SeaDream II
May 12, 2024

Valletta, Malta, offers docking at Valletta Port. Travelers explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Excursions visit Mdina’s medieval walls. Local markets sell pastizzi. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Baroque architecture and Mediterranean vistas. Dining onboard includes rabbit stew, a Maltese favorite. Souvenirs, like lace crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Knights of Malta history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Valletta’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Maltese stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of UNESCO landmarks and scenic harbors, making Valletta an engaging destination.

Taormina, Sicily, Italy, offers docking at Giardini Naxos Port. Travelers explore Greek Theatre and Corso Umberto. Excursions visit Mount Etna’s craters. Local markets sell cannoli. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Ionian vistas. Dining onboard includes pasta alla norma, a Sicilian favorite. Souvenirs, like lava crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Greek history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while sturdy shoes enhance Etna hikes. Taormina’s historic charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of archaeological sites and scenic cliffs, making Taormina an engaging destination for exploration.

Capri (Isola di Capri), Italy, anchors offshore with tenders to Marina Grande, a 10-minute ride to Capri Town, population 7,000. Travelers visit the Blue Grotto by rowboat. Villa San Michele offers Anacapri views. Local markets sell limoncello. Excursions to Monte Solaro, 15 minutes by chairlift, provide vistas. Peak season May to September; taxis 10-20 EUR. Dining includes insalata caprese at cliffside cafes. Souvenirs feature coral jewelry.

Positano, Italy, has no docking; ships anchor offshore with tenders to the Amalfi Coast. Travelers explore colorful cliffside villages and Spiaggia Grande. Excursions visit Amalfi’s cathedral. Local markets sell limoncello. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures pastel houses and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes spaghetti alle vongole, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like ceramics, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Amalfi history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance village walks. Positano’s picturesque charm offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic coastlines, historic sites, and coastal culture, making Positano an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Amalfi Coast beauty.

Amalfi, Italy, anchors offshore with tenders to Porto Amalfi, a 5-minute ride to the town center on the Sorrento Peninsula. The village, population 5,000, centers on Piazza Duomo, where the 9th-century Cathedral of St. Andrew houses bronze doors from 1066. Travelers stroll Via Lorenzo for ceramics shops and lemon groves. Excursions to Ravello, 15 minutes uphill, visit Villa Rufolo’s 13th-century gardens. Positano, 30 minutes by boat, offers pebbly beaches and pastel houses. Local boats access Emerald Grotto, a sea cave with stalactites, 20 minutes away. Markets sell limoncello and sfogliatella pastries. Peak season May to September; taxis 10-20 EUR. Dining includes scialatielli (seafood pasta) at harborside trattorias. Souvenirs feature hand-painted ceramics. Coastal paths suit short hikes.

Returning to Positano — see Day 3 above for port info.

Returning to Amalfi — see Day 4 above for port info.

Ponza, Italy, offers docking at Ponza Port. Travelers explore Chiaia di Luna beach and colorful fishing villages. Excursions include boat tours to Palmarola’s caves. Local markets sell lenticchie di Ponza. The peak season, May to September, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures cliffside villages and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes spaghetti alle vongole, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like coral crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ponza’s history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Ponza’s island allure offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches, charming villages, and marine adventures, making Ponza an engaging destination for exploring Italy’s Pontine Islands and coastal beauty.

Bonifacio, Corsica, docks at Port de Bonifacio, a 10-minute walk to the old town, population 3,000. Travelers explore the 9th-century Citadel atop limestone cliffs. Boat tours visit Lavezzi Islands, 20 minutes south, for snorkeling. Local markets sell fig jam. Excursions to Sartène, 1 hour north, explore megalithic sites. Peak season June to September; taxis 10-15 EUR. Dining includes aubergine à la bonifacienne at cliffside bistros. Souvenirs feature cork crafts.

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, offers docking at Civitavecchia Port with excursions to Rome. Travelers explore Colosseum and Pantheon. Excursions visit Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel. Local markets sell gelato. The peak season, April to October, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures ancient ruins and Tyrrhenian vistas. Dining onboard includes carbonara, an Italian favorite. Souvenirs, like Murano glass, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Roman history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the Mediterranean climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Civitavecchia’s cultural gateway offers a vibrant Italian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of ancient landmarks and scenic coasts, making Civitavecchia an engaging destination.