in the heart of Portuguese Goa, where colonial heritage coexists with tropical nature and the relaxed spirit of the coastline. Protected by a 17th-century fortress, Mormugao introduces passengers to a landscape of golden beaches, lush villages, baroque churches, and spice markets. 

Among the proposed excursions are visits to the historic center of Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Hindu temples in the region, and to cashew and cinnamon plantations. Guests can also choose seaside experiences in exclusive resorts, or river cruises along the inland canals. 

After a day of sailing, during which guests can enjoy the ship’s varied services, the cruise docks in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. A city in transformation, Colombo blends colonial influences, modern architecture, and Eastern inspirations. 

The excursions offered by Crystal are structured to satisfy both those who want to explore the urban identity and those who prefer to venture into the surroundings. Among the options are tours of the Pettah district, known for its markets and art galleries, visits to the National Museum and Gangaramaya Temple, as well as more distant excursions to the Kelaniya Buddhist site or the inland tea plantations. Particularly appreciated are the sensory experiences related to local gastronomy and spices. 

Following another day at sea, the cruise arrives at one of the most iconic scenarios of the journey: the Maldives. Arrival in Malé opens a two-day stop anchored in the turquoise waters of the Kaafu Atoll. In this extraordinary setting, the available excursions allow contact with the authenticity of the archipelago. 

There are visits to local islands with Maldivian guides, sunset dhoni cruises, diving in pristine reefs, as well as relaxing moments on private beaches or in natural spas. Crystal also offers the opportunity to meet local artisans and learn more about the traditional economy linked to fishing and coconut. Thanks to the overnight anchoring, guests can enjoy the soft lights of the harbor and experience the evening atmosphere of the capital. 

In the following two days, the ship sails southwest, allowing guests to enjoy the pleasures of life onboard. The Crystal facilities offer wellness activities, cultural programs, thematic gatherings, and refined culinary experiences. 

On the tenth day, the ship reaches the Seychelles, with an itinerary punctuated by stops on several islands. The morning begins with Praslin, the second largest island in the archipelago, famous for the Vallée de Mai nature reserve, home to the iconic Coco de Mer. 

The proposed excursions lead through trails shaded by exotic palm trees and include stops on some of the most unspoiled beaches in the world, such as Anse Lazio. In the afternoon, the cruise docks at La Digue, a car-free island where time moves slowly and traditional modes of transport are still in use. Available activities include visits to Union Estate, the Anse Source d’Argent beach, and photo tours of the tropical vegetation. 

That same evening, the ship arrives in Mahé, where an overnight stay is scheduled until the following day. The main island of the archipelago, Mahé is known for its capital Victoria, its botanical gardens, art galleries, and the Morne Seychellois National Park. The scheduled excursions offer a range of experiences, from trekking and birdwatching to botanical tours and catamaran trips to smaller islands. On the same day, the ship returns to Praslin and La Digue to complete the exploration of these two islands, offering additional nature or beach excursions. 

The next stop is Madagascar, with the first port of call being Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez), a harbor city located at the extreme north of the island. Highlights of the excursions include the breathtaking view over Diego Bay, the Tsingy Rouge rock formations, and visits to small Malagasy villages. Here one can feel the authentic atmosphere of a Madagascar still largely untouched by international tourism. 

The following day brings the cruise to Nosy Be, a volcanic island immersed in vegetation, famous for its intense scents of vanilla and ylang-ylang. Planned excursions range from nature walks in the Lokobe Park to boat trips to Nosy Komba, where lemurs live freely. There are also opportunities for diving or cultural experiences with local communities. 

The cruise continues with a stop in Mahajanga, a cosmopolitan city on the northwestern coast. Here, excursions highlight both the natural heritage – such as the millenary baobab – and the city’s historical aspects, including colonial architecture and traditional markets. It is also possible to explore the Betsiboka River by boat, observing mangroves, water birds, and river villages. 

After another day of sailing, the ship arrives in Dar Es Salaam, the main economic center of Tanzania. Excursions include urban itineraries – among mosques, markets, museums – and trips to the surrounding areas, focusing on artisan production and Swahili culture. 

The next day the ship reaches Zanzibar, an island symbolic of the spice routes and a crossroads of cultures. Excursions here take guests to discover the historic city of Stone Town, a UNESCO Heritage Site, clove and cinnamon plantations, the Jozani forests, and the marine parks of the archipelago. Particularly appreciated is the opportunity to combine cultural experiences and beach relaxation in a single day. 

The cruise ends in Mombasa, a historic Kenyan port city. The morning arrival allows guests to join excursions dedicated to the old town, Fort Jesus, and craft markets, or to opt for an extended stay with safaris in nearby national parks. 

The journey from Mumbai to Mombasa offered by Crystal Cruises stands out for the cultural richness of the itinerary and the quality of the onboard and onshore experience. The perfect balance between days at sea and extended stops in major ports allows for unhurried exploration of each destination, fostering conscious and respectful tourism. 

This itinerary is designed for those who wish to observe and explore the world with new eyes, without sacrificing comfort and well-being. 

Don’t miss more updates, offers, and cruises by Crystal Cruises on our website Cruising Journal. 

Mara Di Dio

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