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Cruise Port: Civitavecchia

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Gateway to the Eternal City: Exploring Civitavecchia Cruise Port

For many Mediterranean itineraries, the port of Civitavecchia is more than just another stop—it’s the grand entrance to one of the most iconic destinations in the world: Rome. Located about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Rome, this bustling port blends rich history, seaside charm, and modern cruise convenience, making it a memorable starting point (or highlight) of any voyage.

First Impressions: A Working Port with History

Civitavecchia is one of Italy’s cruise hubs, welcoming ships from major lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises. While it is primarily an industrial port, don’t let that fool you—there’s a deep history here waiting to be uncovered.

The port was originally developed under the Roman Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century, and remnants of that ancient past still shape the harbor today. As your ship docks, you’ll notice the impressive Forte Michelangelo, a Renaissance fortress partially attributed to Michelangelo. It’s a striking welcome and a reminder of the layers of history beneath your feet.

Getting to Rome: What You Need to Know

Most travelers pass through Civitavecchia en route to Rome—and for good reason. The Eternal City is packed with bucket-list sights like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain.

There are several ways to get there:

Train: The most popular and budget-friendly option. A shuttle from the port brings you to the station, and trains run frequently to Rome (about 60–90 minutes).

Private Transfer or Cruise Excursion: Ideal if you want an stress-free, guided experience.

Taxi: Convenient but more expensive—best for small groups.

Travel Tip: Always allow extra time when returning to the ship—Rome’s traffic is unpredictable, and cruise ships won’t wait.

Staying Local: Discovering Civitavecchia

If you’ve already visited Rome or prefer a slower pace, Civitavecchia itself offers a charming alternative. On our last cruise, we opted to skip Rome and stay in Civitavecchia for 2 nights before our cruise.

We stayed at Hotel de la Ville and walked all over town. We even walked to the ship, although I don’t recommend that in the summer heat!

Seaside Promenade: Take a stroll along the waterfront for beautiful Mediterranean views.

Local Markets & Cafés: Enjoy authentic Italian espresso, fresh seafood, and gelato without the crowds of Rome.

An afternoon Spritz

Terme Taurine: Just outside town, these ancient Roman baths offer a glimpse into the region’s past and a relaxing escape.

The town has a laid-back, authentic feel—perfect for travelers looking to soak in local culture rather than rush through major landmarks.

A Strategic Embarkation Port

Civitavecchia is also a major embarkation and disembarkation point for Mediterranean cruises. If your journey begins here, consider arriving a day or two early to explore Rome more fully. Flying into Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport makes transfers relatively easy, with options ranging from trains to private drivers.

Final Thoughts

Civitavecchia may not have the instant glamour of Rome, but it plays an essential role in the Mediterranean cruise experience. Whether you’re stepping ashore eager to explore ancient ruins or choosing to linger by the sea, this port offers both a gateway to history and a destination in its own right.

I can highly recommend the restaurant Sora Maria for a wonderful meal al fresco.

For travelers, it’s a reminder that sometimes the journey begins before you even reach the main attraction—and in Civitavecchia, that beginning is steeped in history, culture, and coastal Italian charm.

cruise, Memory Keeping

A Perfect Port Day in Messina: Cruising to Taormina’s Cliffside Magic

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There’s something cinematic about sailing into Messina. As your ship glides through the sparkling Strait of Messina, mainland Italy shimmers in the distance and Sicily unfolds in layers of pastel buildings, church domes, and mountainous backdrops.

Messina is a charming Sicilian city that offers a warm, authentic welcome — and serves as the perfect launch point for one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Mediterranean: Taormina.

If time take a few moments to soak in the atmosphere around Piazza Duomo. The impressive Messina Cathedral stands proudly here, famous for its astronomical clock — one of the largest and most intricate in the world. If your timing aligns at noon, you’ll witness a mechanical performance that feels delightfully old-world.

But today? We’re headed up the coast.

🌄 Shore Excursion Spotlight: Taormina

The Drive Along the Ionian Coast

The journey from Messina to Taormina takes about an hour, and it’s anything but ordinary. The road hugs the Ionian coastline, revealing turquoise waters, citrus groves, and dramatic cliffs at every turn. On clear days, you may even glimpse the mighty Mount Etna rising in the distance — Europe’s tallest active volcano.

This scenic drive sets the tone: Sicily doesn’t do ordinary.

A Town Suspended Between Sky and Sea

Perched high above the sea, Taormina feels like a postcard brought to life. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past boutiques, cafés, and flower-draped balconies. The heart of town, Corso Umberto, buzzes with energy yet retains that relaxed Sicilian rhythm.

The crown jewel? The breathtaking Ancient Theatre of Taormina. This remarkably preserved Greek theatre overlooks the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as its backdrop. Stand here for a moment — it’s one of those travel experiences that makes time feel suspended.

You can almost hear the echoes of ancient performances drifting across centuries.

🎭 MUST-DO: The Greek Theatre of Taormina

If you do only one thing in Taormina, make it a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Antico di Taormina).

Built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and later expanded by the Romans, this open-air theatre is dramatically carved into the hillside. But what truly makes it unforgettable isn’t just its history — it’s the setting.

From the stone tiers, you’ll see:

The glittering Ionian Sea The coastline stretching endlessly below The majestic silhouette of Mount Etna

It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful ancient theatres in the world — and once you stand there, you’ll understand why.

What to Do in Taormina

✨ Wander & Shop

Hand-painted ceramics, Sicilian lemon products, local wines, and artisan jewelry make for meaningful souvenirs.

🍋 Savor Sicilian Flavors

Order a granita with brioche (a local breakfast favorite), fresh seafood pasta, or arancini. Pair it with crisp Sicilian white wine and call it a perfect Mediterranean afternoon.

🌊 Take in the Views

Even if you do nothing but sit at a café terrace overlooking the sea, you’ve done Taormina right.

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🚢 Why This Is a Must-Do Cruise Excursion

For cruise travelers, Taormina delivers:

Dramatic scenery

Rich history

Walkable charm

Incredible food

Bucket-list photo opportunities

It’s an ideal balance of structured touring and free time — especially for guests who want culture without an overly strenuous day.

Returning to Messina

Sailing away that evening, watching Sicily fade into the horizon, you may find yourself already planning a return.

Because Taormina?

It’s not just a shore excursion.

It’s a memory that lingers. 🌅

cruise, Memory Keeping

Santorini: Sun, Sea & Cliffside Magic

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Few cruise ports make jaws drop before you even step ashore — but Santorini absolutely does.

As your ship glides into the caldera, you’ll see whitewashed villages perched impossibly high above the sea, carved into volcanic cliffs. It’s dramatic. It’s dazzling. And in summer, it’s pure Mediterranean magic.

Here’s what to expect during a summer cruise stop in Santorini.

🚢 Arriving in the Caldera

Unlike many ports, large cruise ships anchor offshore rather than dock. Passengers tender to the Old Port below Fira.

From there, you have three options to reach the top of the cliffs:

🚠 Cable car (the fastest and most popular)

🥾 Walk the steep cobblestone steps

🫏 Donkey ride (a long-standing tradition, but not recommended.)

Or, schedule a Shore Excursion to bypass these options.

In summer, temperatures often climb above 30°C (mid–high 80s°F), so most visitors opt for the cable car — especially later in the day.

The views on the ride up? Absolutely unforgettable.

☀️ Summer in Santorini: What Makes It Special

Santorini is the result of a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The collapsed crater formed the crescent-shaped island and the dramatic cliffs you see today.

In summer, the island is alive with:

Brilliant blue skies Bougainvillea spilling over white walls Cliffside cafés overlooking the Aegean Bustling narrow streets filled with energy

Yes, it’s busy in peak season (June–August). But the atmosphere feels celebratory — like everyone knows they’re somewhere special.

📍 Top Things to Do on a Cruise Stop

Explore Fira

Fira is the island’s main town and where most cruise visitors arrive. Wander the narrow lanes filled with boutiques, jewelry shops, cafés, and viewpoints overlooking the caldera.

It’s easy to spend a few relaxed hours here soaking in the scenery.

Visit Oia

If you’ve seen a postcard of Santorini, it was probably taken in Oia.

Located on the northern tip of the island, Oia is famous for:

Iconic blue-domed churches Whitewashed cave houses Some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world

Many cruise excursions include transportation to Oia, making it an easy way to see the island’s most photographed village.

Sail the Caldera

For something more active, consider a catamaran or boat excursion around the caldera. Many tours include:

Swimming stops Visits to the hot springs Views of Red Beach and volcanic cliffs A light meal onboard

Seeing Santorini from the water offers a completely different perspective — and some of the best photo opportunities.

Taste the Local Wines

Santorini’s volcanic soil produces distinctive wines, especially the crisp Assyrtiko varietal. A winery visit offers sweeping vineyard views and a cool escape from the summer heat.

It’s a relaxed and flavorful way to experience the island beyond the postcard scenes.

🌊 Beaches with a Twist

Santorini’s beaches aren’t the typical soft white sand. Thanks to its volcanic history, you’ll find:

Black sand beaches Red-hued cliffs at Red Beach Dramatic lava formations

They’re striking and unique — perfect for a quick swim if time allows

✨ Final Thoughts

A summer cruise stop in Santorini is not just another port day. It’s a sensory experience:

The scent of sea air.

The warmth of the sun on white stone.

The sound of church bells drifting across the caldera.

Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s busy. But there’s a reason Santorini remains one of the most sought-after stops on Mediterranean itineraries.

When your ship pulls away and the cliffs slowly fade into the horizon, you’ll understand why so many travelers call it the highlight of their cruise.

cruise, Memory Keeping

A Perfect Summer Port Day in Malta

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There are port stops… and then there’s Malta.

As your ship slowly glides into the Grand Harbour, golden limestone walls rise straight from the sea. Church domes glow in the morning sun. Fortifications built centuries ago stand proudly above the harbor. It’s the kind of arrival that makes everyone rush to their balcony with coffee in hand.

Summer in Malta is vibrant, warm, and beautifully Mediterranean — the perfect blend of culture, coastline, and laid-back island energy.

Docking in Valletta: History at Your Feet

Most cruise ships dock just below Valletta, meaning you step off the ship and straight into a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Founded in the 1500s by the Knights of St. John, Valletta is compact and walkable. Within minutes, you’re wandering narrow streets lined with colorful wooden balconies and honey-colored buildings.

Don’t miss:

St. John’s Co-Cathedral – A surprisingly ornate Baroque masterpiece hiding behind a simple exterior. Inside, marble tombs and Caravaggio’s famous painting steal the show.

Upper Barrakka Gardens – Panoramic views of the harbor (and possibly your ship!) framed by archways and sea breeze.

A stop at a shaded café for a chilled Cisk beer or fresh lemonade. Or lunch Al fresco!

Shore Excursions That Sell Themselves

🏰 Walk Through Knights & Cathedrals

History lovers will be captivated by St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece and jaw-dropping Baroque interiors. Pair this with Upper Barrakka Gardens for iconic Grand Harbour views — an easy, high-impact half-day excursion.

🌊 Swim the Blue Lagoon

For those craving that “Mediterranean postcard moment,” a boat trip to Blue Lagoon is pure summer bliss. Turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and floating leisure time.

🏛 Step Back in Time in Mdina

Nicknamed the Silent City, Mdina offers cobblestone charm and panoramic island views. It’s romantic, cinematic, and ideal for those who prefer culture over beach time.

Why Malta Feels So Special

Malta isn’t flashy in the way some Mediterranean ports are. It doesn’t overwhelm. Instead, it layers history, beauty, and relaxed island life into one perfectly balanced day.

You can:

Walk through 450 years of history Swim in impossibly blue water Eat lunch overlooking a harbor older than most countries Be back on your ship by sunset

And as your cruise ship sails away, the limestone walls glowing gold in the fading light, Malta has a way of lingering in your memory.

It’s not just a port stop.

It’s a Mediterranean moment. 🇲🇹✨

cruise, Memory Keeping

Mykonos: Sun, Sea & Whitewashed Dreams

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There are some cruise ports you visit… and then there are the ones you feel.

Stepping off the ship in Mykonos feels like walking straight into a postcard — whitewashed buildings, cobalt blue doors, bougainvillea spilling over balconies, and the Aegean Sea glittering in every direction. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for that unmistakable Greek-island magic, a cruise stop in Mykonos is pure Mediterranean bliss.

Arriving in Mykonos

Most cruise ships anchor offshore and tender guests into Mykonos Town (also called Chora), though some smaller ships may dock at the New Port. Either way, the views as you approach are unforgettable — sugar-cube houses stacked against the hillside and the iconic windmills turning above the sea. If docked, a SeaBus ferry will take you across to the Old Port and town.

Within minutes of stepping off the tender, you’re immersed in narrow pedestrian lanes designed centuries ago to confuse pirates (and now, occasionally, cruise passengers without Google Maps 😉). This is the beauty of it. Allow yourself to get lost.

Strolling Through Mykonos Town (Chora)

The best way to experience Mykonos? Wander without a strict plan.

A cruise stop in Mykonos is wonderfully walkable. From the tender dock, you can easily explore:

The historic Kato Mili windmills The romantic waterfront district of Little Venice The maze-like streets of Mykonos Town filled with local shops and photo-worthy corners

No long transfers required — which makes this an ideal port for travelers who want a relaxed yet rewarding day.

Flexible Experiences for Every Travel Style

One of the reasons I love recommending Mykonos is its versatility:

✨ Beach lovers can spend the afternoon at Platis Gialos or Paradise Beach.

✨ History enthusiasts can book an excursion to nearby Delos, one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites.

✨ Foodies can enjoy fresh seafood and authentic Greek dishes just steps from the harbor.

✨ Luxury travelers can indulge in upscale beach clubs and boutique shopping.

Whether you prefer independent exploring or a guided shore excursion, I can help match the right experience to your travel style.

Why It’s Better to Plan Ahead

Mykonos is incredibly popular — especially during peak cruise season. Planning your excursions, beach transfers, or private tours in advance ensures you make the most of your time in port.

I can help you:

*Secure pre-booked shore excursions.

*Advise on tender timing and port logistics.

*Suggest dining and beach options that fit your vibe.

*Help coordinate pre- or post-cruise hotel stays in Greece.

Because a Mediterranean cruise shouldn’t feel overwhelming — it should feel effortless.

Ready to Sail the Greek Isles?

If Mykonos is calling your name (and it usually does 😉), let’s find the perfect itinerary for you. Greek Isles cruises typically run May through October and pair beautifully with stops in Santorini, Athens, and other iconic ports.

I’ll handle the details — you just bring your sunscreen and sense of adventure.

📩 Message me to start planning your Mediterranean cruise.

Sun-drenched villages, seaside sunsets, and unforgettable island moments are waiting.

Disney Cruise Line

Food on Disney Cruise Line

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One of the best aspects of a cruise is the food. Disney Cruise Line is a notch above the rest when it comes to food and they know how to make a dining experience special and employee the BEST servers that will help take that dining experience to the next level.

Let’s go through the options for filling your belly on a Disney Cruise.

Main Dining Rooms

There are three main dining rooms on the Disney ships, they vary by ship, but each one has 3 main dining rooms with 2 seatings. Usually, the times are 5:45pm and then 8:15pm. Each ship has Animator’s Palette, although they are a bit different on each ship. The other restaurants vary by ship, but each will have two other themed dining rooms.

Disney operates a Rotational Dining experience onboard all Disney ships. Each night of your cruise, you and your personal wait staff will “rotate” to one of the 3 distinctly themed restaurants onboard the ship, ensuring you enjoy a delicious meal catered to your liking in a unique setting nightly. And since your servers travel with you each night, they get to know you quickly and will take fabulous care of you. This is definitely a #DisneyDifference. Servers know just how to make you feel special and entertain the adults and the kids.

There are 2 dinner seatings each night of your cruise. Although specific times vary based on itinerary, dinner is served at approximately 5:45 PM (Main Seating) and 8:15 PM (Second Seating). Once onboard the ship, check the dining tickets that can be found in your stateroom for assigned seating time, restaurant schedule and table number.

One of the main dining rooms is usually open for breakfast and lunch if you don’t want to buffet or poolside options. This is open seating so you can sit anywhere and come in anytime during the opening hours.

ProTip: Order as many entrees or appetizers as you want. Can’t decide or don’t think one portion will be enough, go ahead and order two.

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My son had 3 entrees nightly. The first night he finished his dish and wanted more so from then on, our servers would bring out a second and 3rd dish without us asking once he was close to finishing the first.  He would pick something from the menu and then our server would bring him the basic chicken or steak and salmon dishes off the “offered every night” menu. 

Buffet and Pool Deck

Cabanas is Disney’s buffet restaurant located on the pool deck. Breakfast and Lunch are buffets and offer an incredible selection. Cabanas is also open for dinner, but the interesting thing is it has table service at dinner, it’s not a buffet.

The pool deck also offers fast food options, there is a pizza window and burgers, chicken fingers, etc…window that are open most of the day and late into the night.

Disney Cruise Line Blog

Specialty Restaurants

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Palo is one of Disney’s specialty restaurants available on each ship and is adult-exclusive. Palo is Northern Italian themed and is available at an upcharge, currently $40 per person for brunch or dinner. This does need to be booked in advance and is popular and can be difficult to get into. See more about Palo here.

Remy is another adult-exclusive French gourmet dining experience aboard the Disney Dream and Fantasy. Brunch and Dinner are available to be booked in advance, again, it is popular and reservations can be hard to come by. Why yes, that is gold leaf on the chocolate dessert!

 

Eye Scream Treats is the ice cream shop available on all the ships on the pool deck. Self-serve soft serve is available here. 

Room Service

Another #DisneyDifference is room service is available at no additional charge on all Disney Cruise Line ships. While room service is free, be sure to tip your servers.

ProTip: Mickey Bars are available at no charge from the main dining rooms and room service. All the Mickey Bars you can eat! 

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You certainly won’t go hungry on a Disney Cruise. Let’s get you on one soon!

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Disney Cruise Line

Vanellopes Sweets and Treats

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Everyone’s favorite little spitfire from Wreck-It Ralph has her own Sweet Shoppe on the Disney Dream and Fantasy.

This is such a fun spot, colorful with scenes and characters from the movie everywhere.

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Vanellopes’s treats are not included in your cruise price like the soft ice cream right outside. But it’s well worth it for a special treat. Here you will find bulk candy, pastries and of course ice cream, frozen yogurt and best of all, gelato!

Vanellope's Sweets and Treast Menu

The gelato selections will vary. Below is a sampling of what may be available.

  • Red Velvet ’N’ Cookies Gelato
  • Amarena – Cherry Gelato
  • Oreo Cookie ’N’ Cream Gelato
  • Key Lime Pie Gelato
  • Blueberry – Lemon Zest Gelato
  • Tiramisu Gelato
  • Candy Explosion Gelato
  • Strawberry Gelato
  • Cupcake Gelato
  • Cappuccino Gelato
  • Pistachio Variegate Gelato
  • Hazelnut Gelato
  • Mascarpone Cheese and Raspberry Gelato
  • Cherry Chocolate Chip Gelato
  • Mango Swirl Cheesecake Gelato
  • Pina Colada Gelato
  • Candy Cane Gelato
  • Pumpkin Gelato
  • White Chocolate and Roasted Almond Gelato
  • Mixed Berries Gelato

The ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt selections will vary. Below is a sampling of what may be available.

  • Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
  • French Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
  • King Candy Ice Cream
  • Salted Carmel Ice Cream
  • Peaches ’N’ Cream Ice Cream
  • Belgian Chocolate Ice Cream
  • No Sugar Added Vanilla Chocolate Ice Cream
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Chunk Ice Cream
  • Midnight Cookies ’N’ Cream Ice Cream
  • Dulce De Leche Ice Cream
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Chunk Ice Cream
  • Cookie Dough Dynamo Ice Cream
  • Mango Citrus Sorbet
  • Raspberry Sorbet
  • Black Cherry Frozen Yogurt

Bulk Candy Selections

  • Crazy Bananas Candy
  • Hot Tamales
  • M&Ms
  • Milk Chocolate Raisins
  • Mini Jawbreakers
  • Reese’s Pieces
  • Jelly Belly Jelly Beans (49 Assorted Flavor Mix)
  • Cry Baby Tears
  • Licorice Pastels
  • Sour Balls (Assorted)
  • Mike and Ike
  • Dark Chocolate Almonds
  • Tootsie Roll
  • Warheads Extreme Sour Candy
  • Gummy Sea Critters
  • Sour Patch Kids
  • Caramel Creams
  • Zotz
  • Mini Dark Chocolate Rainbow Nonpareils
  • Chocolate Double Dipped Peanuts
  • Skittles
  • Salt Water Taffy (Assorted Flavors)
  • Atomic Fireballs
  • Lemon Heads

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The best thing about Vanellopes is you can order a special treat and have it sent to your dining location at dessert time. We tested this out on our recent cruise for my ice cream loving son’s birthday. That afternoon, I went to Vanellopes and ordered a race car sundae choosing the gelato and toppings. They fill out a form and then give you a small card with instructions to hand this card to your server when you sit down for dinner. Your server will then take care of calling up and having them make the treat and deliver it to them and they will bring it out. Worked like a charm!

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Vanellopes is well worth the extra splurge!

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Dream with Teens

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There are a lot of cruise lines to choose from, but Disney offers the best experience for tweens and teens and that might be surprising to some. And let’s face it, parents generally make the decisions on where the family vacation is going to be and teens don’t necessarily get a big say. My kids were excited to go on their first cruise but less than thrilled it was Disney. They love Disney World but thought there would just be too many kids and it would be all about characters. They ended up having a great time and didn’t meet any characters and didn’t stand in any lines, except the AquaDuck once or twice. Sure, there were a lot of kids, but with their own spaces, they hardly had to see them.

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We sailed on the Disney Dream 4 night Bahamas cruise in April 2019. The boys were 13 and 15, turned 16 on our sea day.

Here are 3 reasons I think the #DisneyDifference makes all the difference in a teen’s experience on vacation. 

Exclusive spaces beyond compare…

Disney Cruise Line offers the best teen lounges/clubs on the high seas. Tweens have Edge, which on the Dream is located in the funnel! And teens have Vibe. On the Dream and Fantasy, Vibe has its own sun deck on the front of the ship with its own pool away from all the little ones. Vibe offers games and activities run by counselors and video games and a smoothie bar. Check out my Vibe post and video here. Be sure to visit the teen clubs on the first day to register the kids and check it out. The Navigator App will list the continuous stream of activities available through Vibe. They play “get to know you” games and Heroes vs Villains and do scavenger hunts.

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Freedom…

Parents will feel so comfortable on a Disney Cruise with the incredible service and cast members. It allows them the ability to give teens the freedom to make their own choices on what they want to do and where they want to spend their time. Use the Navigator app to keep in touch with your teens while allowing them some freedom. Set guidelines for meeting up, for dinner for example and a curfew, but then let them fill the space in between. There are sports simulators, basketball court, miniature golf, movie theatre, self serve soft ice cream… Our teens basically did their own thing all day long. They had each other and didn’t really make friends, but they went off to Vibe or up to the sports deck, back to the room. A stop a Cabanas for some food. We barely saw them the entire cruise.

Bonus: This gives you lots of time to use the adult-only areas and do your own thing. 

Unlimited food choices…

If your teens are anything like mine, a lot of time is spent standing in front of the open fridge saying there is nothing to eat. Not a problem on a Disney Cruise. Between the buffet, Cabanas and quick service location on the pool deck, in addition to the main dining room and free room service…teens will never run out of food options.

Don’t underestimate their own comfort level with dining alone either, my tween went up to the buffet on his own for his second or third lunch almost daily, he’s an athlete and eats a lot. And when we scheduled an adult-only dinner at Palo, I offered room service or grab a bite on the pool deck and the boys, a tween and teen, both wanted to go to the main dining room we were scheduled for that night, on their own. They loved our server and wanted to see him. We met them there towards the end of their meal and were greeted by our table neighbors saying what well-behaved and mature children we have. They were well taken care of by our servers, my little athlete had 3 cleaned plates in front of him, a regular occurrence, he ordered 3 meals every night.

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We opted for late seating as there are less little kids at late and early was just too early. It worked out well for us and the kids that were in the dining rooms ate and were whisked away to the kids club quickly so we barely noticed them.

With all the food choices, amazing teen spaces and the comfort at allowing them some freedom, the #DisneyDifference shines bright on cruises with teenagers!

 

 

Florida

Residence Inn Daytona Beach Shores

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I searched long and hard for a place to stay for a few days before our Disney cruise. We were planning on spending 2 full days, 3 nights in Florida before the cruise and decided against Disney or Universal. Our kids had not been to the ocean since they were little when we went to Cape Cod so we decided on a few days at the ocean. In the end, I settled on the Residence Inn Daytona Beach Shores. This could not have been a better choice.

We had a little trouble arriving due to storms and came in a day later than planned losing a full day, but it wasn’t a great weather day so we didn’t miss too much. When we finally arrived, a full 24 later everything was ready for us and we even managed a meal and a little walk on the beach in the dark. The hotel had a restaurant and a bar and the bar opened to the pool outside for drinks during the day. The pool and hot tub overlooked the ocean.

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Sunday was now our only full day to spend there and we rented chairs and an umbrella right from a truck set up on the beach nearby and enjoyed a day at the ocean. The weather was great. We also had a little friendly competition at Pirates Cove Mini Golf. Always fun, even with teenagers.

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The hotel suited us nicely. Free breakfast buffet and a few restaurants right across the street. We had a 2 bedroom suite with a full kitchen which we didn’t really need, I wasn’t planning on cooking, but we did get takeout for dinner and the table came in handy. The nicest part was before being crammed into a tiny stateroom on a cruise for 4 days, we had space to spread out and the kids had their own room with 2 queen beds and we had a room with a king bed. Each with their own bathroom. From the balcony, we could see both the ocean and the bay and were looking towards Daytona Beach.

It took a little less than an hour to drive from Daytona Beach Shores to Port Canaveral Monday morning. It was a very easy drive, no traffic at all.

We arrived exactly at our port arrival time and followed the procedure, Disney is very efficient when it comes to organizing crowds. We were walking onto the ship within 45 minutes of arriving, including parking, security, checking in, etc…as soon as we checked in they called our boarding group.

Disney Cruise Line

Palo Dinner Disney Dream

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As is typical on most cruise lines today, Disney offers choices beyond their Main Dining rooms. Already not typical with rotational dining and 3 main dining rooms, Disney offers Palo and Remy. Palo is Northern Italian cuisine on all 4 Disney ships. Remy is French cuisine on the Dream and Fantasy only. Both are adult-exclusive.

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Upcharges and dress codes apply to both restaurants, but Palo is a little less restrictive than Remy. For Palo dinner, the charge was $40 per person.

Dress to Impress

To preserve the elegant ambiance of this restaurant, you are asked to adhere to a dress code when dining at Palo. We recommend dress pants or slacks and a collared shirt for men, and a dress, skirt or pants and a blouse for women. Jeans may also be worn if in good condition (no holes). Please no tank tops, swimsuits, swimsuit cover-ups, shorts, hats, cut-offs, torn clothing, t-shirts with offensive language and/or graphics, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

On our recent cruise, we had dinner at Palo on pirate night, which was the 3rd night of our 4 night cruise and our Castaway Cay day. We weren’t terribly interested in pirate festivities, our children are teenagers and we would be done in plenty of time to see the fireworks. On the Dream Palo and Remy are next to each other on the top deck in the front of the ship with the Meridian Bar in between. When you arrive you are escorted into the bar to wait for your escort into the restaurant.  We had a drink here and then were escorted to our table. All tables have a wonderful view of the ocean.

The service is nothing short of outstanding! We ordered wine, and then Mircea our server brought the bread service and then the antipasto cart and we watched as our server prepared a plate of “a little bit of everything” to try.

 

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We ordered several Primi to try and share, Calamari Fritti, Gnocchi and the Wild Mushroom Risotto. So so good. Even the gnocchi, which are usually not great in restaurants when you are used to my father’s homemade version, was wonderful.

 

Next, was a palette cleanser…

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Then the main course, Rack of Lamb for me and Osso Buco for my husband. Cooked to perfection.

 

The dessert course was next. When you order your main course they will ask you if you will be ordering the chocolate souffle, their signature dessert because it does take some time to make. I knew about this in advance and was definitely getting it. There are no words, it was heavenly.

 

And there was other stuff, including a Happy Anniversary plate.

 

The dinner was well paced and lasted about 2 hours, but didn’t feel long at all. The restaurant was quiet, there were several tables around us, but it wasn’t full by any means.

Palo is well worth the upcharge and can be prebooked in your cruise account when your activities window opens.

Have you eaten there? I would go back in a heartbeat and next time will try the brunch too, I hear it’s phenomenal.