Romantic and Luxury South Pacific Cruise – Crystal Serenity

Discover a taste of the South Pacific on a cruise from Tahiti to New Zealand aboard the luxurious all-suite Crystal Serenity.

Cruise itinerary
From Papeete to Bora Bora in French Polynesia, then on to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands and Nuku'Alofa in Tonga and Lautoka in Fiji before arriving at Auckland, New Zealand.

About the Crystal Serenity
Launched in 2003, the Crystal Serenity (operated by Crystal Cruises) manages to successfully combine ‘luxury’ with ‘large’. With one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, the Crystal Serenity offers guests a refined personalised service in elegant surroundings that are reminiscent of a luxurious country club, with a broad range of onboard activities found only aboard a large ship.

Accommodation – A choice of all-suite accommodation provides a spacious living room, dining area, large private verandah and bedroom with king-size bed, walk-in closet and master bath with separate shower and Jacuzzi.

The ocean view cabins feature a state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen sound system, data port for laptop computer hook-up, flat-screen televisions and DVD players in bedroom, living room and bathroom, a cordless phone and security safe. Expect Scandinavian down duvets, Egyptian cotton sheets and bath towels, complimentary bathrobes and Aveda bath products.

Dining – Five dining venues are available, serving everything from burgers to multi-course gourmet meals as well as complimentary in-stateroom dining. The cuisine is of special note, with celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa lending his culinary talents to the Crystal Serenity.

Dress code – During the day, guests wear a mix of smart casual active resort wear. There is a specific dress code each evening for dining areas that also applies to all public areas of the ship after 6pm (except for al fresco dining on deck when available).

Evenings range from casual (open neck shirts and slacks), to informal (jackets (tie optional) for men and casual elegance for ladies). Formal evenings typically require an elegant evening gown or cocktail dress for women, and tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits for men. Typically, cruises of 10 days or more feature three formal nights.

On-board entertainment – The plush Galaxy Lounge presents award-winning musical productions, Broadway-style costumes and intricate choreography. The lounge is custom-designed to offer perfect views from each of its seats and features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

In addition there’s the cosy Avenue Saloon, a sophisticated cocktail and piano bar; the Connoisseur Club, a mahogany-panelled lounge for fine cigars and cognac; the rocking Pulse Disco and karaoke venue; and the Hollywood Theatre, which presents first-run movies.

Spa – The spa features panoramic sea views, beautiful Asian artifacts and the peaceful ambience of Feng Shui as well as a sauna, steam room and a full-service hair salon. Indulge in a range of invigorating therapies including Aroma stone therapy, Japanese silk booster facial and well-being massage.

Fitness – On-board fitness facilities include a lap pool, indoor and outdoor pool, two Jacuzzis, an extensive 360-degree Promenade Deck for walking and jogging, paddle tennis courts, table tennis, golf driving ranges, putting greens and shuffleboard courts. Try a relaxing yoga class or enhance your physique with modern-age Pilates under the guidance of a qualified fitness director.

Activities – A Creative Learning Centre offers a wide range of interactive educational classes including keyboard lessons, language, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, dance and fitness, sports and health classes.

Casino – The glittering 380m2 Caesars Palace at Sea casino offers black jack, mini-baccarat, roulette, dice tables and more than 85 gaming machines.

Price inclusions – Includes a personal butler service as well as a stewardess, meals, complimentary wine for meals plus choice of liquor from set menu upon embarkation, complimentary soft drinks, beer, and bottled water in suite. Tipping is additional – on average allow at least USD10 per person, per day.

Best time to cruise the South Pacific? Although you can cruise year round, the best time to cruise the South Pacific is during the dry season from May to October. The region enjoys a warm to hot climate year round with an average annual temperature of 29°C. The wet season from November to April is hot, wet and humid.