|
The Kelly's British Isles Cruise on the Crystal Symphony
By: Nancy Kelly |
Our highly
anticipated cruise to the British Isles took place this
summer aboard the luxurious six-star rated Crystal
Symphony. My husband, Ed, and I, set sail from Copenhagen on
the 23rd of August, 2005, in search of new experiences
and relaxation. We were also pleased to share this voyage
with some of our clients.
Crystal
Cruises has always been one of our favorite cruise lines and
we were fortunate enough to experience the classic service
and exceptional quality we have to come to expect from
Crystal. Everything on board was designed around our wants
and needs. Our suite was extremely comfortable and well
appointed. The staff was comprised of an amazing group of
special people who were always smiling as they greeted us by
name and were anxious to please all 750 guests onboard. We enjoyed
sampling all the different dining options, guest lecturers
and fantastic entertainment. There were countless choices
for relaxation and enrichment. Crystal’s exclusive Creative
Learning Institute indulges your interest in art, history,
business, wine and food, health, fitness and computers.
| Our cruise
began in Copenhagen, a city we have visited in the past, but
were anxious to see again. The weather was sunny and
pleasant, so we enjoyed lunch in an outdoor café and spent
the evening strolling Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli is a “must
experience” for travelers of all ages. It’s a magical place
where entertainment is on-going with marching bands,
amusement park rides, fabulous gardens, enticing shops, a
variety of restaurants and even an orchestra in the evening.
|
 |
| We had one
relaxing day at sea, before arriving in Edinburgh for a two
day visit. The highlight for most of us was a ticket to the
Military Tattoo. It was one of those experiences in life
that we will never forget! The Tattoo takes place in the
evening in front of the Edinburgh Castle. The entertainment
is one of the finest exhibitions of military pomp and
splendor in the world. The range of music is diverse and the
performances by units included Her Majesty’s Royal Marines
and the renowned Massed Pipers and Drums from Scotland; it
was simply awesome! |
 |
 |
If you
plan to take this cruise or a similar itinerary, be
sure to pack warm clothes for Scotland and a
waterproof jacket. |
 |
On our
second day in Edinburgh we choose a morning tour to St.
Andrews. With a charming and knowledgeable guide, we walked
the 17th and 18th holes of the Old
Course. This cruise had a Golf Theme and many of the
passengers took advantage of playing golf on some famous
courses and enjoyed the onboard lectures, as well as lessons
with the onboard golf legend, Billy Casper.
Belfast,
Northern Ireland was our next stop. Happily, “the Troubles”
have settled down there and a calmer scene was more
evident. Belfast has regenerated and is working hard at
providing a good impression for tourists. We found the city
to be friendly and safe. We were impressed by the historic
architecture and the abundant shopping. Friends on board the
ship took the Belfast evening Castle tour and loved
it. Golfers raved about their day at the Royal County Down
Golf Club.
| Our next
stop in Dublin, Ireland’s Capital City, was a real
treat!Crystal offers an excellent variety of shore
excursions including golf, antique shopping, pubs and
castles. Ed and I took advantage of the private shore
excursion customized by Virtuoso. Comfortable motorcoaches
provided transportation from the ship to the Irish National
Stud Farm and Japanese Gardens in County Kildare. The tour
of Dublin was lovely en route to County Kildare.
|
 |
| Our private
guide at the National Stud Farm educated and delighted us
with stories of famous horses, owners and lore. To cap off a
truly perfect day we proceeded to the Kildare Country Club,
known as the “K” Club where we enjoyed a delicious lunch
with wine in the Arnold Palmer Dining Room. |
 |
Waterford,
Ireland, founded in the 9th Century is a picture
postcard! It’s the perfect spot for sightseeing
opportunities for viewing castles, the rolling green
countryside, and of course a visit to the Waterford
Factory. We enjoyed a morning tour of the factory, which
included a demonstration of glass blowing, cutting and
engraving as well as treasures for our shopping
pleasure. Our tour also included a fabulous lunch and visit
to the Waterford Castle. We took a ferry across King’s
Channel to reach the Waterford Castle, considered to be one
of the finest hotels in Europe. What a truly spectacular
day!
| Our last
port was Guernsey / St. Peter Port in England. It’s a mere
25 square miles in size and offers a variety of optional
tours including a cliff walk with an artists view; The
German Occupation Museum; or the LA Grande Mare Golf and
Country Club for Guernsey cream tea. Since we visited
Guernsey several times in the past, we chose to stroll the
charming town with new friends and enjoyed a pub lunch
before returning to our ship. |
 |
I can
honestly tell you that we enjoyed every moment of this very
special trip and we highly recommend it. Three similar
itineraries are scheduled for next year on the Crystal
Serenity.
Be good to
yourself… you deserve the pleasures of travel!
