8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation
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Known for its romantic gondola rides and stunning architecture, Venice is a must-visit port for any Italy cruise. There’s nothing quite like gliding down the Grand Canal on a gondola while taking in the sights and sounds of this magical city. For those interested in cruising with Royal Caribbean, there are several Italy cruise ports that Royal Caribbean visits including Venice, Naples, Civitavecchia (Rome), Livorno (Florence/Pisa), and Messina (Sicily). The ports of Salerno and Amalfi are among the most popular in Italy for cruise ship passengers and provide a gateway to the five stunning villages that form the Cinque Terre.
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THE 25 BEST Cruises to Venice 2024 (with Prices) - Venice Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises to Venice 2024 (with Prices) - Venice Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:07:04 GMT [source]
Oceania caters to couples seeking an upscale cruise experience with a culinary focus. Vista's bars and lounges, especially the Martini Bar and the Grand Lounge, are so chic you'll want to get dressed up every night to enjoy one of the craft cocktails on their newly enhanced menus. The 1,200-passenger ship, which debuted in May 2023, will visit four top ports in Italy — Venice/Trieste in Northern Italy, Taormina in Sicily, Amalfi/Positano in Southern Italy and Civitavecchia for a day in Rome. The sailing begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and ends in Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to seven more Italian ports and Tunis, Tunisia. You'll explore Genoa, Livorno (overnight for Florence/Pisa), Porto Santo Stefano (on the Tuscan coast), Cagliari (on Sardinia), Trapani (on Sicily), Amalfi and Sorrento. Take a hike through the hills of the Tuscany region or have a dip in the crystalline waters of Capri, where the harbor is filled with yachts as far as the eye can see.
Civitavecchia Sets Record Cruise Arrivals for 2023 - Cruise Hive
Civitavecchia Sets Record Cruise Arrivals for 2023.
Posted: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Other Notable Southern Italy Cruise Ports
Located on the coast of southern Italy, it is a popular stop for cruise ships due to its breathtaking views and charming coastal city vibe. The town of Amalfi itself is a beautiful place to explore, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings that line the waterfront. Venice, located in Northern Italy, is a popular port of call for many Italy cruise itineraries. This city, built on water, is famous for its romantic gondola rides through the canals, stunning architecture, and delicious Italian cuisine. Visitors can explore St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace or take a walking tour to learn about the history of this beautiful city.
Santa Margherita
Experience the definition of la dolce vita when you arrive in the small port of Santa Margherita. La Spezia lies within close proximity to popular Tuscan destinations such as Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre. Once you arrive at this Italy cruise port, you’ll be faced with the difficult decision of having to decide where to set off to during your day in Tuscany. As one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean, Sardinia has a little bit of everything, including an enviable coastline, multiple historical sites, and seaside mountains with breathtaking vistas. The port’s ferry service offers trips along the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast, adding a scenic route to your itinerary.
Livorno: A Central Italy Cruise Port Gateway to Tuscan Destinations
Museums like Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Ca’ Rezzonico, or the Museum of Naval History should also be on your to-do list. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Gelato is not just "Italian ice cream." It uses more milk and fewer eggs (zero, in fact) than ice cream, but that's just the start of why it's essential to Italian dining. Try classic flavors like rich stracciatella (milk flavor with chocolate shavings) and fruity amarena, which tastes like cherries.
Famous Italian Chefs: Top 15 Culinary Masters from Italy
Wash these down with the fizzy Lambrusco reds that originate from this region, or a delicate Sangiovese Superiore. Ravenna itself merits exploration, with no less than eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Some 1,500 years ago, the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire during an age of spectacular creativity and artistry. Enjoy a stroll around Piazza del Plebiscito, the largest square in Naples, and hunt down a perfect slice of Neapolitan pizza for lunch. Visit the Gucci and Ferragamo museums for an inside look at two global fashion powerhouses.
The main excursions people will take from Civitavecchia is obviously a day trip to Rome. You will find that many cruises around the Mediterranean will start, finish or at least visit the cruise port of Rome Civitavecchia. Bordering Slovenia and Croatia, the unique town of Trieste has a rich history including Roman, Austrian, and German empires and occupations.
STEP FOOT ON EXOTIC SHORES
If you’re looking to experience la dolce vita yourself, one of the best ways to do so is by taking a cruise around Italy. The tiny town of Portofino is a gem on the Italian Riviera, but its harbor is so small that the bigger cruise ships can’t get in. Some ships will ferry passengers in to Portofino on smaller boats, others will dock in nearby Santa Margherita Ligure and offer shore excursions to Portofino. Discover where cruise ships dock and how to get to the main attractions, beaches, and enjoy active pursuits.
Where cruise ships dock
Get a workout in by hiking up the Sella del Diavolo (a.k.a. the Devil’s Saddle), and enjoy a stunning view of the ocean once you reach the top. Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital, stands out as a cruise port seamlessly blending historical allure with scenic landscapes. Its integration within the city ensures visitors have straightforward access to the center and various amenities. When disembarking at the Messina cruise ship terminal, the vibrant city welcomes you with its array of cultural landmarks. The cathedral (Duomo), boasting an intriguing astronomical clock, and a heap of local museums are some of the city’s highlights that I like to immerse myself in.
Still can’t decide which of these Italian ports you’d like to visit on your next vacation? Browse itineraries and get ready to set sail on one of our award-winning cruise ships for an unforgettable journey. To see some of Italy’s most popular ports, cruises along the French Riviera and the Mediterranean visit major cities including Rome, Naples, and Florence.
Obviously the most popular tourist sites in Venice are Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge! We also love just taking a Vaporetti around the city or perhaps one not visit one of Venice’s other island such as Murano or Burano. Riva dei Sette Martiri is where historically ships would dock and it is in walking distance to the St Marks Square but this is not a common embarkation anymore. Messina sits at the tip of Sicily that’s nearest to mainland Italy, and so is the main port connecting the island with the rest of the country.
Enjoy world-class food scene, perfect for culinary aficionados who don't mind a little indulgence when you cruise to Italy. In Florence, spend your morning admiring works by Michelangelo at Uffizi Gallery before heading over to see Duomo Cathedral with its magnificent dome-shaped roof or stroll across Ponte Vecchio Bridge lined with jewelry shops. We’re here to share our top travel tips and destination guides to help you feel at home in travel, no matter where you’re headed. We are the Wandermust Family, a British family of 4 who have lived around the world and love exploring. Naples is actually one of my favorite Italian Cruise Ports as although Naples is not my favorite city, it is the gateway to so many amazing sites. However if you would love to explore Sicily beyond Messina then there are lots of options.
If you're willing to come back early from port, Viking's ocean ships offer plenty of ways to relax on board. All passengers enjoy complimentary access to the ship's thermal suite in the LivNordic Spa. The Main Pool has a retractable roof and can be enjoyed no matter what the weather.
In this post, we will explore some of the most popular Italy cruise ports and what they have to offer. Sicily boasts several popular cruise ports, each offering unique cultural experiences and historical landmarks. Siracusa is one such port, known for its ancient Greek ruins and stunning Baroque architecture. Visitors can explore the ancient Greek theater, stroll through the charming old town, or visit one of the many museums in the area.
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