This summer, Crystal Cruises is returning to Bruges and Amsterdam for the first time in years, with a new, seven-day itinerary from London.  The June 8, Crystal Serenity voyage offers luxurious access to two of Northern Europe’s most charming, historic, and off-the-beaten-cruise-path cities.  More than a dozen new Crystal Adventures throughout the cruise showcase the area’s artistic history, culinary delicacies, and vibrant man-made and natural surroundings.

Bruges—accessed via the gateway port of Zeebrugge—is one of the region’s most popular Medieval destinations, rich in French and Flemish influence.  With colorful flowers blooming, centuries-old whitewashed almshouses, and picturesque Markt and Burg market squares, the city really comes to life in the summer months.  On Crystal Adventures, travelers can walk the bustling cobblestone streets, sail the meandering canals (called reien), learn about the Great War in Flanders, taste local Belgian chocolate and beer, and even road-trip to Brussels.

In Amsterdam, an overnight in port allows guests to take advantage of the long Northern European days and endlessly entertaining beauty, from people-watching at a “brown cafe” to the cutting-edge street art of graffiti artists, sketch artists, and performers.  Crystal Adventures take guests to windmills, coastal resorts and villages, the Hague, the Heineken brewery, a 125 year-old diamond factory, a star-shaped fort, local cheese farm, tulip-filled flower market and auction, museums filled with works of Dutch masters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt, a Delft pottery workshop, city tours via boat and bicycle, Anne Frank ‘s house, and on an educational exploration of Amsterdam’s environmental innovations, from eco-friendly boats to dam and dike engineering.

Also new, a two-day Overland Adventure from Zeebrugge takes guests to a combination of Liege, Brussels, Bastogne, Delft, the Hague, and more, with a five-star hotel and three-course meals along the way.

Additional calls in Oslo, Norway; Helsingborg, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark (overnight) offer travelers a deeper glimpse into Scandinavian culture, spectacular summer landscapes, and historic landmarks from centuries of sea-faring.  Shore excursions include multiple explorations of Oslo’s art scene, Olympic wheelbob-ing, visits to castles and royal residences, and amusement park rides at the famed Tivoli Gardens.
If booked by April 30, all inclusive, cruise only fares begin at $2,885 per guest, with attractive air add-ons available.

Crystal Cruises’ passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have helped earn the company top ratings from international travelers for two decades.