Italy, France And Spain

Welcome to Barcelona! Renowned for its unique architecture and vibrant culture. If you have time before your cruise departs today, take a stroll down Las Ramblas, a lively street filled with street performers, shops, and cafes, leading to the historic Gothic Quarter. Or for a taste of local life, explore the bustling La Boqueria market, offering a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies.

Whichever ship you decide on you can choose from a refreshing variety of pools and whirlpools - each heated to just the right temperature. Queen Victoria offers two spacious outdoor pools as well as a hydrotherapy pool in her spa.

Encircled by dramatic ancient walls, which rise abruptly from deep-blue waters, Alghero's defences shelter one of Sardinia’s largest and most spectacular old towns. The uneven cobbled streets, rich history and Catalan flare alongside the nearby pristine beaches make Alghero a real highlight of Sardinia. Ships will anchor offshore and tender guests to shore.

Top Things to Do in Alghero:

• visit the ruins of Nuraghe Palmavera
• stroll through Alghero's Old Town
• cruise the Coral Riviera
• enjoy a hike in Porto Conte National Park

Located on the west coast of Corsica, Ajaccio is surrounded by green-hued mountains, with shady palm fringed squares and pleasure boats bobbing in the bay. The city is best known as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and his legacy dominates the city in its statues and street names. Ships will dock at Gare Maritime d’Ajaccio.

Top Things to Do in Ajaccio:

• walk the Route des Cretes
• take a boat ride to the Isles Sanguinaires
• explore Maison Bonaparte
• tour the Prunelli Gorges

A day at sea offers a world of experiences, all tailored to your pace and preferences. Enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the heated pools or take in expansive ocean views with a few laps of Promenade Deck. Relax at the Mareel® Wellness & Beauty spa, with rejuvenating treatments inspired by the ocean. Partake in a guided gin tasting or attend a classical concert.

Indulge in gourmet meals at the grand Britannia Restaurant, sip champagne at sunset or enjoy a cocktail by the pool. Choose from an array of entertainment options, including stage shows, live bands, and late-night dancing. Play a round of paddle tennis, table tennis, golf putting, and shuffleboard. Younger guests will also stay entertained at one of four dedicated children’s clubs, ensuring fun for the whole family.

The Strait of Messina is the narrow waterway between Sicily and Calabria, the southernmost region on the Italian peninsula. Despite its relatively short length, the Strait of Messina is endowed with many unique qualities, making it one of the more dramatic passages in the Mediterranean.

Its narrowest point - less than three kilometers (two miles) - creates a natural bottleneck and a distinct sheltered marine ecosystem; it is also a significant migration point for numerous species of birds.

Messina is located on the northeastern corner of Sicily and is the panoramic gateway to the island. Sitting on a sickle-shaped harbour and under the gaze of Mt. Etna, the city is a patchwork of churches and antique palaces. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.

Top Things to Do in Messina:

• take the scenic drive up Mt. Etna
• explore Taormina’s medieval streets
• enjoy a tasting at a local winery
• admire the Messina Cathedral's bell tower
• sail along the Strait of Messina
• eat a Sicilian Cannoli
  
  

The lively seaport of Salerno is a thriving modern metropolis with ancient origins. Its elegant lungomare, a shoreside promenade, offers far-reaching views of the sea and the mountains beyond. The city boasts an ideal location with both the ruins of Roman cities and the stunning Amalfi Coast in easy reach. Ships will dock at this port.

Top Things to Do in Salerno:

• explore the ruins of Pompeii
• enjoy a scenic drive to Ravello
• visit the post-card worthy Positano
• cruise the Amalfi Coast in a boat

The Amalfi Coast, a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant villages, and breathtaking views. Positano, with its pastel-colored houses cascading down to the sea, is perfect for leisurely strolls and shopping. Capri, a short ferry ride away, offers the famous Blue Grotto and upscale boutiques.

History enthusiasts can venture to Pompeii, the ancient city preserved by volcanic ash, providing a glimpse into Roman life. The Amalfi Coast combines natural beauty with rich history, making it a captivating destination for any traveller.

Rome holds wonders unlike those on offer anywhere else in the world. Allow yourself to be transported back to a time of powerful Emperors and magnificent sculptors as you walk in the footsteps of thousands of years of Roman history. Behold the gigantic stadium of the gladiators in the Colosseum – a huge oval amphitheatre used to house all manner of celebrations, events, and of course, the iconic gladiator games of ages gone by.

Close by stands the impressive Roman Forum; one of the most important social and political hotspots of the ancient city of Rome. The Forum contains a plethora of Roman ruins including shops, homes, and temples. It’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in the culture of Rome, picturing how those who came before lived, traded, and celebrated with one another.

Other unmissable sights include the ornate Trevi Fountain, the breathtaking domed Pantheon, and the intricate marble work of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

As your ship gently cruises into port, you’ll be welcomed by Fort Michelangelo, a local architectural wonder. Venture further in, and you’ll find more treats just waiting to be photographed and explored. You may well choose to travel into Rome as soon as you disembark, but if you do opt to stay local, there are plenty of beautiful sights, plus welcoming hospitality, to enjoy in Civitavecchia itself. The port of Civitavecchia offers a free shuttle transfer service from Largo della Pace, the port’s cruise line hub, that will transport you to your terminal or departure quay. The port also offers luggage storage, multiple passenger information points, and ATM facilities.