8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation

Table Of Content

• ITALY CRUISES
• Lake Como or Lake Garda: The Perfect Italian Lake Experience
• Civitavecchia
• One-Day Itinerary for Rome: Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain
• Embarking and disembarking in Venice
• Italy Cruises
• Night Adriatic & Italian SplendorsDetails
• Central Italy Cruise Ports: Rome, Florence, Livorno, and Naples

However I will note that if you are going to Naples in the summer, and plan to head down to the Amalfi Coast the traffic can be crazy. Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, and of course the island of Capri are all great choices for excursions and can be easily organized through the ship or independently. However for me there is one place anyone day tripping from Messina should visit and that is Taormina. Here you can see David, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio and have some amazing food. The wider region of Liguria is famous for the quality of its olive oil, focaccia, and basil.

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ITALY CRUISES

For instance, a return ferry trip to the quaint town of Amalfi is modestly priced. Conveniently positioned on the Ligurian coast, Genoa offers convenient services to various destinations, including France, Tunisia, Morocco, Spain, and notable Italian gems. The Civitavecchia port (website) is a vital hub for anyone setting sail on a Mediterranean cruise. Known as Rome’s cruise port, this hub is more than just a stopping point; it’s a destination enriched with cultural landmarks. Cruise passengers looking to buy a nice souvenir to take a bit of Venice home should look for handcrafted glass made in nearby Murano. The Teatro La Fenice, the Jewish Ghetto (and Museum), the Arsenale, the Riva degli Schiavoni (Waterfront Promenade), the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, the Ca' D'Oro, are among the top landmarks to enjoy.

Lake Como or Lake Garda: The Perfect Italian Lake Experience

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Genoa is one of the largest cruise ports in Italy and serves as a major hub for Mediterranean cruises. This historic city offers a mix of old-world charm with modern amenities such as a large cruise terminal with shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore Genoa’s narrow streets lined with medieval buildings or take a stroll along the picturesque harbor. Cross the Gulf of Naples and you’ll find the port city of Sorrento, one of the most popular cruise ports in Italy. Not only is Sorrento within day-trip distance from the ruins of Pompeii, but it’s also a short drive from the towns of the Cinque Terre. Romantic piazzas, historic ruins, world-class museums, and pasta (so much pasta!) await in the Italian capital of Rome.

Civitavecchia

The Rome cruise port is located in Civitavecchia, a port city located on the western coast and only 45 minutes away from the city center. Naples is a major port city for Italy, but most cruise visitors use Naples as the jumping-off point for shore excursions to the nearby Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, islands like Capri, or the excavations of Pompeii. Naples itself has plenty to offer the intrepid traveler, though (it’s one of my favorite cities), especially the excellent collection at the National Archaeological Museum. It takes about 1-1.5 hours to get from the cruise terminal into the historic center, but transport is easy with a train station in Civitavecchia.

The bridge has a rich history and was once home to butchers, fishmongers, and tanners. It boasts a picturesque waterfront area where you can stroll along the promenade or enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants. The city center is home to numerous historical landmarks such as Fortezza Nuova, which dates back to the 16th century. Naples is certainly not one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations, though this major cruise port has plenty to offer. Stop in some of the oldest shops in Naples to try the world’s original pizza, or head south to the ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

Embarking and disembarking in Venice

Cruise passengers embarking in Venice cruise port, especially those traveling from the US or Canada, should fly at least one day ahead. Arrive in Venice before noon and stay in a hotel overnight to fully enjoy the city. 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.

Italy Cruises

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. 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. Inside the cathedral, visitors can see Giorgio Vasari’s fresco depicting “The Last Judgment” as well as beautiful stained-glass windows. The cathedral also houses Giotto’s bell tower next door which offers an equally impressive view over Florence.

Night Adriatic & Italian SplendorsDetails

Cruise ships at the Trieste Cruise Port (website) dock in an exceptionally convenient location, adjacent to Trieste’s renowned main square, Piazza Unità d’Italia. To fully appreciate Sicily’s beauty, consider joining an excursion to Taormina or Mount Etna, which enhances the experience. Taormina mesmerizes with its hilltop allure, offering breathtaking vistas and the chance to wander through Corso Umberto’s shops. Rich in history and beauty, the imposing Arechis Castle and Salerno Cathedral are also well worth a visit. Upon disembarking, passengers can utilize a complimentary shuttle service to the port gate.

Central Italy Cruise Ports: Rome, Florence, Livorno, and Naples

When exploring Italy’s diverse cruise ports, it’s important to keep in mind transportation options, attractions and local cuisine. Try out some traditional Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, gelato or sip on a glass of Chianti wine while enjoying the breathtaking views. Italy is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and there are countless options for foodies looking to indulge while visiting its cruise ports. In Venice, head to Rialto Market for fresh seafood or sample traditional Venetian dishes at Osteria Al Squero. Naples’ historic center is home to numerous pizzerias serving up classic Neapolitan pies – try Sorbillo or Di Matteo for some of the best.

It’s the gateway to the Eternal City of Rome; just an hour away, the capital of Italy is a perfect day trip destination for cruise passengers. Whether you spend the day wandering through the Vatican museums, eating pizza and gelato, or exploring the ancient Roman forum, a stop in Rome will be the highlight of your Italy cruise. There’s no more popular Mediterranean cruise destination than Italy, with ports ranging from some of Europe’s most impressive capitals to tiny fishing villages and everything in between. Whether you’re dreaming of a European cruise someday soon or choosing between the best cruise itineraries for your adventure-in-the-making, read on for all the most popular – and unforgettable – cruise ports in Italy.

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. Before boarding the best cruises from Rome, explore the ancient streets once trodden by gladiators and great artists alike. From the northern Italian Riviera and Venice to the central cities of Rome, Florence, Livorno, and Naples, and down to the southern coastlines of Amalfi and Sicily, there are numerous ports to explore during your cruise.

Other local specialties include spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and sfogliatella (a pastry filled with ricotta cheese). If you don’t see the port of Livorno on your Italian cruise itinerary, look out for La Spezia. Just an hour north of Livorno, La Spezia is another gateway port to Tuscan highlights like Pisa, Lucca, and Florence.

Don’t miss taking a small boat into the stunning Blue Grotto cave, where the sun’s reflection creates a magical crystalline glow in the water. Most establishments follow a siesta schedule, closing in the early afternoon and reopening in the evening, Monday to Saturday. The port is more than a point of transit; it’s a cultural hub, reflecting Bari’s Byzantine, Norman, and Arabic heritage. The city’s diverse districts highlight Bari’s rich urban tapestry, from the medieval streets of the Old Town to the modern core of Borgo Murattiano with its shopping lanes. Located in the heart of the vibrant city of Naples, the Porto Napoli, also known as Stazione Maritima (website), is strategically positioned just across from the prominent Piazza del Municipio and the majestic Castel Nuovo.

If you are disembarking a cruise in Venice, you should also consider staying an extra day to explore the city, although you should have in mind that hotels tend to be very expensive but worth every penny. The maze of tiny cobbled streets and courtyards, where you bump into history around every corner, seems to go on forever. Not surprisingly, Venice remains a city that all cruise passengers must have on their bucket list.

The Rialto Bridge is another must-visit attraction that offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canal. Located on the western edge of Sicily, the small port of Trapani is often left off the itineraries of larger cruise ships, though it is a highlight for small cruise ship travelers who love its laidback vibe. The historic center of Trapani is accessible as soon as passengers step off the ship, making for a leisurely day of exploring – no expensive shore excursions needed. Larger cruise ships tend to head to Genoa, but smaller ships like luxury Windstar Cruises can visit smaller, tucked-away Italian ports like Portofino that have become some of the country’s most popular destinations. This charming and colorful village is a paradise for the rich and famous, though it boasts plenty to do for travelers of all budgets, including visiting the hilltop Castello Brown for stunning views over the town.