As you know, I love Europe, especially the Mediterranean. There is something so charming about it. The beautiful coastlines, ancient cities, incredible food, colourful villages and that gorgeous blue water make it one of my favourite regions to recommend.
And in my opinion, one of the best ways to experience the Mediterranean is on a cruise.
A Mediterranean cruise allows you to wake up somewhere new almost every day without constantly packing and unpacking, changing hotels, navigating train stations or arranging transportation between countries. You can visit several destinations while returning to the comfort of the same stateroom each evening.
However, not all Mediterranean cruise itineraries are created equally.
When I recommend a Mediterranean cruise, I pay close attention to where the ship actually docks, how much time it spends in each port and how far the main attractions are from the cruise terminal.
Here is one thing I know for certain: I prefer a cruise that begins or ends near Rome rather than one that simply stops there for the day.
Why?
Because cruise ships do not dock in Rome. They dock in Civitavecchia, which is approximately an hour to an hour and a half away, depending on traffic and transportation.
If your ship is only in port for six to eight hours, a large portion of your day can be spent travelling to and from Rome. Then you are trying to fit the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, the Pantheon and everything else into just a few rushed hours.
That is not how I believe Rome should be experienced, especially if it is your first visit.
Rome deserves at least two or three days. You need time to explore its famous sights, enjoy a leisurely meal, wander through its beautiful piazzas and perhaps toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain without constantly checking the time because you have a ship to catch.
When a cruise begins or ends near Rome, I can add a few nights before or after your sailing. This gives you the opportunity to experience Rome properly while still enjoying all the benefits of a Mediterranean cruise.
This is why I look beyond the list of destinations when helping my clients choose a Mediterranean cruise. I consider where the ship actually docks, how much time is available in each port and whether the itinerary allows enough time to truly enjoy the destination.
Rome is one city I strongly believe deserves more than a rushed port day. By choosing a cruise that begins or ends near Rome, we can add a few nights before or after the sailing and experience the city properly.
This is why I look beyond the list of destinations when helping my clients choose a cruise. I consider the location of each port, travel time, length of stay, overnight calls and whether the itinerary will allow you to truly enjoy the places you are visiting.
A beautiful itinerary on paper does not always translate into the best experience.
For me, Mediterranean cruising is not about checking as many cities as possible off a list. It is about finding the right balance between seeing several beautiful destinations and having enough time to enjoy them.
That is where thoughtful planning makes all the difference.
P.S. My hosted Best of Italy & Croatia cruise begins near Rome, which gives us the perfect opportunity to add a few days in Rome before we sail. From there, we will visit beautiful destinations throughout Italy, Montenegro and Croatia. It is exactly the kind of Mediterranean itinerary I love!
If you would like more information about joining us, simply check out my Group Travel page on my website.
