Start your visit by exploring the city's medieval towers, particularly the iconic Asinelli and Garisenda towers, which offer stunning views of the red-roofed cityscape. Stroll through the historic Piazza Maggiore, home to the impressive Basilica di San Petronio.
Food lovers will be in paradise here. Bologna is the birthplace of Bolognese sauce and offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Visit the bustling Quadrilatero district to sample local specialties and fresh produce. Don’t miss a chance to indulge in handmade tortellini or a slice of mortadella, perfectly paired with a glass of local Lambrusco.
Discover enchanting Ravenna, home of some of Italy’s most captivating hidden gems including 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. This charming seaside port is a haven for art and architecture lovers showcasing Christian mosaics, majestic churches and impressive palaces. Before your cruise, spend a couple of days exploring Ravenna - once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a thriving hub for craftsmen, artists and master masons. Plus, take advantage of your proximity to visit Venice or Bologna - both less than 2 1/2 hours by car.
Wander through Venice’s iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and ride a gondola beneath the Rialto Bridge or eat your way around Bologna’s Mercato Delle Erbe and catch amazing views from the top of Asinelli Tower. Cruising from Ravenna gives you the opportunity to go off the beaten path and to visit Venice’s famous canals or Bologna’s enchanting streets. Plan to arrive at the port at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your holiday early.
It's always enjoyable to explore seaside mediaeval towns; but there's something even more magical, almost timeless, about appreciating them from the water. Montenegro's Bay of Kotor, a winding bay in the Adriatic Sea, is home to some of the most beautifully preserved mediaeval towns and landmarks in Europe, making cruises through the Bay of Kotor the perfect way to experience the area.
Towns like Kotor, Perast and Tivat are anchored to the edge of the bay. They date back to the 10th century and have a wealth of historic and architectural wonders that you can appreciate without even leaving the cruise ship. From the bell tower of the Church of St Nicholas in Perast to the enchanting islands of St George and Our Lady of the Rocks to the ancient city walls of Kotor, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Bay of Kotor on your next cruise. Just don't forget your camera!
Kotor is a beautiful walled medieval city of twisting, pink-paved streets, markets and architecture reflecting Byzantine to Venetian influences. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea to the west and the limestone-covered mountain range of Mt. Lovćen to the east, this historic city boasts a magnificent natural setting. Ships will dock or anchor offshore at this port.
Top Things to Do in Kotor:
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination. Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, drink and Speciality Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost.
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, a jewel of the Aegean Sea, is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets and distinctive white-washed buildings with blue domes. Begin your exploration in Fira, the island's bustling capital, where narrow streets are lined with charming shops, cafes, and stunning views of the caldera. Don't miss the Archaeological Museum of Thera to glimpse into the island's ancient past.
A short journey from Fira, the village of Oia awaits with its iconic sunset views and picturesque architecture. Wander through its winding alleys, and discover unique art galleries and boutiques. For a taste of local flavors, indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes at a cliffside taverna. End your visit with a relaxing afternoon on one of Santorini's famous black sand beaches.
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination. Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, drink and Speciality Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost.
A hidden gem of the Adriatic, Zadar is rich with thousands of years of history. The city offers beautiful beaches, charming promenades, preserved ancient architecture and fascinating historical monuments. Ships will dock at the cruise terminal.
Top Things to Do in Zadar:
Start your visit by exploring the city's medieval towers, particularly the iconic Asinelli and Garisenda towers, which offer stunning views of the red-roofed cityscape. Stroll through the historic Piazza Maggiore, home to the impressive Basilica di San Petronio.
Food lovers will be in paradise here. Bologna is the birthplace of Bolognese sauce and offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Visit the bustling Quadrilatero district to sample local specialties and fresh produce. Don’t miss a chance to indulge in handmade tortellini or a slice of mortadella, perfectly paired with a glass of local Lambrusco.
Ravenna, “The Mosaic City”, is best known for its churches which date back 1,500 years and are decorated with stunning Byzantine mosaics. If you're not staying in Ravenna at the end of your cruise, Bologna it's approximately 85 kms (53 miles) away, and Venice is approximately 140 kms (87 miles) away - a journey that takes about 2 hours by train.
There is so much to enjoy on Explorer of the Seas, one of Royal’s Voyager class of ships, offering impeccable service, entertainment and dining. Read more
Treat yourself to award winning service and world class innovation on your cruising vacation - just part of what creates the Royal experience. Read more
You will be thrilled with the endless on board fun on Explorer of the Seas. From active pursuits to classes there is something for everyone. Read more
Explorer's complimentary and specialty dining is waiting to take your tastebuds on an epicurean journey around the globe. Read more
You will be dazzled by first class entertainment from Broadway style musical productions, dancing and themed bars. Read more
Book yourself a treatment in the luxury on board spa; join in a specialised class or shop for a little retail therapy. Read more
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Regions
Royal Caribbean Ships
Cities