Port Descriptions

Sail the Pacific Ocean and visit the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, while enjoying 16 nights aboard the all-inclusive Crystal Symphony

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Day One | Sunday, July 15

Embark on board the Crystal Symphony and join fellow cruisers for a Hillsdale College welcome reception.

CRUISING THE NORTH PACIFIC

Day Two | Monday, July 16

Day Three | Tuesday, July 17

Day Four | Wednesday, July 18

Day Five | Thursday, July 19

Enjoy Hillsdale College seminars-at-sea, as well as the luxurious amenities of the Crystal Symphony.

OAHU/HONOLULU, HAWAII

Day Six | Friday, July 20

Day Seven | Saturday, July 21

“Aloha” and welcome to Oahu, Hawaii’s great “gathering place,” where tropical tempos and the aloha spirit prevail. Honolulu and Oahu are the center of island life and boast sandy beaches, endearing smiles, and exotic tropical flowers. Nearby, elegant resorts and towering high-rises line the gentle curve of Waikiki Beach, while in the distance lies majestic Diamond Head Crater. Be sure to visit Pearl Harbor and the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, home of the USS Arizona Memorial.

MAUI/LAHAINA, HAWAII

Day Eight | Sunday, July 22

The second-largest island of the Hawaiian archipelago, Maui features one of the great natural wonders of the world—Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world. Nicknamed “Valley Isle,” Maui is flanked on two sides by volcanoes: Puu Kukui to the west and Haleakala to the east. On its western shore at the foot of Puu Kukui is picturesque Lahaina, a national historic landmark. Formerly a principal whaling center of the Pacific, it sits next to the golden sands of Kaanapali Beach.

HAWAII/HILO, HAWAII

Day Nine | Monday, July 23

Hawaii is also known as The Big Island. Hilo, which lies on Hawaii’s eastern Hamakua Coast, is surrounded by lush forests and huge orchid farms. It is resplendently draped in year-round flowers and greenery. Options abound: stop by the historic 19th century Lyman Mission House, visit some of the beautiful waterfalls in the area, find a secluded spot on a beach, or traverse a quiet trail through a natural preserve.

HAWAII/KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII

Day Ten | Tuesday, July 24 

The dry western side of The Big Island is home to the Kona Coast. Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea tower over Kailua-Kona, the district’s largest town. Nearby is the lunar-like landscape of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore the summit of Kīlauea volcano via Crater Rim Drive. This is also the region in which world famous Kona coffee is grown.

CRUISING THE NORTH PACIFIC

Day Eleven | Wednesday, July 25

Day Twelve | Thursday, July 26

Day Thirteen | Friday, July 27

Day Fourteen | Saturday, July 28 

Enjoy Hillsdale College seminars-at-sea, as well as the luxurious amenities of the Crystal Symphony.

ENSENADA, MEXICO

Day Fifteen | Sunday, July 29 

Ensenada, the third-largest city in the state of Baja, sits on the Bahía de Todos Santos or Bay of All Saints. Sunny and mild, the local area yields some of Mexico’s best wines. Stroll La Calle Primera or First Street and shop for souvenirs. Or take a shore excursion to see La Bufadora, one of the largest blowholes in North America, and the impressive architecture of Riviera del Pacifico, a former luxury hotel.

 

CRUISING THE USA’S WEST COAST

Day Sixteen | Monday, July 30  

Enjoy Hillsdale College seminars-at-sea, as well as the luxurious amenities of the Crystal Symphony.

 

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Day Seventeen | Tuesday, July 31  

Sailing under the famed Golden Gate Bridge is an unforgettable experience and is naturally a highlight of your visit to San Francisco. Upon arrival, you will discover why this metropolis is one of the most diverse, dynamic and beautiful cities in the world. San Francisco is a melting pot of cultures and an important financial center of the world. Hellenic in its setting and climate, European in its intellectual and cultural scope, American in its vigor and informality and Asian in its tranquility, San Francisco is indeed one of the most exciting cities of the world. Opportunities for discovery abound. Stroll through Chinatown, shop at Union Square or browse through Fisherman’s Wharf. Or perhaps, the attractions of North Beach will beckon. Sip cappuccino at a sidewalk café, feast on Italian food or browse through tempting specialty stores. Across the Golden Gate Bridge hide giant redwoods and artistic Sausalito which provide the perfect getaway from the city. Whatever your choice, San Francisco’s distinctive charm engenders a special affection in the hearts of all who visit.