In 2025, we chose a seven-day Mediterranean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas because the itinerary looked like the best fit for what we wanted most: time to relax while still experiencing several unforgettable places.
Our journey began in Rome, Italy, before taking us to Santorini, Greece; Ephesus, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; and Naples, Italy. This overview brings the trip together, with links to our destination stories for a closer look at the excursions, memorable moments, and lessons from each stop.
Our Seven-Day Route
| Stop | Country | What We Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| Rome | Italy | Arrival, our hotel, Vatican City, and getting to the port |
| Santorini | Greece | Island scenery, our excursion, and expectations |
| Ephesus | Turkey | Ancient history and the excursion experience |
| Mykonos | Greece | The island, atmosphere, and what stood out |
| Naples / Herculaneum | Italy | Ancient ruins, preserved artwork, and cameo craft |
Arriving in Rome
We arrived in Rome before the cruise and stayed at the Aurelius Art Gallery Rome Hotel. The artwork and beautiful classical statues gave the hotel a personality of its own and made it feel like our trip had started before we ever reached the ship.
From the hotel, we explored the streets around Vatican City, wandering through the shops, trying the food, and taking in the busier downtown areas. We were not trying to rush through a checklist. Rome was the beginning of the relaxing pace we had chosen this itinerary for.
Taking a Taxi to the Port
When it was time to leave Rome, we took a taxi to the cruise port. Getting onto the ship has never been much of an issue for us, and this embarkation was smooth as well. Most of the people helping travelers spoke English, so it was easy to understand where we needed to go.
The Funny Mistake We Learned From
The return trip taught us not to rely completely on English. Some signs and instructions were not in English, and knowing a few basic Italian words would have made the airport and transportation parts of the trip easier.
We also learned that some taxi drivers want cash. Carry the correct local currency and keep a little extra set aside for transportation. That small backup can make the difference when you are trying to get to the airport and make it home.
Our Rome travel reminders
- Learn a few basic Italian travel phrases before leaving home.
- Do not assume every sign or instruction will also appear in English.
- Carry euros because some taxi drivers may want cash.
- Confirm how you can pay before the taxi ride begins.
- Keep a little extra money reserved for the trip back to the airport.
Boarding Odyssey of the Seas
With Rome behind us, it was time to settle into Odyssey of the Seas and begin the seven-day cruise.
What Each Stop Was Like
Our destination stories cover Santorini, Ephesus, Mykonos, and Naples one stop at a time—from scenery and excursions to the surprises and practical lessons we brought home.
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