I chose this itinerary because I wanted to see Antarctica, experience sailing the Drake Passage, Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel, and specifically on this ship. In addition we saw the Falkland Islands, sailed through some of the fjords in Chile and made several stops in ports along the way. I had wanted to get back to Buenos Aires and also not having ever been to Santiago, this itinerary was perfect because we left from Buenos Aires and the trip ended in Valparaiso from where I then went on to the Chilean capital. Buenos Aires and Santiago are each wonderful cities with a very different character to one another.

Antarctica was extraordinarily beautiful, unforgettable and must be seen since the experience is truly indescribable. From sailing among giant icebergs, tabular and otherwise, to witnessing the landscapes and wild sea life all in weather that kept changing dramatically every 15 minutes, the entire experience was as visually dazzling as it was thrilling. Sailing through the Strait of Magellan, Beagle Channel and Chilean Fjords (parts of each) provided endlessly beautiful scenery and extraordinary climate-enhanced views.

The Crystal Symphony is an elegant spacious ship with a very great and extraordinarily dedicated staff, consistently stellar service, wonderful cuisine and a 360 degree open Promenade Deck close to the sea that remains one of the ship's most remarkable features, in addition to the usual surrounding open deck space at the top of the ship. Even when full, the ship feels at all times very uncrowded and exudes an intimacy despite its size. Read more