sailing cruise ship italy

Italy sailing cruises

Pristine waters, picturesque villages and Roman ruins – sailing the Mediterranean offers everything you can imagine and then some

Cruising around the rugged Italian coastline, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve somehow stumbled onto the set of a Brigitte Bardot movie. If you're looking for an  Italy travel  experience where you can sail past the pastel-colored villages of the Amalfi Coast, rub shoulders with the locals while drinking martinis on the famous Isle of Capri, or hot-foot it to Pompeii to learn about its explosive past, you've come to the right place. While the cerulean waters and heavenly sunshine will tempt you to laze around on deck all day, with so much to see and do you won’t want to stay put!

Our Italy sailing cruises

Italy sailing highlights.

Filter by rating

Sail Italy: Amalfi to Procida

Sail Italy: Procida to Amalfi

Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure

See more Europe sailing cruises

Europe sailing

Get inspired on The Good Times

5 places to escape the crowds in Italy for summer 2024

An agricultural renaissance is underway on the outskirts of Rome

We run at dawn: Why I lace up in cities while travelling 

Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast: Which destination to visit?

France or Italy? Which European country should you travel to?

This couple is exploring the world one podcast episode at a time 

The top 10 destinations to travel in May 2024

Italy or Spain? Which European country should you travel to?

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

ITALY CRUISES

Eat, pray and love your way through tasty trattorias, calming cathedrals and romantic retreats with a cruise to Italy.

Cruise to Italy and contemplate world-class art and architecture, timeless natural scenery and a food and wine scene against which all others are judged. Roam the lively streets of the Eternal City of Rome, and see the Colosseum in its massive, ancient glory. Check out the unmistakable Duomo ("dome") of Florence, and taste your way through the wineries of the nearby Chianti hills. Ride a gondola down the serpentine canals of Venice, see the brilliant gold mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica, or hike volcanic Mount Vesuvius and refuel with a classic Neapolitan pizza in Naples. Discover the magic with a Italy cruise.

Save Big With These Italy Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Italy cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships

{{error.text}} {{error.link.label}}

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

THE ULTIMATE HISTORY CLASS

Whether you traipse through the "Eternal City" of Rome or get lost in the museums and chapels of Florence, history lives in Italy — and outside it. Trips to the city-states of San Marino and Vatican City make for great excursions during your vacation onboard the best Italy cruises. 

History class comes alive in Italy's iconic structures and celebrated art galleries. From gazing upward at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, to combing through the dozens of timeless works that make Florence's Uffizi Gallery famous (including "The Birth of Venus"), Italy's artistic heritage is as impressive in the big picture as it is in the finer details.

LIVE FOREVER IN ETERNAL CITIES

Rome is Italy's Eternal City, with its massive Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum, but there are other spots here with roots equally as deep. In Florence, visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria del Fiore, built on the site of a 7th-century chapel. In Venice, you can set foot in 9th-century St. Mark's Basilica and see the dazzling gold mosaics from Byzantine times.

VISIT A CITY-STATE (OR TWO)

Regardless of your religious beliefs, no trip to Rome is complete without a tour of Vatican City, where the splendor transcends its Catholic identity. From Florence or Venice, visit the mountainous micro-country of San Marino, which boasts an 11th-century citadel that rests hundreds of feet above the ground.

JOURNEY BY FOOT AND FORK

Take advantage of Italy's varied topography with hikes in the hills of Tuscany or through the villages of Cinque Terre. Enjoy world-class food scene, perfect for culinary aficionados who don't mind a little indulgence when you cruise to Italy. 

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Who says Italy is only churches, pizza and high-brow art? Take a hike through the hills of the Tuscany region or have a dip in the crystalline waters of Capri, where the harbor is filled with yachts as far as the eye can see. From the pristine coasts to the rolling hills, Italy is a natural beauty.

DARE TO STRAY

Even if you stick to "mainstream" Italian destinations, you can still spice up your time in Italy. Ride a vaporetto (a local form of taxi boat) from Venice to the colorful island of Burano, or take a westward train ride from the  port city of La Spezia  to the lush coast of Cinque Terre. These are great alternatives to going south and east to Florence or Pisa.

TWIRL YOUR FORK

Sophia Loren famously said that she'd rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero, which is a great attitude to have while visiting Italy. Indulge in the notorious pizza of Naples or the award-winning pastas of Rome's Trastevere district — you'll need the energy for exploring cities on foot.

Best Italy Cruises

A cruise to Italy is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Italy onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

GET ROMANTIC IN ROME

Before boarding the  best cruises from Rome , explore the ancient streets once trodden by gladiators and great artists alike. Kick off your dreamiest cruise yet by feasting on pasta, pizza and local wines.

STEP FOOT ON EXOTIC SHORES

Cruise to the warm, crystal-clear waters of the  Amalfi Coast , Greece, Spain and France. Relax on the world's most unique beaches, explore ancient historical architecture and indulge in favorite local dishes.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Italy Cruises Insider

The best time to go to Italy depends on your preferences as a traveler. While summer is better for days at the beach and nights dining al fresco, winter boasts lighter crowds and lower prices. The "shoulder" seasons of spring and autumn, meanwhile, provide the best of both worlds.

Italy's weather is likewise good year-round, certainly among the best in Europe. Winters here are relatively mild, with rarely more than a light snow once or twice a season. Summer temperatures can get up into the '90s, but thanks to the climate, you can have a sunny, mild day here any time of the year.

Traveler’s Bucket List: Italian Architecture and Art

Planning A Food Vacation As You Travel To Italy

Bring along a dictionary or download Italian in your phone's translation app. In spite of its popularity as a travel destination, English isn't commonly spoken, particularly in the south.

Mind your valuables: Pickpocketers crowd Italy's popular tourist areas.

Pick 2 to 3 activities per day, max. Part of enjoying Italy is living at the local pace, and Italians are never in much of a hurry.

FOR FOODIE'S CUISINE WITH A PAST-A

Italian cuisine is popular all over the world, but you've never really eaten it until you've had it in Italy. From familiar favorites like pizza and pasta, to a delightful variety of Italian meats and finishing touches like bitter espresso and sweet gelato, food is an essential part of the Italy travel experience.

LEANING TOWERS OF PIZZA

As its name suggests, Dal Presidente Pizza in Naples is famous because President Bill Clinton enjoyed its pizza during a visit. Whether you choose a simple margherita (mozzarella and tomato) or a complex capricciosa (the heat cooks the raw egg on top of it), Neapolitan pizza is sure to get your vote.

NEXT-LEVEL NOODLES

Pasta in Italy will change your life, whether you choose egg-and-bacon carbonara or pasta primavera, which pairs farfalle with fresh seasonal vegetables. No matter where in the country you are, choose a place that makes its pasta fresh — and one where patrons speak more Italian than English.

SCOOP IT UP

Gelato is not just "Italian ice cream." It uses more milk and fewer eggs (zero, in fact) than ice cream, but that's just the start of why it's essential to Italian dining. Try classic flavors like rich stracciatella (milk flavor with chocolate shavings) and fruity amarena, which tastes like cherries.

RELATED PORTS

Want to learn more about the best Italy cruise ports? Visit Civitavecchia to explore the port of Rome, bustling Naples and the yacht-filled Isle of Capri. Venice is more than just canals and gondolas, while La Spezia is an ideal entry point to both Florence's Renaissance-era art and Pisa's Leaning Tower.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Venice, Italy

Bologna (Ravenna), Italy

Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy

Sardinia (Cagliari), Italy

Sicily (Messina), Italy

Sicily (Catania), Italy

Genoa, Italy

Sicily (Palermo), Italy

Ravenna (Venice), Italy

Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Naples / Capri, Italy

Portofino, Italy

Sicily (Siracusa), Italy

Florence / Pisa (Carrara), Italy

Santa Margherita, Italy

Trieste, Italy

Related Destinations

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation

You don't have to search all that hard to find the best Italy cruises — most leading cruise lines offer dozens of itineraries that visit Italian ports, often in conjunction with neighboring countries France, Greece and Croatia.

The reason? Italy has it all: coastlines on both the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, historic port cities (Rome, Venice and Naples among them) and spectacular islands (including Sicily, Sardinia, Capri and Elba).

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Plus, with a cruise season that runs from early April through late October (and even year-round for a few cruise lines), Italy offers something for everyone. Travel here to find an alluring mix of impeccably preserved historic sites, renowned regional cuisines and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Here are eight of the best Italy cruises for every type of traveler.

Best Italy cruises for cultural immersion: Azamara

Azamara pioneered the concept of single-country itineraries, which allow for greater cultural immersion and even overnight stays in select ports. The cruise line's 11-night voyage in October 2024 is one of its most comprehensive.

The sailing begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and ends in Rome (Civitavecchia), with visits to seven more Italian ports and Tunis, Tunisia. You'll explore Genoa, Livorno (overnight for Florence/Pisa), Porto Santo Stefano (on the Tuscan coast), Cagliari (on Sardinia), Trapani (on Sicily), Amalfi and Sorrento.

This voyage is aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward, one of the cruise line's four virtually identical ships. (All are former Renaissance R-class ships built in the early 2000s and renovated over the past several years.) The vessels' intimate size and Azamara's focus on cultural experiences and shore excursions emphasizing history and food (including cooking classes and market tours) make for an immersive cruise itinerary.

Other Italy-Intensive voyages in 2023 and 2024 include the following: a 10-night voyage in October 2023 aboard Azamara Quest, a 10-night voyage in April 2024 aboard Azamara Pursuit, and a seven-night voyage in May 2024 aboard Azamara Quest.

Best Italy cruises for small-ship lovers: Windstar Cruises

It's rare to find a cruise itinerary so fully focused on one specific region of Italy, but Windstar Cruises ' small ships — three classic sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts, which accommodate 148 to 342 guests — allow it to offer cruises to less-frequented ports.

Windstar's 10-day Sicilian Splendors , aboard its 342-passenger sailing yacht Wind Surf, is available on multiple dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The ship will cruise round-trip from Rome and call on six Italian ports: Catania (for Mount Etna), Porto Empedocle (for the ancient ruins at Agrigento) and Trapani (for its signature colored salts and Marsala wines), all in Sicily; the island of Lipari (the largest of seven Aeolian Islands); and Sorrento and Amalfi on the stunning Amalfi Coast. The cruise also visits the neighboring islands of Malta and Gozo.

Five-masted Wind Surf is the world's largest sailing ship. It manages to be intimate without feeling claustrophobic, although it is worth noting that none of its staterooms or suites has a balcony. There is, however, ample deck space for relaxation, with a pool and two hot tubs, as well as inviting alfresco bars and dining areas.

Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained

Indoors, the ship's restaurants and social spaces, such as the Veranda Restaurant, Stella Bistro and the Compass Rose Bar, are light-filled, with elegant neutral decor refreshed in 2019.

Musical entertainment takes place in the Wind Surf Lounge and Compass Rose Bar, and Windstar's excellent dining program reflects an ongoing partnership with the James Beard Foundation. In select tender ports, passengers can enjoy a watersports platform and take out sea kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

Best Italy cruises for onboard pampering: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

If enjoying yacht-style indulgence as you explore Southern Italy is on your cruise wish list, consider the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's 10-night Rome to Valletta itinerary in May 2024. This cruise visits scenic hot spots such as Sorrento and Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast, history-rich Siracusa in Sicily and three ports (Gallipoli, Taranto and Otranto) in lesser-known Puglia, located on the heel of boot-shaped Italy, before passengers disembark in Malta.

Ritz-Carlton, which entered the cruise realm in 2021 with its 298-passenger luxury yacht, Evrima , offers an all-inclusive "yachting lifestyle" experience. This leisurely sailing features overnights in Sorrento and Taranto and two sea days with ample ways to enjoy onboard pampering. The ship's spacious suites are designed with a contemporary residential feel and range in size from 300 square feet with an 81-square-foot terrace to 1,091 square feet with a 635-square-foot terrace.

Evrima also offers nine bars and dining venues featuring menus created to reflect the ports visited. For culinary indulgence, guests can book a table at S.E.A., a specialty dining experience designed by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the Michelin three-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The ship also features chicly designed spaces for relaxing and socializing, such as the Pool House lounge overlooking an aft infinity pool, a second pool located next to the alfresco restaurant Mistral, a panoramic Observation Lounge and a full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best Italy cruises for foodies: Silversea Cruises

The three newest ships in the Silversea Cruises fleet — Silver Moon, Silver Dawn and 2023's first-in-class Silver Nova — all feature the cruise line's immersive culinary program known as S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste). When Silversea's next ship, the 728-passenger Silver Ray, debuts in 2024, it will also take its guests on culinary-focused journeys — among them an 11-day Rome to Venice itinerary in June 2024.

The itinerary includes calls on seven ports in Italy: Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Siracusa, Trieste and Venice. The sailing also visits ports in Malta, Montenegro and Croatia.

Silversea's sailings blend food-centric excursions — such as a visit to a family farm for a tasting of fresh cheese, salami and olive oil in Sorrento — with the onboard S.A.L.T. program to make sampling local cuisine a natural part of the cruise experience. The day-to-day menus at S.A.L.T. Kitchen are all inspired by the ports visited. The Terrain menu focuses on that day's port while the Voyage menu draws from the best flavors of the entire itinerary.

Passengers aboard Silver Ray should definitely pack an appetite — in addition to S.A.L.T. Kitchen, the ship features seven other restaurants. They are La Dame for haute French cuisine, Atlantide for signature fine dining (think caviar and lobster), Kaiseki for Japanese sushi and teppanyaki (as well as pan-Asian dishes), Silver Note for tapas-style dining and live music, The Grill for casual burgers and salads, La Terrazza for handmade pasta and other Italian specialties, and Spaccanapoli for thin-crusted Naples-style pizza. With 11 nights aboard, there's time to sample all of them.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Best Italy cruises for families: Norwegian Cruise Line

If an Italy adventure with the entire family sounds like the perfect cruise vacation in 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line 's new Norwegian Viva, launching in August 2023 as the sister ship to 2022's Norwegian Prima, is an ideal playground for guests of all ages.

The most Italy-focused itinerary? The 10-day Mediterranean: Italy, Greece & Croatia cruise (offered aboard 3,099-guest Viva in late June and late September 2024) calls on six ports in Italy — Rome, Livorno, Naples, Messina, Siracusa and Trieste — as well as the islands of Corfu and Malta; Koper, Slovenia; and Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia.

This itinerary is rich in history and culture, including the ancient landmarks of Rome, the archeological wonders of Pompeii and the Leaning Tower of Pisa near Livorno, plus the beauty and culinary treats (sweet cannoli and savory arancini) of Sicily, where Viva makes two port calls. Though the cruise ends in Trieste, the wonders of Venice are just 90 minutes away, so adding a few extra nights to explore its colorful, canal-laced islands is a must.

Onboard Viva, you'll enjoy more than a dozen dining options (five of them complimentary, including the casual and family-friendly Indulge Food Hall), 16 bars and lounges and all the fun activities/entertainment (including a production of the Broadway hit "Beetlejuice: The Musical") that the line offers.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Top amenities include the three-deck Viva Speedway for exhilarating go-kart racing, three thrilling slides (two of them 10-story corkscrew dry slides and one tidal-wave-style waterslide), virtual-reality gaming in the Galaxy Pavilion, tech-enhanced minigolf and more. Also, Viva's generous outside deck space — especially Deck 8's Ocean Boulevard with its lively Indulge Outdoor Lounge and sleek Infinity Beach pools — is ideal for scenic cruising in the Mediterranean and Adriatic.

Best Italy cruises for couples: Oceania Cruises

The sophisticated onboard ambiance and a romantic itinerary are a lovely combination, and couples can enjoy both on the 12-night Mediterranean Tapestry sailing offered in June 2024 aboard Oceania Cruises ' newest vessel, Oceania Vista.

The 1,200-passenger ship, which debuted in May 2023, will visit four top ports in Italy — Venice/Trieste in Northern Italy, Taormina in Sicily, Amalfi/Positano in Southern Italy and Civitavecchia for a day in Rome.

Beyond Italy, this itinerary offers a sampling of scenic locales in six other Adriatic and Mediterranean countries with a possible pre-cruise stay in Venice. You'll visit Korcula and Split in Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Igoumanitsa and Katakolon in Greece; Ajaccio, Corsica; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Marseille, France; and Barcelona, Spain.

Oceania caters to couples seeking an upscale cruise experience with a culinary focus. Onboard Vista, the atmosphere is sleek and polished, with interior decor awash in elegant neutrals of varying patterns and textures, all woven together into a soothing mosaic (in some cases, literally, as tiled vignettes are used throughout the ship). Vista's bars and lounges, especially the Martini Bar and the Grand Lounge, are so chic you'll want to get dressed up every night to enjoy one of the craft cocktails on their newly enhanced menus.

All specialty dining is included in the cruise fare, and stand-out meals at Polo Grill (for an excellent steakhouse menu), Toscana (for authentic Italian, including recipes by Vista's godmother Giada De Laurentiis) and Red Ginger (for flavorful pan-Asian) are just a reservation away. Two new eateries, Aquamar Kitchen and Ember, serve wellness-focused cuisine and casual American comfort food, respectively, and an expanded Culinary Arts Center lets guests who love to cook take hands-on classes.

Best of all, Vista is an all-balcony ship, so every stateroom features access to fresh air (French Veranda Staterooms don't have an outdoor sitting area, however). Veranda Staterooms and Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms offer a spacious 290 square feet of indoor space — and some of the best standard bathrooms at sea with roomy walk-in showers and ample storage.

Related: The best cruises for couples seeking romance and together time at sea

Best Italy cruises for travelers on a budget: Royal Caribbean

To score a budget cruise fare in the Mediterranean, it helps to look for sailings aboard a cruise line's older ships. If Italy is your main focus for a future cruise, it's hard to beat the seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary in September 2024 aboard Royal Caribbean 's Voyager of the Seas.

It visits five Italian ports: Venice/Ravenna, Messina in Sicily, Naples, Rome and Livorno (for Florence and Pisa). The ship also calls on Marseille and Barcelona. Voyager's Italy-focused cruise is a jam-packed itinerary with just one sea day.

Ideal for both couples and multi-generational families, the 3,600-passenger Voyager of the Seas (which debuted in 1999 and was last refurbished in 2019) features seven restaurants (including three complimentary dining venues and specialty restaurant favorites Chops Grille and Giovanni's Table) and eight bars/lounges.

The ship has been "amped-up" so guests can enjoy features found on Royal Caribbean's newer ships: Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider simulated surfing, Battle for Planet Z laser tag, Voyager Dunes minigolf, Studio B ice-skating shows and reimagined spaces for kids and teens.

Nights aboard Voyager of the Seas will be filled with complimentary entertainment options: production shows in the Royal Theater, pub performances by guest entertainers and bands, game-show competitions, pool parties, outdoor movie nights and a '70s disco party.

Best Italy cruises for adults-only ambiance: Viking

Is Venice at the top of your wish list? Does an adults-only cruise on a ship with serene, Scandinavian-inspired interior decor and complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner sound ideal?

If so, check out Viking 's 15-night Italy, the Adriatic and Greece itinerary , which sails from Athens to Rome and visits six Italian ports — Venice/Chioggia, Bari, Crotone, Messina, Naples and Rome — with three days spent in Venice. As a bonus, you'll also visit ports in Greece (Katakolon and Corfu), Croatia (Dubrovnik, Split and Sibenik) and Montenegro (Kotor).

Offered on multiple dates in fall 2023, 2024 and 2025, this itinerary is chock full of port experiences; there are no sea days, and a total of 13 cities are visited. Viking includes one free guided shore excursion in each port, usually a panoramic bus tour or historic walking tour. Use that as an overview and then explore on your own or book one of the cruise line's longer or more specialized excursions. Onboard guest speakers also offer insight into the ports visited and the cultural landscape.

The cruise line's nine ocean ships are all identical and accommodate 930 passengers, most of whom are couples over age 55. Onboard dining is available in eight restaurants, including the main venue, The Restaurant and the buffet-style World Cafe, the casual Pool Grill and the Norwegian-focused Mamsen's. Guests can also reserve dinner at two specialty restaurants (at no extra charge): Manfredi's for Italian cuisine and The Chef's Table for multi-course, wine-paired menus that rotate throughout the cruise.

Afternoon tea is served in the elegant Wintergarden. The Aquavit Terrace overlooking the aft infinity pool is a sunny spot to enjoy alfresco dining.

If you're willing to come back early from port, Viking's ocean ships offer plenty of ways to relax on board. All passengers enjoy complimentary access to the ship's thermal suite in the LivNordic Spa. It features a thalassotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and snow room. The Main Pool has a retractable roof and can be enjoyed no matter what the weather. However, if you want to live it up at night, note that the ship does not have an onboard casino.

Bottom line

The best Italy cruises offer access to some of the country's most-loved cities, as well as a chance to explore some of its sunny islands and lesser-known coastal ports. No matter the itinerary, you're guaranteed to enjoy the splendid landscapes, treasured antiquities and, of course, the incredible gelato.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Small Ship ITALY CRUISES

See More of Italy in Windstar Style

Let Windstar’s Italian cruises whisk you away to charming villages, pristine beaches, and legendary cities with unique itineraries that let you discover Italy as it was meant to be seen. From the picturesque pastel towns that line the Amalfi Coast to enchanting islands such as Sicily and Elba, you’ll explore breathtaking sights in charismatic small ports and beautiful hidden harbors without missing the remarkable history of larger cities such as Rome or Venice. Discover a more intimate Italy by day and unwind back onboard with the pampered, personalized touch of Windstar Cruises.

Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast

Sicilian Splendors

Wine Cruise: Sicilian Splendors

Yachtsman's Harbors of the Rivieras

Winter in Italy and the Adriatic

Vatican & Croatian Coastlines Cruise Tour

Adriatic Icons & Venetian Treasures

Europe's Winter Riviera

Lake Como & Adriatic Romance Cruise Tour

Mediterranean Island Mosaic

Romance on the Rivieras

Rome & Prix du Monde of Monaco

Star Collector: Ancient to Avant-Garde Mediterranean

Star Collector: Croatia to the Cote d’Azur

Star Collector: Cruising on the Rivieras

Star Collector: Culture & Charms of Italy & Croatia

Star Collector: Italian Trio

Star collector: racing for the prix du monde along the rivieras.

Star Collector: Riviera Rhapsody

Star Collector: Winter in Europe's Rivieras & Croatia

Star Collector: Winter Rhapsody in Italy and Croatia

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours

Celebrity Apex

• Celebrity Ascent NEW
• Celebrity Beyond

Celebrity Constellation

Celebrity Edge

• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Equinox

Celebrity Infinity

• Celebrity Millennium

Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Silhouette

• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration
• The Retreat
• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• View All Suites
• Concierge Class
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Loyalty Status Match

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings on select dates.

Italy Cruise Ships

Sail to paradise on a luxury cruise ship to italy.

Discover the joys of a Mediterranean getaway aboard one of our luxury Italy cruise ships. Sail to the most coveted ports in this stunning region of the world, including the romantic city of Venice, the scenic Amalfi Coast, and the Tuscan countryside. Choose from six luxury cruise ships, including Celebrity Apex®, Celebrity Edge®, Celebrity Constellation®, Celebrity Infinity®, Celebrity Reflection®, and Celebrity Silhouette®.

Depending on your itinerary, our Italy cruise ships also travel to stunning destinations in Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, and Malta, allowing you to explore the best the Mediterranean has to offer all in one vacation.

Our Luxury Italy Cruise Ships

View all cruises to italy.

Embark on a luxurious vacation aboard one of our award-winning Italy cruise ships. Discover beautiful ports like Portofino and Florence while sailing on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, the newest ships on our fleet. These breathtaking cruise ships feature innovative outward-facing design, allowing you to soak in unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea and the charming seaside towns that line Italy’s coast. Stay in modern accommodations, like the Infinite Veranda staterooms, which transform your living room into an outdoor terrace with the push of a button. Discover visionary venues like Eden, a restaurant, bar, and lounge that will tantalize all of your senses. And enjoy elevated fine dining in the ships’ innovative restaurants.

Sail to Italy aboard Celebrity Silhouette, a recently revolutionized ship with reimagined venues and staterooms. Unwind in elevated accommodations and dine in modernized restaurants and bars. Spend an indulgent afternoon at The Spa, where you can relax and recharge. At The Retreat® , our luxury vacation experience, you’ll stay in spacious suites and have access to a private restaurant, sun deck, and lounge.

On all of our Italy cruise ships, you’ll savor world-class cuisine in globally inspired restaurants serving everything from rustic Italian fare to sumptuous French cuisine. Sip on artisanal cocktails and craft beers made by expert bartenders. You’ll also be surrounded by non-stop entertainment options, including live music at the outdoor Sunset Bar and riveting music and dance shows at the Theatre. Explore Italy on a luxury cruise with Celebrity Cruises.

You Might Also Like

Sicily Cruises

Sardinia Cruises

Tuscany Cruises

Cruises from Rome

Cruises from Venice

Amalfi Coast Cruises

Mediterranean Cruises

Europe Cruises

Italy and Greece Cruises

Greek Islands Cruises

Spain Cruises

Croatia Cruises

French Riviera Cruises

Portugal Cruises

Most Beautiful Cities in Italy

Italy in the Summer

12 Gorgeous Mediterranean Islands to Visit

Most Famous Landmarks in Europe

Best Things to Do in Cinque Terre

Best Beaches in the Mediterranean

Best Places to Visit in Sicily

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

• Cruise search
• Atlantic Coast, Azores & Madeira

Northern Europe

Mediterranean sea.

• Canaries & Morocco
• Caribbean – Lesser Antilles & Grenadines
• Bahamas & Florida
• Costa Rica & Central America

Transatlantic Crossing

• Service package
• Special offer
• Private charter
• Special occasion
• SEA CLOUD II
• SEA CLOUD SPIRIT
• Fascinated by windjammer
• Low-impact tourism
• Newsletter subscription
• Feine Privathotels
• Meisterkreis

Exclusive sailing experiences

Enjoy the best days of the year with a clear conscience and positive feeling: For more than 40 years, we have been pursuing the principle of sustainable tourism. Traveling with a small number of guests creates space for great things. Meeting people at eye-level in the countries you visit, experiencing cultures, appreciating regional values and creating added value for the region. This is pointing the way ahead because it is in keeping with the times. Because we are firmly convinced that traveling in harmony with nature is possible and necessary.

Our highlights for you

Canaries & Morocco

Caribbean - Lesser Antilles & Grenadines

Bahamas & Florida

Costa Rica & Central America

Destinations

Atlantic coast.

Good to know

• Catalog order
• Legal details
• Privacy information
• Terms and Conditions of Travel and Transportation
• Refund instructions for non-performance of transportation
• EU Regulation
• Disclaimer of liability
• CHF conversion table

Home Tours Italy

Almost 7,500 kilometers of coastline for navigation and, this must be said, we from BeBlue play at home! Italy is a wonderful land rich in history and cities of art and culture, but it is its views on the sea that will leave you totally breathless. The "Belpaese", with its waters displaying thousands shades of blue, includes a variety of picture-perfect sceneries and landscapes like nowhere else in the world. Come on board of splendid boats to explore Italy on its most suggestive routes. You will find beaches of the finest sand, hamlets raised on sheer cliffs, enchanted bays and volcanic atolls. We will also take you on shore excursions to walk along the streets of small towns and enjoy the tasty local cuisine. Whatever your dream holiday, we will make it come true. 

Easter on a sailing boat: Portovenere and the Cinque Terre

A unique Easter weekend escape. The magic of Cinque Terre admired from the sea, the charm of... La Spezia, Gulf...

Sailing cruise: Southern Sardinia from Cagliari

A pleasant cruise on a sailing boat to discover southern Sardinia, where you will admire.. Cagliari, Capo Pula, Chia, Gulf...

Rent a boat

The best exclusive rental proposals for catamarans and sailing boats dedicated to groups of 5 to 12 people.

Aeolian Islands: 7 days sailing tour

We will sail in Sicily amidst the energy of volcanoes, the deep blue of the water, the unspoilt nature and...

Aegadian Islands, Sicily: Sailing cruises

A sailing cruise with a local skipper to explore all the beauty of the fantastic Aegadian Islands and the biggest...

Maddalena archipelago, Sardinia and Corsica: sailing cruise

A sailing cruise with skipper and hostess to explore and sail between Sardinia and Corsica for discover the Maddalena Archipelago......

Sailing cruise in Tuscan Archipelago and Corsica

A summer discovering Tuscany islands on a big and spacious sailing boat equipped with all comforts, with skipper and hostess...

Catamaran cruise: Aegadian Islands, Sicily

Set sail to discover Western Sicily and the Egadi Islands: fantastic itineraries aboard a beautiful catamaran... Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo...

"All Inclusive" catamaran cruise: Costiera Amalfitana and Capri

Discover the glamour Costiera Amalfitana on luxury crewed catamaran equipped with all comforts and all inclusive service... Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento,...

Catamaran cruise: Northern Sardinia from Olbia

A skipper and cook cruise to discover the North coast of Sardinia aboard a cozy catamaran equipped with every comfort.......

All Inclusive Sailing Cruise: Tremiti Islands and Gargano

Set sail from Italy to discover the Tremiti Islands and the wonderful Gargano Coast in Apulia, on an all-inclusive cruise...

Sailing cruise: Salento and Apulia

Expert Apulian skippers will accompany you on this mini cruise to discover Salento, from the Cheradi Islands to Capo Santa...

Aeolian Islands, Sicily: Sailing cruises

A sailing cruise with a local skipper to explore all the beauty of the wonderful Aeolian Islands archipelago... Lipari, Panarea,...

Sailing cruise in Sardinia and Southern Corsica

Bachelorette and Bachelor Party on a Sailboat

An original and amusing idea to surprise the future bride or groom with an unforgettable party... Malta, Gozo, Comino, Ibiza,...

BeWeekend: Gulf of Poets, Liguria

A unique weekend escape. The magic of Cinque Terre admired from the sea, the charm of... La Spezia, Gulf of...

BeWeekend: Venice Lagoon

A special weekend out of town. The charm of a unique city lived with the eyes and experience of Venetian...

Sailing cruise: Genoa, Portofino and Tigullio Gulf

Set sail for a short dream weekend to Portofino, Italy, aboard one of the sailing boats selected by BeBlue for...

BeWeekend: Garda Lake

The best cruising boat on Garda Lake! A special weekend getaway, sailing on Garda Lake guided by our local skippers......

BeWeekend: Squid Festival in Capraia, Tuscany

An exceptional weekend on a sailing boat: set sail to discover the Sagra del Totano on the island of Capraia...

Day at Garda Lake on a sailing ship

Take a step back in time by sailing for a day on a historic sailing ship in the beautiful setting...

Ask for a customized quotation

We are here to advise you

BE INSPIRED

Among our many destinations, choose the one you prefer for your sailing cruise and leave for the holiday of your dreams

Search in the Blue

Wishlist ( 0 ), i declare i have received the information and i give consent to the processing of my data:.

I have read and accepted the privacy terms

Ask for information

Specifications.

Ships & Ratings

Ship Ratings Key

• Classical Greece
• Hidden Greece
• Ionian Odyssey
• Wines Of Greece
• Jewels of the Cyclades
• Antiquity to Byzantium

Charming Greece and Fiery Sicily

Blue aegean and charming adriatic.

• Dalmatian Paradise
• Southern Explorer
• Dubrovnik to Split
• Blue Aegean & Charming Adriatic
• Venice & The Enchanting Croatian Coast
• Rivers of West Africa
• Nile Cruise & Cairo
• The Islands of Cape Verde
• French Polynesia & the Society Islands
• French Polynesia Extended Exploration
• The Seychelles Island Odyssey

Sea cloud Caribbean

Caribbean star flyer, caribbean royal clipper.

• Sicily & The Amalfi Coast
• Naples & the Sicilian Sun
• Bella Italia & the Balearic Islands
• Charming Greece & Fiery Sicily
• Turkish Delight Cruise
• Iceland – The Land of Fire & Ice
• Panama & Costa Rica Star Clipper
• Costa Rica & Nicaragua Star Clipper
• The Seychelles
• French Polynesia and the Society Islands
• Ionian Island Fantasy
• From Antiquity to Byzantium
• Sicily & The Amalfi Coast Star Flyer
• Sea Cloud Caribbean
• Corsica & French Riviera
• Private Charter
• Special Offers
• Get a quote
• 0208 324 3117
• Feefo Reviews 2023

Tall Ship Cruises

Call our experts: 0208 324 3117 Mon – Fri: 09:00 to 18:00 / Sat: 09:30 to 17:00

Seafarer's Epic Voyages Star Clipper & Sea Cloud Adventures

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with Seafarer as you cruise aboard the majestic tall ships of Star Clipper and Sea Cloud cruises. Dive into a world filled with the charm and allure of classic sailing, reminiscent of an age where discovery and exploration were at their peak. These stunning vessels provide a backdrop for an array of diverse itineraries, allowing you to venture into exotic lands, unwind on untouched beaches, and delve into the rich local cultures and flavors. Suitable for both experienced sailors and those new to cruising, our tall ship voyages with Star Clippers and Sea Cloud present a distinctive and memorable travel adventure that will be treasured forever.

Carefully Crafted Itineraries,

Tailor Made packages with Hotel accommodation pre or post cruise

Luxurious & Majestic Tall Ships

Our Selection Where To Go Caribbean Italy Mediterranean Croatia Greece Central America

Sicily & The Amalfi Coast Star Flyer

Corsica & French Riviera

The Enchanting Croatian Coast

Naples and the Sicilian Sun

Bella Italia and the Balearic Islands

Panama & Costa Rica Star Clipper

Costa Rica and Nicaragua Star Clipper

Your holiday your way.

Craft your ideal holiday experience on your terms. Tailor your journey to match your desires, from leisurely relaxation to thrilling adventures. Your holiday, your way, offers the freedom to create memories as unique as you are, ensuring an unforgettable and personalized travel experience.

Cruise & stay

Our holiday experts have meticulously designed pre-made packages that seamlessly complement the available cruise and flight options departing from the UK. These thoughtfully crafted packages ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable holiday experience.

Cruise only

Opt for the cruise-only option if you prefer taking charge of your travel arrangements. Enjoy the flexibility of arranging your flights, transfers, and accommodations to suit your personal preferences and travel style.

Tailor made

Embrace tailor-made travel! Share your preferences, whether it’s extending or shortening your stay, upgrading flights, or selecting specific hotels. We’ll customize your holiday around your chosen cruise, ensuring an unforgettable experience that matches your desires perfectly.

Luxurious Tall Ships

Key points we offer:

An authentic sailing ship experience

Full board dining including local and international cuisine.

Friendly and informal cruises for typically just 150 guests on board

A range of itineraries to choose from, including the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Access to smaller ports and destinations that larger vessels cannot reach.

A blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion with more time to explore ashore

These majestic vessels combine traditional windjammer elegance with modern luxury, accommodating a select number of passengers for an intimate and premium cruising adventure. The ships, designed for both comfort and style, allow guests to experience the romance of classic sailing while enjoying contemporary amenities and personalized service.

Book your Package with us to ensure full financial protection for your holiday.

• Cruise From

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Miracle

* Coming Soon

• Past Guest Photos

In ancient times it was said that all roads lead to Rome… but in your case, the seaport of Civitavecchia is your road to Rome. Get there and you’ll find out what made the place so popular. The Vatican's Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, the Colosseum with its lurid history, and the Trevi Fountain — where a tossed coin promises your return — are not to be missed on any visit to the so-called “Eternal City,” one of the cradles of civilization. Take a walking tour of Rome’s many historical landmarks and enjoy the lively sidewalk cafés, ending the day alla romana strolling through the atmospheric Centro Storico.

• Look up at Michelangelo’s frescos on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling.
• Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica dome for panoramic views of Rome. 
• Have your picture taken on the flowery Spanish Steps.

Gotta see Civitavecchia (Rome)?

We have a few ideas for you.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

TAG & THEY’RE IT!

Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #rome — you may see them right here.

Southern Italy and Sicily

Find the perfect trip.

• SEARCH TRIPS
• SPECIAL OFFERS
• Shortlist ( 0 )
• phone UK: 01432 507 280
• mail_outline [email protected]

* Current p/p indicative rate.

The picturesque Amalfi Coast Violet bougainvillea gracing pastel-pink facades, houses perched upon cliffs like swallows nests, perron stairs with views out over the turquoise sea sometimes the Amalfi Coast almost seems too good to be true. But this regions colourful fishing village charm is definitely real, and in 1997 UNESCO declared the coast a World Heritage Site.

A stunning town with volcanic views: Taormina Its list of admirers includes Goethe, Oscar Wilde and Liz Taylor. It seems the unique charm of Taormina in the north east of Sicily has always attracted famous summer visitors. One site that is particularly worth seeing is the towns Roman amphitheatre built in the 2nd century BC: From the Teatro Greco you can enjoy a heavenly panoramic view of Mount Etna and the Giardini Naxos Bay.

Maltas beautiful little sister: Gozo The inhabitants of Gozo are visibly proud of their island, and it is not hard to see why: It may be seen as Malta's little sister, but it trumps the larger island with its greener, quieter and more romantic setting. In fact, you will not find even a trace of mass tourism here. Instead you will be greeted by rugged landscapes, historical temples and the Azure Window, one of the most beautiful rock arches in the Mediterranean. A lecturer accompanies the trip Exciting topics, background information and fascinating facts our expert offers talks on a whole range of subjects from his specialist field.

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

Sea Cloud II

Vessel Type: Tall Ship (Sailing)

Length: 105 metres

Passenger Capacity: 96

Built: 2001

Launched in 2001, Sea Cloud II is a stunning vessel, built along traditional lines, but offering deluxe accommodation. She combines timeless elegance of sailing ships of the past with the highest safety standards and the luxurious comfort of modern cruise ships. Just like her legendary sister ship Sea Cloud, the 29,600 square feet of sails is set by hand which is a truly magical sight. Built to accommodate 96 passengers in five star luxury, she offers a range of beautifully appointed suites and cabins which are furnished with great style. All accommodations have outside views and the bathrooms, in light marble, are unusually spacious and extremely comfortable. The finest, carefully chosen fabrics, combined with leather, rattan and other materials, brass and gold, precious woods and marble together create an impressive ensemble.

No expense has been spared to create a sympathetic ambience in both the accommodations and public areas and this is reflected throughout the vessel. Public areas include an elegant lounge, library, fitness centre, boutique, lido bar and hospital. The single sitting dining room is airy and modern and the quality of the cuisine and service will be to the highest of standards, as one would expect on a Sea Cloud cruise. Relax on the Lido deck and experience the natural grandeur of travelling under sail, rekindling memories of a bygone age.

8 days from Contact us

Find your favorite region, similar trips.

• CruiseMapper
• Star Clippers

Royal Clipper

Former name: gwarek.

Cruise line Star Clippers

• Bridgetown (Barbados)
• Venice (Marghera, Italy)
• Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)
• Cannes (France Riviera)

Royal Clipper current position

Royal Clipper current location is at Adriatic Sea (coordinates 45.43102 N / 12.31729 E) cruising en route to Zadar. The AIS position was reported 7 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Royal Clipper

Royal Clipper current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Croatia Montenegro . Prices start from USD 2080 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 22 Jun, 2024 and ends on 29 Jun, 2024 .

Specifications of Royal Clipper

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Royal Clipper Itineraries

Royal clipper review, review of royal clipper.

The 2000-built Royal Clipper cruise ship is a masted barquentine/tall-sailing ship constructed by Stocznia Gdynia SA (shipyard in Gdansk Poland ). The fleetmates Star Flyer and Star Clipper are both authentic 4-masted barquentines.

The vessel (IMO number 8712178) is currently Malta- flagged (MMSI 248786000) and registered in Valletta .

History - construction and ownership

The 227-passenger Royal Clipper is a tall sailing ship owned by Star Clippers Ltd (Sweden) . The 5-masted, steel-hulled, fully-rigged vessel was designed by Zygmunt Choreń and built using the existing steel hull modified by Gdansk Shipyard. The Royal sailing ship was designed for the polish miners as a sailing holiday cruiser. Her first name is Gwarek (meaning The Miner in ancient polish).

In July 2000 Merwede shipyard completed ship's interior. The renovations included Rainer Maria Latzke's frescography murals, completing the Mediterranean interior of the vessel. Royal ship's design is based on Preussen - the famous 5-masted German Flying P-Liner windjammer built in 1902.

Royal Clipper ship claims she is the biggest "true sailing ship", of course, built since Preussen. She is also in Guinness World Records as largest in service square-rigged ship featuring 5202 m2 of sail.

Decks and Cabins

Royal Clipper has 4 passenger decks and a total of 114 staterooms, of which 16 Suites, 14 Balconies, 6 Inside, 106 Outside. The cabin categories are 8.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The Clipper Dining room is Royal Clipper's 3-level open-seating main restaurant. It features a buffet-style breakfast and lunch. Dinner is ordered from a five-course menu. 

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Royal Clipper offers sea-going ultimate experience, with balanced grandeur, tradition and adventure of sailing with superb service and amenities of a modern yacht. Carrying just 227 passengers, the boat provides the luxurious style and full 19,000 ft2 of open deck. The three swimming pools give a wonderfully spacious outdoor environment.

Royal Clipper Lounges and Bars include Captain Nemo Gym Lounge & Spa ( spa and health club featuring underwater glass portholes), Observation Lounge, Tropical Bar, Piano Bar (live music), Atrium (three-deck), Purser's Office, Gallery (2). Other facilities include a library (with faux fireplace, board games), Water Sports Marina, Wireless Internet Access.

Itineraries

During the summer, Royal Clipper sails in the Mediterranean, departing from Civitavecchia-Rome and Venice . During winter months, she offers Caribbean voyages through the southern part of the Lesser Antilles area. She can visit the smallest ports which larger ships cannot reach, because of her size. Between seasons, Transatlantic crossings are offered.

Royal Clipper - user reviews and comments

Photos of royal clipper.

Royal Clipper ship related cruise news

Star Clippers integrates high-speed Starlink WiFi fleetwide

Star Clippers has announced the integration of high-speed Starlink WiFi across its fleet, enhancing internet connectivity for guests and crew on all...

Star Clippers unveils expert-led Theme Cruises for 2024-2025

Star Clippers, renowned for its tall ship sailing experiences, has unveiled an impressive lineup of speakers, chefs, and fitness instructors for its...

Star Clippers announces Grenada as new homeport for Star Clipper

Star Clippers has unveiled plans to designate Grenada as the new homeport for its 166-guest Star Clipper during a series of upcoming sailings in...

Star Clippers unveils “Grand Voyages” to exotic ports in the Mediterranean

For those seeking an extensive and effortlessly curated vacation experience, Star Clippers offers a series of "Grand Voyages" ranging from 13 to 19...

Star Clippers opens bookings for all cruises until March 2025 on their 3 tall sailing ships

Star Clippers is now accepting bookings for all sailings until March 2025 on its three majestic tall sailing ships. New destinations available for...

Star Clippers lifts COVID vaccine mandates for cruise passengers

Star Clippers announced a new set of health & safety protocols with regard to the prevention of COVID for their fleet of tall clipper ships. The...

Port Bastia (Corsica France) welcomes a double call with tall-sail cruise ships Royal Clipper and...

Port Bastia (Corsica Island, France) welcomed a double ship call with Star Clippers' Royal Clipper and Ritz-Carlton's Sea Cloud. Both tall-sailing...

Star Clippers restarts cruises with all 3 ships in the Mediterranean

The tall-ship sailing company Star Clippers resumed its full sailing program for the first time in 2+ years with its all 3 yachts operating in the...

Star Clippers opens bookings for 2023 Mediterranean summer season

Star Clippers announced they were taking bookings for the 2023 summer season Mediterranean sailings. With all 3 sail ships cruising together in the...

Star Clippers offers 21% off cruise fare on select Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries

For wave season 2021, Star Clippers offers 21% off cruise fare promotion on select Caribbean and Mediterranean sail-ship cruises. The promo...

•   show more news

Other Star Clippers cruise ships

• Golden Horizon
• Star Clipper

Royal Clipper Wiki

The Royal Clipper cruise ship is a 5-masted steel-hulled and fully-rigged tall ship (sailing ship). It joined the fleet of Star Clippers in 2000. The vessel was modeled after the famous German windjammer Preussen (built 1902). This sail cruise ship was originally designed as a holiday cruiser for the coal miners from Gdansk Poland , under the name Gwarek (meaning "The Miner" in Old Polish).

Royal Clipper is listed as "the largest square-rigged ship in service" in the Guinness World Records book, with 5202 m2 (56000 ft2) of sails.

On select Yoga-themed  fitness cruises , Star Clippers offers free daily meditation and yoga classes. The company also invites celebrity chefs to give themed cooking demonstrations. Royal Clipper's most thrilling onboard experience (performance) is climbing the rigging. The mast climbing is always supervised and takes place several times during a voyage (weather permitting).

Protect Your Trip »

Sun princess: the best dining, amenities and more on princess cruises' newest ship.

Sun Princess features an updated layout, delicious new restaurants and plenty of spaces to be entertained.

Sun Princess Review

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Key Takeaways

• Sun Princess' fresher, more modern design may appeal to a younger crowd than the line normally caters to.
• Incredible dining options abound, including The Catch by Rudi and the new Spellbound dinner and magic show.
• New Cabana Mini-Suites feature indoor-outdoor cabana areas and spacious balconies.

As a travel writer who cruises with all the major lines, I was excited to travel through the Mediterranean on the new Sun Princess cruise ship in May 2024. I traveled with my mother to celebrate her 76th birthday shortly after the new ship's February debut in Rome . The itinerary we sailed was a unique, one-way offering that departed from Athens, Greece , with visits to ports like Bar, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; and Messina and Naples, Italy .

A true marvel of modern engineering and ship architecture, Sun Princess boasts a maximum guest capacity of 4,300 and room for 1,600 crew. The Sphere-Class vessel is 1,133 feet long and 200 feet high, with a breadth of 139 feet and 21 total decks. There are 2,157 staterooms, including 80 unique suites with extra space for guests.

Standout features include a three-floor main dining area, the Princess Arena with capacity for 990 guests and a 250-person entertainment space known as The Dome. Read on to learn everything there is to know about the Sun Princess cruise ship, including my own take on the dining and entertainment options available to cruisers.

Find your perfect cruise

Sun Princess itineraries for 2024 and 2025

Holly Johnson

While Sun Princess is scheduled to cruise the Mediterranean through September 2024, the ship will cross the Atlantic on its way to Fort Lauderdale, Florida , by October for the winter cruise season.

From this new homeport, Sun Princess will offer seven-day Caribbean cruises with the stops in Honduras, Belize , Mexico, the Bahamas , the Dominican Republic, and Turks & Caicos through March 2025.

Sun Princess will then embark on a 14-day Spanish Passage voyage in March 2025, which ends in Barcelona, Spain , and repositions the ship for its summer in the Mediterranean. At that point, cruisers can book a range of lengthy Mediterranean options over various dates, which include stops in Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Italy, France, Spain and more.

Who should sail on Sun Princess?

While most people may think of Princess Cruises as a cruise line for baby boomers, Sun Princess aims to attract a younger, livelier crowd. This is immediately apparent when walking around the ship's common areas; Sun Princess boasts bold color schemes, endless windows, sparkling lights and a more modern central piazza than other Princess ships.

While my Mediterranean sailing largely consisted of adult travelers, Sun Princess will likely attract more families on its Caribbean itineraries. The ship's layout is ideal for parents with children of all ages, and amenities geared specifically toward kids abound. It all starts with the ship's Park19 family area, which features a huge climbing structure, a splash zone, a recreational court, a jogging court and more. Sun Princess also has three dedicated youth clubs: Firefly Park Kids Club (ages 3 to 7, with a separate play area for babies and toddlers 6 months and older), Neon Grove Tweens Club (ages 8 to 12) and The Underground Teen Lounge (ages 13 to 17).

What's interesting about Sun Princess is that it still has so much to offer more mature travelers, including couples who want to enjoy a romantic, upscale vacation. This is shown in the ship's elevated dining venues, expansive casino and luxurious spa. Sun Princess also offers the Sanctuary Collection of rooms and suites, which offer more amenities and spaces to relax on the ship.

Travelers who book a room in the Sanctuary Collection get their pick of a nicer selection of rooms, a premium beverage package, access to a private restaurant and pool deck and a more personalized experience overall. Think of the Sanctuary Collection suites as an alternative to MSC Cruises Yacht Club cabins – the biggest difference being that the venues available to cruisers in these cabins are spread throughout the ship.

The stateroom

I stayed in one of the new Cabana Mini-Suites on the Sun Princess, which I would book again in a heartbeat. These rooms are a take on the classic balcony cabin most cruisers expect, but with a twist. In addition to an outdoor balcony, Cabana Mini-Suites have a separate indoor-outdoor cabana-like area with a flat-screen television.

This extra space means the new Cabana Mini-Suites are much longer from one end to the other than a traditional balcony stateroom. The additional space is nice to have whether you want more room for storage or a separate place to read or relax while your cabinmate naps. My mom sat in our cabana area and read several times while I showered and got ready for dinner, and she even took a nap out there while I worked on my computer in our stateroom.

Regardless of the stateroom you book, know that Sun Princess cabins feature soft, neutral tones and plenty of closet space. Power outlets are abundant, and there are all kinds of nooks and crannies for storage. Cabin types on Sun Princess include the following:

Interior Cabins (136 to 145 square feet)

Basic interior rooms offer a queen bed or two small twin beds, a flat-panel television, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a shower. These are the most affordable cabins on the ship, and they work best for guests who just want a place to relax and sleep.

Premium Oceanview (212 square feet)

Ocean-view cabins have slightly more space than interior rooms, but they still lack a balcony. These rooms feature a queen bed or two twin configurations, a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Deluxe Balcony (235 square feet, including balcony)

Balcony cabins offer more space than ocean-view rooms due to the addition of a spacious balcony with outdoor seating. Balcony cabins can also come in a queen bed or two twin configuration and have a large flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and more floor and storage space.

Mini-Suite (303 square feet, including balcony)

Mini-Suites are essentially large balcony cabins with more storage space, more closet space and more floor space. These rooms have all the amenities of other cabins but include two flat-screen televisions (one for the bedroom area and another for couch viewing).

Cabana Mini-Suite (329 square feet, including balcony and cabana)

These rooms add the indoor-outdoor space of the cabana adjacent to the outdoor balcony. The cabana area has seating for several people and its own flat-screen television (in addition to the in-room TV).

Signature Suites (304 to 636 square feet, including balcony)

Signature Suites range in size and include larger balconies with premium furniture, two flat-screen televisions, a more spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower, and dedicated sleeping and living areas.

Signature Sky Suites (1,262 square feet, including balcony)

Princess Cruises Signature Sky Suites are the largest staterooms across all Princess vessels, and they have all the bells and whistles you can imagine. Standout features of Sky Suites include separate living and dining areas; huge, luxurious bathrooms; and Nespresso coffee machines.

(Note: Sanctuary Collection rooms are dotted throughout the ship and consist of balcony-, mini-suite- and suite-category accommodations.)

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Best amenities on Sun Princess

Since my itinerary on the Sun Princess cruise ship included multiple port stops, I didn't get to experience everything the ship had to offer. However, what I did experience was worth it – from the nonstop entertainment in the piazza to over-the-top dining features. Some of my standout experiences include:

Part dinner and part magic show, Spellbound by Magic Castle is bookable for an additional charge. The experience begins with a small group dinner with drink pairings, then moves to a hidden bar area of the ship, where the magic begins. The bar itself features magical artifacts and vintage curiosities, a "ghost" pianist, and an incredible drink menu designed to wow and delight guests. Some drinks were served in cages, golden owls and elaborate chests with dry ice.

Magic came in the form of intriguing card tricks and disappearing acts at the bar, plus a separate stage area where crowd participation helped facilitate the illusions. I don't want to give anything more than that away – you must simply experience it for yourself. Though I thought Spellbound was slightly cheesy at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and show and feel it was worth the added cost.

The Dome on the Sun Princess is part pool area and part stage. Guests can swim in a unique indoor-outdoor pool by day and watch entertainers dance in the evening, with alluring lighting effects and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.

I watched an acrobatics show in The Dome from the comfort of a padded lounge chair and thought the venue was the place to be.

Princess Arena 

The Princess Arena is a circular stage area that holds up to 990 guests. Shows on offer include multifaceted stage productions and acrobatic features with plenty of surprises.

Fitness center

The Sun Princess' fitness center was huge and featured a range of treadmills, stair climbers, weights and machines to choose from. I never had trouble securing a treadmill at any time, even though I've had to wait and fight crowds for machines on other cruise ships.

I also loved the expansive walking track on the ship, which was constantly in use by both serious exercisers and cruisers walking leisurely to enjoy the views. I used the walking track every morning for at least an hour; I found it much more spacious and usable than other ship walking tracks, which are often congested and never quite wide enough.

The ship also features a Fitness Studio with guided classes, but I did not use it during my trip.

Sun Princess features five large pools and nine hot tubs. There are two pools on the lido deck, plus an indoor-outdoor pool in The Dome, a Sanctuary pool (for Sanctuary Collection guests only) and a wake-view infinity pool.

Medallion services

Princess MedallionClass is one of the coolest and most convenient amenities at sea. In place of a traditional cruise card, Princess gives you a small wearable device to bring with you around the ship and on shore. The medallion tracks your physical location on the ship, which allows you to order services and deliveries on board no matter where you are. Medallion delivery options range from food and drinks to extra pillows or bottled water.

I ordered room service through my medallion multiple times and hot, fresh food arrived in my cabin in less than 20 minutes. Meanwhile, drinks were delivered to our cabin and elsewhere on the ship in less than five minutes.

MedallionNet

Princess' Wi-Fi at sea (MedallionNet) is the fastest internet service I have ever used on a cruise ship. The internet was fast and reliable enough for me to complete some work while on board, which is not the norm on cruise ships.

Best dining venues Sun Princess

Sun Princess features 30 dining and bar options, many of which are included in the base cruise fare. Complimentary dining venues on Sun Princess include three traditional dining rooms, The Eatery (a take on the classic buffet, but with staff service), a café for coffee and light bites, The Lido (serving up salads, pizza and more) and the Promenade Dining grill.

Specialty dining options for an extra charge range from O'Malley's Irish Pub to a sushi spot to steak, seafood and Italian restaurants. For an extra special experience, head to Love by Britto to indulge in fine dining, or opt for Umai hot pot or teppanyaki venues. Meanwhile, bars on Sun Princess include Bellini's Cocktail Bar, Sea View Bar, The MIX and more.

My personal favorite dining experiences included:

My Spellbound dinner was excellent, even though the menu is fairly brief. I enjoyed a delicious shrimp cocktail and seafood entree, followed by a vegan dessert (I'm allergic to dairy and the ship happily accommodated). What stood out for me with Spellbound, at least food-wise, was the eclectic selection of drink pairings offered with the meal. It started with a caprese salad cocktail that tasted like tomatoes and balsamic vinegar in a strange, delicious way, then moved on to the spooky concoctions offered in the Spellbound bar.

Crown Grill

Crown Grill, a specialty dining venue, is not unique to Sun Princess, but it is the cruise line's most popular steakhouse brand. My mom and I had a delicious meal here for her birthday that included a Mediterranean-style spiny lobster cake, Chilean sea bass and a huge (surprise) birthday cake delivered to our table.

The Catch by Rudi

The Catch by Rudi is the ship's specialty dining seafood restaurant. Here, I dined on a delicious shrimp cocktail and the catch of the day (a grilled dorado filet). Everything was fresh and the meal was exceptional from start to finish.

I loved The Eatery, the ship's buffet-style dining option. The main difference between this venue and more traditional cruise ship buffets is that you're served by staff instead of serving yourself, which I prefer. The Eatery featured a rotating selection of exceptional main courses (seafood, chicken, beef and ethnic options), salads, appetizers and delicious desserts. It even had a vegan section and an easy-to-find selection of gluten-free offerings.

Best excursions on Sun Princess

The best excursions on Sun Princess vary depending on where you're going on your cruise – the Caribbean or various Europe destinations. Here's an overview of some excellent excursions offered aboard Sun Princess, a few of which I did myself.

Corfu, Greece 

Catamaran Coastal Cruise & Swim: This easy excursion lets you see Corfu from the sea and get out into the water for some snorkeling and swimming. I picked this excursion so we could relax for one day and avoid a lot of walking, and it delivered. A delicious lunch with an open bar was served on board as we sailed around the island taking in some of Corfu's most beautiful sights.

Naples, Italy

Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Cruise: No trip to this region of Italy is complete without a stop in the Amalfi Coast . This excursion was a long one (eight to nine hours) with lots of walking and bus time, but the views of this dynamic coast and time spent in Amalfi and Sorrento made the travel time well worth it.

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos

Island Vibes & Beach Swim: This relatively short excursion includes a narrated bus trip throughout the island of Grand Turk, highlighting some of the island's top sights. A beach break at picturesque Governor's Beach is included.

Princess Cays, Bahamas

Princess Cays Coastal Cruise: Princess Cruises' private island offers a range of bookable activities, from banana boat rides to snorkeling tours. This coastal cruise is another option that takes you along the shores of Eleuthera in a 40-foot Reef Princess boat.

Overall impressions of Sun Princess

If you're considering a cruise on Sun Princess, you should know that this isn't your traditional Princess ship. The look and feel of this vessel are younger and livelier compared to other Princess ships I have sailed on. Gone are the hallways filled with cruisers knitting and playing cards; in their place, you'll find dancing, entertainment, music and activities around the clock.

When it comes to Sun Princess dining, every meal I had on board was either very good or excellent. You don't even have to opt for an extra-cost specialty dining venue to get a good meal. The Eatery and the regular dining rooms feature fresh, seasonal foods that are more than enough for the average palate to enjoy.

Caribbean itineraries on offer later this year (and into 2025) start at around $660 per person for an interior cabin, and Princess features an endless roster of sales throughout the year. If you're looking for a new cruising experience and want to give Princess a try (or another chance), Sun Princess is more than worthy of your consideration.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who covers all aspects of family travel, including all-inclusive resorts and cruises with both boutique and major cruise brands. Johnson has traveled to more than 50 countries around the world, and she has cruised in destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Arctic Circle, and the Middle East. Johnson works alongside her husband, Greg, who runs the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

You might also be interested in:

• Icon of the Seas Review
• Celebrity Ascent Review
• Crystal Symphony Review
• Cruise Packing List
• The Best Cruise Insurance

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Amazon prime day luggage deals.

Amanda Norcross June 25, 2024

The 7 Best Key West Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

The Best Scotland Tours

Marisa Méndez June 13, 2024

Historic tall ship to bring touch of Italy to foreign shores

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Mark Potter

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

World Chevron

One gun, 34 dead: Inside Ecuador's war on black-market weapons

The gun - a 9-milimeter pistol - blazed a violent trail even by the standards of one of Ecuador's most dangerous neighborhoods, the Nueva Prosperina precinct of Guayaquil.

Top Italy Cruise Ships

• Start Date Select Month June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 OR, More specific start
• Expedition Cruise Ship
• Luxury Expedition Ship
• Motor Yacht
• River Cruise Ship
• Sailing Vessel
• Max Passengers to
• Barge Cruising
• Food & Wine
• Most Popular
• Private Yacht Charter
• River Cruises
• Adventure Options
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Christmas Market Visits
• Cooking Classes
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Local Market Visits
• Scuba Diving
• Small Ship Cruises
• Small Ship Sailing
• Spa Relaxation
• Urban Exploration
• Village Visits
• Wildlife Viewing
• Wine Tasting

Royal Clipper

Le bougainville, emerald azzurra, sea cloud ii, le dumont-d'urville, sea cloud spirit, star clipper, emerald sakara, variety voyager, m/y callisto, la bella vita, silver whisper, ms michelangelo, top italy travel destinations.

• Adriatic Sea
• Civitavecchia
• Mediterranean
• Portoferraio

Italy Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Italy trips (70)
• 2025 Italy trips (53)
• July 2024 (33)
• August 2024 (36)
• September 2024 (27)
• October 2024 (22)
• May 2025 (16)
• June 2025 (15)
• July 2025 (13)
• August 2025 (18)
• September 2025 (12)

Top Experiences in Italy

• Italy Cruises (100)
• Italy Cultural (27)
• Italy Luxury (19)
• Italy Beaches (18)
• Italy Food & Wine (18)
• Italy Land Tours (14)
• Italy Trekking (4)
• Italy Scheduled Group Tour (4)
• Italy Most Popular (3)
• Italy Active (3)
• Italy River Cruises (3)

Italy Trips by Duration

• 7 day trips (5)
• 8 day trips (47)
• 9 day trips (9)
• 10 day trips (12)
• 11 day trips (10)
• 12 day trips (13)
• 15 day trips (5)
• 16 day trips (3)

Italy Trips by Activity

• Italy small ship cruises (79)
• Italy archaeological site visits (52)
• Italy village visits (46)
• Italy small ship sailing (32)
• Italy wine tasting (26)
• Italy local market visits (24)
• Italy urban exploration (18)
• Italy hiking (11)
• Italy cooking classes (5)
• Italy snorkeling (5)
• Italy biking (4)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

I went on my first Carnival cruise — these are the 2 reasons I might not do it again

• I spent four nights on Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Firenze cruise ship.
• The quality of the vacation reflects its relatively affordable fares.
• I have two major gripes about my experience: the lackluster food and incessant upselling.

People love to hate Carnival Cruise Line. After sailing on the new Carnival Firenze , I now understand why: The food was as bad as the incessant upselling.

The company's ships have a reputation for being affordable but rowdy, so much so that it had once threatened to fine unruly travelers $500.

But this sour standing doesn't seem to be negatively impacting business. Its parent company, Carnival Corp , experienced "record" deposits and high-priced bookings in the first quarter of 2024.

Despite its growing popularity, I don't think I'll willingly book another Carnival cruise, or at least Carnival Firenze, again.

And it's not for the reasons you might expect.

My four nights on Carnival Firenze weren't stellar — not because of the rambunctious crowd (shocker, I know), but because of the terrible food and annoyingly endless upselling .

Carnival certainly lives up to its reputation of having affordable cruises.

The cheapest Carnival Firenze itinerary in 2024 is a four-night sailing for $359 per person, including taxes and fees. That's less than $90 a night for a hotel room at sea, unlimited food, onboard activities, and the chance to see Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico.

Not bad, considering new ships typically have a steep pricing premium (Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas mega-ship starts at more than $260 a night).

The fares can’t be beat. And the quality of the food reflects that.

Look, I'm not expecting caviar and freshly shaved truffles on every plate. I can respect a sloppy burger and simple pasta, as I expected for a Carnival cruise . And seeing complimentary dishes such as beef tartare was unexpectedly welcomed.

Unfortunately, everything I ate was mediocre.

The best word to describe most of my Carnival Firenze meals is "sweet."

The honey-mustard dressing at the buffet salad station was so sugary it could've been a dessert. But even the thick, saccharine dressing couldn't moisten up the incredibly bone-dry chicken.

Sure, sure. Honey mustard is supposed to be jam-packed with sugar, and I poured it with a heavy hand. But I think a salad dressing shouldn't send diners into a sugar rush.

Some savory dishes were overpowered by unnecessary sweetness.

My main dining room entrée of shrimp and fish cake could've been great. The shrimp was perfectly bouncy, and while the fish cake was questionably mushy, it was seasoned well with a garlicky, oniony dried spice mix.

Unfortunately, the accompanying tomato sauce, sweetened like it was meant to be a sorbet, lost the dish all of its accolades.

A good tomato sauce strikes a delicate balance between sweetness and acidity. This was just sugar — and a profound ability to make decent seafood taste bad.

The dining room's clams and linguine could've also been a win if not for some major issues.

I didn't love that it came with only four or five clams, but I do love pasta dishes with a contrasting texture!

Unfortunately, said "texture" was a hard, small piece of plastic hidden among the mound of noodles.

If the food wasn’t sweet, it was heavy.

The ship's Guy Fieri-branded burger joint accrued lines before it opened for lunch. I, drawn to hyped food places like a moth to a light, was excited by its popularity.

Unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy it for long. I hit a food coma about four bites into the decadently greasy pepperoni-pizza burger, served with a thick slab of fried mozzarella.

By day two, I began dreaming of light vegetables, freshness, and fiber.

But the two complimentary dining venues that catered to these needs — the Fresh Creations salad stand and La Strada Grill with sandwiches and sides — were only open during the last day of the sailing. At that point, the lack of fiber had already done its damage.

I even tried ordering off the vegan menu for breakfast one morning. Unfortunately, I was denied my meatless dish: The waiter said vegan breakfasts had to be ordered the night before, a restriction I've yet to see on another cruise.

The mediocre food marred my experience, but it wasn't the worst part of my Carnival cruise.

That title goes to the incessant, in-your-face upselling, done with a persistent annoyance reminiscent of an annoying fly buzzing around your home.

On paper, Carnival offers some ultra-cheap cruise fares . In reality, once you board the ship, you're met with an unsavory number of pay-to-play options that could quickly double your vacation cost.

Mass-market cruise lines have been increasingly upselling onboard amenities and activities.

On Norwegian's newer ships, this includes slapping a $10 fee on the mini-golf course. On Royal Caribbean's latest vessel , this means paying $49 for a ropes course that could be completed in less than a minute.

But on Carnival , even complimentary venues had pay-to-play options.

For example, the buffet, where guests had to pay for chicken wings.

Or the free dining room, where breakfast juices — shown by a waiter at each table — could be purchased for $5.

Looking for a midday snack? You could hit complimentary venues such as Il Mercato for sausages or the pizza stand for, well, pizza. Just be prepared to pay $6 if you want a Korean barbecue steak pie instead of pepperoni.

The dreaded dollar sign followed me day to night, on and off the ship.

The nightly movie screenings were free to attend. But if you want a bag of buttery popcorn, you'll have to pay $4.

That's the same price guests had to pay if they wanted to take a shuttle from the port in Ensenada to downtown.

Even scheduled onboard activities had unnecessarily gratuitous upcharges.

Tea bags during "Tea Time" were $1.50. Unaware of the price before being approached by the server, I declined on the principle of not wanting to pay.

A few minutes later, he returned to inform me that he did, in fact, have two free options stashed behind the up-charged ones: Lipton and Bigelow green tea — the only tea bags available at the buffet.

At breakfast, a server joked that my croissant and Lipton tea would cost $20.

If I didn't know any better, I would've believed him. It seemed as if almost everything I wanted came with a sneaky price tag, as seemingly intended by Carnival's parent company.

Travelers spent more money aboard Carnival Corp's ships in the first quarter of 2024 than in the same time last year. To continue this success, Josh Weinstein, the president and CEO of Carnival Corp, told investors in March that the company would continue to "push and press" its cruise lines to "optimize and maximize both on the ticket and onboard spending."

In truth, the ship does have some redeeming qualities.

The mini-golf course, waterslides, board games, and elevated ropes course were complimentary and a great way for families to pass sea days.

I arrogantly found the whole Italy-themed decor (it is called Firenze, after all) a bit tacky. But if you love the idea of a garish Las Vegas-ified Italy — think, the Walmart version of the Venetian — you could find some joy in the kitsch.

But these amenities weren’t enough to overlook the mediocre food and difficult-to-resist upselling.

Cruises are meant to be relaxing and fun. There's nothing relaxing about having to think about your finances whenever you're met with a pay-to-play option, which felt constant on Carnival Firenze. Nor is there anything fun about chewing into a piece of hidden plastic.

If you want the vacation of your dreams on Carnival's new ship, be prepared to pay up. But at that point, you may as well save that money for another ship — or cruise line.

• Main content

At least 11 dead and 64 missing in shipwrecks off Italy

Sixty-four people were missing in the Mediterranean Sea and several were rescued after their ship wrecked off Italy’s southern coast Monday, United Nations’ agencies said in a statement.

In a separate shipwreck, rescue workers evacuated dozens of suspected migrants but found 10 bodies trapped below the deck of a wooden boat off Italy’s tiny Lampedusa island, the German aid group Resqship wrote on Monday on the X social media platform.

The boat that wrecked about 200 kilometers (125 miles) off Calabria had set off from Turkey eight days earlier, but caught fire and overturned, the U.N. agencies said, citing survivors.

The search-and-rescue operation started following a mayday call by a French boat, the Italian coast guard said in a statement. The boat was sailing in a border area where Greece and Italy carry out search-and-rescue operations. The survivors and people still missing at sea came from Iran, Syria and Iraq, the U.N. agencies said.

The Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center immediately diverted two merchant vessels sailing nearby to the scene of the rescue. Assets from the European border and coast guard agency Frontex also helped.

The survivors were brought to the Calabrian port of Roccella Jonica, where they were disembarked and entrusted to the care of medical personnel. One of the 11 rescued migrants died soon after, the coast guard said.

In the second shipwreck, the crew aboard Resqship’s boat, the Nadir, found 61 people on the wooden boat, which was full of water.

“Our crew was able to evacuate 51 people, two of whom were unconscious,” it added. “The 10 dead were in the flooded lower deck of the boat.”

The Associated Press