Our second sailing on the beautiful Crystal Symphony had us visiting India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and the Seychelles. All places Mr B and I had never visited before and all destinations we could not wait to visit and explore during our time there.
One of the many things we loved about this itinerary was that we knew each day on land would be full of adventure and exploring and the amount of sea days in between would allow us time to truly relax and unwind.
Mumbai
Mr B and I are those cruisers who will always fly out the day before we board. We cannot cope with the ‘what if’ of a delayed flight and worrying about boarding on-time. With a long-haul destination, if time allows, we will always try to add a few days on. We did just that. With our sailing departing from Mumbai and with it being our first visit to India we managed to fly in two days early so we could have some time exploring this fantastic city. Which I highly recommend!
We enjoyed a street food tour, a full day city tour and stayed in a fabulous hotel, in the Sofitel Mumbai.
Mr B and I watched the sun go down and stood on our balcony as we sailed away from Mumbai. We admired the skyline as we listened to the wonderful, iconic Crystal sailaway song ‘What a Wonderful World’.
Goa – Mormugao
Excited for our second taste of India we had booked a Crystal excursion, ‘Shanta Durga Temple and Exotic Spices’.
We first visited the temple, one of the largest and most significant temples in Goa where we could explore on our own time. The short walk to the temple also gave us the opportunity to do some souvenir shopping as it had a few local sellers. Mr B also made friends with some of the locals!
After our time at the temple we made our way to the spice plantation. We first enjoyed a local lunch and tried a local spirit, whilst I forget the name it has a taste I can never quite forget! Very strong indeed!
After lunch we had a tour of the gardens, smelling the many spices with their lovely aromas. Some of the trees and plants were harder to identify, our guide was very good at pointing each one out and explaining their many uses. Of course, I made use of the gift shop at the end where the fresh spices were available to buy.
Day at sea
Our first sea day. Crystal offers an abundance of activities and enrichment to fulfil the days at sea. But for Mr B and I we could not wait to relax on a sunbed and get stuck into a good book.
It also helped that the amazing deck crew spoiled us by not letting our Kir Royal’s go empty and offering around cold towels.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Mr B and I did our own trip in Colombo, we had pre-booked a private tuk tuk tour. It was a really fun way for us to explore the city, we had lots of stops to enjoy the views and take in the sights.
We explored some beautiful temples with my favourite being the Gangaramaya Budhist temple.
We both enjoyed marvelling at the sights and sounds of the city whilst sipping on a fresh coconut relaxing in the back of the tuk tuk.
Day at sea
Another day at sea full of classes, lectures and activities.
Mr B and I spent our day, you guessed it, sipping on Kir Royales whilst lounging on a sunbed!
Although Mr B on each sea day did partake in the golf sessions. On our cruise and on most Crystal cruises there is a qualified PGA golf pro who hosts a variety of classes. Mr B very much enjoyed them and did enjoy some time in the golf nets practising his swing.
Male, Maldives
Our first time in the Maldives. Before Mr B and I looked at excursions we knew we wanted to go snorkelling. Crystal offered a ‘Maldives snorkelling adventure’ excursion which saw us visiting two snorkelling sites.
It was wonderful, we saw some incredible sea life and beautiful coral reefs. The variety of fish and the vibrant colours, the best way I can describe it is like seeing fish from a Disney film. Although the highlight for me was spotting a shark.
Day at sea
A sea day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a spa treatment, to make our relaxing days even more relaxing.
Mr B and I both enjoyed a full body massage, after which we visited Crystal Cove and drank champagne. One of many Crystal moments which make you just feel so incredibly lucky.
Day at sea
Looking through the Daily Reflections, when I saw a bracelet making class on offer I knew I had to tear myself away from my sunbed to enjoy it and I am so glad I did.
The class hosts were so welcoming and friendly, it was lovely and relaxed and so nice that I got to make a bracelet that every time I wear it I think of this special holiday.
Praslin, Seychelles AM
Visiting two small paradise islands in one day, Mr B and I had researched local beaches to relax on. Unfortunately, in the morning when we visited Praslin, the weather had other ideas. When I say the heavens opened, I am not exaggerating! And it did not stop all morning. We made it over to the island, but we didn’t manage to explore much.
La Digue, Seychelles PM
Luckily, we braved the afternoon rain when we arrived in La Digue. After only a few minutes on the island the rain stopped and the sun appeared.
We enjoyed a wonderful few hours on a stunning beach, one of those which looks like one which you see on a postcard.
Mahe, Seychelles
Our final dream destination on this magical cruise was to Mahe. Wow, what a place. I had only ever dreamt about one day visiting the Seychelles. In my head all I could picture was those images you see online and on TV with the clear blue stunning waters and soft white sand.
We extended our stay in Mahe by two nights and we are so glad we did as we got to experience those perfect beaches ourselves. They were even more breathtaking in person.
This was really a dream itinerary for Mr B and I. We started off in the chaos and magic of Mumbai, to the lush green state of Goa, back to a bustling city exploring Colombo, exploring the underwater life in the Maldives and ending by visiting the stunning islands of the Seychelles. All with a perfect mix of sea days where we were spoiled and pampered on the floating beauty that is Crystal Symphony and her wonderful crew.
Read my other blog post to see inside Crystal Symphony cruise ship and inside our wonderful suite . . .
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