Why standout Mediterranean cruising is a
top choice
for tourists
The Western Mediterranean is home to a whole host of Europe’s most enchanting cultural landmarks, from the renaissance beauty of Florence and Rome’s Eternal City to the glorious Gaudí architecture of Barcelona and the golden-stone villages of Provence. It’s a region steeped in history with sweeping coastlines and fabulous food, incredible art, sun-soaked cities and rolling countryside waiting to be explored.
The best way to weave together the highlights of Italy, France and Spain is with a
A wealth of discovery calls out to you in Spain: you can explore the Arab-inspired courtyards and arches of Palma de Mallorca, along with the island’s breathtaking natural scenery of pine forests, white sand beaches and eerie caves. Next, take an excursion to explore the pretty stone villages tucked into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains or discover Palma by land and sea.
Barcelona is home to the countless gems of this vibrant 2,000-year-old city where beaches meet cutting-edge architecture and a world-renowned dining scene. Take a guided tour and you’ll explore everything from the Gothic Quarter to Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia masterpiece, as well as sweeping city views from Montjuic Hill.
If you’d prefer to fall for the charms of France, Marseille is the epitome of Provençal charm, with an historic fish market dating back millennia, the Basilica Notre-Dame de la Garde with its incredible golden statue, and of course the city’s famous fish stew of bouillabaisse.
Giovanni's Table
You can still explore incredible sights on an immersive short break. Explore the Western Mediterranean over three nights and you’ll experience the historic sights of Rome before venturing further south into the Bay of Naples with its imposing bulk of the Vesuvius volcano overlooking the city and island of Capri. A relaxing day at sea sails you into the sunset to Iberian delights beyond the horizon, disembarking in the Catalan city of Barcelona.
Find out more and book your Royal Caribbean cruise today
Western Mediterranean Voyage
2025 departures
1 June, 15 June, 29 June, 13 July, 10 August, 24 August, 7 September, 21 September, 5 October, 19 October
Western Mediterranean voyage
See the route
See the route
See the route
ITINERARY 1 – 7 nights
Sail from the Eternal City
ITINERARY 2 – 7 nights or 3 Nights
Barcelona, Provence and beyond
Itinerary 3 – 7 Nights
(Departing from Rome)
(Departing from Barcelona via Provence)
(Departing from Barcelona)
SPAIN
FRANCE
ITALY
SARDINIA
CORSICA
Barcelona
Palma de Mallorca
Provence (Marseille)
Florence / Pisa
(La Spezia)
Rome
(Civitavecchia)
Naples/Capri
Authentic Tuscan flavours will transport you to the heart of Italy at Giovanni’s Table, where handcrafted pizzas, fresh pastas and traditional dishes will evoke the warmth of an Italian grandmother’s kitchen. The house focaccia comes with olives, pesto and marinated artichokes, the risotto is finished with porcini and truffle mushroom and the traditional polpette veal meatballs are a firm favourite. Complete your experience with a glass of fine wine as you savour the magic of Italy on board.
CHOPS GRILLE
With a world of dining possibilities on board, Allure of the Seas offers something for every taste, ranging from Mexico to Tuscany and everything in between. Looking for sizzling steaks? Head to Chops Grille for the ultimate steakhouse experience. Here, it’s not just about tender prime cuts cooked to perfection, you can also indulge in mouthwatering Maine lobster and succulent seabass, served up with shareable sides and a fabulous wine list.
150 Central Park
Make a reservation for a delectable meal featuring seasonal dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients. It’s all about laid-back elegance at 150 Central Park, where you can enjoy palate-pleasing starters, classic dishes with a modern twist and irresistible desserts. Pair your meal with a perfectly crafted cocktail or a glass of fine wine and order one of the dishes prepared tableside for an unforgettable dining experience.
TIME TO DINE
This seven-night cruise round trip from Barcelona brings you from the unmistakable art and culture of the north-east Spanish coast to the glorious Balearic Islands and the special landscape of Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca is a vibrant mix of Moorish history and modern-day splendour, with natural wonders and gorgeous beaches just a short drive away. You’ll then sail on to the sights and exquisite flavours of northern Italy, taking in the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Italian Renaissance art and architecture in Florence, before making your way down the coastline, stopping at Rome and Naples for some ancient history and volcanic scenery.
Itinerary 1 – 7 Nights
Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain
Tower of Pisa, Italy
2025 departures
12 June, 26 June, 10 July, 24 July, 7 August, 21 August, 4 September, 18 September, 2 October, 16 October
SAIL FROM THE ETERNAL CITY
This seven-night round trip from Rome begins at the heart of the Roman Empire, before sailing on to the active volcano of Vesuvius overlooking Naples. The island of Capri is just a short journey away before you head on to Barcelona, the stunning city of Gaudí’s most famous architecture and a haven of cultural and gastronomic charm. A quick trip across the water to Palma de Mallorca gives you the chance to take in the pine forests and white sand beaches of the island or explore the famous 14th-century cathedral. The last leg of your journey will give you the luxury of experiencing Pisa or Florence, two of the most famous destinations of northern Italy, with the iconic Leaning Tower, beautiful Renaissance buildings, fine art and sculpture.
Itinerary 2 – 7 Nights
2025 departures
8 June, 22 June, 6 July, 20 July, 3 August, 17 August, 31 August, 14 September, 28 September, 12 October
BARCELONA, PROVENCE AND BEYOND
Also setting sail from Barcelona, this cruise has the added appeal of a stop-off in the most picturesque area of France, Provence. Your cruise starts where the art and culture of Spain’s north-east coast meet the allure of the Balearic Islands, then in Mallorca history whispers through Moorish architecture, while natural wonders and pristine beaches beckon. Sail onward to Marseille, where Provençal charm fills the air, to admire the architecture and landmarks. Join an excursion to the seaside village of Cassis, nestled at the foot of one of the highest cliffs in Europe, or join the Luberon Villages tour taking in Lourmarin as well as Rousillon, famed for its red cliffs and ochre quarries, before stopping off at a lavender museum.
Back in Marseille, wander through the ancient fish market, marvel at the golden statue at Notre Dame de la Garde and savour the city’s world-famous cuisine. From there it’s time to answer Italy’s call, stopping to admire Pisa’s Leaning Tower and Florence’s Renaissance art before your journey takes you on to Rome and Naples, where ancient history and volcanic landscapes paint an unforgettable picture.
Itinerary 3 – 7 Nights
St Peter's Cathedral, Rome, Italy
Capri, Italy
2025 departures
23 October
PREFER a shorter break?
Itinerary 4 – 3 Nights
Old Town, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Senanque monastery, Provence
Florence, Italy
Mount Vesuvius, Italy
Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona, Spain
Capri, Bay of Naples, Italy
Produced by Telegraph Media Group
Commissioning editor: Georgina Hardy | Writer: Sarah Gordon | Photography: Getty | Web producer: James Nash | Design: Jonathan Clayton-Jones | Project manager: Fanni Szentivanyi | Video and photography producer: Shin Miura | Sub editor: Tim Cumming, Neil Queen-Jones
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ALLURE OF THE SHORE
Mediterranean cruise, and Royal Caribbean combines exciting itineraries with on-board adventures, wrapping it all up in one memorable adventure.
As you explore the best of the Mediterranean you’ll also have the chance to discover a new way of cruising, with world-class dining, next-level thrills and fabulous entertainment. Allure of the Seas is the most awarded ship in the world and has been reimagined for 2025, making it the ideal destination for this year’s holiday.
When night falls, the magic continues. Sing and dance along to the rhythm of Abba’s greatest hits in the award-winning musical Mamma Mia! or marvel at the high-flying acrobatics and dazzling lights of the Aqua80Too show with its synth-heavy tunes that made the 1980s a decade of musical delight.
After a show, it’s time to indulge in the ship’s vibrant nightlife. You can enjoy more live music or sing along to classic tunes at the Schooner Bar. You can even take a ride on the Rising Tide Bar as it gently lifts you to new heights on its journey between three levels of the ship’s decks. If that’s not enough you can end the night with a karaoke session at the On Air Club, where every voice shines.
On-board adventures
Spa Relaxation
Once you’ve had your fill of action and adventure, escape to the sanctuary of the Vitality Spa,letting tranquility wash over you as the stresses of everyday life melt away. Immerse yourself in a world of serenity as skilled therapists pamper you with luxurious treatments using renowned products from Elemis, Bliss, La Thérapie and Ionithermie – let the gentle touch of a massage ease your muscles, or choose a revitalising facial or body wrap to leave your skin glowing. For a truly transformative experience, indulge in a medi-spa treatment designed to smooth and restore a youthful radiance. You’ll emerge from the Vitality Spa feeling completely refreshed, renewed and ready to embrace the adventures that await.
With departures from both Rome and Barcelona, Allure of the Seas offers a whole variety of different itineraries so that you can immerse yourself in the Mediterranean destinations that most appeal to you. And as you explore, you can choose from a range of shore excursions to enjoy cultural encounters, foodie experiences and action-packed adventures the whole family will love.
If Italy takes your fancy, Naples is a fantastic base for exploring Capri and Sorrento, taking a boat trip along the Amalfi Coast or immersing yourself in the stories of Pompeii. La Spezia is your gateway to Pisa, with its gravity-defying tower, and the art and culture of Florence, where you can climb to the roof of the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore for a stunning view over the city. If you’re looking to venture off the well-trodden tourist path, you can explore the colourful villages of the Cinque Terre, go truffle hunting or visit a vineyard.
In the Eternal City, the Panoramic Rome tour takes you on a whirlwind visit of the famous sights – you’ll gleefully crane your neck at the Colosseum and stroll around the old Roman walls. This centre of religion, art and culture lets you visit magnificent Roman sights with full historical context.
On Allure of the Seas, every day is extraordinary, with cruising transformed into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The more daring can zip-line across the sky, 10 decks above the boardwalk, conquer the outdoor rock climbing wall or balance on a surf simulator. The unique on-board ice rink even offers the opportunity for frozen fun as you perfect your figure skating.
If that all sounds far too hectic you can just kick back and soak up the endless ocean views poolside at the new resort-style pool deck with its sun loungers and whirlpools, as you sip on a cocktail.
Zip line, Allure of the Seas
Splashaway Bay waterslide, Allure of the seas
Rock Climbing Wall, Allure of the Seas
AquaTheater Show, Allure of the Seas
Central Park, Allure of the Seas
Portals Vells Coast, Mallorca, Spain
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre
Marseille, France
H20 Zone Water park, Allure of the Seas
Allure of the seas
Words by Sarah gordon
Take your place on board Royal Caribbean’s newly imagined Allure of the Seas and combine blockbuster sights with immersive excursions for an unforgettable holiday
Mediterranean cruise, and Royal Caribbean combines exciting itineraries with on-board adventures, wrapping it all up in one memorable adventure.
As you explore the best of the Mediterranean you’ll also have the chance to discover a new way of cruising, with world-class dining, next-level thrills and fabulous entertainment. Allure of the Seas is the most awarded ship in the world and has been reimagined for 2025, making it the ideal destination for this year’s holiday.
The Western Mediterranean is home to a whole host of Europe’s most enchanting cultural landmarks, from the renaissance beauty of Florence and Rome’s Eternal City to the glorious Gaudí architecture of Barcelona and the golden-stone villages of Provence. It’s a region steeped in history with sweeping coastlines and fabulous food, incredible art, sun-soaked cities and rolling countryside waiting to be explored.
The best way to weave together the highlights of Italy, France and Spain is with a
Why standout Mediterranean cruising is a
top choice
for tourists
PREFER a shorter break?
Itinerary 4 – 3 Nights
Barcelona, Provence and beyond
Itinerary 3 – 7 Nights
Sail from the eternal city
Itinerary 2 – 7 Nights
Day 4
Day 5
Day 7
Day 1
Day 2
Day 1
Day 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 4
