The Day the Sun Sets Twice
Experience a rare celestial alignment as the moon interrupts the golden hour over the North Atlantic. From the pirate legends of France to the light of Lisbon, join NASA astronauts for a luxury voyage built around a single, impossible moment: a total solar eclipse at the edge of dusk.
An Ocean Crossing Written in Light
This extraordinary 12-night journey begins in northern Europe and unfolds southward along the Atlantic edge of the continent, blending storied ports, cultural depth, and effortless luxury. From medieval walled cities and storied French harbors to Spain’s gastronomic strongholds and Portugal’s sun-washed coastlines, each stop adds texture and flavor to a voyage designed for travelers who value meaning as much as comfort.
Days ashore reveal a Europe rich in character—pirate legends in Saint-Malo, maritime heritage in Brest, Renaissance elegance in La Rochelle, and culinary treasures across Spain’s northern coast. Between ports, life onboard settles into a refined rhythm: leisurely mornings, enriching conversations, exquisite dining, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing every detail has been considered.
Then comes the moment the journey was built around. On a full day at sea, the world slows as the moon crosses the sun, plunging the horizon into an otherworldly twilight. Witnessing a total solar eclipse from the deck of an ultra-luxury ship—surrounded by open water, uninterrupted views, and shared awe—is an experience few will ever know. It’s not just a highlight of the voyage; it’s the reason this journey exists.
The final days carry you into Portuguese waters, where port wine, coastal light, and Lisbon’s timeless charm provide a fitting conclusion. You arrive not just well-traveled, but changed—having followed Europe’s edge all the way into the shadow of the moon, and back into the light.
And they're making a rare event even more extraordinary with fascinating insights into this natural spectacle from stellar speakers including NASA Astronaut Dr. Jeffrey Hoffman, physician-scientist Dr. Michael Atalay, and eclipse-chaser Lori Bremner. Join this 11-night cruise or inquire about the 18-night combination voyage, arriving in Barcelona on August 21.
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Trip Itinerary
Ijmuiden (Amsterdam), Netherlands
At just 17 miles from Amsterdam, many visitors to Ijmuiden opt to go straight to the capital. But, while the bright lights of the big city might be the biggest attraction, Ijmuiden provides easy access to many of the country's highlights. The vast beaches of Ijmuiden Strand are just 2 miles away and easily reachable by foot, while Haarlem, the Netherlands' finest example of cafés, canals, cobbled streets and cosy bars is only 30-minutes by train.
Day at Sea
A full day at sea offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in life aboard Crystal Serenity. Attend enriching lectures, enjoy live performances, or spend time unwinding at the spa, fitness center, or pool.
From fine dining and afternoon tea to quiet moments with a book or conversation in the lounges, the ship’s refined atmosphere ensures that time at sea is as rewarding as time ashore.
Saint Malo (Brittany), France
Within its fortified walls, this city of bustling shops, cafés and bars is home to the highest concentration of seafood restaurants in Europe. Heavily bombed during World War II, it was lovingly restored to its original splendor. The city's top destination is the citadel, from where Corsairs would raid enemy ships in the name of the King. Be sure to take a stroll atop the ramparts for magical views, and save time for a journey to the medieval Mont St-Michel abbey.
There are 14 excursions available today.
Brest, France
The sea has always defined Brest, in a sheltered bay on the westernmost finger of Brittany. A harbour for ships since Roman times, its strategic importance in World War II was the reason 90 per cent of it was bombed by the Allies. Remarkably, the castle overlooking the harbour survived (today it houses a marine museum), while the rest of the city was rebuilt on a modern chequerboard pattern. But it's the sea that draws the eye, from the jumble of ports and quays to the futuristic Oceanopolis, which plunges you into the wonders of marine life, with penguins, tropical lagoons, and shark tanks to see.
Montoir de Bretagne, France
This salty-aired town on the banks of the Loire estuary is within pebble-skimming distance of Brière Regional Nature Park, one of the largest wetlands in France. Hop aboard a traditional flat-bottomed chaland boat to be punted quietly through the patchwork of water meadows, keeping an eye out for bluethroats and herons in the reeds. Just as head-turning are the nearby modern-art installations that are revealed with the tide: a 130-metre-long steel serpent slinks out of the waves at Mindin and a towering woollen jumper carved from concrete hunkers down near the harbourmaster's office in Saint-Nazaire. Unexpected finds on France's Atlantic coast.
Montoir de Bretagne, France
With the ship remaining overnight, today offers a deeper opportunity to explore the surrounding Loire estuary region at an unhurried pace.
The extended stay allows for a more relaxed appreciation of this understated corner of western France.
Bilbao, Spain
Home to Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum, this bustling city epitomizes the merger of modernity and history. Gateway to the Cantabrico Sea from the plateau of Castilla, Bilbao has flourished from the middle ages as a busy port. Today, the city is renowned for its vital exuberance, as modern architects erect new buildings next to 19th-century structures.
La Coruna, Spain
Legend holds that Hercules founded this city of Romanesque squares and medieval churches, and indeed, its Tower of Hercules is one of La Coruña's most enduring symbols. Steeped in beauty, the city is renowned for its gardens, including the Jardines de Méndez Núñez, located in the center of the Pescaderia, and the Jardine de San Carlos in the Old City. Visit the Museo Arqueologico e Historico for exceptional views, and see the elaborately carved door on the church of Calle de Santa Maria.
There are 12 excursions available today.
Day at Sea + Solar Eclipse
Enjoy another day at sea filled with cultural programs, wellness offerings, and live entertainment. From culinary experiences to quiet moments on deck, the ship offers endless ways to unwind.
Tonight is the big night: witness the total solar eclipse from the deck of the ship at approximately 8:30pm.
Oporto (Leixões), Portugal
This picturesque city is popular for its colorful tile-decorated buildings, its many hills and the iconic bridges by the Douro River. For an authentic Portuguese experience, go to the Ribeira neighborhood and cross the Dom Luis I bridge to watch the magical sunset among the locals.
Lisbon, Portugal
Discover the world's last colonial empire, turned bustling cosmopolitan city. Lisbon has dozens of Moorish castles, pastel buildings, and white sand beaches to explore. This Atlantic-coast city perfectly encapsulates Mediterranean charm with its wine, food, and architecture.
Where You’ll Stay
Crystal Serenity
Effortless Elegance at Sea
Crystal Serenity embodies a rare balance of refined luxury and unhurried exploration, where every detail is designed to make life onboard feel intuitive, indulgent, and quietly exceptional. From gracious public spaces to thoughtfully designed suites, the ship delivers an atmosphere that’s sophisticated without ever feeling stuffy. It’s the kind of environment where days unfold naturally—whether that means lingering over breakfast, attending an insightful talk, or simply watching the horizon drift by from a perfectly placed lounge chair.
What truly sets Crystal Serenity apart is the experience itself: world-class dining that rivals top restaurants on land, attentive service that feels genuinely personal, and enriching programming that adds depth to every destination. Evenings are as relaxed or lively as you want them to be, with elegant entertainment, intimate lounges, and plenty of spaces to unwind. It’s luxury that doesn’t shout—confident, cultured, and designed for travelers who value substance as much as style.
What's Included
- All-suite accommodations, most with private verandas, designed for space, comfort, and quiet elegance
- World-class dining across multiple restaurants, including specialty venues, all included
- Premium beverages throughout the ship, including fine wines, spirits, champagne, specialty coffees, and fresh juices
- Gracious, highly personalized service, with one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios at sea
- 24-hour in-suite dining, ideal for unhurried mornings or private evenings in
- Enriching onboard programming, from expert-led talks and cultural lectures to thoughtfully curated performances
- Wellness and fitness experiences, including a serene spa, modern fitness center, and wellness-focused classes
- Elegant entertainment and lounges, offering live music, shows, and intimate social spaces
- Unlimited Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected—or intentionally unplug
- All gratuities included, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey
- Select port experiences, with concierge-level support and carefully planned days ashore
- International flights to and from Amsterdam and Lisbon
- Spa services
- Travel insurance
- Food, shopping, and entertainment while in Amsterdam, Lisbon, or other port cities
