Review of Royal Caribbean's 7-Day Mediterranean Cruise Route
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean departing from Barcelona. The cruise route offered a fantastic mix of iconic destinations and hidden gems throughout the Mediterranean region. Here is my review of Royal Caribbean's Mediterranean cruise route:
PORT 1: Barcelona, Spain Departs at 6:00 PM
PORT 2: Palma De Mallorca, Spain From 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
PORT 3: Provence (Marseille), France From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
PORT 4: Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy From 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM
PORT 5: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy From 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
PORT 6: Naples / Capri, Italy From 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
PORT 7: Cruising Day at sea
PORT 8: Barcelona, Spain
Ship and Accommodations: The cruise ship provided a pretty luxurious and comfortable experience. The cabins were spacious and well-appointed, offering all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay on board. We were fortunate to book a Balcony view which made the cabins feel a little less constricted. The ship itself was impressive, with a wide range of entertainment options, including theaters, lounges, pools, and a variety of dining venues. The staff was attentive, friendly, and always ready to assist with any request or inquiry.
Destinations and Excursions: The shore excursions offered by Royal Caribbean were generally well-organized and informative, albeit very expensive, but it did allow us to make the most of our time in each port. When booking through Royal Caribbean, you get an extra layer of security that the boat will not leave without you. This is different than if you are booking a separate tour yourself, and have to maek absolutely sure you aren’t stuck in traffic or have some other reason to miss the “all aboard” time.
Activities and Entertainment: Onboard the ship, there was quite varied entertainment options. There was an ice skating rink, Broadway-style shows and live music performances to water slides and rock climbing walls, there was something for everyone. The most exciting would definitely be the pool/high diving show, while the more lackluster performances would be the comedy/stand up shows.
The ship also had a well-equipped gym, spa facilities, and a variety of pools and lounges for relaxation and recreation.
Dining Experience: The dining experience on the Mediterranean cruise was overall very nice and we were fortunate to not have too crowded of a ship- that way, our large group could dine and enjoy meals together. There were casual buffet options, and specialty eateries of an appreciable range- from the Central Park style botanical area peppered with cafes/Italian restaurants, to the seafood boil area, to the Coney-island style outdoor carnival, the quality and variety of food were pretty impressive, with a range of international cuisines to satisfy all palates. The service in the dining venues was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable dining experience.
Overall Impressions: My overall impression of Royal Caribbean's Mediterranean cruise route was generally positive. It is a great option for families traveling with teens and children, or for older folks with limited mobility. The itinerary provided an excellent balance between well-known tourist destinations and off-the-beaten-path ports, allowing for a diverse and enriching experience. The ship itself was luxurious and offered a wide range of activities, entertainment, and dining options. The staff was attentive, and the shore excursions were well-organized and informative.
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