Beat The Holiday Rush: 13 Nights Florida To The Big Easy On Dec. 2 Jazz Themed Cruise

All-inclusive Crystal Symphony makes a musical pilgrimage this December from Fort Lauderdale To New Orleans on a voyage appropriately named "Island Rhythms & Big Easy Jazz." The route is a welcome departure from the usual rush of too familiar Caribbean ports. The unusual itinerary takes travelers on a loop through north, south, east and west Caribbean islands before arriving in New Orleans for an overnight stay.

New Orleans French Quarter

Along the way, entertainment will include "Jazz Days & Cabaret Nights," what Crystal bills as "a multi-layered experience with enriching lectures into the world of jazz and live musical performances by some of the genre's best artists."

Crystal Symphony

The included night in New Orleans gives guests time to explore the city's musical and culinary venues without extending their stay and without the added cost of a hotel room. And the mid-December arrival means passengers will avoid the crush and spectacle of late December and New Years revelers.

Competitive Pricing For This Out Of The Ordinary Cruise

This cruise is priced by travel agents from about $4,000 per person for a 202 sq. ft. oceanview cabin, $4,600 balcony, subject to limited availability for these least expensive cabin categories. That is about $310 a day per person for an all-inclusive cruise, near the low end of rates across most luxury cruise brands. Other agents may list higher fares but provide large on-board credits. Always ask.

Symphony Deluxe Oceanview cabin

If you like this cruise, request a courtesy hold today and make a final decision after considering your schedule, air fare, and other logistics.

Airfare should also be less expensive than international flights required for some Caribbean cruises due to this trip's U.S. departure and arrival ports.

Here is Crystal's definition of all-inclusive:

• Complimentary select fine wines, champagne and premium spirits, as well as authentic, regional, local and seasonal wine and beer where available
• Complimentary gratuities for all dining, bar, housekeeping and butler staff
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet access. Restrictions apply
• Complimentary evening of specialty restaurant dining at least once in Silk Road or the Sushi Bar celebrating the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa, and at least once in Prego.
• Complimentary enrichment via the innovative Creative Learning Institute® and Computer University@Sea® with classes in diverse topics such as world affairs, wellness, art, wine appreciation, digital photography and iPad filmmaking.
• Complimentary fitness and Wellness at Sea® programs with classes in yoga, mat Pilates, Spinning®

Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach

Itinerary

Dec 02, Sunday   Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA Embark 6 p.m.
Dec 03, Monday   Bimini, Bahamas
Dec 04, Tuesday   Cruising the North Atlantic Ocean
Dec 05, Wednesday   Turks & Caicos/Grand Turk, UK
Dec 06, Thursday   Cruising the Caribbean Sea
Dec 07, Friday   Curaçao/Willemstad
Dec 08, Saturday   Bonaire/Kralendijk, Netherlands Antilles
Dec 09, Sunday   Cruising the Caribbean Sea
Dec 10, Monday   Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Dec 11, Tuesday   Grand Cayman/George Town, British West Indies
Dec 12 - Dec 13   Cruising the Caribbean Sea
Dec 14, Friday   New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Dec 15, Saturday   New Orleans, Louisiana, USA Disembark a.m.