Mediterranean cruise package from Rome with Royal Caribbean

Discover the best of Europe, starting with four fantastic days in the Eternal City and a 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Rome.

Explore three countries during one vacation and experience Spain, France, and Italy’s historic architecture, incredible food, and rich culture.

Cruise the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean

In this article, we show you how to plan and book a 12-night package for a fantastic Mediterranean cruise from Rome, Italy. The package is four days (5 nights) in Rome and a seven-night cruise in the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean.

Best of all, when you book a cruise vacation yourself, you have complete control over your vacation!

5 nights Rome + 7 night Western Mediterranean Cruise

Rome is on the bucket list of many travelers. Visiting the eternal city is an unforgettable experience. It is known for its art, culture, and history. Whether traveling as a couple or with kids, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Five nights in this great city is the perfect way to kick-start your Mediterranean cruise from Rome, including ports of call in Italy, Spain, and France.

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Arrive at Rome airport, having booked your flight with your favorite airline. (Tip! Read our advice about booking flights online before you book!) The name of the international airport is Rome Fiumicino International Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci International Airport

Transfer to your hotel in Rome using an official taxi standing right outside your arrival terminal. A taxi costs about 60 euros for the half-hour journey, and you get door-to-door service.

Alternatively, book a private transfer by car or take the well-signposted train at the airport. In 30 minutes, you get to Rome’s central train station, Termini.

When you arrive at your hotel, relax, shake off any jet lag, and enjoy your first of 5 nights in Rome.

Days 2-5: Exploring Rome

Follow our four days of sightseeing tips on our Rome page before you start your cruise. Click below for detailed itineraries, travel tips, and must-see sights, including:

• The Jewish Quarter, Trastevere, and The Vatican
• Piazza Navona, The Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
• The Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese
• Ancient Rome,Vittoriano and the Colosseum

Day 6: Check-in for your Mediterranean cruise from Rome

Time to cruise! Your Mediterranean cruise from Rome, including Italy, Spain, and France, is finally here. Check out from your hotel and transfer to the Port of Civitavecchia. The easiest way to get from the city to the port for your cruise from Rome is to ask your hotel for help making a taxi reservation.

Alternatively, we have detailed information on how to get to the port on our Rome information page.

Your port check-in time is on your cruise ticket. Make sure you get there in time!

• Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean International
• Name of Ship: Wonder of the Seas – read more about the fantastic Wonder of the Seas and Royals “Oasis” class ships here!
• Start Date: Weekly with Sunday departure from May through to October (Tip! Cruise dates and itineraries are subject to change at any time check with Royal Caribbean at the time of booking)
• Cruise Port: From/To Port of Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy

Cruise Days 6 to 13: Western Mediterranean Cruise with Royal Caribbean International (7 nights/8 days)

Cruise Day 1: Rome

Check-in for your cruise at the Port of Civitavecchia. Royal Caribbean’s ships have all the amenities you want or need on vacation.

Settle into your cabin, unpack your suitcase, and head to the buffet restaurant for lunch. Or grab your favorite glass of bubble and relax on deck for the sail-away party!

Before you leave home, we recommend downloading the Royal Caribbean International app onto your mobile telephone. It's a great way to quickly check in for your cruise, stay connected with family and friends on the ship, plan your activities, make reservations, and see everything happening on board. And you do not need wifi to use it!

Cruise Day 2: Naples/Capri, Italy

On day 2 of your cruise, your ship docks in Naples, southern Italy. What a way to start your cruising vacation! You are just a 1-hour ferry ride from the island of Capri to Naples. We recommend that you use this day to visit beautiful Capri.

Emperor Augustus’ once a private paradise and now a modern-day celebrity hideaway, Capri is a luxury holiday destination.

Capri – how to get there and what to do

Some shore excursions to Capri with the cruise line can be costly. You can make your way there quite easily. Most cruise ships take you to Terminal Stazione Marittima in Naples (always check with your cruise line). The hydrofoil from nearby Molo Beverello takes under one hour to reach Capri. You will need to queue to get your tickets.

The price of a one-way ticket to Capri is around 25 euros per person, but be sure to buy a return ticket for a specific departure time. Queueing for tickets on the island can take a very long, and you do not want to miss getting back to the port in time to board your cruise ship or tender boat.

Note the time your cruise ship or tender boat departs Naples, and make sure you take a hydrofoil from Capri at the latest 2 hours before ship departure.

If all this seems too complicated, book tickets with your cruise line for your trip to Capri, then you can explore yourself once you are there.

It can be a choppy ride over to Capri if the sea is rough, so if you get seasick quickly, you may want to take seasick tablets or put on a seaband before you start your day.

The towns of Marina Grande, Ana Capri, and Capri

The island has three towns: Marina Grande, your landing point, Anacapri, and Capri. We recommend downloading a map of the island before traveling to orientate yourself.

When you arrive by ferry or hydrofoil, you will be in the village of Marina Grande. This is the area of the marina and the port on Capri, where all transport to the island departs.

You can get to Ana Capri and Capri from Marina Grande. Both towns are closed to traffic in the center, so once there, all exploring is done on foot. If you want to go further afield and explore the island’s coastline and nature, you can rent a scooter at Marina Grande.

The town of Anacapri

Anacapri is the quieter side of the island and the highest point. It is excellent for nature lovers visiting Mount Solaro for panoramic views. The bus takes about 20 minutes from Marina Grande to Anacapri. Once in the town, a chair lift from Piazza Vittoria to Monte Solaro takes approximately 10 minutes.

The town of Capri

Shoppers and foodies should spend some time in the exclusive boutiques and cafes in Capri, the island’s more busy, cosmopolitan side.

Take the cable car or bus from Marina Grande to the main square, Piazza Umberto (the Piazzetta), in the center of Capri town. There are small buses available that take approximately 20 people per bus. You can buy a ticket at the ticket booth in the arrivals harbor of Marina Grande. It is walkable within about 20 minutes, but the road is steep, narrow, and winding, and in the heat, it feels a long way.

Alternatively, you can use the Capri Funicular (also referred to as the Capri cable car); the red train takes you to the Piazzetta in just a few minutes.

Visiting The Blue Grotto and Faraglioni, the trio of sea giants

When you get to Marina Grande, there are also plenty of options to book a small boat to see the fantastic illuminated caves of the Blue Grotto. This is, without doubt, the most famous attraction on Capri, together with sailing through Faraglioni’s stunning towering rock formations.

From Marina Grande, there is a private jetty where you buy tickets for a boat tour in a small wooden row boat. The entrance fee to the Blue Grotto is around 18 euros per person, and it’s usual to tip your captain.

It’s an unforgettable experience!

Amalfi Coast and Capri excursion

Suppose time and budget allow, and you want to squeeze even more sights into your shore excursion. In that case, we highly recommend a private boat tour from Naples port along the Amalfi coast to visit Amalfi and the stunning Positano, then over to Capri Island—a fantastic way to see this beautiful coastline. Viator offers a great trip.

Visit the legend of Pompei

Instead of Capri, a history enthusiast will love visiting the ancient ruins of Pompei, buried by the 79 A.D. eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk around the ruins yourselves with a guidebook. Or, better still, join a guided tour to hear an expert’s stories behind the ruins.

Unfortunately, with just one day in the port of Naples, you will not have time to visit Capri and Pompei. But hopefully, this will not be your last visit to southern Italy. The whole of the Amalfi coastline deserves a trip in itself. When you visit, we recommend basing yourself in Positano. You can rent a car or use local transport to all the coastal towns. This coastline will be one of the prettiest places you will ever visit.

Cruise Day 3: Cruising Day at Sea

Today you can relax and spend time on your fantastic cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. Sailing from Naples to Barcelona takes time, so you are on board all day.

Packed with fun activities, entertainment, great restaurants, sports facilities, and excellent kids’ clubs, make the most of the ship today.

Cruise Day 4: Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is known for trendy boutiques, fantastic architecture, and outstanding cuisine. The Catalan capital is our favorite Spanish city. It has everything: shopping, beaches, stunning architecture, great food, world-renowned art, friendly locals, and cozy neighborhoods.

We have many great ideas for how to spend a day in Barcelona. Our Barcelona – The Essential Guide article offers detailed itineraries for five spectacular sightseeing days in this unique historic city. Choose the one that suits you best:

• Eixample
• The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
• Barceloneta, the Beach & Port Olympic 
• Montjuic
• Parc Guell and Camp Nou

Barcelona is an accessible city, and the port is close to the center. Choose the itinerary that suits you best, or book a guided tour with your cruise line if you don’t feel like finding your way around. 

On our Barcelona page, you will also find detailed information on how to return to the port again after your day exploring here.

Cruise Day 5: Palma de Mallorca, Spain

The Bay of Palma is a beautiful destination and the capital of the Spanish island Mallorca.

We love Palma’s rich cultural heritage with stunning architecture and works of art. And of course the wide open beaches, water sports and deep sea fishing on offer.

You can take a leisurely walk into the city center from the port. If you opt not to book an excursion with the cruise line and want to tour the city yourself, head towards Palma Cathedral. Located in the city’s heart, it’s an excellent spot to start exploring independently.

Portixol is a 10-minute walk from Palma Center if you prefer a beach. Here you will find plenty of local restaurants serving lunch with a view.

There are many bike and electric scooter rentals along the beachfront, and on a hot day, it’s a great way to explore the coastline. If you want to book in advance, then Viator has trustworthy suppliers.

Visit Soller from Palma Port

Suppose you have visited Palma before or want to discover another region of the island. In that case, one of our favorite shore excursions from the port of Palma is to Valldemossa and the historic train journey to Sóller on the Orange Express. Nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains, Valldemossa exudes old-world charm with its cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture. Discover the former Carthusian monastery, where composer Frédéric Chopin once sought inspiration.

You can also take the Orange Express to Sóller. The Orange Express, a vintage wooden train, takes you through olive groves to Sóller, known for its art nouveau architecture and citrus orchards. This excursion seamlessly combines history and natural beauty for an unforgettable Mediterranean experience.

Cruise Day 6: Provence, France (Port of call: Marseilles)

Marseilles is a rather unattractive industrial port. However, once in the lovely historical city center, visit sights such as Quai des Belges, the Chateau d’If, and Notre Dame de la Garde.

If you prefer to visit without a guide, take the cruise ship’s shuttle into the marina area. From here, you can head to the friendly neighborhood of Le Panier. Walk along the main shopping street of Rue St-Fereol, and shop local street vendors and unique boutiques. You’ll find many art galleries and antique shops. Look out for their famous soap as a great souvenir.

Or enjoy their world-famous signature dish, bouillabaisse, at any of the restaurants in town. Remember to stick to the busy touristy areas of Marseille and beware of pickpockets.

The best excursions from the port of Marseilles

We recommend that you visit the port of Marseilles to experience the Provence region and see France as it was centuries ago. There are some fantastic excursions available as transport is a must.

Aix-en-Provence

No Marseille cruise excursion would be complete without a venture to the charming town of Aix-en-Provence. This picturesque haven is a haven for art, culture, and relaxation. As you stroll along its graceful boulevards, shaded by towering plane trees, you’ll discover elegant fountains, artisan boutiques, and inviting cafes.

Aix’s architectural beauty is epitomized by its stunning Cours Mirabeau, lined with 17th-century mansions adorned with wrought-iron balconies. The town’s vibrant arts scene and its association with Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne add an extra layer of allure, making Aix-en-Provence a must-see destination during your Mediterranean cruise.

Arles, Les Baux, and St. Remy

Another fantastic shore excursion combines the treasures of Arles, St. Remy, and Les Baux, creating a truly remarkable experience for cruise travelers.

Begin your adventure in Arles, where the relics of ancient Roman architecture stand testament to a bygone era. From the iconic amphitheater to the mesmerizingly preserved Roman baths, Arles immerses you in a sense of antiquity.

The journey then takes you to St. Remy, a picturesque Provençal town renowned for its charming streets and squares. Here, you can explore the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery, which once housed the brilliant yet tormented Vincent van Gogh.

And finally, a visit to Les Baux introduces you to a captivating medieval village perched upon a rocky outcrop. With its commanding views over the Provence countryside, this destination offers a glimpse into a past marked by feudal splendor. Visiting these three captivating areas in a single excursion paints a vivid picture of their unique histories and demonstrates the enduring allure of the Mediterranean’s cultural gems.

Find out why we like to partner with Italytours.EU for a fantastic small group excursion to this region of France from the port of Marseille.

Calanques National Park

The Calanques National Park is about a half hour from the port. The rugged coastline calls for good walking shoes. There is also the possibility of a boat trip from Marseilles to Cassis, which takes miles of the beautiful coastal landscape.

Eze

If you want to go further afield, now is your chance to visit the stunning Alpes Maritimes village of Eze. You will need to book a shore excursion to provide you with the transportation to get there – a scenic journey with panoramic views of the fantastic French landscape.

Arriving in Eze, walk the narrow, winding cobblestone streets and admire the ancient stone buildings and vibrant bougainvillea balconies. The castle ruins are a medieval fortress that transports you back in time as you climb the stone steps to be rewarding with stunning views. If you have time, visit the Jardin Exotique botanical garden, perched on a cliffside, stopping for lunch at the Mas Provencal restaurant. Sitting amid hundreds of fresh floral displays, this is unlike any restaurant you have ever visited.

Click to search, compare and book shore excursions from the port of Marseilles.

Cruise Day 7: Florence/Pisa, Italy (Port of call: La Spezia)

On day 7 of your cruise, the Allure is docked in La Spezia, Italy. If you do not want to wander far from the ship, explore art galleries, museums, and castles in La Spezia. Visit the Castle of San Giorgio, located on top of a hill overlooking the port with its magnificent views. Alternatively, take a boat trip up the River Magra to view its medieval bridges and wetlands.

Choosing what to do or which excursion to book for your port of call in La Spezia can be challenging. La Spezia is the entrance port to so many fantastic Italian destinations. You are spoilt for choice. From here, you can visit Cinque Terre, Pisa, or Florence. Each one in itself is great, and the surrounding areas are stunning.

Glorious Cinque Terre

If you want an adventure out in nature and love hiking, choose Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a group of five villages that stretch along Italy’s Riviera di Levante, with a dramatic section known as the Cinque Terre National Park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can visit the five villages, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare.

Book this day out with your cruise line; alternatively, book train tickets or a guided tour in advance. Remember, Cinque Terre is a few hours away from La Spezia, so don’t miss your cruise departure time. We promise – it’s well worth the journey!

An alternative to visiting Cinque Terre is a trip to Pisa or Florence. Pisa may well have been on your bucket list for a long time! Who doesn’t want to stand next to the famous leaning tower?

In our opinion, Florence offers a richer experience. In Florence, you can discover the Uffizi Gallery, where you can view Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera, climb the world-famous Duomo or walk the postcard-perfect Ponte Vecchio bridge. Don’t worry if you feel you need longer here. Florence is a beautiful destination to visit again. Make this city part of a more extended trip to the region of Tuscany in your future travel plans.

Cruise Day 8: Return to Port of Civitavecchia, Rome, and disembark your cruise

Disembark at Port of Civitavecchia. Head back into Rome to extend your stay if you have booked extra hotel nights. You can book the Civitavecchia Express train, including a bus ticket from the port to the train station. Click to learn how to book a ticket on the Civitavecchia Express train.

Or transfer back to Rome airport with Royal Caribbean’s transfer bus for your flight home.

Book your transfer in advance while you book your cruise because places on board the airport buses can become fully booked. Remember, if you have a morning flight booked to take you home, ask the cruise line for an early checkout from the ship to ensure you get on one of the first transfer buses.