Mediterranean Medley

Day

Date

Arrival

Departure

15th Oct 2028 Sunday

Liverpool

18:00

Liverpool is a small but thriving city that is poised to flourish, quietly but steadfastly, winning back its reputation after a half-century of struggle and economic decline. The recipe for success has been heavy investment in development and the city is now reaping the rewards of that investment in increased tourism and retail.

Fortunately for cruise passengers, much of Liverpool's redevelopment and revitalization projects have taken place in the city centre, alongside the waterfront where cruise ships dock. Serving as prime examples, the revitalized Albert Dock houses numerous restaurants and attractions -- like the Beatles Story -- and the adjacent billion-pound Liverpool One retail park is the U.K.'s largest open-air retail complex.

In terms of infrastructure dedicated specifically to cruising, in 2013, the city began a feasibility study on the Cunard Building -- one of the elegant edifices making up the "Three Graces" on Liverpool's Pier Head waterfront -- for use as the new Liverpool Cruise Terminal in 2015. Also in 2013, Liverpool achieved "turnaround status" -- allowing cruises to start and end at the city's docks. This combination of the potential new cruise terminal, along with Liverpool's moves to woo passenger vessels back signals a strong commitment by the city to continue its long, rich maritime history.

Liverpool's favourable position on the River Mersey, along with its direct canal and railway links to the industrial Midlands allowed it to develop as a major international trading port as early as the 17th century. In the early 20th century, shipbuilding yards and docks stretched for miles along both banks, and more than 100 passenger ships were Liverpool-registered. In the days before air travel, these passenger liner companies such as Cunard and Canadian Pacific carried millions of immigrants to new lives in North America, while a host of other steamship lines connected Liverpool with South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

And the history of Liverpool's shipping success is reflected in its architecture. At Pier Head, just prior to WWI, Cunard Line began construction on its brand-new headquarters. The third of the Three Graces was completed in 1916, standing between the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board building (now called the Port of Liverpool Building) and the Royal Liver Building.

Just inland from Pier Head other shipping line headquarters, mercantile trading companies and civic buildings create an architectural legacy. The city boasts some 2,500 grade listed (historic) buildings and 250 public monuments. The Albert Dock alone (built in 1848), makes up Britain's largest group of Grade I listed buildings.

Conveniently, nearly everything of interest to the visitor is within a 10- to 30-minute walk or a short train under or boat ride across the River Mersey. And cruise passengers arriving in the city will find a warm welcome from Liverpudlians who are enjoying renewed confidence that their city has overcome the difficulties of its recent past.

16th Oct 2028 Monday

At Sea

Relax and enjoy the facilities and entertainment onboard your ship. If the weather is good take some sun and sunbathe on the pool deck. Otherwise explore below deck the wide range of activities that will be available during the day. Perhaps you prefer to find a quiet spot and catch up on your reading.

17th Oct 2028 Tuesday

At Sea

18th Oct 2028 Wednesday

Lisbon

08:00

17:00

Lisbon, Europe's westernmost capital and Portugal's cultural hub, lies on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Tagus River. The city is a delightful mix of must-see museums, castles and cathedrals. Its charming neighbourhoods feature residences decorated with colourful tiled facades, sidewalk cafes along pedestrian thoroughfares and enchantingly original boutiques. The sidewalks are often paved with black and white volcanic stones in patterns specific to this city. Lisbon has a refreshingly non-commercial feel, old-fashioned and relaxed, and exploring on foot is a delight. Portugal enjoyed its heyday long ago, and some of the older buildings that reflect this era are as opulent as they get. However, much of the city was levelled in the devastating earthquake of 1755, so visitors will notice that the city's architecture is not as old as that found in some European capitals. Prices tend to be lower than in the rest of Europe, especially in the moderately priced meals, wine and entrance fees to the main attractions. If you like fish and shellfish, you've come to the right city. Pastry shops abound, many with lovely storefronts, providing sit-down respite for coffee, tea and something sweet. Lisbon is a city of hills, and the up-and-down geography adds to its charm. One of the best ways to experience it is via a tram ride through the medieval Alfama district, Baixa (the central business district) and the Bairro Alto (the major restaurant and nightlife area). Both the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts have wonderful miradoures, or viewpoints, to take in the city below, the nearby hills and the wide Tagus River that provides ships such easy access to the city. For cruise visitors, Lisbon is also a jumping-off point for day trips to Portugal's resort towns -- such as Estoril, near the mouth of the Tagus and lovely Sintra with its palaces up in the hills -- or a Catholic pilgrimage to Fatima.

19th Oct 2028 Thursday

At Sea

20th Oct 2028 Friday

Almeria

09:00

18:00

While the Spanish port of Almeria's biggest draw is certainly its beaches, which are excellent for enjoying any number of water-based activities or sunning the day away, the city is a wonderful place to experience authentic Andalucian culture. Visitors will also find many galleries, shops and restaurants, as well as museums and historic landmarks. --By Shayne Thompson, Cruise Critic contributor

21st Oct 2028 Saturday

Alicante

08:00

17:00

Alicante is a chameleon of a city. Its colours change with every few hundred meters that you walk. Down by the port, it tows the line of the rest of the Spanish coast. The Playa del Postiguet is an expanse of soft biscuity sand that's topped with rentable loungers, parasols, cabana beds, beach volleyball courts and ocean-view bars. The Explanada de Espana, meanwhile, is a ruler-straight street of waterside restaurants, sidewalk cafes and the odd craft stall. To the north of the beach, things change entirely. Here, the city's seams strain with history. There's the imposing Mount Benacantil, which towers 166 meters above Alicante, and is topped by the 16th-century castle of Santa Barbara. Then there's the Barrio Santa Cruz; a Baroque neighbourhood that curls around the mountain's feet. The west of Alicante looks different, again. Streets like Rambla de Mendez Nunez have all the hallmarks of a modern metropolis. Motorbike engines growl traffic lights flash, and high-rise apartments define the skyline. Alicante is also a springboard to the wider Costa Blanca and its surrounds. Here you'll find beaches with warm waters and mountains villages with timelines that tumble back thousands of years.

22nd Oct 2028 Sunday

At Sea

23rd Oct 2028 Monday

Palermo, Sicily

13:00

19:00

Palermo is a historic city that most people either love or hate. On one block are impressive Arab-Norman buildings, while the next might have crumbling facades. More common ports of call on the Italian island of Sicily are Taormina and Messina. But a stop in Palermo has a lot to recommend. The city was founded by Ancient Greeks and eventually became part of the Roman Empire. In the 9th century, the Arabs took over and converted churches to mosques and the common language to Arabic. The Norman period followed, and in the 13th century Palermo was the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The French and Spanish later passed through. All this means that this decidedly Italian city -- and the entire western Sicily area -- has flavors and architecture from all of its periods. Palmero's historic center is fantastic for strolling. Architectural wonders within the city include the Teatro Massimo, the biggest opera house in Italy (and the third-largest in Europe after Paris and Vienna); the Palazzo Reale and the Cattedrale di Palermo. As you stroll, make time to try Palermo's excellent street food (and there's plenty of yummy Italian favorites such as pizza and gelato to be had too). Or, if the city doesn't interest you, try an excursion that takes you further afield. High on a hill outside Palermo, Monreale also has a gorgeous Arab-Norman cathedral, along with cafes. The beach town of Cefalu is a lovely summer escape and Greek and Roman history buffs will find daytrips to Erice and Segesta appealing.

24th Oct 2028 Tuesday

Messina

08:00

18:00

Messina is Sicily's most important city and port on the north east coast. From here you can take a tour to Taormina, a beautiful city overlooking Mount Etna. Visit the Palazzo Corvaia which dates from the l5th Century and the acoustically perfect Greek Theatre offering outstanding views of the Sicilian countryside.

25th Oct 2028 Wednesday

Naples

08:00

18:00

Naples is instantly recognizable from the sea. The port is overlooked by Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), the royal Palazzo Reale, and Castel Sant’Elmo atop the hill, with Mount Vesuvius rising prominently behind the city. Suburbs climb the volcano’s slopes, and an eruption would require evacuating around 600,000 people.

The city was ruled by various European dynasties, including the Hapsburgs, Bourbons, Bonapartes, and the House of Savoy. Naples declined after the Italian capital moved to Turin, Florence, and finally Rome, leaving many historic buildings in disrepair.

Naples features significant architecture, such as the Gallerias Principe di Napoli and Umberto I, churches, and former convents, alongside modern 1970s apartment blocks. The city is a mix of wide avenues and narrow alleys, known for its lively, passionate street life.

The port provides access to Pompeii, Sorrento, Ravello, Positano, Capri, and Ischia, but Naples itself offers a rich and authentic urban experience.

26th Oct 2028 Thursday

Civitavecchia (Rome)

08:00

20:00

The capital city in the land of Leonardo, Michelangelo and the popes is today a living museum with gorgeous artwork, amazing architecture and inspiring ancient sites. At the same time, it's alive and vibrant in a 21st-century way. It's an unforgettable city to visit, and we'll warn you right now that once you've experienced it, you'll want to go back for more.

One of our favorite things to do there is walk and ogle. On a recent visit, we took one day to do the route from Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica -- with its jaw-dropping art, statuary, and religious significance -- to Via del Corso, where our quest for the latest Italian fashions was more than fulfilled amidst the well-dressed crowd of Roman shoppers. The next day, we went on an ancient history quest past ruins and columns, traversing the same streets Julius Caesar strode (and rode) to the Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. Walking on, we were awed by the Pantheon, the well-preserved ancient symbol of Rome and now a great hangout spot.

First-time visitors, many envisioning Rome as big and congested, will be surprised by the scenic layout, with its famous seven hills and the Tiber River running through the city. (Cleopatra famously made her grand entrance from the river.) And the senses may be shocked by the general energy, hustle and bustle. With cars, taxis and scooters roaring here and there, crossing the street can be a challenge. (Don't worry; there are quiet piazzas aplenty with lovely cafes where you can get away from it all and unwind.)

The food is, of course, wonderful -- we can't eat enough pasta -- and the spirit of la dolce vita (the good life) abounds. Whenever we do such a quest in Rome, we do regular gelato stops (try the yummy pine nut flavor) or coffee breaks. And the shopping scene serves up Prada, Gucci, Armani and more. (High style can be found in more affordable brands like Furla, as well.) What could be better than that?

No question, Rome has one of the world's most important collections of once-in-a-lifetime sights to see, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum and on and on and on. And for those historic monuments alone, the city is worth a visit.

But if you're on an itinerary where Rome is just a port of call for the day, you won't see everything. Either resign yourself to that fact, or book a tour that will at least drive you by the main sights. Be aware the port for Rome, Civitavecchia, is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the city. (There is decent train service.) If you're beginning or ending your cruise there, plan to stay at least a couple of nights to explore the Eternal City; it's likely to steal a piece of your heart. Make sure to drop a coin in Trevi Fountain, which is said to assure you'll come back again.

27th Oct 2028 Friday

Livorno (Florence/Pisa)

08:00

18:00

On any Western Mediterranean itinerary, Florence is an absolute highlight -- the gem of the early Italian Renaissance. In the 15th century, when great artists like Giotto, Ghiberti, Brunelleschi and Michelangelo worked there, they created magnificent examples of painting and sculpture that today still fill Florentine churches, civic buildings, grand palazzi and world-class museums like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia. Architecture prospered in Florence, too. The city's signature work of art is the masterful Brunelleschi-designed dome of its cathedral, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as the Duomo. No question, Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. However, for cruise travelers with just one precious day on a six-hour port of call, it's impossible to see it all. We should note that, as lovely as Florence's famous River Arno is, it's nowhere near big enough (and its bridges are far too low) to allow any kind of ship inside the heart of the city -- and here we include low-slung river vessels along with more traditional cruise ships. As such, it can be confusing to see a cruise itinerary that calls on Florence when ships actually dock at the huge commercial port of Livorno, a good hour-plus drive from the Renaissance City. However, the charmless city of Livorno (it was badly bombed during World War II) serves as a jumping-off point for daytrips elsewhere. And while Florence is no doubt the richest destination of all, Livorno's north Tuscan locale means that other cities -- Pisa, with its famous leaning tower; the walled city of Lucca; and San Gimignano, with 14 of its medieval towers still intact -- are also options.

28th Oct 2028 Saturday

At Sea

29th Oct 2028 Sunday

Valencia

08:00

18:00

Mediterranean cruise itineraries that include a stop at Valencia are well worth considering, as Spain's third-largest city -- with its lush parks, elegant tree-lined avenues, modernist City of Arts and Sciences, and gorgeous medieval Old Town -- is stylish, imposing and not to be missed. The bad news is that there's no way you can take in all that this fabulous city has to offer (including 34 museums and galleries) in just a day. The good news is that some of its greatest treasures lie within strolling distance of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, which lies at the heart of the city. And the even better news is that Valencia is very tuned in to tourists. You'll find plenty of tourist information centres dotted around town, and before you go you can book a wide range of 'Get About' cards, valid for 24 or 48 hours, or even longer if you need it. These offer unlimited use of public transport as well as discounted entry to museums and other attractions, so it's well worth getting one to make exploring easy.

30th Oct 2028 Monday

At Sea

31st Oct 2028 Tuesday

Gibraltar

08:00

18:00

Gibraltar may well be a British Crown Colony but geographically it's an isthmus of Spain (you can walk across the road, though you do have to pass by some pretty tough customs guards). This proximity over the years has caused no end of irritation on the part of the Spanish government. In fact, during his reign, Ferdinand Franco (who served as dictatorial prime minister until the 1970s) was so upset by England's refusal to cede the territory to Spain that he closed the border and cut off telephone communications. Did you know the Rock, that famous promontory in the Bay of Gibraltar, actually faces Spain and not the Strait of Gibraltar leading into the Mediterranean? Once any cloud cover clears, and the entire enormity of it is revealed, though, it's an amazing sight visible from the cruise ship docks. There is an ongoing, off-and-on quarrel between Britain and Spain about who owns Gibraltar. The Spanish believe that because it's attached to Spain, it should belong to Spain. But the locals have voted twice to stay with Britain. As far as they are concerned, they are British and do not want Spanish citizenship. The 1,400-foot-high "rock" is a limestone formation, riddled with as many as 140 caves. Remains of pre-Neanderthal humans have been found inside the rock and in areas surrounding it, but the territory's more recent history is both turbulent and inspiring. Over time, populated by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Muslims, Moors, Spanish, Dutch and finally the British, the town of Gibraltar was formed in the 11th century by North African Islamics. The city is said to be "British Colonial built on Spanish Colonial built on Moorish." And that is exactly what the charming city resembles, with all of the influences present in its architecture. Owing its current status to Lord Nelson (who protected it during the Great Siege in the late 1700s), there are several monuments honoring the admiral, and museum exhibits explain the most recent history of the region. The strategic location of the territory has caused it to be used over the centuries as a fortified battlement, and in fact, the Rock itself has over 30 miles of roads within it. Traveling to the top of the Rock is almost mandatory and is easily accomplished via land tours or a quick cable car trip. At the top is a splendid nature reserve, and along the way, you can visit with the Barbary macaques (usually referred to as Barbary apes even though they are monkeys), the only free-living primates in Europe, and the Barbary partridges. Both creatures are unique to Gibraltar. Beyond the Rock and the handful of museums, the old town of Gibraltar consists of a main street jammed with tiny shops and a handful of famous British chains, such as Marks & Spencer, BHS and Dorothy Perkins. For North Americans, however, there are few bargains because prices are in the Gibraltar pound, which is equivalent to the British pound sterling. As for the future of the territory, it is claimed that as long as the Barbary apes inhabit Gibraltar, it will remain a British colony. You can bet that the apes are prized and pampered and coddled, and have no plans to leave the Rock anytime soon. --By Sarah Holt, Cruise Critic contributor

1st Nov 2028 Wednesday

Cádiz (Seville)

08:00

18:00

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, Cadiz was founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 B.C.E. Today, you can find elements of its Phoenician, Roman, Arab and Christian past in spots throughout the city. Omnipresent are the massive 16th-century stone walls, built to protect the city after Sir Francis Drake sacked it. The city's design inspired many Latin American city designers. In particular, the similarity to Havana, with its long sea wall and landscaped parks, is so pronounced it has stood in for the Cuban city in several Hollywood movies, including the Bond film, "Die Another Day." Cadiz is comfortably walkable and offers up lots of pretty squares, shopping and live music played alfresco during the warmer months. And don't forget Cadiz is part of the province of Andalusia, the birthplace of flamenco.

Seville, capital of Andalucia, lies on the mighty Guadalquivir -- one of Spain's longest rivers -- and is an enchanting city of leafy parks, mosaic-paved riverside promenades, winding medieval streets and grand squares lined with spectacular buildings and studded with fragrant orange trees. It also has a history that dates back 2,000 years and is displayed in a dazzling array of buildings from Roman ruins and Moorish minarets to magnificent Baroque palaces, Gothic and Renaissance churches and more recently constructed futuristic extravaganzas. For although it is proud of and eager to preserve its past, modern-day Seville -- which gained eight new river bridges, super-fast rail links and a vast international fan base after hosting the 1992 World Expo -- looks forward as well as back. The city has bike-sharing, a tram and underground metro links, as well as more high-speed train services and even an electric car program. A major upside has been fewer traffic fumes, more pedestrianized streets and cleaner buildings. But that's not all that recommends this fabulous city. For us, what makes Seville really memorable is its quintessential Spanishness. Heartland of the flamboyant Flamenco and -- more controversially -- the bloody sport of bullfighting, Seville is also notable for the spookily spectacular religious processions which take place during Semana Santa (Holy Week), when living tableaux re-enact the Easter story, elaborate statues are carried from churches and sinister-looking white-hooded "penitents" process through crowded streets. A rather more joyful festival takes place after Easter, when the Guadalquivir's west bank plays host to the Feria de Abril (April Fair, which oddly enough is sometimes held in May). This weeklong funfest involves around-the-clock feasting and dancing. Then in June the locals deck the streets with flowers and whoop it up again to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. And if you love tapas, those tasty tidbits that go down so well with a glass or two of ruby Rioja, Sevilla (as the Spanish know it) will be your idea of seventh heaven. Most cruise passengers get to Seville on a day trip from the nearby big-ship port of Cadiz. Smaller ships can navigate up the Guadalquivir -- a fascinating journey past basking fishing boats, lush vineyards, cotton fields and olive and citrus groves. Another tip; join a cruise which stays here overnight if you can, as Seville is just delightful in the evening when the tapas bars which line its narrow streets fill with relaxed and stylish locals. Grab a glass of wine, chilled sherry or ice-cold beer; whistle up a few plates of tasty local delicacies like Jamon Iberico, olives, salty anchovies and puntillitas (fried squid) and then lap up the atmosphere of this lovely city.

2nd Nov 2028 Thursday

At Sea

3rd Nov 2028 Friday

Vigo

08:00

18:00

Vigo is the main port for Spain's Galicia region, with Portugal to its south and the Spanish mainland to the east. Vigo's location between the mighty Atlantic and snow-topped mountains gives the region a cooler, damper climate than the rest of the country and has earned it the nickname of "The Green Spain." This makes it a popular retreat for Spaniards keen to escape the searing summer heat, enjoy lush country scenery and tuck into some of the world's freshest seafood. And for cruise visitors, in Vigo you can experience "real" Spanish culture, meet the locals and enjoy a city and countryside still largely unadulterated by mass tourism. Old Vigo rises in tiers to the 17th century hilltop citadel of El Castro, one of three that originally guarded the city. All were necessary to defend Galicia from successive hordes of invaders including Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, French and British, who regularly invaded between the 14th and 19th centuries. Sir Francis Drake famously took the city (for a while, at least) in 1589. If you have a strong sense of history, you'll find the ghosts of these ancient and unwelcome guests still lingering in Vigo's gray walls and steep streets. The old Ribera del Berbes fishing quarter -- at the bottom of the hill opposite the port -- dates from the 17th century reign of Philip IV and is well preserved and particularly atmospheric. Although there is plenty to see and do further afield, first-time visitors to Vigo could simply explore the old city, enjoying its world-class seafood and taking in some of the large sculptures that adorn its cobbled streets and squares. These include El Sireno(The Merman) in Puerta del Sol and Los Caballos (a monument to the horses that once roamed free in Castro Park) in Plaza de Espana. This art-loving maritime gem of a city -- with its beautiful neoclassical cathedral -- has been proclaimed a Spanish national historical monument. Give it your time, and it will reward you with wonderful memories.

4th Nov 2028 Saturday

At Sea

5th Nov 2028 Sunday

At Sea

6th Nov 2028 Monday

Belfast, Northern Ireland

08:00

18:00

There was a time when the name Belfast raised an immediate red flag to visitors, but these days, the town's highly publicised political unrest has greatly subsided. Curiosity-seekers can still find elaborate murals and other relics from turbulent times lingering in certain neighbourhoods, but for the most part, Belfast is now safer than many other European capitals, and its new image is one of both progress and hospitality. If you've been to Dublin, the differences between that city and Belfast may seem striking. Belfast, of course, is part of Northern Ireland, which itself is part of the United Kingdom; the Republic of Ireland is part of... just the Republic of Ireland. So British influence seems to have coated Belfast with a more polished veneer and a Victorian elegance that's evident in the town's shops, restaurants and even its pubs. The omnipresent Irish charm still exists, but Belfast also projects a cosmopolitan flair that's rarely seen elsewhere on the Emerald Isle. The glittering row of boutiques lining the Golden Mile, Belfast's premier shopping district, is more reminiscent of Paris or Milan, while a new wave of trendy restaurants now offers visitors haute cuisine in addition to local favourites. The city has come a long way since the days of security checkpoints and armoured patrols, and Belfast now appears poised to shed its unfortunate past and take its place among Europe's new hot spots.

7th Nov 2028 Tuesday

Liverpool

08:00