Serenity, Discovery of the Americas ex Miami to Callao

17 Night Cruise sailing from Miami to Callao aboard Crystal Serenity.

At 68,000 tons and capable of serving 1,080 guests, Crystal Serenity-is the largest ship in the fleet. However, like her sister ships, she still maintains one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea, so you'll never feel crowded. Featuring many of the same popular public spaces as Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity also serves up innovation in the form of new dining venues like Tastes, Silk Road and The Sushi Bar, The Studio, and 85% of staterooms with private verandahs.

Highlights of this cruise:

Miami
It has the largest city population in Florida, is the third most visited American city among international travelers and showcases an Art Deco Historic District encompassing one of the largest neighborhoods entered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Miami certainly boasts its share of impressive characteristics, even before adding to the list its gorgeous beaches, spirited Cuban population and ritzy enclaves of Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.

Miami wasn't always the glamorous and energetic city you see today. Until the late 1800s, it was mostly swamp, disconnected from the rest of the country thanks to its position on the edge of the continent and lack of the essential link of the day: a railroad. All that changed in 1896, when the railroad in northern Florida was extended to the latent tropical paradise of the south.

The rest, as they say, is history, as Miami has since seen recurrent booms fueled by surges of immigration, perennially good weather and an insouciant refusal to do anything halfway. Admire the full glory of Miami Beach with a stroll along South Beach's famous Ocean Boulevard, where splendidly restored art deco buildings compete with fashion models and sun worshipers for attention. For a taste of Cuban cuisine and culture, visit Little Havana on the mainland (Miami Beach is separate both in its municipality and its geography: it sits on a barrier island four miles off the coast, and is reached by a causeway). Also outside mainland Miami are the acres of rare tropical plants nurtured to their fragrant and beautiful best in Fairchild Tropical Gardens. The aforementioned slice of heaven known as Coral Gables lies to the southwest. A gem of 1920s city planning, the city unfurls impressive boulevards and features the alluring Venetian Pool, where waterfalls and underwater caves offer the chance for a uniquely refreshing dip.

Key West
In the past, Key West was the winter home of Ernest Hemingway, John James Audubon and President Truman. Today it is a stylish retreat for writers and artists. Its atmosphere is reminiscent of the Caribbean, yet it is the southernmost town of the continental United States. Take a stroll along Duval Street, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, or explore its interesting art galleries and boutiques.

Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman boasts endless beaches that are encircled by coral reefs teeming with an abundance of marine life. On shore, affluent colonial neighborhoods dominate the West Bay area, while the East End affords natural attractions such as spectacular blowholes and fragrant botanical gardens. Its quaint capital, George Town, offers British charm and tempting duty-free bargains. Shopping highlights include black coral fashioned into exquisite jewelry, imported woolens, elegant china and gleaming silverware. After shopping and sightseeing, enjoy relaxing on that magnificent crescent of sand, Seven Mile Beach.

Willemstad
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 call.

Cartagena
Charming Cartagena is one of the most fascinating towns in South America. The old city, almost completely surrounded by lagoons, bays and the Caribbean Sea, is still girded by its 17th-century fortifications. Once these guarded the gold and treasures of the New World, bound for Spain; now they shelter ornate churches and convents, the dramatic Palace of the Inquisition, and other historic gems.

Manta
As the largest seaport in Ecuador, Manta has been the gateway to the country and its capital, Quito, for centuries. It is here that the 1735 French Geodesic Mission to measure the location of the equator first began. Because it has some of South America's most beautiful beaches, Manta was chosen to host the Sixth South American Windsurfing Championship. Its primary beach, El Murcielago, is popular for its fresh seafood and regional specialty drinks. The favorite souvenir among visitors to Manta is the Panama hat, which is actually made in nearby Montecristi.

Salaverry
The port of Salaverry leads the way to Trujillo, Peru's second largest city. The area is an archaeological treasure trove thanks to two pre-Inca civilizations: the Mochicas, who erected two pyramids, the Sun Temple and the Moon Temple; and the Chimu, whose adobe city of Chan Chan is now excavated. Later occupied by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, the colonial flavor of Trujillo is still very much evident in the architecture of its old churches and historic mansions.

Lima
Lima is called the City of Kings, but a more appropriate nickname might be the City of Museums. Over 20 museums can keep you busy for hours, if not days. One museum displays pottery and textiles from Peru's ancient civilizations; another exhibits 55,000 ceramic pieces; still another is a morbid yet fascinating Museum of the Inquisition. Headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition for nearly three centuries, the building features not just the expected dungeons, but also a beautiful columned façade and carved mahogany ceiling.

Lima's streets are something of a museum in and of themselves. Mansions in the colonial district are adorned by ornate balconies. Churches are gorgeous and historic. The monastery at the church of San Francisco, for example, has a room of paintings by Pieter Paul Rubens and Van Dyck.

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