mediterranean royal caribbean cruise

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Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean Cruises

Step back in time when you visit sites like the Acropolis, Pompeii and the ruins of Ephesus with Royal Caribbean. These sites and more dot the landscape of the Mediterranean, acting as a living textbook on ancient times. Of course, the Mediterranean isn’t all about the old. Here you’ll find lively cultures filled with vibrant people making delicious foods, dancing and relaxing on inviting beaches.  It’s the best of both the modern world and the world of the past. Experience this region of the world on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Things to Do on a Mediterranean Cruise with Royal Caribbean

Some of Europe’s most glamorous cities combine with beautiful out-of-the-way ports in the Mediterranean. You can see major works of art, try local dishes and explore ancient ruins when you cruise to the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean. Highlighted below are some of our favorite things to do when cruising the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean:

• Barcelona and Picasso (Barcelona, Spain) Uncover two of Spain’s most renowned artists, Picasso and Gaudi, on this artistic excursion. You’ll start with a tour of the Picasso Museum. This legendary artist introduced the world to cubism and is considered one of the all-time greatest artists. Then you’ll drive around the city viewing the Sagrada Familia, a church designed by Gaudi that has been in continuous construction since 1882.  

• Dalmatian Coastline and Wine Tasting (Dubrovnik, Croatia) Visit the Dalmatian Coast where you’ll see how local olive oil is made in a horse driven mill. Here you’ll sample cheese, smoked ham and wine. Then you’ll visit the salt pans in the town of Ston which is known for its oysters. Lastly, visit Ponikve to try Peljesac wines.  

• Journey to Lindos (Rhodes, Greece) Drive through Rhodes to get to Lindos with its 4th century Temple of Athena Lindia. Here you’ll see lots of ruins from times gone by and enjoy spectacular views, especially if you climb to the top of the Acropolis.  

• Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii (Naples, Italy) Explore the narrow and picturesque streets of Capri, a seaside resort town, before heading to Sorrento. Here you’ll delight in the cuisine of Italy before your final stop in Pompeii. The ruins of this town were covered in debris from a volcanic eruption in 79 AD, preserving this town for history.  

• The Saffed Kabbalah Experience (Haifa, Israel) Learn about the rituals of Jewish mysticism called Kabbalah in Saffed where you’ll visit synagogues and meet artists who incorporate the Kabbalah into their work. You can also discover what your name means according to Kabbalah’s beliefs.  

• Ancient Ephesus (Kusadasi, Turkey) The ancient city of Ephesus is like an outdoor museum showing you what ancient life was like. This is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, once lived and where Marc Anthony and Cleopatra processed through. Here you’ll see amazing structures filled with history.  

Top 10 Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean Cruises

• Voyager of the Seas 7 NGHT GREEK ISLES & TURKEY CRUISE Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Jun 2024)
• Serenade of the Seas 11N ULTIMATE ITALY, CROATIA & MALTA Departing From Venice, Italy (Jun 2024)
• Explorer of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREECE & ADRIATIC CRUISE Departing From Venice, Italy (Jun 2024 - Aug 2025)
• Voyager of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREEK ISLES & TURKEY CRUISE Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Jun 2024 - Oct 2025)
• Serenade of the Seas 9N ULTIMATE ITALY, FRANCE & SPAIN CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Jul 2024)
• Voyager of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREECE & SPAIN Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Explorer of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREECE & ADRIATIC Departing From Venice, Italy (Jul 2024 - Aug 2024)
• Voyager of the Seas 7 NIGHT WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE Departing From Barcelona, Spain (Jul 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Voyager of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREEK ISLES CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Jul 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Anthem of the Seas 14 NIGHT MEDITERRANEAN CITIES Departing From Southampton, England (Jul 2024)

Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean Departure Ports

Learn more about your potential departure ports for a Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean. Your Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Discover imaginative architecture, impressive Spanish dishes and beautiful excursions into nature when you cruise to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

A cruise to Civitavecchia is a chance for you to hop a quick train to Rome and explore the enormous history through ruins, galleries and The Vatican museums.

Learn about the Greek gods and the early philosophy of Socrates when you visit the incredible ruins left in Athens, Greece. At night, go out and take in the culture with the modern Athenians.

The cruise port of Southampton features tons of diverse attractions that provide insight into England’s culture and storied past, including fortresses, gardens and national parks.

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

Photo Gallery for Royal Caribbean International Mediterranean Cruises

Flip through our photo gallery of Mediterranean cruising photos from Royal Caribbean. Best of all, this is merely a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise vacation.

Columns on the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Flamenco Dancers in Cadiz, Spain

Rolling hills & fields of the Croatian Countryside

Couple on a gondola in Venice, Italy

Couple on a hill in Mykonos, Greece

Couple standing on cliffs in Capri

St Peter's Basilica in San Pietro, Italy

View of a canal in Venice, Italy

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What To Know Before Going On A Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean

Mediterranean cruises are often an idyllic way to experience the marvels of Europe. Think of it as a European sampler; you get a tiny taste of each city before heading to your next destination. After hopping onboard  Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas,  we share the good, the bad, and the ugly of our  Mediterranean Cruise  with tons of great information for a first time cruiser.

How To Choose The Perfect Cruise Line For Your Mediterranean Cruise 

There are various Mediterranean cruise itineraries, each focusing on different areas of the Mediterranean. Your perfect cruise depends on your budget and the cities and countries you want to see.

Budget is the most significant factor in determining which cruise line you will sail with. If traveling with children, look for a line offering a kid’s club and activities. From there, you will want to evaluate the itineraries, finding ports of call that interest your traveling party.

PRO TIP:   You spend less time onboard the ship on European cruises than on Caribbean cruises . Ships will dock early in the morning and then depart later in the evening, giving guests ample time to explore. Excursions are often 8-9 hours long, leaving you exhausted when you return to the ship.

After reviewing the many options, our family decided on  Royal Caribbean’s 7-night Western Mediterranean Cruise , which hit Venice, Rome, Naples, Florence/Pisa, Cannes, and Barcelona.

Enchantment Of The Seas Review

Enchantment of the Seas has a cult following, as many cruise fanatics love that the  ship was cut in two  and expanded back in 2005. Enchantment of Seas is one of the smaller ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet, which can accommodate around 2,700 passengers. The appeal of fewer people onboard is enticing compared to Royal Caribbean’s bigger ships like Odyssey of the Seas, which can accommodate 5,510 passengers.

Don’t expect all the bells and whistles you find on other Royal Caribbean ships. On the contrary, the ship sailed right out of the 90s with light pink interiors, oak trim, and whimsical spaces with exotic decor.

This vessel will not have water slides, an ice-skating rink, and a central park but rather a splash area on the pool deck, a jumbo screen needing repair, and a rock climbing wall.

Dining Onboard The Enchantment Of The Seas

Countless dining options are available onboard the Enchantment of the Seas. However, I strongly advise enjoying the local culinary creations and cuisine from the countries you are visiting. Have pasta in Rome, get crepes in France and paella in Spain.  Remember, the best spots to snag local cuisine are often in the back alleys off the main tourist areas.

Pro Tip:  You will choose your dining preference before sailing. For a European Cruise,  I recommend the anytime dining or a later dining time , as many excursions arrive back at the ship until after the first seating. That way, if you didn’t opt to eat at port, you can enjoy the fine dining offered onboard.

Dining Options

My Fair Lady Dining  is the main dining room onboard the ship. It is two-tiered, offering traditional and anytime seating.  Traditional dining  is when you dine on the same day every day and have the same servers, while anytime dining provides more flexibility. For  anytime dining , guests will have different servers and a possible wait during peak hours. Kids menus are available with classics such as mac-n-cheese, hamburgers, chicken tenders, and pizza.

For curious minds, my daughter insisted on bringing her bear Rose, to dinner with us one night. The staff made such a fuss over Rose she decided to come to all the meals and even dress up!

Guests seeking a more laid-back dining approach can venture to  The Windjammer Cafe . Indulge in culinary creations from around the world, comfort foods, and delicious desserts at this popular buffet. The Windjammer is open for all three meals, but it can get overcrowded during peak hours for lunch and breakfast.

We often opted for a continental breakfast in our stateroom since many excursions had an early departure time. Not wanting to battle the breakfast buffet, it was often more enjoyable to sip our coffee and nibble on our croissants while getting ready in the morning.

Late-night dining is limited to the  Park Cafe,  which stays open late, offering fresh-baked pizza, sandwiches, and light bites.

Elevated dining options are available at  Chops Grille  or by reserving the  Captain’s Table  for the ultimate dining experience. During our cruise, we did not opt for either of these options as they were an extra cost. With so many great dining options included, we allocated our money to different experiences.

Top Things To Do Onboard Enchantment of The Seas

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.

Attend the  Champagne Art Auction  for a complimentary glass of champagne while having the option to bid on many of the lovely art pieces on display around the ship. Many of these pieces are beyond my budget, but I love watching the auction and seeing others win that prized work to add to their collection.

Rock Climbing At Night  is an event where guests can scale the famous rock wall under the stars at the back of the ship. The Rock Wall is open periodically throughout the day during good weather if you cannot climb at night.

The Belly Flop Competition  is one of the funniest pool games I have seen on a cruise. Guests compete for the best belly flop, which is a hoot!

Don’t miss the  Sail Away Party with Balloon Drop  to kick start your cruise. Dance the evening away in the atrium with a fun balloon drop the kids will adore.

Catch a show in the  Orpheum Theater . From magicians to musicals, there is always top-notch entertainment happening in the theater. Performances are twice a night to accommodate the dining schedules.

Enchantment of The Seas Kids Club Review

To put it shortly, it was a letdown. 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 .

After our most recent  Disney Cruise , she fell in love with kids’ clubs, but sadly, not all kids’ clubs offer the same level of entertainment. She quickly realized that most of her time at this particular kids’ club was spent coloring, playing one specific game with a ball, and watching movies.

Walk into the “arcade” across the hall for an even bigger disappointment . There are more arcade games at a small-town bowling alley than here. The arcade room is barely big enough for six people to fit comfortably and holds 4-5 games max.

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.

Stateroom 7672 On Enchantment of Seas

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. The Lounge had karaoke and music almost nightly till midnight. With it being so loud, you can practically sing along to all the songs.

Back in my youth, I would be down there belting it out with the best of them; however, with a child in tow, my late nights now consist of staying up till 9:00 pm. Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper and go to bed early.

As with all older ships, the staterooms are dated. The oak trim and furniture are worn, but the room is sparkling clean. 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.

One other downside to this particular stateroom was the balcony. While the balcony is huge, there is one major issue: the soot from the smoke stack falls directly onto it . The smokestack is towards the back of the ship; therefore, your balcony will be covered with black rain depending on how the wind blows.

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.

A perk of the Junior Suite is that there is a bathtub, and you get an Expresso machine in your room!

Royal Caribbean’s 7-Night Western Mediterranean Cruise

• Day 1-Ravenna-Venice
•  Day 2-Koper-Slovenia
•  Day 3-Sea Day
•  Day 4-Naples-Italy
•  Day 5-Civitavecchia- Rome, Italy
•  Day 6-Livorno-Florence/Pisa
•  Day 7-Cannes, France
•  Day 8-Barcelona, Spain

Day 1- Getting To Your Ship

When looking at the cruise itinerary, it indicated that our cruise left from Venice. You will want to dig deeper to see which cruise terminal you sail from. Since Venice no longer allows large cruise ships to come down the Grand Canal, you may not be leaving from Venice proper but rather another cruise port hours away.

If your port is  Ravenna, it is three hours from the Airport in Venice Marco Polo . That means a few things:

• You will need to schedule a transfer to get to the port. Royal Caribbean offers transfers, but you must book them in advance. They typically leave from the airport around 11 am-12:30 pm on the day of your cruise.
•  If your plane arrives in Venice the day your cruise departs, you will not see Venice. Time will not be on your side to see the city and catch a three-hour transfer. Navigating the airport to historic Venice will take about an hour, and that is with a vapperato (private boat taxi).
•  We arrived in Venice a few days early to see the city, then booked a vapperato back to the airport the morning of our cruise to catch the transfer.
•  Consider taking the train from Venice to Ravenna or booking a private transfer if you need help getting on the transfer through Royal Caribbean.

If you want a beautiful hotel in Venice, consider the  Hilton Venice . While this hotel has many perks, including a gorgeous rooftop bar overlooking the Grand Canal, the most significant amenity is the complimentary water taxi across the Grand Canal to three popular spots. This eliminates the need to navigate public water taxis or hire a vapperato each time.

Pro Tip: I recommend taking it at dusk if you plan a gondola ride. A whimsical magic falls over the canals as the setting sun sets the sky ablaze in colors.

Day 2- Koper, Slovenia

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.

Each port of call offers a variety of shore excursions you can book through the ship or another travel company. Many tourists will even put together custom shore excursions.

Pro Tip:  We always recommend that you check with whatever company you are working with to ensure they will have you back on the ship in time. When planning your own, ensure you have a backup plan if something was to happen.

For Example: If visiting Croatia, you may opt to  explore the real Croatia by cruises  or take a self-guided walking tour of the city. 

We booked the Postojna Cave Tour , which was beautiful. 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.

Day 3- At Sea

Day 4- naples, italy.

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. With the island of Capri in the distance and the lure of a day trip to stunning Positano, cruise passengers have the difficult decision about what sites they want to see during their brief stent in port.

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.

The cruise terminal puts guests into the heart of Naples. 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.

It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to see as much as possible and then leave exhausted. Take it firsthand from me, who passed out in the streets of Naples from heat stroke trying to get in the final sites.

If you do the Almafi Coast, focus your time on Sorrento and Positano; if you are sailing to Capri, spend the whole day on the island; if you want to do Pompeii, plan on spending a few hours there, then hit a few sites in downtown Naples after your tour.

Day 5-Civitavecchia- Rome, Italy

One of the most important things to note about this port is that  it will take an hour and a half to get from Civitavecchia to Rome.  Therefore, looking at shore excursions, you will want to factor in a three-hour round-trip drive time. Many will make a note of it in the description.

Here are a few tips for doing Rome in under 8 hours:

• Consider doing the hop-on, hop-off bus tour . The tour will take you to all the major sites in the city.
•  Purchase tickets or skip-the-line passes for any major attraction months in advance if not included in your tour. This includes the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica.
•  There is a train that will take travelers from Civitavecchia to Rome.
•  If you miss your bus, expect to pay top dollar for a private taxi from Rome to the ship.
•  Don’t forget the coins to throw into the  Trevi Fountain !
•  Historic sites are always best seen with a tour guide. They bring out so many unique features and stories that would have been missed.
•  The best restaurants are never around popular tourist attractions. You should not spend $22 for pasta in Rome. Often, if you walk a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the main streets, you will find phenomenal little eateries for a fraction of the cost.
•  As will all major cities, watch out for pickpockets , and don’t let a stranger take your family photo. They could easily run off with your phone.
•  While Rome is usually very busy, remember that the more ships in port will mean popular attractions will be even more crowded. Three ships in port could mean an additional 10,000 tourists visiting the city during the same hours you are. Try visiting lesser-known attractions such as the Temple of Hercules Victor and Tempio di Portuno.

Day 6-Livorno-Florence/Pisa

Livorno is an hour away from Florence and 45 minutes away from Pisa . Many shore excursions include visits to both Pisa and Florence, while others will whisk travelers off to the Tuscan countryside.

We opted for a budget-friendly transfer through  Viator  to take us to Florence, Pisa, and back to the ship. The guide on the bus offered an hour-long walking tour of Florence for $10 Euro per adult once we arrived, which was worth every penny.

A Few Tips For Visiting Florence/ Pisa

• While the Leaning Tower Of Pisa is on many bucket lists, you will only want to spend some of your time at Pisa. The  “Square of Miracles ” contains the Pisa Cathedral, the baptistery, and the Leaning Tower, all surrounded by a sea of touristy shops and restaurants.
•  Guests can go up in the Leaning Tower but must purchase tickets in advance.
•  Purchase tickets or skip-the-line passes for any major attraction months in advance if not included in your tour. This includes the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Florence Duomo, and other famous museums.
• Visit the Officina Profumo, which has been in the perfume business since 1221!
• Make a reservation at Osteria Pastella for an incredible meal! Get the Cacio e Pepe.
•  Find one of Florence’s wine windows.
•  As with most European cities, bring good walking shoes.

Day 7-Cannes, France

The jaw-dropping French Riviera is a desired port of call. The sun-drenched beaches paired with the majestic mountains are captivating. When the city is not abuzz with the Cannes Film Festival , travelers will find themselves strolling the historic Old Town, window shopping along the promenade, before posing on the red carpet at Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrè.

Cruise ships must use a tender to bring guests to shore, so ensure you allocate enough time to wait for a tender. Pre-planned shore excursions will utilize the tenders first; then, it will be open boarding for the rest of the guests.

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. For instance, all aboard was at 2 pm in Cannes. If only having one full day feels rushed, try only a few hours in a city.

Day 8-Barcelona, Spain

Our Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean came to an end in Barcelona . We opted to stay a few extra days to explore the city, which I highly recommend. Stay at the  Renaissance Barcelona Hotel . It is centrally located downtown near the major attractions, restaurants, and shops. The hotel was gorgeous, and the rooftop bar stole the show with sweeping views of the city, including the Sagrada Familia.

We arranged a private transfer to take us from the ship to the hotel and the airport. Barcelona is a very walkable city, but to see some sites, such as Park Guell, you will likely want to take a taxi or do one of the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours.

A Few Tips For Visiting Barcelona

• Don’t wait until the last minute to secure tickets for all Gaudi’s sites . We were lucky to be able to book Park Guell and Casa Mila two days before arriving, but the Sagrada Familia was sold out.
•  Tapas and pinchos, or “spikes,” are small bites that are a must in Spain.
•  The Hop On/ Hop Off Bus is a great way to see the city. However, the loop is roughly 2 hours,, so plan your day accordingly if you have timed tickets.
•  In Spain, dinner is a lighter meal, typically eaten between 9 and 10 pm during the week and even later on the weekend.

My Must Have Items For A European Cruise

Take advantage of these must-have items for your next European Cruise .

• A  crossbody bag  with a zipper. These bags are going to be your first line of defense against pickpockets.
•  If visiting during warm weather, investing in a   sun umbrella  is wise. In July, this was one item we used daily.
•  Another must-have during summer months is a  portable misting fan .
•   Liquid IV   is always a great item to keep with you, especially in the summer.
•  Many churches require guests to have their shoulders and knees covered to enter. Bring a shawl or sweater.
•  Bring a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers.
•  One formal night outfit.
•   Bring medications , such as Ibuprofen, Pepto, Benadryl, Sudafed, Imodium, etc. Many items on the ship may not be readily available to you or require you to see the ship’s medic to get them. I also recommend bringing a  first aid kit .

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.

We are already looking at our next Mediterranean Cruise, hoping to go to the Greek Islands or the Holy Land. Would we sail Royal Caribbean again? Absolutely!

Did you enjoy our cruise review? Be sure to check out these related articles.

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Mediterranean Cruise With Royal Caribbean

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN ARABIA

• Destinations
• Brochure 23-24

SEA THE WAY

Mediterranean cruises, set sail on a dream holiday to the best places to visit when you cruise the mediterranean. this region offers some of europe's most classic cultural landmarks – alongside some of its best weather to boot. stroll along the ancient cobblestones of florence in italy or dubrovnik in croatia. tour some of the architectural masterpieces, like the palace of knossos on crete, the roman amphitheatre in pula and rome's st peter's basilica. take in the stunning, volcanic island of santorini with its blue and whitewashed towns or sip a glass of wine on italy's amalfi coast with its pastel-coloured houses built into steep-sloping cliffs. discover the magic with a mediterranean cruise..

MEMORABLE MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

The best mediterranean cruises offer you the opportunity to explore the charming, ancient harbours of italy, greece and croatia. visit some ancient monuments like temples and amphitheatres, or medieval palaces and cathedrals. head to the sun-drenched golden beaches and take a refreshing dip in the clear blue sea..

IRRESISTIBLE ITALIA

Stroll around Italy's enchanting small alleys, gracious palaces and photogenic squares. See Rome's impressive Colosseum and the rest of Italy's breathtaking capital. Marvel at the colourful buildings in Venice during a gondola ride through the canals and visit Florence's extraordinary Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Next, enjoy the best of Italy's cuisine, and wash it down with some tasty wine from a nearby vineyard, or follow it up with a delicious gelati (ice cream).

GORGEOUS GREEK ISLES

Cruise to Greece's idyllic islands and watch the sunrise over the Aegean. Explore the Old Town of Corfu or Crete, or travel even further back in time to see the ancient Acropolis of Athens or the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina. After that, relax on the world-class beaches or go snorkeling to explore what lies beneath the warm, crystal-clear waters. Before you leave, drink a frappé iced coffee or ouzo, an anise-flavoured aperitif, and sample some regional culinary highlights.

DAZZLED BY CROATIA

Pristine turquoise waters and white pebble beaches welcome you to this small picturesque country. Go offboard to Split to visit a number of its 1,200 stunning islands, like Korcula, Hvar or Mljet, or explore Diocletian's imposing palace. Then it's time to sample some of Croatia's mouth-watering seafood dishes. Join a wine-tasting tour if you can, and don't miss a trip to the cascading waterfalls, forests and bright lakes of Krka or Plitvice Lakes National Park.

POSTCARD PERFECT COASTS

Wander around the ancient cobblestone streets, sunbathe on the magnificent beaches or go on a sea kayaking adventure. visit the most beautiful places, such as the island of santorini in greece, italy's amalfi coast and the town of dubrovnik in the south of croatia with your cruise to the mediterranean..

WHITE-BLUE DREAMS

Be amazed by Santorini with its dramatic volcanic scenery and charming dark blue and white villages. Relax on the remarkable Red Beach and look out over the Aegean Sea in a cosy taverna.

IRRESISTIBLE PASTEL TOWNS

Visit the ravishingly colourful resorts on the Italian Amalfi Coast. Gaze out at Mount Vesuvius on the cliff village of Sorrento, admire Positano's pastel houses and the mountainous island of Capri.

THE PEARL OF THE ADRIATIC

A walk along the tops of the city walls is one of the highlights of visiting this gem. Hop on a ferry to close-by Lokrum with its monastery, or go kayaking. Finish the day with a cool drink in Dubrovnik's Old Town.

BEST MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

A cruise to the mediterranean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. discover the mediterranean onboard the best royal caribbean cruise ships., health and safety protocols, guest conduct rules, and regional travel restrictions vary by ship and destination, and are subject to change without notice. due to evolving health protocols, imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. these may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice..

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7 Night Western Mediterranean Cruise

Your ship voyager of the seas.

DISCOVER ADVENTURE ON EVERY DECK

Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠

Teen Spaces

FlowRider ®

Adventure Ocean ®

Gourmet globetrotting.

Chops Grille℠

Giovanni's Table

Chef's Table

Shows that hit every high note.

Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme

Ice Skating Shows

Schooner Bar

Day 1: ravenna, italy.

MAKE YOUR OWN MOSAICS

DANTE’S TOMB BATTLE

BE THERE. BE SQUARE

LOCAL CUISINE

Day 2: Cruising

The Perfect Storm℠

Ice Skating

Day 3: sicily, italy.

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

Photographer's Playground

Dawn of the Duomo

A Piazza With a View

Local Cuisine

Day 4: Rome, Italy

ANCIENT AND AMAZING

ADVENTURE SQUARED

SACRED SPACES

Day 5: Florence / Pisa, Italy

Respite by the River

City Panorama

Marble and Monasticism

Day 6: Nice, France

Hit the Beach

Go Back in Time

View From Above

Day 7: Cruising

Main Dining Room

Café Promenade

Day 8: barcelona, spain.

SKY HIGH DELIGHTS

SEAS THE DAY

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Spain, admiring the whitewashed villages of Santorini,

Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Spain, admiring the whitewashed villages of Santorini, Greece, or immersing yourself in Istanbul's historic sites, the Mediterranean region offers unlimited adventures. And what better way to see it all than on board a cruise ship? To help determine which cruise lines offer the best Mediterranean experience, U.S. News used a methodology factoring in the number and variety of itineraries in the region, and the line's approval rating among experts and travelers. And considering the Mediterranean's immense popularity as a cruise destination, you'll likely find cruise deals to the region year-round. Keep in mind, you may want to consider international travel insurance to protect your trip.

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Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking offers ample Mediterranean sailings to a variety of ports. With destination-focused itineraries and a free shore excursion in each port, you'll learn more about places like Rome and Florence, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens, Greece; and Monte Carlo during your trip. Viking also dishes out delectable food on board in dining venues that embrace many Mediterranean cuisines.

• 4.57 Overall Rating
• 9 Ships in Fleet

Seabourn Cruise Line

Well-heeled travelers love the luxury and ample onboard amenities (including fine dining, foodie experiences, chic pools and live music venues) on Seabourn's ships as they cruise to ports in Malta, Italy, Greece and the South of France. The line's ships carry no more than 600 guests, so you won't have to worry about overcrowding. Plus, all onboard meals and drinks are complimentary.

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 5 Ships in Fleet

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises receives high praise for its affordable prices and wealth of onboard activities. The fleet's Mediterranean ships carry around 3,000 passengers or fewer, offering travelers amenities like kids clubs, food and wine workshops, captivating musical productions, interactive game shows and more. Itineraries may include stops in Portofino, Italy; Valencia, Spain; and Mykonos, Greece.

• 4.36 Overall Rating
• 13 Ships in Fleet

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises focuses on individualized service with a high attention to detail and specialized dining venues. It's also typically a child-free crowd, with no programming for younger cruisers. The line offers Mediterranean sailings to many popular ports like Corfu, Greece; Porto, Portugal; and Palermo, Italy, as well as plenty of shore excursions to satisfy curious minds and adventurous travelers.

• 4.30 Overall Rating
• 7 Ships in Fleet

Royal Caribbean International

Some of Royal Caribbean's ships are massive, which makes it tough for them to navigate the Mediterranean. As such, cruises to this region are offered on the brand's smaller vessels. Available itineraries include stops in cities like Split, Croatia; Chania, Crete; Cannes, France; and Limassol, Cyprus. Plus, fun onboard activities range from rock climbing walls to game shows.

• 4.17 Overall Rating
• 25 Ships in Fleet

With itineraries across numerous Mediterranean countries, Azamara stands out for catering to travelers interested in exploring less-frequented ports of call, including Rhodes, Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Koper, Slovenia. Passengers on select voyages can also participate in the line's AzAmazing Celebrations program, which arranges culturally immersive experiences.

• 4.05 Overall Rating
• 4 Ships in Fleet

MSC Cruises

Catering mostly to Europeans, MSC Cruises offers plenty of Mediterranean sailings, with ports of call ranging from Cannes, France, to Naples, Italy, to Tangier, Morocco. The fleet's ships carry between roughly 2,500 and 6,700 cruisers and feature a wealth of onboard amenities, including pools, spas, kids clubs and ample dining options.

• 3.79 Overall Rating
• 22 Ships in Fleet

Costa Cruises

It's no surprise that Carnival-owned, Europe-based Costa Cruises boasts a bevy of Mediterranean itineraries at affordable prices. All sorts of Mediterranean cruises are available, with sailings to destinations like the Balearic Islands in Spain; Alexandria, Egypt; and several Greek islands. Costa's ships also provide kids programming, evening entertainment and numerous restaurants and bars.

• 3.50 Overall Rating
• 8 Ships in Fleet

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn't tout as many Mediterranean itineraries as some competitors. However, the line stops in spots like Venice, Italy; Athens, Greece; and Barcelona, Spain. Norwegian also boasts a wide range of shore excursions, from food tours to scenic drives. And the frequent Free at Sea promo allows cruisers to buy a package to enjoy free Wi-Fi, drinks and specialty dining.

• 3.97 Overall Rating
• 19 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Royal Caribbean sails to some of the most popular cities and destinations across the globe. Its growing fleet of innovative, stylish ships is relaxed, elegant and upscale with a broad appeal that attracts everyone from honeymooners to families to couples celebrating golden anniversaries.

The first to install a rock wall on every ship in its fleet, Royal Caribbean International emphasizes new experiences. Each and every ship is jam-packed with fun activities, restaurants, bars and lounges, shopping, entertainment and sports and spa facilities guaranteed to make each guest's vacation unforgettable. Kids ages 3 to 17 will enjoy Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program and teen facilities, which feature age-appropriate activities and amenities in a kid-friendly environment. 

On land, Royal Caribbean delivers unique adventure tours and guided excursions that satisfy all types of travelers. Swim with stingrays in the Caribbean, hike through glacial waterfalls in Alaska or see the view atop the Rock of Gibraltar. If you choose, combine your cruise vacation with a land tour on a Royal Caribbean cruise tour.

Take a look at our Royal Caribbean cruise discounts for your next cruise.

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The best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for every type of traveler

What's the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship? We get this question a lot, and our answer always is the same: It depends.

It depends on what sort of traveler you are. Royal Caribbean is the world's biggest cruise line, and it has more ships than any other major line, including vessels in a wide range of sizes and with a wide range of amenities. While they all have a lot in common, they have some major differences, too, that make them more or less appealing to different types of travelers.

Some Royal Caribbean ships — such as the line's Oasis-class vessels and recently launched Icon of the Seas — are built with far more family-focused activities than others. Some, such as the two-year-old Wonder of the Seas, have added features that appeal to luxury-loving travelers. Other Royal Caribbean ships operate on particularly low-cost itineraries that are best for budget travelers.

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In short, the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for you, if you're traveling with children, might not be the same as the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for a solo traveler or the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship for a retiree.

Here, we list our top picks for the best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for five different types of travelers.

Icon of the Seas: Best ship for families

The best Royal Caribbean ship for families, in the unanimous view of TPG's cruise editors, is a ship that just debuted earlier this year: Icon of the Seas.

Sailing since January 2024, Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the world — more than 6% bigger than the next-biggest ships in Royal Caribbean's fleet. That means greater space for the family fun zones that are a hallmark of Royal Caribbean ships, from children's clubs to water parks.

But it's not just its larger size that makes Icon of the Seas the best Royal Caribbean ship for families. As TPG saw during an early sneak peek at Icon of the Seas in January, Royal Caribbean has designed the vessel — the first of a new class of ships — specifically to cater to families in a bigger way.

For starters, Icon of the Seas has an increased number of cabins that offer extra bunks to accommodate families with multiple children, including new room designs. Some family suites even feature separate rooms for the kids.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families

Many of these family-friendly accommodations are near a new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhood" called Surfside, which is dedicated to families with young children. Surfside features splash areas for babies and kids, pools and lounge spaces for parents, family-friendly eateries and shops, and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups.

Icon of the Seas also features the largest water park ever built on a cruise ship, with a record six top-deck waterslides and a cool new ropes course. Your teens will never want to sail on another ship.

Related: The ultimate Icon of the Seas review and guide

Icon of the Seas is just the first of three family-focused sister ships Royal Caribbean has on order for delivery by 2026 that will make up its new Icon class. The second ship in the series, Star of the Seas, will debut in 2025 and already is open for bookings.

Wonder of the Seas: Best ship for luxury lovers

There's no doubt about it, Wonder of the Seas is the Royal Caribbean ship to book if you're looking to live the high life (and are willing to spend big bucks to do so). Unveiled in 2022, the world's second biggest cruise ship (after Icon of the Seas) was the first Royal Caribbean vessel with a private suite complex for the fancy set — a swanky hideaway with an upscale private lounge, restaurant and sun deck (the new Icon of the Seas has one of these, too, but we still rank Wonder of the Seas as our top Royal Caribbean ship for luxury).

If you book a suite in the complex on Wonder of the Seas, you'll be getting a luxury experience of the sort you won't find almost anywhere else in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Related: What's it like in Wonder's suite complex? We spent $11,000 to find out

Called the Suite Neighborhood, the complex offers some of the biggest (and priciest) suites at sea, including the sprawling, two-deck-high Royal Loft suites that measure more than 1,500 square feet.

A booking for one of the suites also comes with a bevy of perks, from complimentary Wi-Fi to private beach access at Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach destination in Haiti. Among the best perks: Access to private concierges who set up shop daily in the suite complex and will ensure you get prime seats at the ship's shows or a table at the always crowded Mason Jar eatery . On a ship that can carry more than 6,000 people, such reservations are a must.

Note the suite complex is a gated community — one where you'll only be surrounded by other swells who have paid top dollar for exclusivity. Nobody can get into the area unless they have a keycard showing they're a resident.

Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

With access to a stylish rooftop pool, loungers at the suite area's private sun deck and higher-level food in its private Coastal Kitchen eatery, you may never want to leave the enclave. However, this being Royal Caribbean, you'll also have access to a seemingly endless array of amusements from waterslides to aerial water shows just steps away.

Freedom of the Seas: Best ship for budget travelers

Freedom of the Seas is the Royal Caribbean ship to pick when you're looking for a quick and affordable getaway — something that isn't a big commitment and won't break the bank.

Based in Miami, the 16-year-old vessel operates short three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas that are often on sale for just $250 per person or less. That's not per day, mind you, but for the entire cruise. It's a lot more affordable per day than the two ships mentioned above, which are the belles of the ball in the Royal Caribbean fleet and command significantly higher rates.

For would-be Royal Caribbean cruisers, Freedom of the Seas serves as a sort of "test the line" ship. Its short sailings and low pricing mean you're not out a lot in time or money if you don't have the time of your life. It caters heavily to first-time cruisers as well as Florida locals who can book on short notice and drive into the port for a quick escape.

One of three ships in the line's Freedom class that date to the mid-2000s, Freedom of the Seas is no longer the creme-de-la-creme of the Royal Caribbean fleet (though it was when it debuted). At around 156,000 tons, it's about 30% smaller than Royal Caribbean's newer Oasis-class ships and has fewer venues, from bars and restaurants to entertainment spaces.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

That said, Freedom of the Seas still has a huge amount to offer for all sorts of travelers, from couples to families with kids. The ship was, notably, the first in the Royal Caribbean fleet to feature a FlowRider surfing simulator on its top deck — now a signature attraction for the line.

The vessel also has multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall on its top deck. It also has one of Royal Caribbean's signature Royal Promenades in its interior — a mall-like space filled with eateries, bars and shops.

The only things you won't find are the most over-the-top Royal Caribbean attractions found on newer Royal Caribbean ships, such as zip lines, skydiving simulators and bumper car pavilions.

Quantum of the Seas: Best ship for solo travelers

Royal Caribbean isn't particularly known as a major draw for solo travelers. In recent years, it's doubled down on the family market more than ever. That doesn't mean that solos aren't welcome on its ships or won't have a great time.

If you're looking for the best Royal Caribbean ship for solo travelers, you'll want to start with Quantum of the Seas and its Quantum-class sisters. It's the class of ships where Royal Caribbean made the most effort to appeal to solo travelers.

In designing the vessels, Royal Caribbean took a page from solo-targeting Norwegian Cruise Line 's playbook and added several cabins specifically for solos. Quantum of the Seas offers 28 of these dedicated studio cabins, each measuring from 101 to 119 square feet.

What's more, unlike Norwegian's solo digs, some of these cabins are ocean-view rooms with balconies. Others have a virtual balcony that, at first glance, looks like a veranda but is actually a digital screen projecting a real-time view of the outside. (It may sound corny, but it works.)

Related: The best cruise ships for solo travelers

While the solo cabins on the Quantum-class ships don't come with a dedicated solo lounge as they do on Norwegian ships, solo travelers will find Royal Caribbean-hosted meetups for solo travelers on the vessels. It's a great way for single travelers to find others in the same boat, so to speak.

There's also quite a bar scene on Quantum-class ships, with a lot of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to find other solo travelers. We recommend one of the two large bars at the Music Hall, where you can make new friends while sipping musically inspired cocktails and listening to live bands. If the Music Hall is too noisy for chatting up other solos, head to the sometimes quieter Schooner Bar.

In addition, Quantum of the Seas ships is particularly known for its unusual range of activities, from skydiving simulators to bumper cars that you can enjoy just fine as a solo traveler.

Rhapsody of the Seas: Best ship for retirees

For older travelers looking for a Royal Caribbean ship that isn't jammed full of children, it's hard to beat Rhapsody of the Seas.

Dating to 1997, Rhapsody of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's oldest and smallest vessels, and it lacks nearly all the gee-whiz attractions for families found on newer Royal Caribbean ships. You won't find big water parks, kiddie splash zones, zip lines or bumper car pavilions on this ship.

For the most part, its top deck only offers pools, whirlpools and sunning areas, as is typical for ships built in the 1990s. As a result, it draws far fewer families than the vessels above and caters more to an older crowd of mostly couples.

Rhapsody of the Seas is also the ship that Royal Caribbean deploys on some of its most destination-focused itineraries, the type that have particular appeal to retirees looking to see more of the world.

Related: The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Over the next two years, for instance, Rhapsody of the Seas is sailing out of such less-common home ports as Colon, Panama; Cartagena, Colombia; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The sailings out of Colon and Cartagena offer the chance to visit Southern Caribbean ports such as Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao that aren't on most Royal Caribbean itineraries in the Caribbean. The sailings out of San Juan will also get you into the Southern Caribbean, while the sailings out of Israel and Cyprus offer a destination-heavy tour through the Eastern Mediterranean, including stops at multiple Greek islands.

At 78,808 tons, Rhapsody of the Seas is a third the size of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships. Expect a more intimate experience than what you'll find on the bustling Icon-class, Oasis-class, Quantum-class and Freedom-class ships mentioned above.

The vessel is one of four in the line's Vision class, featuring ships much smaller than the typical Royal Caribbean vessel. With this class, the experience has more to do with the ports the ships visit than the onboard experience.

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean is the world's largest cruise line, with a large fleet of ships that cater to a wide range of traveler types.

While its biggest focus of late has been on the family market, it has ships that will appeal to luxury travelers, budget travelers, solo travelers and retirees as well.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Silversea’s new ultra-luxury cruise ship Silver Ray sets sail: What it’s like on board

Stephanie Holmes

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Silversea's new ultra-luxury cruise ship Silver Ray had its naming ceremony in Lisbon on June 12, and is now sailing its inaugural season in the Mediterranean.

We sail on Silversea’s new ultra-luxury cruise ship Silver Ray, now on its inaugural voyage in the Mediterranean

• Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea, part of the Royal Caribbean Group, launched its newest ship, Silver Ray, from Lisbon on June 15
• It’s a replica of sister ship Silver Nova , both part of Silversea’s new Nova Class category, and becomes the 12th ship in the fleet
• Lifestyle and Travel Editor Stephanie Holmes was on board for a five-day ‘shakedown’ cruise from Lisbon to preview what guests can expect

Silversea ’s newest ship Silver Ray set sail on its official inaugural Mediterranean cruise at the weekend, after being formally named at a glitzy ceremony in Lisbon last Wednesday.

More than 200 guests, who had been sailing on Ray for a “shakedown” preview sailing, attended a ceremony hosted by Silversea’s president Bert Hernandez, Royal Caribbean’s chief executive Jason Liberty, Captain Alessandro Zanello, and the ship’s godmother, ocean scientist Dr Josefina Olascoaga. Festivities included a cocktail party, gala dinner, entertainment and pool deck party, which ran late into the Lisbon summer night.

It was an auspicious night for the celebration – Lisbon’s streets were jam-packed with revellers celebrating the festival of St Anthony, a Catholic saint born in the city in the 12th century.

The night air was scented with charcoal smoke and grilled sardines, and the winding alleyways of the Alfama district – just across the road from the port – were heaving with locals enjoying drinks, music and dancing.

It’s also a year of celebrations for Silversea – the company marks its 30th anniversary in 2024.

“It is fitting that we are celebrating Silver Ray’s naming in the same year that Silversea celebrates 30 years of excellence, connecting our past with our future as we continue to lead in luxury travel and industry innovation,” said Hernandez.

Like her sister ship Silver Nova, Silver Ray is billed as one of the most energy-efficient ultra-luxury cruise ships ever built and is a replica of Nova in terms of design, layout, guest capacity, services and experience.

If you’ve sailed on Nova, you’ll feel instantly at home on Ray, intuitively finding your way around the ship’s 11 decks and easily slipping back into a familiar routine. But for those who are new to Silversea’s Nova Class ships, here’s what to expect on Silver Ray.

Innovative design

Silver Ray has an ‘assymetrical design’, with features including fully glass lifts on the sides of the ship, and cleverly designed public areas full of natural light, taking your focus out to the ocean.

Guest suites are concentrated across four levels of the middle of the ship, while public areas like bars, restaurants, the pool, observation lounge and theatre are on the top and lower levels.

The decor has a modern, fresh aesthetic, feeling more like a contemporary luxury resort than a cruise ship.

There are comfortable spots for lounging and relaxing at every turn, with plenty of cosy nooks to curl up in. Even on a glorious, sun-drenched sea day on the shakedown sailing, it was still easy to find a quiet space away from other guests to sit and watch the world go by.

Food and drink

There are eight restaurants and 10 bars on board to cater to every taste. Some are iterations you’ll find on other Silversea ships (Italian restaurant La Terrazza, signature fine-dining restaurant Atlantide, and modern Japanese Kaiseki), while others feature only on Nova and Ray, like the Marquee.

This beautiful outdoor dining pavilion on deck 10 brings together in one space the Grill, where you can enjoy stone grill dining, and Spaccanapoli, for pizzas as good as an Italian nonna would make. White-blossom trees are dotted among the tables – admittedly they’re artificial, but they look pretty as a picture against a Mediterranean blue sky.

The Dusk bar at the aft of deck 10 is a favourite spot for a sundowner, and the Shelter is a classy champagne bar on deck three, and the Arts Cafe is open all day for light bites and barista-made coffees.

Aside from specialty restaurants and high-end champagne at the Shelter, most food and drinks are included in your fare ... including caviar, which can be ordered at any time. In-suite dining is available 24/7 at no extra charge.

The S.A.L.T. Experience

Only available on newer ships like Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Nova and Silver Ray, the S.A.L.T. programme – meaning ‘sea and land taste’ – encompasses restaurants, bars, cooking classes, lectures and shore excursions. The concept was conceived by award-winning food and travel writer Adam Sachs, aiming to give guests a deeper connection to destinations through its local food and drink.

In the S.A.L.T. Kitchen restaurant, the menu changes almost every night inspired by the cuisine of the current port of call, and the S.A.L.T. bar has an expertly crafted cocktail list using ingredients and flavours that reflect the region the ship is sailing.

S.A.L.T. shore excursions have a culinary focus and give guests the chance to meet local gourmets and gastronomes for exclusive experiences.

But something you will only find on Nova and Ray is the Chef’s Table experience – an additional cost dinner held in the S.A.L.T. Lab (the ship’s test kitchen and cooking school) on Deck 10, for no more than 18 guests at a time.

Menus change depending on which part of the world you’re in – whether that’s Mediterranean sailings on Ray this Northern Hemisphere summer, or Asian and Antipodean journeys on Nova as she makes her way down under for our summer season.

On my voyage, guest chef Joao Sa, whose Lisbon restaurant Sala gained its first Michelin star this year, joined the ship’s fantastically charismatic Mexican-born chef German Castellannos Sanchez, for an interactive 12-course dinner, expertly matched with wines and cocktails.

The light-filled lab, with its shiny marble benches and huge picture windows looking out to sea, was the perfect setting for this unique experience, and having Sa there – a chef whose star is well and truly on the rise – made it feel all the more special.

The Otium Spa concept is unique to Nova and Ray, with state of the art wellness and beauty treatments, a hair salon, acupuncture and cosmetic treatments available, as well as sauna, steam room and thermal pool (which also has floor to ceiling windows so you can watch the ocean while you soak).

Nova and Ray also feature a high-tech fitness centre, with Technogym equipment that can help keep the extra holiday kilos at bay, as well as a beautifully appointed pool on deck 10 and infinity whirlpool on deck 11 – one of the most popular places on the ship on sea days.

There are 364 suites across 13 categories on Ray and Nova. All have private verandahs so you can enjoy some meditative time watching the ocean pass by, or the sun set over your current port of call.

Spacious bathrooms have powerful showers (some also come with bathtubs), marble vanities and specially created Otium amenities. If they’re not quite to your tastes, ask your butler to replace them with Bulgari products or – not as glamorous, but a thoughtful touch – a range of Sebamed products suitable for sensitive skin.

The top-tier accommodation option is the two Otium suites, situated on the corners of the ship’s aft on decks six and seven. They have large living rooms, library and office space, walls of windows with 270-degree panorama views, and huge wraparound verandahs with private jacuzzi, providing the ultimate in luxury and indulgence.

A Silversea cruise comes with a high-end price tag, naturally. But unlike some other cruises, the fare is all-inclusive for things like drinks, shore excursions, entertainment, and gratuities.

There are exceptions – S.A.L.T. experiences, Otium spa treatments, and specialty dining come at an extra cost. But if you want to get on board and not pay for anything extra, it’s absolutely possible to do so without feeling like you’ve compromised on your experience.

It’s difficult to feel FOMO when there’s as much Champagne as you can drink, day or night; butler service for every suite; and a complimentary shore excursion per port. Even better, there’s free wi-fi that runs on the exceptionally reliable Starlink network, so you can send brag-worthy updates to friends and family back home.

With 544 staff to 728 guests, if there’s something you want or need, I’d be surprised if someone can’t find it for you.

All suites have an assigned butler, and although it’s not really in New Zealanders’ nature to expect such attentive service, put aside your humility and lean in to the experience.

I asked my butler Ramesh to unpack for me while I went to explore the ship. I came back to find everything neatly put away and organised, and my embarrassingly scuffed shoes cleaned, polished and wrapped in tissue paper. Had I requested it, he could also have drawn me a bath, complete with Otium scrubs and champagne, or helped me with restaurant reservations and spa bookings.

Restaurant waitstaff are attentive and professional; sommeliers, mixologists and bar staff can find the perfect drink for every moment and mood, and guest services staff will go out of their way to help solve any issues.

Sometimes, crew know what you need well before you do. On a breezy pool deck in Lisbon on the last night of our journey, I didn’t even realise I was cold, until one of the crew appeared with a blanket – pre-warmed – to wrap around my shoulders.

Itineraries

Silver Ray is now sailing the Mediterranean , with five- to 12-day itineraries that take in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece, before heading to the Americas in December.

The ship’s size allows it to dock in smaller ports some megaships can’t reach, meaning you can walk on shore and instantly be immersed in the heart of historic towns and cities.

On the shakedown sailing, we docked in Cadiz, and within minutes I was exploring the cobbled streets of the old city and its 18th-century cathedral. In Lisbon, we were steps away from the labyrinthine laneways of the Alfama district, able to take a post-dinner walk to witness the St Anthony festival street parties, before being back on board in time to see the 80s band performing on the pool deck under the stars.

If you can’t make it to the Mediterranean to sail on Silver Ray, sister ship Silver Nova will be making her Australasian debut in November , sailing a number of Australia and New Zealand voyages until February, before returning in September 2025.

For more information on Silver Ray, see silversea.com . Stephanie Holmes was a guest of Silversea.

Stephanie Holmes has worked at New Zealand’s Herald since 2016, specialising in Travel and, more recently, Lifestyle and Entertainment, with her entire journalism career dedicated to these subjects.

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