Grand Holiday Passage (19 Days) 

     Valparaso, the "Vale of Paradise," has a population of almost 300,000 and is Chile's principal seaport and home to Chile's Congress. It climbs a crescent of 45 hills creating a maze of alleys, winding streets, connecting stairs and funicular railways. The port and business center lies at the foot of the hills, in a narrow belt of flatland. Having experienced the rich culture and history of this popular port city, you will realize how ingenuity has transformed this abrupt stretch of coastline into one of the world's most picturesque and famous port cities.

Nearby lies flower-bedecked Via del Mar, where the wealthy and powerful come to play in the sun and at the casino. And just 20 minutes from Valparaso, this beach resort city, also popularly known as the "Garden City," boasts white-sand beaches, notable museums and a variety of carefully designed parks and beautiful public spaces.

Farther afield, the churches, colonial grandeur and sophistication of Santiago beckon for exploration and discovery.

The ship departs this evening at 9pm.

     Today you can enjoy all the lovely amenities aboard the Crystal Symphony as you set sail in the South Pacific Ocean.

     Puerto Montt was founded in 1853, at the head of the Pacific inlet known as Reloncavi Sound. Since then it has become the gateway to the Bavarian-flavored Chilean Lake District, a region graced with some of the world's most inspiring scenery. Virgin forests, picturesque towns, snow-mantled mountains and translucent lakes adorn this idyllic setting.

A wonderland of scenic splendor awaits - the towering volcano of Mount Osorno, the tranquil Lake Llanquihue, the rushing rapids of Petrohue and the serenity of Lake Todos los Santos.

Keen shoppers won't want to miss the great buys at the Angelm-Handicraft Market, adjacent to the main port gate. Enjoy a full day here from 8am - 5pm.

     Today you will witness the amazing Chilean Fjords from deck as your ship carries you here. Prepare for your mouth to drop open!

     Enjoy one of the classes offered at sea, or perhaps you'll meet some friends in the casino. Spend the day completely at your leisure as you sail towards Punta Arenas.

     Punta Arenas (Sandy Point) is the only city situated on the Strait of Magellan, the 300-mile waterway which cuts a swath between the mainland and the island of Tierra del Fuego. This remote center is Chile's southernmost city and capital of Magallanes Province. Since it was founded in 1848, Punta Arenas prospered as a busy coaling station until the building
of the Panama Canal.

Today it boasts a population of 100,000, of which approximately one-quarter are descendants of Croatian immigrants. It is also the bustling center of one of the world's largest sheep farming areas, with major exports of wool and mutton.

Punta Arenas is your gateway to a wealth of sightseeing options. Take a thrilling private air charter over Antarctica, explore museums which bring the events of yesteryear alive, or delve deep into Patagonia's frontier regions. Enjoy 14 hours here from 8am-10pm.

     Today you will cruise Cape Horn.

     Spend a full day in Ushuaia from 8am-5pm. Ushuaia, the world's southernmost town, lies on the triangular-shaped island of Tierra del Fuego. While Ferdinand Magellan was exploring the straits between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in 1520, he was amazed by the smoke and fires which seemed to appear at every turn. These fires, which were kept continuously alight by the Yaghan and Ona Indians, became the inspiration for the name "Tierra del Fuego," Land of Fire.

Little has changed since the days of those intrepid first explorers. The abundant wildlife, scenic beauty and mysterious history of this rugged frontier land still retain an irresistible fascination.

     Utilize this day to relax. Perhaps you'll make an appointment at the spa or simply read a book in a quiet corner. The day is yours to spend however you see fit.

     Head to the southernmost continent as the Crystal Symphony sails towards Antarctica.

     Enjoy the visual splendors that are Elephant Island and view water and ice in a way you never thought possible! Perhaps you'll see penguins and sea lions.

     Today you cruise the South Atlantic Ocean towards the Falkland Islands, UK.

     The Falkland Islands are situated some 350 miles east of Tierra del Fuego, 1,000 miles north of Antarctica and, as the locals claim, a mere 8,000 miles from Britain. Port Stanley is home to the majority of the island's residents -1,990 out of a total population of 2,490.

These 700 islands have long been of historical importance to scientists and seamen alike. Prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, they offered safe anchorage and provisions for sailing vessels as they headed around Cape Horn. Today, maritime interests center mostly on the British Royal Navy, fishing fleets from a variety of nations and scientific expeditions to Antarctica.

In 1982, world attention was riveted on these islands when Argentine and British forces fought fiercely for the right to call them their own. A number of vessels, numerous aircraft, thousands of troops and many local residents were involved in the conflict. After heavy combat, the will of Britain, supported by the island people, prevailed and the Falkland Islands remain British to this day. Spend the day from 8am-5pm in Port Stanley.

     Cruise the South Atlantic Ocean as you head towards the mainland.

     The Patagonian city of Puerto Madryn lies on the shores of the Golfo Nuevo, along the southern coast of Argentina.It was here that a band of Welsh settlers arrived in 1880 aboard the brigantine Mimosa. These pioneers were brought by Viscount Madryn to found a colony far away from the rigors of Britain's Industrial Revolution. Soon they established the town of Trelew and populated the green Chubut River Valley. Others later followed from Scotland and England as small farms and sheep ranches were gradually developed. Today, Argentina's finest wool originates from here.

Although this region is not particularly blessed with buildings of great architectural significance or beautiful scenery, it is nonetheless recognized for its opportunities to view such wildlife as sea elephants, sea lions, penguins and birds. Enjoy Puerto Madryn from 8am-6pm today.

     Enjoy cruising the South Atlantic Ocean as this is your final day completely at sea.

     Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, South America's second-smallest country. Beyond urban limits, 90% of Uruguay's land is devoted to sheep and cattle grazing, as Montevideo is this nation's largest city. Legend tells us that its name originated from the words monte vide eu meaning "I see a mountain," exclaimed by an eager lookout when Magellan's fleet first arrived in 1520.

Set in a picturesque location along the River Plate's shores, Montevideo evokes all the flavor of Spain with the massive masonry, hidden patios and palm-shaded plazas that are so reminiscent of that country.

Attractions abound. Stroll wide boulevards and leafy parks, view imposing statuary or experience the thrill of an estancia visit. Enjoy a full day from 8am-5pm.

     Arrive to Buenos Aires at 7am this morning for disembarkation and feel free explore this magnificent city on your own.

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of "favorable winds," is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk caf�s, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance.

Until the 1880s, Buenos Aires was a mere village. However, it has now prospered into one of Latin America's most sophisticated centers, with a population of over 11 million.

Buenos Aires has also frequently been dubbed the "Paris of the Southern Hemisphere," due to its superb restaurants, art galleries, museums and European-influenced architecture.