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As you’re planning a Mediterranean cruise, you may notice that, while cities like Rome and Florence are listed on the itinerary, the cruise technically docks in Civitavecchia or Livorno, Italy. Choosing which itinerary to book for a Western Mediterranean cruise comes down to your preference, budget, and ship choice. Deciding which itinerary and ship to choose from as well as what to do in port, however, can be overwhelming for those who have never cruised to Europe.
Top 11 Must-Try Mediterranean Foods
Trying to fit 3-4 destinations in multiple countries on a weeklong land vacation would be hectic and stressful. On a cruise, though, you are traveling from one port to another as you sleep, waking up in a new city each day stress-free. One of the best parts of cruising in Europe compared to traveling on land is that all transportation is arranged for you. There’s no need to worry about booking a ton of train tickets, reserving multiple hotels, and lugging your suitcase from one city to another. On a cruise you will be able to visit multiple European countries while only unpacking once. While ports may be far away from some cities, Royal Caribbean allots a significant amount of time per day at these stops.
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ROYAL CARIBBEAN UNVEILS 2025 EUROPEAN ADVENTURES - Royal Caribbean Press Center
ROYAL CARIBBEAN UNVEILS 2025 EUROPEAN ADVENTURES.
Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The crew members do a fabulous job keeping your stateroom clean and tidy. All room service trays are removed, and they will help you with any requests. I was expecting a Royal Caribbean Cruise to have a top-notch kids club, and the one on Enchantment of the Seas was not that. My six-year-old daughter requested not to attend the kids club because it was boring. Late-night dining is limited to the Park Cafe, which stays open late, offering fresh-baked pizza, sandwiches, and light bites.
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The Postojna Caves are Europe’s largest caves, offering guests a train ride through the cave system with an hour-long walking tour. Wear long pants and bring a jacket as the caves get cold, regardless of the weather outside. The Port of Koper drops travelers right into the heart of their old town without needing a transfer. The port is 300 meters from the main town square with its cathedral, cafes, restaurants, and tourist attractions. This unique port of call was offered on the 7-night Western Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean.
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Cruise to the Mediterranean and discover the regions top 15 food and wine destinations from the most famous tapas in Barcelona, to the endless choices of seafood in Greece and more. Uncover 8 of the best Mediterranean cruise destinations while on your travel vacation. Planning your next epic family vacation starts today onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, a mid-sized cruise ship that is part of the Royal Caribbean Vision Class. Discover the charm of the Mediterranean on a bucket list busting Euro vacation this summer. Catch spellbinding views of multicolored seaside towns sparkling against turquoise waters along the Amalfi Coast. Wander through bougainvillea-draped pathways and sun kissed shores in Mykonos.
Stephanie Taleghani runs a top family travel blog that explores fascinating destinations and has had the opportunity to write articles for AAA travel. Click About US to read Stephanie's incredible story about how a stay in the ICU quickly turned her into a travel pro. If you want to send Stephanie a quick message, visit her contact page.
Best Mediterranean Cruise Destinations
Portions of the balcony are covered, but it puts a damper on your experience, especially when you pay extra for a junior suite. As you know, I wasn’t about to let a little soot keep me from enjoying those gorgeous balcony views, but it is important to note for anyone looking at rooms in the aft portion of the ship. Everyone vacations differently, so a cruise is a great option when traveling with groups. Download the Royal Caribbean app to see the daily activity schedule for the week. Take a stab at the daily trivia, attend an art auction, or try a fitness class. Options are endless, but here are a few things we thought were great activities you want to take advantage of.
A Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruises to see a lot Europe in a short amount of time. However, if you are traveling with young kids, you may want to take a closer look at Disney Cruise Lines. We had a great experience on Enchantment of The Seas but often wished that there was more to do for kids 5-10 years old. One of the downsides of a Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean is that there are some ports you only get to spend a little bit of time in. If only having one full day feels rushed, try only a few hours in a city. Livorno is an hour away from Florence and 45 minutes away from Pisa.
Therefore, there is no “one price fits all” on a Mediterranean cruise, as the cost can vary drastically in cruise fares, shore excursions, onboard spending, and time of year you sail. If you’re planning a Mediterranean cruise, this guide should help you decide how to make cruising this fantastic region of the world fit into your budget and vacation style. Outside of picking a ship, itinerary, and booking shore excursions, the total cost of your cruise will ultimately depend on your preferences. A trip to Milos will bring you face to face with massive white cliffs that will make you feel as if you're on the moon.
If you don’t want to be covered the entire day, pack a change of clothes in your day bag for after the church visit. While some may feel taking the time to sit down for a long lunch while at port is wasting time, it’s actually one of the best ways to experience a destination’s culture. In addition, it forces you to relax in the middle of the day while at port which can be well appreciated during long, hot summer days.
Most European cruises are at least 7-nights long and include multiple port stops. In fact, Mediterranean sailings usually offer less sea days than a Caribbean cruise, and that means lots more touring time. Downloading a self-guided walking tour to see the city on foot from the cruise terminal is easy. Many tours are available through the ship to see as many sites as possible, but the reality is you will get a taste of each one.
You likely won’t have trouble getting by with English in tourist areas and city centers of popular European destinations such as Florence and Marseille. If you’re traveling to the countryside or to lesser visited destinations in the Mediterranean, though, English may be less widely spoken. In fact, part of the fun on a Mediterranean cruise is simply wandering around the destinations you visit.
After 10 cruises, here's what I love and hated about sailing with Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises - Cruise Blog
After 10 cruises, here's what I love and hated about sailing with Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.
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Many shore excursions include visits to both Pisa and Florence, while others will whisk travelers off to the Tuscan countryside. Naples offers many iconic landmarks and awe-inspiring landscapes that are impossible to do in a day. Guests will often have to choose between exploring the sparkling Almafi Coast, seeing the ancient ruins of Pompeii, or taking in the sites of downtown Naples. Mount Vesuvius looms as you pull into port, an eerie reminder of the tragedy that occurred at the legendary city of Pompeii hundreds of years ago.
While in the Caribbean many islands are small enough to see in one day, Mediterranean cities often require more time to explore thoroughly. For more of an "off-the-beaten-track" destination, pop on over to Montenegro. You'll find that this tiny country is actually a can't-miss, even if you do miss it when dreaming up your ideal Mediterranean adventure. Most people opt to visit Kotor, which is home to one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the entire area. Explore the Old City of Montenegro on your Mediterranean vacation trip, where you can see huge forts, ornate churches, and beautiful museums. Hike to the top of the Fortifications of Kotor — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and witness some of the most amazing panoramic views you've ever seen.
Upgrading to a Junior Suite was an excellent option for more space to spread out, especially in the tight quarters of a cruise ship. However, I wish I had examined the deck plans more closely because our room was directly under the Spotlight Lounge. With it being so loud, you can practically sing along to all the songs. She only went to the kids club three times during our cruise, each time hoping it would improve. After the third strike, she didn’t want to try it anymore and gave up on it. More adult-focused activities were happening around the ship, so we often would take her to the pool, find live music, or hang out in our stateroom playing games.
Planning a few days before and after your cruise in your departure city can give you the best of both worlds. That’s not to say there aren’t drawbacks to a cruise vs land vacation in Europe, however. A land vacation to Europe, assuming you are spending more than one day in each place, generally gives you more time to experience each destination. A common concern of cruisers booking a Mediterranean cruise is whether they will have enough time at each port stop or not.
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