Our recent cruise to the Mediterranean on the luxurious Crystal Serenity was a very special trip with memories to be savored. On August 31st, my husband, Ed and I hosted a group of Kelly Cruises clients and friends who were a real joy and we enjoyed traveling with them. The cruise we selected began in Monte Carlo and ended 12-days later in Venice. September is an ideal time to cruise this part of the world, since the weather is usually near perfect, and the summer crowds have dissipated.

We flew from Chicago to Nice, treating ourselves to a night in Monte Carlo, at the charming Hermitage Hotel; this is an excellent choice if you’re looking for the perfect location. Yes, it was pricey, but the rooms were lovely and the view was awesome.  Crystal provided transfers from the airport to the hotel and hotel to the ship, because this was the hotel they selected for their pre cruise package. Cocktails at the Hotel de Paris; a quick trip to the world famous casino in Monte Carlo; dinner outdoors under the stars; and a stroll around this storybook city, started our trip off with the “Wow” factor. The next morning we had a short ride to the pier where our ship stood out like a jewel in the harbor.

Our group received a warm welcome from the crew onboard the Crystal Serenity, then everyone quickly settled into their comfortable deluxe balcony staterooms and suites. Crystal offers a choice of dining times for dinner and our group was evenly divided between their choice for Main or Late seating. One of the many things we love about Crystal is their excellent choice of itineraries and strategically positioned days at sea to relax. This itinerary was especially inviting, because it offered an overnight in Monte Carlo and Venice. Both of these world class cities offer a plethora of interesting dining and entertainment options to experience. With nine fascinating ports of call and three days at sea I think everyone enjoyed the mix of three formal evenings, three informal and six casual evenings.

Kelly Cruises provided a complimentary private tour for our clients in Monte Carlo. We hired a private guide and motorcoach, so we could explore the two charming medieval towns on the French Riviera, Eze and St. Paul du Vence. We walked, we explored winding cobblestone streets, and we took great pictures and learned the history and interesting facts about the region from a very professional guide named Stephanie. Lunch was a treat. The chef prepared a special meal for us and we dined outdoors under the olive trees with good food, wine and invigorating conversations with new friends.

Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, was our second port of call.  Here we could have taken one of a dozen trips into Rome offered by Crystal. Instead, we pre-arranged to have one of our destination specialists in Italy give us a private tour. Tip: If this is your first time visiting a new port city and you are looking to see as much as possible or you are looking for an in-depth experience, I highly recommend having a private car with driver and guide.

In one day we visited the Coliseum, the Forum, Pantheon, walked the Spanish Steps, threw a coin into the Trevy Fountain (for good luck), and then took a break for lunch, before spending the rest of day marveling at the sights in St. Peters and exploring Vatican City.

The picturesque city of Sorrento in Italy was our next port; it offered so many ideal options for sightseeing. From here you can visit Pompeii, the Isle of Capri, or any number of other precious towns. Once again Kelly Cruises offered our clients the option of a private tour, which included a visit to the small towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. Our motorcoach met us at the Plaza since ships have to tender the passengers in this Port. It was a comfort to have a professional driver and a tour guide for this area. The narrow roads with the hairpin turns along the Amalfi Coast are not designed for the faint of heart.

The highlight of our day was the time we spent in the small town of Ravello and the lunch we enjoyed at the Hotel Ruffulo, a story book place in the mountains, overlooking the sea. Do add Ruffulo to your “must” list of places to see before you die. Two of our clients, who had recently visited the Amalfi Coast, chose a culinary tour in Sorrento offered by Crystal and they thoroughly enjoyed it.

Santorini is often considered the most dramatic Greek Island. At one time it had an active volcano known as Strongyle that erupted about 1500 BC with such force that the center of the island exploded, leaving the submerged crater into which ships sail today. On this picturesque island we selected a tour that included a visit to the charming village of Oia. Here we were delighted by beautiful cobblestone streets lined with mansions that seemed to cling to the cliffs of the caldera. The architecture here is so interesting. And the view of the harbor and surrounding islands was spectacular.

Our next stop was at a winery where we were graciously greeted by the owner who personally conducted a short tour, then served us a delicious lunch on his terrace overlooking the most amazing view of Santorini. We then proceeded to Fira Town, a picturesque site where so many beautiful photos have been taken to best describe the Greek Islands, with their whitewash buildings, blue roofs and easy-going lifestyle. Its fun to wander in and out of all the quaint little shops, then stop for a refreshing beverage before making your way down by either cable car or donkey. Note: This is a difficult island for anyone who is physically challenged. It is definitely not for anyone in a wheelchair, or anyone who is not in good physical condition.

On the sunny east coast of the Peloponnese, lies a beautiful Greek Island called Navplion. It is more modern than many of the other Greek Islands and filled with picturesque streets, lovely shops, small museums and outdoor cafes facing the water. We chose a relaxing day here and were content with a little shopping, talking to the locals, and taking photographs. Other travelers in our group took tours to see Ancient Corinth or an excursion to Mycenae…one of the most powerful cities in ancient times.

Corfu is considered one of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets. The main downtown has elegant Venetian architecture, surrounded by olive and cypress trees. You may want to visit Belle Vistas for a breathtaking view of exquisite bays and turquoise water or take a tour through the countryside and into Corfu’s old town.

My most favorite port on this cruise was Dubrovnik located along the Dalmatian Coast. We visited here once before, almost 18 years ago, and I was anxious to see what changes had occurred. Medieval Dubrovnik was one of several walled cities established in the 7th century to guard the coast. Its fortification was completed in the 13th century and has remained almost unchanged. The city walls are in excellent condition. So, what did we do? We took Crystal’s complimentary shuttle to Pile Square. From here we crossed the guarded bridge to the entrance of the walled city.

Inside the walled city itself you will St. Blaise Church, elaborate stone carvings in the courtyard, the Maritime Museum, Sponza Palace, the Dominican church and a monastery filled with treasures.  Here you can visit dozens of lovely shops and outdoor restaurants. I am proud to tell you we walked the entire wall. The continuous walking over uneven surfaces and climbing higher and higher for views that cannot be adequately described was worth it. You look over all shades of orange rooftops, which look to be handmade. The view down shows a thriving village, where you wish you could stay. Marvel at the beautiful shades of blue and green, as you look out on the Dalmatian Coast. Admire other tourists visiting here from all over the world and you see the pleasure written all over their faces, because they are enjoying this very special place as much as you are.

Our last port of call was Venice, a city I always look forward to revisiting. Everyone on the Crystal Serenity was out on deck as our ship made its spectacular entrance down the Grand Canal. People along the shore who saw our ship coming must have said, “oh look, here come the most beautiful ship in the world”. Those of us on board were all feeling very privileged and happy to be ending our remarkable journey in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We took the ship’s tender to St. Mark’s Square and began to reacquaint ourselves with the winding streets, canals and bridges over the water. The pigeons are all still there of course, and so are all the sights that make Venice so special.

There is St. Mark’s Basilica with all its extraordinary treasures, the Murano Glass and the Burano Lace Factory and the Calergi Palace. This is a city that must be walked, and when you are tired rest in an outdoor café with your favorite beverage to people watch or take a Gondola ride. It’s a city to dine on delicious Italian food and a city to shop for leather, beautiful silk scarves, high end fashion, Murano glass and bargain knockoff purses to bring home as small gifts for the fashion conscious.

To me, taking a voyage on a Crystal Cruise is always filled with great expectations. You are the director of your own special story. There is “magic” to be found and enjoyed in every port of call, as well as onboard your Crystal ship. Your ship is going to stop in some of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world. Your stateroom is elegantly appointed and the staff will treat you like a very special guest. Entertainment is dazzling and the dining experience every evening is an event to look forward to with fine cuisine and such interesting conversation with new friends. Every cruise that we have ever taken has been nothing short of fantastic…and this one of course was the best.