Road Scholar : Home
Warmth of the Holidays: Ringing in the New Year in the Caribbean

Program Number: 21060RJ
Start and End Dates:
12/20/2013 - 1/5/2014;
Duration: 16 nights
Location: US (FL)/Turks and Caicos/Curacao/Columbia/Honduras/Belize/Mexico
Price starting at: $8,830.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
Meals: 39; 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Immerse yourself in the Caribbean’s blissful natural beauty and the unique blend of culture, architecture and history of seven countries as you celebrate the New Year amid turquoise waters and an easy island pace on this exceptional educational voyage. Whether exploring lighthouses and villages on land or peering through snorkeling goggles at majestic tropical fish and coral reefs, you will be exhilarated by your discoveries and warmed by the Caribbean sun and good cheer.




Activity Particulars

Walking a few blocks, some standing, climbing a few stairs, getting on/off motorcoach, handling own luggage.



Programs with Crystal Cruises are designed for the independent traveler. These programs off a lower Activity Level and the ability to choose your own shore excursion based on your preferences and physical ability. Road Scholar will provide one exclusive shore excursion and private onboard lectures with our own Study Leader.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Miami, 1 night; Crystal Serenity, 15 nights.



Days 1-2: Arrival Miami, Fla. / embark Crystal Serenity:

Enjoy an expert-led exploration of Miami’s renowned cultural and natural landmarks, then board the Crystal Serenity. Lodging: TBD.



Day 3-4: At Sea / Turks & Caicos:

Explore the only conch farm in the world and experience some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling.



Day 5-6: At Sea / Willemstad, Curacao (Netherlands Antilles):

Take in Dutch architecture, waterfront promenades and a color floating market in Curaçao’s capital city.



Days 7-10: At Sea / Santa Marta (Colombia) / Cartagena / At Sea :

Explore Ghristoffelpark and its variety of birds and wild orchids, plus 17th-century Cartagena’s walled colonial city.



Day 11: Roatan Island (Honduras):

Swim with dolphins or snorkel for colorful species of tropical fish, or explore the reef in a glass-bottom boat.



Day 12: Belize City (Belize):

Before a festive New Year’s Eve on the ship, spend the day exploring the considerable Victorian architecture, or see how wildlife is cherished at the Belize Zoo.



Days 13-14: Costa Maya (Mexico) / Cozumel:

Experience a modern city modeled after an ancient Mayan city, and enjoy Cozumel’s pristine beaches and snorkeling.



Days 15-17: At Sea / Key West (Fla.) / disembark Miami, departure:

In bohemian Key West, take in the homes of Ernest Hemingway and John James Audubon.



Crystal Serenity

At 820 feet long, this elegant ocean liner offers its 1,080 passengers plenty of space, unsparing amenities including the high-tech Computer University@Sea and several restaurants, including one by acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Complimentary fine wines and premium spirits available throughout voyage.
Meals and Lodgings
   Crystal Serenity
  Aboard the Crystal Serenity, USA 14 nights
 Crystal Serenity
Type: Cruise Ship
  Ship Information: 68,000 gross registered tons (approx.) 820 ft. length (250 m) 105.6 ft. width (32.2 m) 24.9 ft. draft (7.6 m) 21.0 knots cruising speed 22.0 knots maximum speed Fin type roll stabilizers Two transverse controllable pitch bow thrusters
  Contact info: 2049 Century Park East, Suite 1400
2049 Century Park East, Suite 1400, CA  1400 USA
phone: 310-785-9300
  Room amenities: verandahs in 85 % of staterooms; all other staterooms have picture windows Refrigerators hairdryer In-stateroom Internet access Shower, tub, double sink in bathroom Queen or twin-sized beds, depending on preference ship-to-shore phones safe
  Facility amenities: Two-story Crystal Plaza and Crystal Cove, lobby area with atrium, comfortable seating and piano bar, "Avenue of the Stars" shopping arcade with three boutiques offering upscale clothing, jewelry, and specialty items, Casino featuring slot machines, bar poker and slant top poker machines, blackjack tables, craps, a roulette table, baccarat table and the Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Galaxy Lounge, the ship's main entertainment venue Hollywood Theatre for recently released movies, with state-of-the-art audio visual and translation equipment that may be used for meetings and/or conferences; theatre also features audio enhancement for the hearing-impaired, Computer University@Sea® center with a lab for classroom instruction and separate room offering 24-hour Internet and e-mail access, The Studio, a completely new learning center for a variety of creative and educational hands-on classes, a variety of lounges including the Stardust Club for dancing and cabaret, Avenue Saloon cocktail and piano bar, Connoisseur Club, an intimate refined cigar lounge, Palm Court/Sunset Bar observation lounge, and Pulse disco Fantasia children's center and Waves teen center, a library featuring over 3,000 books, videos, DVDs, and books-on-tape, and a Bridge Lounge.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
This program begins on the ship in Miami at the program orientation. You will be staying at Crystal Serenity that night.
  End of Program:
This program ends after breakfast on board the ship in Miami, Florida You will be staying at Crystal Serenity the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. **IMPORTANT INFORMATION** All participants MUST register online with Crystal Cruises. To register go to checkin.crystalcruises.com to access the Priority Check-in and Planning Center. To log in, you need type in your first/last names as they appear on your passport and your booking number (which appears on your cruise confirmation or can be obtained from Road Scholar). You will need to enter your contact and passport information in order to register. Once registered you will be able to book excursions and on-board activities (such as specialty dining, spa appointments, etc). If you did not recieve a booking number, please call us at 1.866.359.5966. For more information on using the Priority Check-in & Planning Center please see the attachment at the end of this booklet. Proof of citizenship is required for ALL guests.
  Parking availability:
N/A
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Aboard the Crystal Serenity
  From End of Program
  Location: Aboard the Crystal Serenity
  Transportation from site: .
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival Miami/ Transfer to Program Hotel
(Friday, December 20)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive in Miami and transfer to the program hotel.
 Afternoon: Convene with your group leader and other participants for the program orientation.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Miami/Embarkation on Crystal Serenity
(Saturday, December 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard at the hotel
 Morning: Enjoy a Road Scholar Tour of Miami.Theme TBD...
 Lunch: Lunch at a Local Restaurant
 Afternoon: Transfer to the cruise port for embarkation on the Crystal Serenity
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Cruising the Atlantic Ocean
(Sunday, December 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Presentaion 1: Join your study lecture for a group presentaion, theme TBD
 Lunch: Lunch on the ship.
 Afternoon: Presentaion 2: Join your study lecture for a group presentaion, theme TBD
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Turks & Caicos/Grand Turk, UK
(Monday, December 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Enjoy an indepedent exploration of Turks & Caicos. Although there are numerous spots on land that invite relaxation and exploration, the Turks and Caicos are really all about the water. More specifically, they're all about what's beneath the water. These islands have some of the best diving and snorkeling anywhere, courtesy of one of the world's largest network of coral reefs, easily accessible off the islands' shores. One reef, aptly called the Wall, is particularly spectacular; it drops 7,000 feet-straight down. Between the shore and the reef, the water is only waist deep, providing a perfect place for beginning snorkelers to get their feet wet
 Lunch: Lunch aboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Afternoon: Continue to independently explore Turks and Caicos
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Cruising the Caribbean Sea
(Tuesday, December 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Presentaion 3: Join your study lecture for a group presentaion, theme TBD
 Lunch: Lunch aboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Afternoon: Presentaion 4: Join your study lecture for a group presentaion, theme TBD
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Willemstad, Curacao
(Wednesday, December 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Enjoy an independent exploration of Willemstad, Curacao. The capital of Curaçao, is characterized by story-book Dutch architecture, waterfront promenades, fine shopping and a colorful floating market. Located in the southern Caribbean, just 38 miles north of Venezuela, a harmonious blend of Dutch, Caribbean, African and South American cultures makes Willemstad unique among the Caribbean ports of call.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship .
 Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration of Curacao
 Dinner: Group dinner in the Crystal Dining Room and review of tomorrow's itinerary and options
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Cruising the Caribbean Sea
(Thursday, December 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Presentaion 5: Join your study lecture for a group presentaion, theme TBD
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: Presentaion 6: Join your study lecture for a group presentaion, theme TBD
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Santa Martha, Colombia
(Friday, December 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Presentation 5: Theme TBD
 Lunch: Lunch on board ship
 Afternoon: Presentation 6: Theme TBD
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Cartegana, Colombia
(Saturday, December 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Enjoy an idependent exploration of this beautiful island. Although there are numerous spots on land that invite relaxation and exploration, the Turks and Caicos are really all about the water. More specifically, they're all about what's beneath the water. These islands have some of the best diving and snorkeling anywhere, courtesy of one of the world's largest network of coral reefs, easily accessible off the islands' shores. One reef, aptly called the Wall, is particularly spectacular; it drops 7,000 feet-straight down. Between the shore and the reef, the water is only waist deep, providing a perfect place for beginning snorkelers to get their feet wet.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration of Turks and Caicos
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Cruising the Caribbean Sea
(Sunday, December 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: While cruising the Caribbean sea enjoy the luxurious amenities aboard the Crystal Serenity. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along the 360o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater,
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: While cruising the Caribbean sea enjoy the luxurious amenities aboard the Crystal Serenity. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along the 360o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater,
 Dinner: Dinner onboard the ship.
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Roatan Island, Honduras
(Monday, December 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Enjoy an idependent exploration of Curacao. Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is characterized by story-book Dutch architecture, waterfront promenades, fine shopping and a colorful floating market. Located in the southern Caribbean, just 38 miles north of Venezuela, a harmonious blend of Dutch, Caribbean, African and South American cultures makes Willemstad unique among the Caribbean ports of ca
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship.
 Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration of Curacao
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Belize City, Belize
(Tuesday, December 31)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: Enjoy an independent exploration of Aruba. Aruba is a long, narrow island, located just 15 miles from Venezuela's coast, with a dry and sunny climate year-round. Its distinctive beauty lies in the stark contrast between the sea and its countryside. Next to arid deserts, which host an array of wild rock formations, curiously bent divi-divi trees and cactus jungles, are magnificent beaches that shelve into transparent blue waters. Combining Dutch efficiency and Caribbean charm, Aruba has become one of the most popular playgrounds in the Caribbean, boasting sophisticated resorts and casinos.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard the ship
 Afternoon: Continue your independent exploration of Aruba
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Costa Maya, Mexico
(Wednesday, January 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard the ship; you may individually choose from among Crystal's dining options.
 Morning: While cruising the Caribbean sea enjoy the beautifulu amenities aboard the Crystal Serenity. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along the 360o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater,
 Lunch: Lunch on board ship
 Afternoon: Presentation 7: Enjoy your last presentation given by your study lecture.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the ship
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Cozumel, Mexico
(Thursday, January 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: While cruising the Caribbean sea enjoy the beautifulu amenities aboard the Crystal Serenity. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along the 360o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood
 Lunch: Lunch on board the ship
 Afternoon: Continue to enjoy your time aboard the Crystal Serenity
 Dinner: Dinner aboard the ship
   
Accommodations: Crystal Serenity
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Cruising the Gulf of Mexico
(Friday, January 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: Presentaion 8: Join your study lecture for a group presentaion, theme TBD
 Afternoon: While cruising the Caribbean sea enjoy the luxurious amenities aboard the Crystal Serenity. Adjust the compass of your mood and design your day exactly as you wish: pamper yourself at the Feng Shui-inspired Crystal Spa, work-out at the state-of-the-art fitness center or Walk-on-Water along the 360o Promenade Deck; teach yourself something new with complimentary language lessons by Berlitz or piano instruction with Yamaha; enhance your computer skills at the Computer University@Sea or sneak away to watch recently-released movies in the Hollywood Theater,
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768