Sri Lanka Cruises: Best Cruises to Sri Lanka

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Cruises to Sri Lanka

From lush tropical rainforests to golden-sand beaches, tea plantations, and a bustling metropolitan port city, Sri Lanka blends natural beauty with cultural charm. Savor the sweet aromas of cinnamon and other native spices, tour historic forts, and explore ancient jungle temples on these exquisite cruises to Sri Lanka.

Follow the ancient spice routes which bring you from the lively capital of Colombo to Sri Lanka’s southern tip. Explore Colombo’s famous Fort district, then sail to Hambantota and trek through the jungle on a rainforest safari on the Walawe River. Join a whale-watching excursion to look for graceful marine mammals, then take in some sun on one of the many beaches. You’ll find comfort, style, and award-winning service on a cruise to Sri Lanka with Celebrity.

Sri Lanka Cruise Highlights

Retrace the Spice Route

On cruises to Sri Lanka with Celebrity, you’ll retrace one of the most popular spice routes that traders have used since around 2000 BC. Sri Lanka is famous for its cinnamon, which has been cultivated, traded, and sold at market for centuries, and continues to be an icon of local cultural and economic pride today. Sail along the coast from Colombo to Hambantota where the Chinese, Romans, and other Europeans connected the eastern and western world through maritime trade.

Abundant Wildlife

Few places on earth boast as many natural wildlife preserves and resources in one location as Sri Lanka does. Biodiversity and an incredibly vast array of indigenous fauna make Sri Lanka one of the top safari and wildlife destinations on earth. Sri Lanka is home to six different diverse ecological zones, each with hundreds of animal species and various protected nature parks. Take an opportunity to learn more about efforts to protect local endangered species such as Asian elephants, sloth bears, and leopards.

Sinhalese Folklore & Culture

The Sinhalese people have inhabited Sri Lanka for nearly 3,000 years and their culture has been largely preserved through both tradition and folkloric art and performance. Sinhalese culture is intertwined with Theravada Buddhism tradition and is represented through deity sculptures, poetry, colorful dress, ayurvedic medicine, and music. Attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance where participants wear elaborately ornate costumes, marked by billowy white sarongs, beaded tops, and elaborate headdresses.

Sri Lanka Cruise Ports

Colombo

Colombo can best be defined as harmoniously chaotic, with a constant buzz of people, traffic, street life, and commerce. Visit the National Museum to learn more about Sri Lanka’s fascinating past and present, where British, Portuguese, Dutch, Indian, Tamil, and Sinhalese history are showcased gracefully through art and artifact collections. For a true urban adventure, walk through the bustling vendor stalls of Pettah Market, shop for ayurvedic herbs, and then take a stroll along the seaside promenade, Galle Face Green, a popular park.

See Colombo Port Guide

Hambantota

The southern port city of Hambantota is fast becoming a coveted destination among travelers looking to explore Sri Lanka’s wild, natural side. Take a day trip to Yala National Park, where you’ll search for wild Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, macaques, and over 215 different bird species on a safari. Soak in the naturally warm outdoor baths at the Mahapelessa Hot Springs, or perhaps attend a local cricket match (the region’s biggest pastime) at the famous Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium.

See Hambantota Port Guide

Sri Lanka Cruise Itineraries

Celebrity’s Sri Lanka cruises last 12 nights and include an overnight stay in Colombo, depending on the itinerary. Each cruise typically spends three or four days at sea to enjoy the setting of the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium. Cruises depart on weekdays and weekends between November and March. Voyages to Sri Lanka sail in either direction between Mumbai, India, and Singapore.

Why Cruise to Sri Lanka With Celebrity Cruises

When you journey on a cruise to Sri Lanka with Celebrity, you’ll see the best of Colombo’s colonial architecture, discover ancient cultures, and visit the natural wonders of this jewel-like Indian Ocean island. From exciting wildlife safaris to shopping for spices in busy markets, a cruise with Celebrity will provide an in-depth introduction to this mystical, historic Asian nation.

On board the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium, you’ll find rejuvenating spa and wellness treatments and a shimmering pool in which to cool off in the tropical warmth. Enjoy fine dining at Luminae and exclusive all-suite accommodations at The Retreat. Learn about the intricacies of wine culture at Cellar Masters or enjoy an evening of enchantment at Le Petit Chef as you sail through the night to the next exciting port.