Grand Arctic Exploration (15 Days) 

     Denmark, the world's oldest kingdom, awaits your discovery on this visit to its lively capital, Copenhagen. Immerse yourself in the vitality of this delightful city as you explore its expansive parks and plazas, as well as its treasure trove of historic galleries and buildings. Discover its exquisite combination of Scandinavian elegance and European joie de vivre.

Visitors traveling outside the city enter an altogether different world; one where stately castles are found nestled in the gentle, emerald-green Danish countryside. Your ship departs at 6pm this evening.

     Today you're able to take advantage of the many activities on board the Crystal Symphony as you sail the North Sea.

     Geiranger village is located along the picturesque snow-covered Geirangerfjord in central Norway. One of the most dazzling of all Norwegian fjords, the Geiranger has been visited by touring ships for more than 100 years.

Impressive mountains, numerous waterfalls and farms clinging precipitously to steep hillsides combine to give this area its unique character.

One of the highlights of the fjordland, tiny Hellesylt lies at the head of Sunnylvenfjord. Near the village, a glacier-fed stream plunges over the sheer granite face of the fjord, cascading in thousands of feet of rainbows and foam. This majestic area, with its breathtaking glaciers and mountain lakes, inspired Henrik Ibsen's immortal drama Brand. Experience Gerianger from 8am-5pm.

     A millennium of history and culture is the palette for the diversity and richness of the fair city of Trondheim. Originally named Nidaros, home to Kings and Saints, Trondheim boasts the largest Cathedral, the oldest theatre, and one of the most unique museums, all in Norway. The streets echo with the long-silent sounds of Vikings, vast armies and the seafaring spirit of the West Coast. You're here from 8am-5pm.

     Today you'll have another day to experience all your ship has to offer, or simply lounge on deck in awe at the amazing scenery.

     In the early afternoon (12noon) your Crystal ship docks at the peaceful town of Honningsvåg set on Mageroy or "Meager" Island. Fishing is the dominant industry for the island's 3,500 inhabitants.

Honningsvåg is your gateway to the North Cape plateau, Europe's northernmost promontory, with its infinite views over the vast expanse of the Artic Ocean. Depart at 10pm.

     You'll sail by Bear Island and Sorkapp, Spitzbergen today.

     Today get a taste of the Ice Barrier as your ship elegantly dances past.

     This glacier-clad, barely sub-North Pole clime once hosted a tropical forest. That was long ago, in prehistoric times. Nonetheless, the forest's presence helped establish what we now know as the town of Longyearbyen. In 1899, coal - the remains of the once-flourishing tropical vegetation - was discovered. In 1906, American John M. Longyear founded the Arctic Coal Company, lending the town his capital and his name.

While Americans, Russians and Swedes rushed to the Svalbard archipelago (of which the island of Spitsbergen is a part) in search of black gold, you will make a wealth of other discoveries. During the summer, continuous daylight coaxes flowers into an astounding display of color. Abundant wildlife includes polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeer, seals, walruses and whales. The town of Longyearbyen offers its own appeal, with an array of interesting shops and welcoming cafés. Spend the morning here (7am - 12noon).

     The Crystal Symphony cruises the Barrents Sea today. Use this time to try your luck at black jack in the casino, take a yoga class or visit the spa!

     Charmingly eccentric - that is how the Norwegian town of Alesund is often described. What makes Alesund so unusual is its architecture. The town center boasts a somewhat outrageous collection of pastel-colored buildings, many with towers and turrets. Not so unusual, perhaps, except for the fanciful flourishes of human faces, pharaohs and dragons that peer down upon fascinated passersby.

The story of how these strange and altogether delightful buildings came to be is as remarkable as the structures themselves. In 1904, a fire consumed the town center and left 10,000 people without homes. Undaunted, the citizens saw an opportunity to re-imagine their city. Local architects, trained in Germany, helped rebuild the town in a surge of reconstruction lasting three years. The influence is certainly that of the Jugendstil movement. The style most closely resembles Art Nouveau. The result: uncommonly wonderful. Spend the afternoon in Alesund (2pm-9pm).

     Enjoy our maiden call to Olden. While Olden is a charming place with a historic 18th-century church and variety of small shops and cafes, chances are you won't linger in town for long. Just south of the fjordside village is the Briksdalsbreen, an amazingly blue glacier whose impressive beauty is fair reward for a hike along a winding path. Not that the path itself isn't without merit. Like almost any road or trail along the fjords of Norway, the journey affords glimpses of picture-postcard vignettes of waterfalls, rivers and mountains. You have the entire day here to explore (8am-5pm).

     Bergen, "Capital of the Fjordland" and Norway's second-largest city, was founded in 1070 AD. In its heyday, Norwegian Kings resided here. It was the largest city in Norway and there were no less than 27 churches and abbeys.

Bergen is an immaculate city, set between the mountains and the sea, where traditional values hold firm over transitory ways. The local people take great pride in the rich heritage of this, one of Norway's premier cities. You have the entire day here to explore (8am-6pm).

     Today is your last full day aboard the cruise ship so be sure your activity (or relaxation) schedule is full!

     Arrive to Dover early at 6am for disembarkation. For centuries, Dover has been a symbol of England's royal fortitude. The port's legendary White Cliffs have long been a welcomed landmark for seafaring travelers. The solid Dover Castle has faced invasions by Roman, French and even English troops.

London's legendary sights, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament Square, Whitehall and the fashionable West End, lie just 80 miles from historic Dover.