Europe's Atlantic Edge

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An overnight stay allows for a more leisurely exploration of Bilbao and its surroundings.

Balance sightseeing with moments of relaxation.

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.

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.

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.

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.