Italy & Croatia Cruise Onboard Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas
- Michelle's Monologues
- 5 minutes ago
- 16 min read
Have you ever thought about embracing "la dolce vita" (the good life) in Italy? Italy has it all from the good weather, great food, culture and of course, it is steeped in history. An incredible way to explore is via a cruise ship. The state-of-the-art floating hotels have a beautiful spa, an array of dining options, various bars, a casino, and entertainment for the whole family. The perfect way to have a vacation of a lifetime. Here is what you can expect while taking an Italy & Croatia cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas.
Italy & Croatia Cruise Onboard Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas
About Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has been continuously redefining cruise holidays since launching in 1969. Driving innovation at sea with adventurous experiences like waterslides, surf simulators, and Broadway shows. The leading global cruise line sails to 270 destinations in more than 60 countries across six continents, including its private island Perfect Day at CocoCay. It's part of Royal Caribbean Group, which also owns Celebrity Cruises & Silversea, offering diverse vacation options from family fun to luxury travel, with a focus on delivering unique, memorable vacations globally. Why is Royal Caribbean so special you ask? Royal Caribbean provides consistent and high-quality vacations.
About Voyager of the Seas
Once the largest ship in the world (1999), Voyager of the Seas was groundbreaking with features like the Royal Promenade (multi-level boulevard with shops and cafes, an ice-skating rink (Studio B), and a rock-climbing wall. After a major refurbishment (Royal Amplified program), it now boasts the FlowRider surf simulator, and The Perfect Storm waterslides. Carrying 3,602 guests and 1,200 international crew across 15 decks (14 guest decks). The Voyager Class ship is one of five in this class including: Navigator of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, and Mariner of the Seas.
One of my favourite ships cruising around Europe, and South-East Asia, also class, cruising onboard Explorer of the Seas around New England.
Top Tip: While cruising onboard don't miss the fun street parade/party on the Royal Promenade.
Overview of Italy
Italy, the "boot-shaped" peninsula in Southern Europe, shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, plus enclaves of Vatican City and San Marino. Rich in history (Roman Empire, Renaissance), art, and diverse landscapes, from the Apennine mountains, numerous lakes (Como, Garda, Maggiore Iseo, and Orta, rivers (Po, Tiber), volcanoes (Mount Etna,Stromboli and Mount Vesuvius, and the extensive Mediterranean coastline. See the iconic cities in Rome (capital), Milan, and Florence, and the beautiful islands of Capri, Sicily and Sardinia. You can also enjoy the vibrant culture known for food (pasta, pizza, olive oil, and wines), fashion, and famous landmarks. The country is home to around 59 million, and is one of the most visited countries. The language spoken is Italian, and the currency is the Euro.
Overview of Croatia
Croatia is located at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro, with a significant maritime border with Italy. Known for its stunning Adriatic coastline, thousands of islands (including Hvar), rich history, and diverse landscapes, featuring medieval towns (Split & Dubrovnik), national parks with stunning waterfalls (Krka & Plitvice Lakes), and a blend of Mediterranean and Central European cultures. The capital and largest city Zagreb is vibrant, blending historic charm with modern energy. Known for its walkable Upper Town (Gornji Grad) with cobblestones and medieval architecture, and the Lower Town (Donji Grad) featuring grand 19th-century buildings, lush parks, and a thriving café culture. It's a hub for arts, culture, and quirky museums (like the Museum of Broken Relationships), offering a lively yet laid-back atmosphere distinct from the coastal cities, serving as a major transport link for Croatia. The language spoken is Croatian, and the currency is the Kuna.
Cruise & Stay 16 Day Itinerary - Italy
Voyager of the Seas was sailing out of Civitavecchia, Rome on a seven-night cruise. We opted to extend our stay at both ends and explore more of Italy. You might also like to do a similar itinerary. Flying out of Edinburgh to Linate, Milan airport with Easyjet. The flight was very comfortable, taking just over 2 1/2 hours. Then it was onto the subway train directly to the B&B Hotel by San Siro Stadium for one night.
The residential area is quiet with tree-lined avenues but also easily accessible with public transport into the centre of Milan and a large bus station nearby for onward travel, including Flixbus links.
Day 2 - Milan & La Spezia
The B&B Hotel en-suite rooms are very comfortable, and the room rate included a European buffet breakfast. A large selection of cold meats, cheeses, yogurts, pastries, fresh juice and tea/coffee.
After breakfast, we took a quick trip to see Milan Cathedral one more time and enjoy a gelato before heading back to collect our luggage for the onward bus journey with Flixbus to La Spezia (Viale Italia) and exploring Cinque Terre. There is a sandwich shop just outside the Milan Lampugnano Bus Station with the most delicious fresh sandwiches/paninis. Ideal for the 4-hour trip.
It was a bit of a hike from the bus drop-off to the centre of La Spezia. After trailing our suitcases through the centre, we finally made it to our beautiful room for two nights with rooftop vistas. The first of its kind, The Liberty building was constructed in Italy between 1900 - 1902. The traditional stone building with its large decorative door featuring female figures, plants and peacocks, opened into the most beautiful mosaic-floored entrance. Up some small marble stairs into an original wrought iron door lift (not one for those who don't like heights). The first building in La Spezia to be fitted with a lift, dating to 1906!
The area is bustling with cafes, restaurants and across the street, a beautiful lush green park. On arrival, we spotted an amazing deal for a very large 12" inch pizza, a bottle of beer and a cola for 12 Euros! Perfect. Time for a leisurely orientation walk and make our plan for the following day to Manarola, one of five villages that are part of Cinque Terre ("Five Lands") UNESCO World Heritage coastal area in Italy's Liguria region.
Day 3 - Exploring Manorola (Cinque Terre)
After a delicious fresh pastry from the local bakery and a local coffee, we took a short walk to the train station for the Cinque Terre Express Train. The train departs every 10 - 15 minutes, with a single ticket 4 Euros, or you can buy a daily Cinque Terre Train Card with unlimited travel and park access for 25 Euros per person. I'm not going to lie, even knowing a bit of Italian, it can be a bit of a faff at the La Spezia Centrale. We bought all of our train tickets for Italy on the Trenitalta website, and it was great! On this occassion as we hadn't pinned down our exact time of travel and the trains were departing every 10-15 minutes, we opted to just buy at the train station. Would I do this again? No, the tickets may be timed online but they are already validated for travel, and if there are train cancellations, your tickets will be refunded. After purchasing our tickets we discovered that they were non-refundable, as the train had been cancelled. A lady was very helpful, and we managed to scramble to the correct platform by the "skin of our teeth" (meaning a very close call) for another train.
With the ongoing train strike, we opted to visit Manarola with its stunning coastal views and colourful hillside houses.
On arrival, it was easy to see which was the correct way out. Up the stairs and out onto this beautiful raised walkway with stunning views. We walked through the small village and up to the viewpoint. Breathtaking! Highly recommend. We timed it quite well (early morning in September), they're weren't too many visitors. That was, until we had sat down in one of the traditional restaurants for lunch and watched everyone arriving. I think many had difficulties with the trains, and everyone then arrived at once. There were lovely little shops, selling various handmade lemon items and more, to the mass produced t-shirts, and magnets etc.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Manarola with its incredible views, the delicious lunch, and of course, a little bit of retail therapy. Can't wait to return and explore more of Cinque Terre.
Day 4 - La Spezia to Rome
Enjoyed a late breakfast before the 4-hour Frecciarossa 8613 train journey to Roma Terminali. Highly recommend pre-booking your train tickets in advance. Not only are they less expensive but you don't have to worry about validating them before travel. From the train station to the Binario Zero apartment was only a short walk away.
Day 5 - Exploring Rome
We planned a fun tour around Rome in a Fiat 500. It was so cool! If you have been to Rome or would like to see it from another angle. Highly recommend.
You can book your Rome Fiat 500 tour here.
Then we walked to all the iconic sights from the Colesseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and also the home and birthplace of Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart), the Palazzo Muti. The residence was home to the exiled Stuart royal family, provided by the Pope. Did you know it was also the Jacobite headquarters?
Top Tip: Did you know all the main attractions in Rome are free on the first Sunday of every month? You have got to get there early though! The queues were huge.
Day 6 - Cruise Embarkation Day
The day had finally arrived to join the incredible Voyager of the Seas. The port of Civitavecchia is only 47 minutes away by train. We took a leisurely walk and enjoyed a delicious breakfast before boarding the train. Everyone joining the ship had opted to do the same thing. The train was fully booked, luggage storage areas were rammed. Thankfully our seats were pre-booked, and we were on the platform early, awaiting the train's arrival. Getting up out our seats early to get our luggage, as this wasn't the train's final stop. Taxis were queued awaiting the train's arrival to shuttle us to the cruise ship. At 6 Euros each, we jumped in a shared taxi, and a few minutes later we had arrived at the cruise terminal building. I am so excited writing this. It brings back so many great memories, and if you have been following me for a while, you will know the cruise ship used to be my home away from home while working onboard.
The embarkation process is very straight forward, and depending on how many guests arrive at the same time, it can be very quick too. The main points are having all the correct and valid documentation ready. If you can, pre-check-in on the Royal Caribbean App. It is also really handy to have, with all the latest news of what, when and where everything is taking place on the cruise ship. You can also access your onboard account, ship photos, and so much more!
Day 7 - Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy
Today we opted to take one of the many cruiseship optional guided shore excursions that are available. The full day tour Taste of Sorrento and Pompeii, was half a day spent in Sorrento visiting I Giardini di Cataldo lemon farm/restaurant with a pasta making demonstration, sampling lemonchello and fresh mozzarella and the other at Pompeii, was lots of fun! We also had free time for lunch, shopping and visited a cameo factory - Cellini Gallery Cameos & Corals, as well as Gargiulo & Jannuzzi with a variety of hand-made wooden traditional items created by skilled craftsman including inlaid musical jewellery boxes, ceramics, linens and jewellery. It was a lovely day with plenty of time at each stop, and the best bits of the Amalfi Coast.
Day 8 - Sicily (Messina), Italy
With a full day organised tour yesterday, we opted to explore the capital and "The door of Sicily" Messina on our own. Only a few minutes walk to the downtown area with cafe's, shops, and more. After a stroll along the beautiful area by the port, we headed to Piazza del Duomo with famous Orion Fountain, and incredible tower with its Astronomical Clock. Don't miss the complex mechanical show at 12 noon each day, with a lion and the heroines of the Sicilian Vespers!
Then it was time to sample the local delicacy - Arancini. Have you tried the Sicilian rice balls? Available in a variety of both sweet and savoury. We opted to try, and share the sweet hazelnut chocolate Arancini and the meat ragu savoury one. They are very nice and also very filling!
Day 9 - At Sea
Days at sea are a great time to relax before a fun day of sightseeing, by the pool, or in the games room, reading one of the many books available in the library or taking part in one or more of the planned trivia quizzes taking place across the ship. If relaxing isn't your thing, there are lots of activities planned throughout the day, you can take part in.
We decided to take the Sip, Tour, and Brunch. This is a unique experience taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the galley with the Executive Chef, and a decadent three-course brunch in the main dining room with unlimited sparkling mimosas. You see how daily operations take place, how every meal is prepared on a large scale, meals are prepared for special dietary requirements and sanitation protocol.
The dress code for this unique experience is closed-toe-shoes, and trousers, no shorts, skirts or dresses. The cost varies between $50 - $100 per person. You can book via the daily planner or onboard. We were asked while dining in the main dining room, and we are so glad we booked it. The brunch was delicious, and the unlimited mimosas went down a treat.
Other options behind the scenes include an All Access Tour of 3 1/2 hours covering the Bridge, Engine Room, and Galley (without brunch), discovering crew areas such as the I95, the long walkway from one side of the ship to the other, named after the scenic long coastal road in Florida.
Sea days are typically when formal nights take place, don your finest dress/suit, visit the onboard hairdressers, and get your professional photographs taken against beautiful backdrops. If your a Platinum Level Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Member or above, you will be cordially invited to the Crown & Anchor Party and meet the ship's captain and staff.
Day 10 - Saranda, Albania
This was the first and only day that the ship's tenders were used to ferry all passengers and crew from the Voyager of the Seas into the beautiful coastal port of Saranda. Tending can be a lengthy process, but it is fun to ride in a tender!
Today we opted to join another of the ship's organised shore excursions to the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Albania and three time protected, Butrint Archaeological Site, and the Blue Eye Spring. Wow! What an interesting day. The Butrint National Park encompases 9,424 hectares (94.24Km2)has an extensive array of ancient ruins all blended together including, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian. Showcasing civilisations from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages. It is also an area of outstanding natural beauty with lakes, wetlands, and a range of 1,200 species of diverse animals and plants.
Visiting in the opposite order, with the incredible Blue Eye Spring first. It is a bit of a walk from the car park, so we took a return ticket for the optional extra little red road train. It was an additional fun treat. Exploring around the crystal clear blue waters, and there it was, the piercing Blue Eye! There is a cafe, toilets, and some souvenir stands. All are happy to accept Euros. The area is very beautiful, but soon it was time to return on the little train and back onto the coach to Butrint Archaeological Site. If you would like to read a more in-depth travel blog on the adventure we had to Butrint Archaeological Site, and the Blue Eye Spring click here.
It is an incredible place! I would love to return and explore more of Albania. Have you visited?
Day 11 - Dubrovnik, Croatia
It was a very hot day, not wanting to be in the direct sun for the 50 minute walk (3.5km/2.2 miles), we jumped at the chance to pre-book the shuttle bus onboard the ship from Gruz pier to Dubrovnik Old Town. Knowing that there were three cruise ships in on the same day, we quickly set off to the City Cable Car to Mount Srd. It's not the least expensive cable car at 30 Euros return per person but the 360-degree views are stunning.
The 4-minute cable car ride travels up 778 meters to a viewing observation area. From there, you can then take the additional approx 20 stairs up onto the higher level. There is also a restaurant and gift shops. One of the unique things you might be interested in buying is jewellery with the Brac stone. The white limestone, mined on the island of Brac is also used in construction and architecture around Croatia, including monuments such as Diocletian's Palace in Split and many churches throughout Dalmatia.
The old town is a must-visit, meandering through the various streets with many hidden gems including interesting arts & crafts, clothing, cafes and more. We spotted a little local supermarket and couldn't resist picking up some local Dorina chocolate with various fillings like puffed rice, hazelnuts, biscuit, and orange flavoured, Karlovacko beer, and Ledo Lino Lada (hazelnut/chocolate) ice cream. All very nice.
Top Tip: If you are staying for a few day's you might like to explore the Dubrovnik Pass including many attractions such as the city walls (40 Euros high season and 20 Euros Jan-Feb and Dec alone without the pass!), various museums and discounts (does not include City Cable Car). Available for one day 20 Euros per person, 3-days 25 Euros per person or 7-days 30 Euros per person. (prices as stated on the Dubrovnik City Walls website and Dubrovnik Pass website on 22/01/26).
Day 12 - Split, Croatia
There is so much to see in Split including the white limestone Diocletian's Palace (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979), fortifications, and churches. At only a 20-minute walk away from the cruise port, the centre is easily accessible. I love nature and was so excited to visit one of the incredibly beautiful Croatian National Parks - Krka National Park. Skradinski Buk is said to be one of the largest waterfalls found in the River Krka and one of Croatia's most famous sights. At only 86 kilometres/54 miles (1-hour drive) away from Split, it was a lovely relaxed day out, with short fairy-tale-like walks, and 17 different falls. Our visit lasted approx 3-hours, which was plenty of time to explore, enjoy a bite to eat and visit the ethnographic village with a glimpse into the region's heritage. Highly recommend!
Day 13 - Disembarkation Ravenna, Italy
Sadly, disembarkation day came around far too quickly. Arriving in the wee hours of the morning into Ravenna, Italy. A few days before, information leaflets about the process will be placed in your stateroom with luggage and transportation options.
Ravenna port is a bit of a distance from the main city, so we opted to take the optional bus transfer to the railway station. This is the earliest wake-up call of the whole cruise, breakfast, packing (unless you have packed the night before and placed luggage outside your stateroom door) and out of the stateroom before 8am. We were up around 6am, breakfast at 7am, back to collect our luggage from the stateroom and off to relax in the Star Lounge. We had opted to take one of the last shuttle transfers with our hotel check in not till 3pm, it made sense not to leave the ship too early. Savouring every last moment, enjoying another coffee, and freshly made hot pastries. I would have stayed on board if I could (we pre-booked our next cruise on board with the future cruise consultant). Cruising is a great way to travel.
After the long walk to the shuttle, it was nice to enjoy the views before reaching Ravenna Train Station (the location of the shuttle buses may change in the near future, as we saw work taking place). It was only a 10-minute walk to the Hotel Mosaico. With a one-night stay, we went out to explore. The historic city is famous for its stunning 5th-8th century Byzantine mosaics. Home to Dante Alighieri's tomb, Mausoleum of Theodoric built in AD520 for the Gothic King - Theodoric the Great, UNESCO sites including Basilica of San Vitale, and Mausoleum of Galla.
Day 14 - Ravenna to Bologna
This morning it was deja vu (French meaning already seen), making our return journey back to the train station for our pre-booked train to "La Rossa" (meaning The Red nickname due to the red terracotta roof tiles) - Bologna. At just over an hour, it is possible to make a day trip between both cities. For the next two nights staying at the Hotel San Giorgio, directly in Bologna's city centre its ideal for lots of sightseeing.
Key attractions include The Two Towers (the iconic leaning Asinelli and Garisenda), and Piazza Maggiore with Fountain of Neptune and Porticoes, miles of arched colonnades, Basilica di San Petronio, and connections to Ferrari and Lamborghini with its automotive heritage.
Day 15 - Bologna
You can't visit Bologna, and not try the delicious freshly made pasta bolognese. It is delicious! Bottega Portici - Pasta Bolognese & Co by renowned chef Gino Fabbri provides a fast, high quality delicious array of homemade pastas, salads, charcuterie boards and pastries. We went for a selection including pasta bolognese (Tagliatelle alla bolognese) 9 Euros, Spinach & Ricotta Tortellini (Tortelloni burro e salvia) 9 Euros and a sweet lemon pasta (Tortellone dolce porzione) 3.50 Euros. You can order and pre-pay at a machine, or pre-order at the machine and pay cash at the counter. The ordering machine is very similar to McDonalds, and the menu is available in different languages. Easy. Did I mention they also do cocktails?
Day 16 - Return Flight From Bologna to Edinburgh
It was an incredible trip, and after 15 days it was time for home. Lots of great food, and seeing some beautiful sights, were both inspired to plan our next trip.
Getting to Bologna Airport is easy, just a short walk to Bologna Rail Station and onto the direct dedicated monorail - Marconi Express. The 7-minute journey costs 12.80 Euros single, and 23.30 Euros return. We purchased at the ticket machine inside the train station entrance. On arrival at the airport, once checked in go down a level to luggage drop off then return back to the original level for airport security and boarding gates. It is a strange layout. Has anyone else noticed this?
There is a great sandwich shop through in departures, with lots of fresh ingredients and the usual duty free etc.
Flying back RyanAir, there was the usual hand baggage scrutiny. Having been a frequent flyer for years, I was ready. A quick shuffle of bits, and I was good to go. The RyanAir employee was disappointed...I think she was hoping to give me an excess baggage fine.
Onto the plane and everything back into the original bags, stored in the correct places and ready for take-off.
Telling this story reminded me of another occasion. It still makes me smile. I was basically taking an empty hand luggage case on board. All the overhead lockers were full, and they asked if they could store it in the hold. I opened it, took out my book and passed it back. The ground crew thought it was nuts. They had never come across it before. I did have a suitcase in the hold, and that was for my shopping. Do you have a luggage story? Let me know in the comments below.
I hope you have enjoyed reading Italy & Croatia Cruise Onboard Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas and feeling inspired to explore Italy by cruise ship.
As always, I would love to hear from you with any comments/questions. You can get in touch in the usual ways or at the bottom of this travel blog.
Until next time...
Happy Travels,
Michelle
Comments