Roundtrip Civitavecchia (Rome)

The ancient capital of the Western World and the centre of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast of historical and cultural landmarks to explore. Visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, view the splendours of the Sistine Chapel, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.

Don't forget to treat your taste buds to the delights of authentic Roman cuisine, which is as captivating as the city's ancient wonders. Indulge in creamy gelato, savour the perfection of al dente pasta, and relish the thin, crispy crust of Roman-style pizza. Buon Appetito!

Many passengers use Civitavecchia as a stepping stone to the ancient wonders of Rome, which are a mere hour or so away by train or road. But with its pretty piazzas, strollable seafront promenade, and bustling open-air markets, the historic fishing port is a destination unto itself. Highlights include the impressive 16th-century Forte Michelangelo, built to defend the harbor from pirate raids; the mineral-rich Ficoncella Thermal Baths, beloved by locals and visitors alike; and the beautiful Baroque architecture of Cattedrale di San Francesco and Santa Maria dell’Orazione. Don’t leave without sampling the fresh, local seafood, preferably washed down with a glass of crisp Frascati.

Famous for its stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the nearby island of Capri, its vibrant cultural and culinary scene, and its convenient and beautiful location as a starting point for exploring the stunning Amalfi Coast, Sorrento surely has a lot to offer the happy traveler who finds themselves here. The views are legendary; the town's cliffside position offers spectacular vistas that have captivated visitors for centuries while the food is off the scale delicious. Sorrento's culinary offerings are a delightful journey through the flavors of the Amalfi Coast, where freshness and simplicity define the cuisine, allowing the region's high-quality ingredients - and culinary creative talent - to shine. If you can tear yourself away from the restaurants, cafes and gelatarias, then take a stroll through the pretty streets. Sorrento's history spans centuries of civilization and cultural influence, with origins tracing back to the ancient Greeks, and layers of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance influence wocen into the tapestry of daily life.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Visiting Ravenna is like discovering buried treasure. This gem of the Roman Empire sits equidistant between Venice and Florence on the Adriatic coast yet remains relatively under the radar compared to the region’s bigger name cities. There are none other than eight UNESCO World Heritage sites within the city walls, all of which honor Ravenna’s astonishing churches and showcase a blend of 5th and 6th-century Graeco-Roman craftsmanship, Christian iconography, and oriental and Western styles; the Basilica di San Vitale, renowned for its elaborate mosaics, and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, with its stunning starry sky dome, are highlights. Italy’s most celebrated poet, Dante Alighieri, is buried in the Basilica San Francesco, and even Lord Byron lived here, between1819 and 1821 (on via Conte di Cavour). Once you’ve worked up an appetite drinking in all the culture, head to the bustling Piazza del Popolo for an aperitivo and piadina, the city’s famous flatbread sandwich.

Venice, a city built on a network of canals, offers a mesmerizing blend of art, architecture, and history. Glide through the Grand Canal to see iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Basilica. Wander through narrow alleys to discover hidden gems such as the enchanting Piazza San Marco, bustling with cafes and shops. The Doge’s Palace, with its opulent rooms and secret passages, provides a glimpse into Venice’s storied past. Don't miss the colorful markets, where you can sample local delicacies like cicchetti and fresh seafood.

In 2019, UNESCO warned the Italian government that Venice risked being added to the “World Heritage Sites in Danger” list due to the continuous damage caused by large ships to the city’s fragile architecture and ecosystem. In response, the government designated Venice’s waterways as national monuments—a status typically reserved for artworks and historical buildings—granting the lagoon enhanced state protection. The new regulations require ships longer than 590 feet to find alternative berthing locations. Fusina, a nearby industrial port adhering to maritime safety and environmental laws, emerged as the solution. Although the port is not as picturesque as Venice’s Grand Canal, a scenic 30-minute boat ride from Fusina brings visitors to a central city pier, offering a perfect starting point to explore all of Venice’s romantic, watery attractions.

Trieste is a city where cultures come together. According to legend, Jason and the Argonauts arrived with the Golden Fleece in 1300 BC, and literary greats, including Maria Rilke and James Joyce, have called Trieste home at one time or another. However, it is the city's Austrian past that has had the most significant influence; Trieste was a vital part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1382 to 1918. This heritage is visible in the wide Habsburg piazzas, elegant cafés, and a culinary scene where sauerkraut and strudel are as common as pasta and pizza. The grand Piazza Unità d'Italia, opening to the sea, showcases Trieste's stately charm. Walk along the Canale Grande, lined with neoclassical buildings, two pretty bridges, and a pedestrian walkway, or visit the 19th-century Miramare Castle for breathtaking views of the Gulf of Trieste below.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

The lush and verdant island of Corfu lies in the Ionian Sea, midway between Greece and Italy. It is an island of sparkling beaches, mountains splashed with wildflowers, and historical, perched fortresses. Ships will dock at the town of Corfu.

Top Things to Do on Corfu:

• visit the village of Palaiokastritsa
• marvel at the Achilleion Palace
• stroll through the UNESCO listed Old Town
• taste the local liqueur made from kumquats
• explore the Old Fortress
• sail the waters of Corfu

Cephalonia, the largest of Greece's Ionian Islands, offers stunning landscapes and rich history. The island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, particularly at Myrtos Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise sea. Visitors can explore the captivating Melissani Cave, where a boat tour reveals a mesmerizing underground lake illuminated by sunlight streaming through a hole in the cave’s roof. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the ancient ruins of Sami, a testament to the island's rich past. The island also had its part in the Battle of Greece during World War II, which later inspired Louis de Bernières' novel "Captain Corelli's Mandolin".

Cephalonia, also spelled Kefalonia, is one of the jewels of the Greek islands. Located in the Ionian Sea, the island is simply superb, think pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and diverse landscapes. Add the island’s vast cultural richness, and you have a perfect representation of everything you would expect from a Grecian idyll. If you think the place looks familiar, that’s because it is. Cephalonia was the setting for the 2001 film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, based on the book of the same name. The film, starring Nicholas Cage and Penelope Cruz explores the Greek island's beautiful scenery, and gives visitors a taste of Greek island life during the war. The island is heralded for its exquisite beaches. Myrtos Beach stands out with its dazzling turquoise waters and white cliffs, while Xi Beach is distinct with its reddish sand and unique rock formations. Skala Beach, Lourdas Beach, and Antisamos Beach are also popular spots for sunbathing and swimming. The beautiful underwater lake Melissani located near Sami, is a natural wonder, enchanting all those who are lucky enough to visit.

If you wished to paint the perfect picture of a Greek island, it would probably look like Monemvasia. Start with a rocky promontory on the eastern edge of the Peloponnese. Then sketch in restored stone houses, beautiful churches and a winding two-donkey wide road. Add a medieval citadel. Remove all automobiles. Then make the island accessible from the mainland via a strollable causeway spanned by a grand Venetian gate. The finishing touch: the backdrop of an exquisite Aegean sunset.

Welcome to the ancient city of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation' and a historian’s delight. Uncover the awe-inspiring Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with iconic structures like the Parthenon and nearby Temple of Olympian Zeus. The nearby Acropolis Museum showcases stunning artifacts from ancient Greece, providing deeper insight into the city's heritage.

Afterward, wander through Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and charming tavernas. For lunch, indulge in traditional Greek cuisine like moussaka or souvlaki. Head to the National Garden for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll amid lush greenery and historical statues.

Piraeus, the primary port for Athens, is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) southwest of the city center. Cruise ships dock at the Piraeus Cruise Terminal, from where it takes roughly 20-30 minutes to reach Athens by taxi or train. The metro station is within walking distance of the port, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to get to the city.

There are taxi queues outside all gates of the airport. A taxi ride from the airport to Piraeus port will take approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the traffic. The taxi fare (indicative) from Athens airport to the port of Piraeus is 45 euros in the daytime and 64 euros at night (24:00-05:00). Ferries from Piraeus offer connections to all islands of the Aegean, including the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Saronic, the North Aegean islands and Crete.

Santorini is a breathtaking island in the southern Aegean Sea known for its iconic blue-domed churches, picturesque whitewashed buildings, and stunning sunsets. Of all the Cyclades Islands, Santorini is often considered the most dramatic with its dark landscape and iconic whitewashed buildings. The rich soil is ideal for grapes and local vines produce a cherished crop known for its special volcanic taste. Picturesque Thira, or Fira Town, laid out along the edge of a cliff at the rim of the now extinct caldera, exudes an easy charm.

A day at sea with Crystal can be as relaxed or as engaging as you wish. Begin with breakfast on your veranda, take a walk along the Promenade Deck or spend the morning by the Seahorse Pool before retreating to the Aurōra Spa & Salon for a restorative treatment. Enrichment is always close at hand, with lectures, bridge, creative workshops, dance classes, wellness sessions and opportunities to fine tune skills from photography to golf.

Dining is a highlight throughout the day, from relaxed bites by the pool to elegant dinners at venues such as Umi Uma by Nobu, Beefbar or Waterside. As evening arrives, enjoy live music, theatre entertainment, comedy, social gatherings, cocktails in the lounges or a quiet night in with 24-hour in-suite dining.

Founded by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, the sun-kissed capital of Malta maintains much of its old-world charm, with honey-hued buildings, original bastioned city walls, and beautiful Baroque architecture. Take in the historic details as you explore the city’s cobblestoned streets, stopping to snack on golden, ricotta-stuffed parcels of pastizzi and qassatat. Don’t miss the wonderfully ornate interiors of St. John's Co-Cathedral, where Caravaggio’s masterpiece, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, sits on display in the Oratory, and soak in sweeping views of Valletta’s Grand Harbour from the pretty Upper Barrakka Gardens.

There is no shortage of beautiful, historical places in Sicily, but Trapani, on the island's west coast, seems to have it all.

Once the port for the Elymian settlement of Eryx, the city became a Carthaginian naval base in 260 BCE before the Romans took it over in 241 BCE. It thrived through the Middle Ages, and much of the medieval old city remains intact. Discover the historic center with its narrow alleys, small shops, and cozy trattorias. Once you've worked up an appetite, find a shady terrace and sample the morning-fresh seafood washed down with a glass of local Marsala wine. The area is one of the most important coastal wetlands, providing sanctuary to many migratory birds. Head to the salt flats at the Riserva Naturale Saline di Trapani e Paceco, just three miles from the port, where white pyramids of salt and pink flamingos create a colorful, striking scene.

Of course, no trip to Sicily would be complete without a dip in the sea; surrounded by turquoise waters, pristine sands, and rugged coastline, Trapani's beaches are a delight for sun worshipers.

Cagliari, capital of Sardinia, sprawls across the hills promising awe-inspiring views for those who venture to Monte Urpinu Park. At its heart lies the historic Castello district, where a Roman amphitheater, medieval towers built by the Pisans, and a 13th-century cathedral with an intricately carved crypt sit beside the monolithic architecture of the Mussolini era. Down by the harbor, the eateries and bars in the Marina buzz with life. In Via Sardegna and Via Cavour taste local flavors such as the peppery salami mustela, salty pecorino cheese, and carta musica, a wafer-thin flatbread said to sound like music when it snaps. They all go well with a glass of cannonau or vernaccia, the island's robust wines.

The ancient capital of the Western World and the centre of Christianity for nearly 2,000 years, Rome provides an inexhaustible feast of historical and cultural landmarks to explore. Visit the ruins of the Forum and the Colosseum, view the splendours of the Sistine Chapel, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain or climb the Spanish Steps, once the heart of Rome's Bohemian Quarter.

Don't forget to treat your taste buds to the delights of authentic Roman cuisine, which is as captivating as the city's ancient wonders. Indulge in creamy gelato, savour the perfection of al dente pasta, and relish the thin, crispy crust of Roman-style pizza. Buon Appetito!

Serving as Rome’s seaport since the 13th century, Civitavecchia is located about an hour (80km/50mi) from the centre of Rome. For guests arriving and departing from the airport in Rome, a transfer to Civitavecchia port should be organised ahead of time with your cruise line. Details will be provided in your travel documentation after booking. The port area itself offers diverse dining options, and inside, facilities include accessible bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a spacious waiting area. The port also offers complimentary shuttle buses to transfer guests between the ship and the port terminal.