Ancient landscapes that speak to the soul, cultures dating back centuries, and a dazzling array of wildlife – this region will lift your spirit and steal your heart.
Hear from travelers who’ve experienced our wellness voyages
As a continuing guest on board Crystal Symphony, I am once again reminded of what sets Crystal apart: an unwavering commitment to excellence. This journey has only reinforced my appreciation for the remarkable people who make every day on board so special. The consistency of care is what truly elevates the Crystal experience.
I've been sailing on Crystal for 25 years, and the service is pretty much perfect – just as it has always been. Crystal Symphony looks even better now than she did in the early 2000s.
From booking all the way through the cruise to the flight home, Crystal was truly perfect in every respect and continues to set the standard for high-end cruise experiences. Our booking agent and our butler stood out as demonstrated professionals. The lecturers were also amazing.
The food and service at Waterside Restaurant is world class. Undoubtedly the best restaurant on the ocean. The service is seamless, even during unexpected rushes. The staff always rise to the occasion as if it's a walk in the park.
As a first-time Crystal cruiser, I was blown away. The ship was the nicest I've ever seen and the crew made me feel right at home. I'm already looking forward to my next two Crystal cruises.
Sailing from Cape Town to Lisbon aboard Crystal Symphony was an exceptional journey. The crew's dedication created a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere, from suite to dining room. Their attention to detail and heartfelt hospitality made it unforgettable. It has been a privilege to sail with Crystal!
It’s no exaggeration to say that a visit to Africa and the Indian Ocean can be life-changing. Bucket-list experiences abound, from classic safaris under vast skies to tropical islands of unimaginable beauty. Star-bright nights are soundtracked by ancient drums and lions’ roars; skylines formed from pyramids, pagodas, and palms. Every detail electrifies the senses: the soft thud of a monk’s feet echoing around a soaring temple, the plash of an oar sweeping through the waters of one of the world’s longest rivers. The tingle of spice on your tongue, the salt on your skin, the scent of woodsmoke in your hair.
It all speaks of a time far before ours, of lost civilizations and untamed lands, of ancestors and gods. But while traditional ways of life are carefully and artfully preserved, there is also a drive forwards, a thoroughly modern pulse that thrums through cities such as Cape Town, Mumbai, and Cairo, and even on the tiny islands of the Seychelles and Maldives. See it in the ocean conservation initiatives, the innovative restaurants putting hyper-local dishes on the world stage, and the artists and designers whose heritage materials and techniques are garnering global attention.
Our luxury cruises in Africa and the Indian Ocean are the best way to open up this region, allowing you to cover distances that would be formidable on land in one trip. In Africa, we take you to the mind-bending, logic-defying monuments of Egypt, the cosmopolitan cities and game-filled reserves of South Africa, the tropical beaches of Zanzibar and Madagascar, and the otherworldly landscapes of Namibia, where red-sand dunes meet the bone-white Atlantic shore. Our cruises in the Indian Ocean bring the chance to swim with whale sharks and dine at the world’s first undersea restaurant in the Maldives, search out the rare coco de mer fruit and giant tortoises of the Seychelles, explore the spice-scented streets and Buddhist temples of Sri Lanka, and soak up the Bollywood glitz and UNESCO treasures of Mumbai.
Sea days, of which there are many as we cross oceans, bring relaxation and reflection. If a full reset is what you need, we have some very special cruises in Africa that will help you achieve it: our Wellness Retreat voyages from Lisbon to Cape Town feature expert practitioners, special menus, themed excursions, and fitness sessions. It’s an opportunity to transform your physical voyage into a journey within.
It’s no exaggeration to say that a visit to Africa and the Indian Ocean can be life-changing. Bucket-list experiences abound, from classic safaris under vast skies to tropical islands of unimaginable beauty.
Nora and Bong Corpuz have been members of the Crystal team for more than 20 years. In fact, they got married to sail the high seas together. They're a formidable team, especially when it comes to balancing their family and onboard lives.
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Are you ready to become exceptional at sea? Start your travel adventures with Crystal today.
FAQ
Crystal cruises are all-inclusive, so you only need to pack whatever clothing and personal items that you wish to have with you – be sure to pack sunscreen. Indulgent Ortigia products are provided in every bathroom, plus all suites and guest rooms have Etro bathrobes and slippers – some also have binoculars. We also have an onboard library if you forget to bring a book. For more details on what clothing we recommend, please see HERE.
It depends on the length of the cruise. Our prices are available online when you search our Africa and Indian Ocean cruises.
Our onboard dress code during the day is casual, and if you are planning on sightseeing, we recommend lightweight fabrics (cotton, linen) and a hat to keep you cool and protected in the sun. Please note that women may need to cover their head and shoulders as a mark of respect when visiting certain religious sites. A smarter evening dress code applies onboard. For a more detailed breakdown of our dress code, and suggested items to bring, please see HERE.
The Indian Ocean region is vast and encompasses different climate zones. Crystal’s cruises generally sail from November to April, when the weather is best.
Crystal cruises are all-inclusive, so you only need to pack whatever clothing and personal items you wish to have with you – be sure to bring sunscreen. Indulgent Ortigia products are provided in every bathroom, plus all suites and guest rooms have Etro bathrobes and slippers – some also have binoculars. We also have an onboard library if you forget to bring a book. Please note that women may need to cover their head and shoulders as a mark of respect when visiting certain religious sites. For more details on what clothing we recommend, please see HERE.
Crystal’s cruises in Africa and the Indian Ocean visit a large number of countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, the Maldives, the Seychelles, South Africa, and Tanzania. For a full list of where we visit, please see HERE.
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