First Timer: 7 Night Greek Isles Cruise from Rome with Royal Caribbean

My first cruise was on Royal Caribbean's 7 Night Greek Isle cruise, which leaves from Rome. My sister and I put our money together to buy this trip for my mom as a Christmas present.

By the time I took my first cruise, I had already:

• Lived in Cyprus for 6 months for a study abroad.
• Visited Egypt, Ireland, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Japan.
• Taken solo trips to Germany, Guatemala, Mexico and Portugal.

I never had an interest in cruises. I don't like the idea of being confined and restricted. I think part of why I was able to enjoy this cruise is because I'd visited these place before. Instead of me thinking I needed to take part in every "once in a lifetime" experience, I could say, "oh we're stopping there? I've been there, so I'm going to hang out on the ship and take naps."

About Royal Caribbean's 7 Night Greek Isle Cruise

Royal Caribbean's 7-Night Greek Isles Cruise offers an unforgettable voyage through the Mediterranean Sea, combining the luxury and entertainment of a world-class cruise ship with the timeless beauty and rich history of Greece and Italy.

Anticipate a captivating itinerary typically featuring iconic destinations such as:

• Rome, Italy
• Naples, Italy
• Sicily, Italy
• Santorini, Greece
• Ephesus, Turkey (we actually didn't have this option when we went, but it's an option now, as of 2025)
• Mykonos, Greece
• Athens, Greece

Onboard there's plenty to do while at sea, several dining options, and entertainment designed to cater to all ages, ensuring an incredibly immersive and relaxing escape to remember.

Getting There: WAS to FCO

Since we're based in Washington, DC, we booked airfare tickets to Rome (FCO) in order to catch the cruise. I arrived a few days before the cruise departure so that I could visit Pompeii, as I was unable to do this during my previous visit to Rome.

Tips for finding cheap flights:

• Start monitoring flights 3-5 months in advance. Any sooner than that, and you may not receive accurate pricing.
• If you can, consider flights during the midweek instead of Friday - Monday.
• When monitoring prices, pay attention to the days and times when flights are lowest during the week. For instance, I often pulled the trigger on Tuesday or Wednesday nights.
• Consider open-jaw flights. Living near DC allowed me to be equidistant from all 3 airports, so as long as I didn't park my car, I could benefit from flying out of Reagan and back to BWI.
• Consider stopovers.
• Use the ITA Matrix to find cheap flights. You'll be given the codes needed to call into the airline to book your flight.

Where to Stay in Rome

Shared Airbnbs are my favorite type of accommodation because it allows you the opportunity to stay with locals and get advice about the area. A shared accommodation usually means you're renting a room inside someone's home. My host, Massimo, provided me with a list of restaurants around the area and also booked me on a tour for Pompeii. No one else in my family wanted to do the tour, but luckily for me, I'm an avid solo traveler.

More on Pompeii in another article. Let's get to the cruise.

Boarding the Cruise Ship

Boarding the cruise ship was pretty much hassle free, as Royal Caribbean provides you the information of when and where (which terminal) to arrive.

Ensure you have the following on-hand:

• Boarding pass
• Passport
• Read more about the important travel documents you'll need at: royalcaribbean.com/plan-a-cruise/travel-documents

Once checked in and onto the ship, the ship's crew, along with handy signage, will help direct you to your cabin.

Hanging Out on the Ship

Listen, if you know me, you know I'm not a party or super social person. My favorite things to do on the cruise were to go to the dining hall, hang out at one of the pools (briefly), sit on my balcony, and nap. If you're someone like me, then trust and believe I had the GRANDEST time doing this.

Otherwise, here are some additional tips:

For the kids

Enjoy family friendly activities that the kids will enjoy, such as

• Poolside cinema
• Rock climbing
• Mini golf
• Laser tag
• Teen spaces
• And lots more. I don't think it would be possible for the kids to get bored.

For the athletes

Some of my family members made sure to hit up the gym every day of the cruise to make sure they stayed fit. The dining hall is delicious and all the sinful eats are easily accessible.

Enjoy the spa and fitness center on the ship, as well as:

• Fitness classes - such as yoga, pilates, and spinning
• Dance classes - salsa, hiphop, swing, or ballrom
• Sports Courts - such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball
• Rock climbing - good for beginners to speed climbers

For the social butterflies

For my social butterflies looking to mingle or looking for me things to do with your group, here are some of the ship activities that may suit you.

Bars and Lounges

• Schooner Bar
• Pig & Whistle Pub
• Viking Crown Lounge
• Star Lounge
• Poolside Bar

Moar social activities

• Game Shows - a good way to get involved or just have a laugh watching others.
• Silent Party (SHUSH!) - grab a set of headphones and choose your favorite music to dance to
• Pool Parties - classic top-deck fun, usually with a DJ spinning tunes.
• Live Bands & Pub Performances - scattered throughout the ship, these are great for just enjoying music and chatting with fellow cruisers.
• Theme Nights - a chance to dress up and get into the spirit of things, definitely a social magnet.
• Outdoor Movie Nights: Watching a film under the stars can be a chill, communal experience.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are an exciting highlight of any cruise, offering the chance to dive into the culture, history, and natural beauty of each port of call.

To make the most of these adventures, it's crucial to plan ahead: research destinations thoroughly to find activities that align with your interests and fitness level, whether it's exploring ancient ruins or relaxing on a secluded beach.

When booking, consider both ship-sponsored tours for convenience and guaranteed return to the ship, and independent operators, who may offer more unique or cost-effective experiences, but require careful vetting to ensure their reliability and safety.

Of course, if you're a penny-pincher, look for local tours and "free" city walking tours.

Always prioritize safety by being aware of local customs, securing your valuables, and carrying essential information like your ship's contact number and a copy of your passport. Make sure you know the emergency numbers for medical, fire, and police.

Naples, Italy

If you decide to venture out, Naples has a great list of options for excursions, hitting all the high notes without forcing you into anything.

For the history nerds, you can head to Pompeii's ruins, with some tours including visits to the dreamy coastal towns of Positano and Sorrento, or the chic island of Capri. It's classic Mediterranean magic, whether you're seeing it for the first time or just enjoying the familiar beauty.

If you're looking for some culinary activities, you can get your hands dirty with a pasta-making class in Sorrento or hit up a street food tour in Naples itself.

If you're looking to remain more laid back, take a leisurely tour of Sorrento, perfect for some light shopping and people-watching. Or, if you prefer wheels to walking, there's a comfy city sights tour of Naples that lets you see the highlights via a drive through the city.

Sicily, Italy

From Royal Caribbean:
‍Go from the Cathedral to the Piazza Cairoli for shopping or to relax at a local cafe with a gelato and espresso.

If you're into history and culture, consider checking out Palermo's layered past with walking tours hitting up its amazing cathedrals and historic markets, or head to Monreale for those glittering mosaics. There are also tours that whisk you away to Erice, a medieval mountaintop village that’s seriously picturesque, often with a sweet treat tasting thrown in.

For the active explorers, you can journey to the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, and actually walk along its craters. If seaside charm is more your speed, tours to Taormina offer stunning views, ancient theaters, and stylish streets perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can even combine Taormina with a boat trip in Naxos Bay for some aquatic fun.

And if you're a foodie like me, you can definitely get a taste of Sicily! Think wine tastings at local estates, sampling authentic cannoli, or indulging in a street food tour in Palermo.

Of course, if you're just looking to kick back, there are gentler options too, like panoramic city tours of Palermo or chilling out at Mondello beach with its white sands and turquoise waters. So, whether you're ready for an epic adventure or just want to enjoy the Sicilian sun with minimal effort, you've got choices.

Santorini, Greece

Ah Santorini – that iconic island with the white buildings and blue domes. As someone who appreciates a good view but also values a relaxed pace, you'll find Royal Caribbean's excursions here offer both. Whether you're all about those postcard-perfect moments or just want to soak it all in without the fuss, they've got options.

For the nature enthusists, you can hop on a cable car for those sweeping caldera views, or cruise over to the volcanic islets to check out the hot springs and even climb to the top of the volcano itself – definitely a unique experience, even if you're just doing it for the "been there, done that" cred.

Many tours combine these with a visit to the charming cliffside village of Oia, famous for its stunning sunsets. You can also explore Fira, the bustling capital, or the traditional village of Megalochori, known for its wine and quaint architecture.

For the wine connoisseur, there are wine-tasting tours across the island, where you can sample Santorini's unique volcanic wines – definitely my kind of activity. We did a wine-tasting tour that included the wineries of Gaia and Vassaltis.

You can also explore the ancient archaeological site of Akrotiri, often called the "Minoan Pompeii," for a fascinating dive into history.

And if you're just looking to keep things easy, many tours involve scenic drives that let you take in the island's beauty without too much effort. So whether you're chasing that perfect photo op or just want to enjoy the famous Greek island vibe, Santorini makes it pretty easy to find your happy place.

Ephesus, Turkey

When your ship pulls into Kuşadası, you're looking at your entry point to Ephesus. Ephesus wasn't part of the itinerary when I went, so here's a summary without my personal experience to add. If you're like me and appreciate a good historical site but also know when it's time to just take it easy, Royal Caribbean's got some decent options here.

For the history nuts, walk through the ruins of Ephesus and check out the Library of Celsus and the huge Great Theatre. Even if you've seen a few old ruins, Ephesus is worth checking out.

Lots of tours also swing by the House of the Virgin Mary, which is a pretty significant spot, and sometimes the Basilica of St. John, too. So, if you're into that kind of history, you're set.

For the shopaholics and culture-philes, you'll find leather shops (classic cruise port move!) or get to see how they make those intricate Turkish carpets. Some tours even head out to Şirince, a super cute village known for its homemade fruit wines – now that sounds like my kind of post-ruins activity.

So, whether you're ready to dive deep into ancient history, grab a unique souvenir, or just want to get off the ship for a bit and try some local wine, Kuşadası has enough going on to make it worth your while.

Mykonos, Greece

When your ship pulls into Mykonos, you've got options whether you're chasing those iconic caldera views or just want to kick back.

Naturally, a big draw is the scenery, and you can take it all in with walking tours of Mykonos Town, checking out those famous whitewashed houses and windmills.

If you're up for a bit more history, you can head over to the nearby island of Delos, which is packed with ancient ruins. Delos is actually where I spent my shore excursion.

For those who appreciate a good drink, there are farmhouse wine tastings where you can try Mykonos' unique wines. And if a beach day is more your speed, you can just grab a transfer to a spot like Elia Beach and soak up some sun.

So, whether you're looking for that perfect photo op, a dose of ancient history, or just a chill day by the water, Mykonos makes it pretty easy to find your vibe.

Athens, Greece

I'd already been to Athens by the time we did this cruise. I'll humor you with an old photo from my study abroad. :-D

The big deal is the Acropolis and the Parthenon. You can grab an Attraction Pass or do a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour for a flexible visit. Or, take a guided tour hitting the Acropolis and other major spots like the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Even if you've seen a lot of ruins, these are truly iconic.

Beyond the ancient stuff, you can dive into modern Athens. Explore the charming Plaka neighborhood for souvenirs or just the vibe. There are also tours that let you experience the city's food and traditions – definitely my kind of cultural immersion.

For awesome views, head up Mount Lycabettus by funicular for panoramic city shots. And if you want a mix, some tours combine the Acropolis with a scenic drive to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.

As for me, I decided to hit up Brettos, Athens' oldest bar and distillery.

Conclusion

This cruise allowed me to not only tick off a few destinations, but to also rediscover familiar places with fresh eyes and the unexpected joys of ship life.

From the careful planning of flights and accommodations to the freedom of choosing between adventurous excursions and blissful naps on the balcony, every aspect contributed to a truly personalized and unforgettable vacation.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time cruiser, this Greek Isles adventure proves that sometimes, the best way to see the world is to let the world come to you, one luxurious, sun-drenched port at a time.

So, are you ready to set sail on your own Greek Isles escape?