Roses, in the Alt Empordà, welcomed the luxury cruise ship Crystal Serenity on 3 June, when it anchored in the bay at 9am and was due to stay until 7pm.
According to the official Crystal Cruises website, the vessel is operating an eight-night Western Mediterranean itinerary that began in Marseille and ends in Civitavecchia, Rome’s port. Hundreds of passengers, mostly international visitors, are on board and can spend time in Roses or travel to nearby places such as Figueres, Cadaqués and Girona.
The Crystal Serenity, which has been recently refurbished, measures 250 metres in length, 32.2 metres in beam and has a gross tonnage of 68,870 tonnes across 13 decks. After reconfiguration, it can carry 740 passengers.
On board, the ship offers larger cabins, from 20-square-metre staterooms with balconies to a 117-square-metre presidential suite. Facilities include restaurants, a spa, swimming pools, jacuzzis, tennis courts, a casino and a 360-degree exterior teak promenade.
The Port of Roses expects to receive seven cruise ships and nearly 2,700 passengers by 20 October. It says 70% of those calls will take place outside the peak tourist season, which is intended to help spread economic and visitor activity across the Alt Empordà and Costa Brava.
Cruise passengers typically add demand for cultural, food and wine experiences in the area. For more local coverage, see our news page.
