Cruising the Adriatic and Dalmatian Coast

After weeks of hauling backpacks and navigating bus stations, the rugged travellers have traded in their hiking shoes for deck chairs — time for a little luxury at sea.


Setting Sail from Rome


About a month ago, while searching for a repositioning cruise from New Zealand back to Canada for next year, I stumbled upon this 21-day cruise through the Adriatic and beyond — including Israel and Cyprus. We hadn’t planned to spend so much time in Europe, let alone take a cruise, but the itinerary was too tempting to ignore. And at $1,399 plus tax for 21 days, it was a bargain. Meals, transport, and a bed — all for under $100 a day — seemed like the perfect break from hostel hopping.


The cruise departed from Civitavecchia, the port city near Rome. Getting there involved a train ride, a lot of confusion, and some very sweaty wandering before a sympathetic Princess Cruise bus driver rescued us (even though we were sailing Holland America). So much for coming early to check in! Once aboard, we found our cozy cabin and quickly learned that the ship was full — so, no upgrades for us.


First Impressions: Life at Sea


The first day was a sea day as we sailed south around Italy, through the narrow Straits of Messina, and then north into the Adriatic. I woke early to see a volcanic island slide by in the dark — mostly just a silhouette, but still worth the effort.


By the second morning, we had reached our first port: Dubrovnik, Croatia.


Dubrovnik, Croatia


My first time in Croatia, and what struck me most was its blend of ancient and modern history. The Old City, completely enclosed by massive stone walls, once defended against Venetians — and later, tragically, endured heavy shelling during the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s. You can still tell which houses were rebuilt after the siege by the colour of their roof tiles.


We walked the famous city walls, audio guides in hand, climbing stairs and soaking up sweeping views of the Adriatic. It’s easy to see why this place captures so many hearts — and film crews (yes, Game of Thrones fans, I’m looking at you).


Venice, Italy


Next stop: Venice. Both Nic and I had been before, so we treated this visit more like a reunion than a first date. I’d marked the GPS coordinates for St. Mark’s Square, but the maze of canals made my plan laughable — better to follow the signs.


We crossed the Rialto Bridge, admired the Basilica, and wandered the narrow streets. Day two in Venice was our self-declared “sea day.” We stayed on board, lounged by the pool, hit the gym, soaked in the hot tub, and watched a movie. Sometimes, doing nothing is the best kind of sightseeing.


Ravenna, Italy


From Venice, we cruised to Ravenna — a small Italian town that’s big on charm (and free Wi-Fi in the main square). After catching up online, we visited Dante’s tomb, which held special meaning since I’d just finished reading Dan Brown’s Inferno. It was surreal standing where the real Dante ended up after exile from Florence.


Split, Croatia


Split greeted us with markets, music, and sunshine. The waterfront promenade buzzed with activity — locals chatting, kids performing, and vendors selling everything from fruit to football jerseys. The highlight was a group of special needs kids performing a song-and-dance number in angel costumes. Their joy and pride were contagious.


Kotor, Montenegro


We ate sandwiches overlooking the valley, then explored the walled city’s back alleys and shops. On the way down, we even slipped through a literal hole in the wall to a hidden church — a perfect little adventure.


Greek Beginnings: Corfu and Katakolon


October 28 marked my first time in Greece — and, fittingly, a national holiday. Corfu was festive but crowded, with parades, marching bands, and plenty of police presence. We explored the old fort, skipped the long wait for the parade, and wandered the seaside instead.


The next day brought us to Katakolon, the gateway to Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. We joined a couple from PEI (complete with a Rick Steves guidebook — who knew he was such a celebrity?) and another couple from Florida. Together, we explored the ancient ruins where athletes once ran naked toward the gods. Apparently, cheaters had to pay for a statue of Zeus as punishment — a public reminder of their shame. Times may change, but accountability never goes out of style!


Life Onboard


By now, we’ve settled into cruise life. Dinner has become an adventure in itself — sitting with new people each night, swapping stories, and sampling dishes we can’t pronounce. The only time we ate alone was when we missed the buffet closing and got tucked behind a plant in the dining room — I swear it wasn’t intentional, but it sure felt like it.


Formal nights have been a surprise highlight. Minoo’s gifted dresses have Nic looking glamorous, while I sport my $10 tie and try to blend in with the tuxedo crowd. The food is rich, the conversations interesting, and the early meal times… well, still an adjustment.


Looking Ahead


Tomorrow, we arrive in Piraeus (Athens) — the end of the cruise for some, but just the halfway mark for us. The next leg is the one we’ve been most excited for: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Turkey, Cyprus, and more.


This cruise has been the perfect mix of discovery and downtime. After months of hostels and heavy backpacks, trading chaos for calm seas feels downright luxurious. Though if things keep up this pace, we might just need another vacation after the cruise!