Why a Mediterranean Cruise is the Ultimate Honeymoon Experience
Don’t forget to check out our Mediterranean Cruise Page Updated 2026
For my wife and me, our Mediterranean cruise honeymoon ranks as the best itinerary we’ve ever experienced. Mediterranean cruises offer an unparalleled way to explore Europe’s most iconic destinations without the hassle of packing and moving hotels every few days. Specifically, the Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas itinerary—departing from Barcelona and stopping in Nice, Livorno/Pisa, Rome, Naples, Venice (two days!), Ravenna, and Kotor, Montenegro—checked all the boxes for us
We chose this cruise for the chance to see Italy—one of our dream destinations—while also visiting parts of France and a new country, Montenegro, that we didn’t even know existed. This mix of culture, history, and scenic beauty makes Mediterranean cruising truly magical.
Memorable Ports and Experiences
Among many memorable stops, Nice and Venice stood out the most. In Nice, we initially planned to stay onboard, but stepping into the charming village, exploring cobblestone streets, and enjoying lunch by the water made us thankful we got off. Venice, with two days to explore freely, was breathtaking. We loved the vibrant colors, iconic gondolas, and the relaxed moments sitting with fresh pizza in the piazza people-watching. Discovering a small deli with fresh local cheeses and olives, then sitting on a Venetian bridge enjoying our finds, was a prime example of the unique experiences Mediterranean cruises offer.
How to Maximize Your TIme
One of the biggest challenges with Mediterranean cruise itineraries is the fast pace, especially with so many ports and limited sea days. Our secret to enjoying each destination fully was hiring private drivers instead of bus tours. For Italy, we used Mariano from Pleasantravel.com, who expertly navigated us around Rome, Pisa, Pompeii, and the Amalfi Coast. This private service meant avoiding large groups, accessing hidden local spots, and seeing landmarks before busloads of tourists arrived.
Having flexible timing, great insider knowledge, and personalized service allowed us to see more and truly enjoy the trip. If you’re wondering whether Mediterranean cruises are worth it, this kind of tip can make all the difference.
Culinary Delights of the Mediterranean
Mediterranean cruises also deliver on cuisine. With our local driver acting as a guide, we savored authentic Italian pizza in Rome and Venice and fresh seafood by the sea. A mountainside restaurant overlooking the Amalfi Coast created an unforgettable meal experience. In Nice, France, homemade crepes, sandwiches, and pastries from quaint port-side shops delighted our taste buds and added a local flavor to the trip.
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Life Onboard the Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas
The Brilliance of the Seas, although an older ship at the time, offered a warm and personable atmosphere with about 2,500 guests. The crew was attentive and the ship’s size allowed a quieter, more intimate feel compared to larger vessels. Social events like the newlywed luncheon led us to meet lifelong friends.
We enjoyed specialized onboard experiences such as Tuscan wine tastings and pasta-making classes. However, the main dining and buffet food left us wanting, which pushed us towards specialty dining options. Also, the pools could get crowded with children during July school breaks, but this did not detract from our overall positive honeymoon cruise.
Insider Tip for Mediterranean Cruises
If you’re debating whether to take a Mediterranean or European cruise, my advice is simple: do it! And a key insider tip is to hire a private driver, like Mariano from Pleasantravel.com. He helped us with advanced landmark ticket purchases, skip-the-line access, and local hidden gems. Plus, his drivers greeted us with ice-cold water and cooling facecloths after each stop—little touches that make a big difference.
Booking private tours maximizes time, reduces stress, and gives you a more authentic experience on Europe cruises.
Sample Amalfi Coast Tour
The Highlights
- Pickup directly from Naples cruise port for a comfortable, air-conditioned private Mercedes van transfer.
- Scenic drive south with stunning views of Mount Vesuvius on the way to the archaeological marvels of Pompeii, with options to enjoy a guided tour or explore independently with an audio guide.
- Quick photo stop in Sorrento with opportunities to sample local specialties like limoncello.
- Breathtaking drive along the famous Amalfi Coastline, featuring stops at iconic towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
- Time to explore charming streets, artisan shops, and historical landmarks like St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Amalfi and the panoramic gardens of Villa Rufolo in Ravello.
- Optional authentic local lunch in a family-run restaurant to savor regional cuisine and wines, with beautiful coastal views.
- Return to the ship at Naples port with plenty of time to spare.
Why Choose Mariano
- Personalized tours tailored to your interests and schedule, allowing maximum time at your preferred sites.
- Insider access to skip-the-line tickets and local knowledge that helps avoid crowds.
- Attentive service including chilled bottled water and refreshing facecloths during stops for added comfort.
- Experienced, trustworthy driver with excellent reviews and deep knowledge of Italy’s hidden gems.
Rick Copithorne | Founder
Rick is the founder of Disconnect Vacations, leveraging 25 years of IT precision to plan seamless travel. He holds Master-level certifications with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and MSC, alongside Commodore status with Princess and Diamond level with Carnival. A graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge and Holland America (Platinum), Rick helps travelers trade “screen time for island time” with expert-led planning and insider perks
