Crystal Serenity World Cruise, days 54 through 66 – At Sea, Australia, Indian Ocean and France

ONBOARD Crystal Serenity: Cruising the Great Australia Blight

Day 54 Monday March 9, 2015 At Sea Cruising the Great Australia Bight

Day 55 Tuesday March 10, 2015 At Sea Cruising the Great Australia Bight

Day 56 Wednesday March 11, 2015 Albany, Australia

The oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia, Albany was established a few years before Perth in 1826. The reasons for Albany’s founding and subsequent growth give the city an interesting history and enduring appeal. Initially, the town existed as a military outpost to prevent the French from taking hold and expanding in the region. In the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, Albany was a gateway to the Eastern Goldfields.  Albany’s colorful story is on display in the fifty or so colonial buildings that today serve as museums, galleries and restaurants. Whale World invites visitors to explore the only museum of its kind housed in a formerly fully operational whaling station. And let’s not forget what Australia is perhaps best known for: scenery. This too can be appreciated with a walk in Torndirrup National Park or along the Middleton Beach boardwalk trail. Keep an eye out for whales, now captured by cameras rather than by harpoons.

Day 57 Thursday March 12, 2015 Perth/Fremantle, Australia (overnight)

Fremantle has welcomed seafarers from around the world for over 150 years. This distinguished port city lies at the mouth of the Swan River and is Western Australia’s leading harbor. During the America’s Cup Yacht Race of 1986/87, it underwent a dramatic facelift and was transformed into a restored and revitalized mecca of cafés, restaurants, bars and beautiful Federation-style buildings.

Just 12 miles north lies Perth, Fremantle’s sister city. This thriving capital billows with an infectious sense of energy and confidence. Its scenic riverside setting is enhanced by splendid parks, restaurants, beaches, galleries, museums and a wonderful Mediterranean-like climate.

Day 58 Friday March 13, 2015 Perth/Fremantle, Australia

Fremantle has welcomed seafarers from around the world for over 150 years. This distinguished port city lies at the mouth of the Swan River and is Western Australia’s leading harbor. During the America’s Cup Yacht Race of 1986/87, it underwent a dramatic facelift and was transformed into a restored and revitalized mecca of cafés, restaurants, bars and beautiful Federation-style buildings.

Just 12 miles north lies Perth, Fremantle’s sister city. This thriving capital billows with an infectious sense of energy and confidence. Its scenic riverside setting is enhanced by splendid parks, restaurants, beaches, galleries, museums and a wonderful Mediterranean-like climate.

Day 59 Saturday March 14, 2015 At Sea Cruising the Indian Ocean

Day 60 Sunday March 15, 2015 At Sea Cruising the Indian Ocean

Day 61 Monday March 16, 2015 At Sea Cruising the Indian Ocean

Day 62 Tuesday March 17, 2015 At Sea Cruising the Indian Ocean

Day 63 Wednesday March 18, 2015 At Sea Cruising the Indian Ocean

Day 64 Thursday March 19, 2015 At Sea Cruising the Indian Ocean

Day 65 Friday March 20, 2015 Mauritius/Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius

In the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, 560 miles from Madagascar – the island nation of Mauritius is easy to pinpoint, but difficult to describe. A wild outpost until the 17th century, the island has been ruled by the Dutch, French and British, gaining its independence from the latter in 1968. Languages spoken: French, English and a local form of Creole. Religions practiced: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Climate: tropical. Landscape: “heaven,” at least as described by Mark Twain and the island’s many visitors. Being one of them, you may enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming in coral-reef-laced waters and deep-sea fishing, and partake in culinary delights that mix the distinct flavors of Mauritius’s varied cultures.

Day 66 Saturday March 21, 2015 St-Denis, Réunion, France

The island of Réunion could be considered the south-south of France, as it is situated in the Indian Ocean, just east of Madagascar. Indeed, while not geographically contiguous with France, the island is officially a French overseas region and department, even using the Euro as legal tender. Hints of the island’s French connection are everywhere, from the names of its towns – St-Pierre, St-Benoit, St-Leu – to its language overall, to its quaint bistros and Creole character. The scenery, however, is pure tropical paradise. Waterfalls tumble from high, volcanic cliffs, banana trees and bamboo grow in lush profusion, and vanilla plantations and rum distilleries are an integral part of local trade and culture.