From an adventurous arrival in Greece to a day in one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.

One of the things I love most about cruising is how different every port can feel. You wake up somewhere new, step outside and find yourself surrounded by another landscape, language and atmosphere. Our MSC Divina itinerary was a perfect example. After leaving Malta and admiring the Greek islands from the ship, we were approaching Mykonos. If you missed the beginning, read Part 1: Our First Impressions of MSC Divina and Valletta.

Mykonos: An Island Worth Waiting For

When we arrived, we discovered that our ship would not be docking directly in the harbour. Other cruise ships were already occupying the available spaces, so MSC Divina remained offshore and we were transported to the island by smaller tender boats. The sea was rather lively, and we got a few splashes during the crossing. We could definitely feel the movement of the waves, but for the children it was another exciting part of the holiday.

There was one lesson we learned that day: on our sailing, we needed to reserve a tender departure time in advance at Guest Services. Guests with reservations were given priority, while everyone else waited for available places. We were among those who had been a little too relaxed about booking! Fortunately, by lunchtime we were finally walking through Mykonos. If your itinerary includes a tender port, check the arrangements early, as procedures vary by ship and sailing.

Mykonos was worth the wait. Whitewashed houses, narrow streets, beautiful sea views and that unmistakable Greek island atmosphere made us forget the inconvenience almost immediately. Everywhere we looked, another lovely corner was waiting to be photographed. It is one of those places where you don’t need a complicated sightseeing plan. Sometimes the greatest pleasure is walking, getting a little lost and enjoying the surroundings.

Santorini had been cancelled shortly before our cruise, and we were genuinely disappointed. In return, though, we had much longer in Mykonos, with the last return to the ship scheduled for 11 p.m. Younger passengers were getting dressed up to enjoy the famous nightlife, while families like ours could explore without constantly watching the clock. Would I still have liked to see Santorini? Absolutely. But the extra time in Mykonos made the day special, and the additional time aboard Divina was hardly a punishment either.

Civitavecchia: The Gateway to Rome

Our next Italian stop was Civitavecchia, an important cruise port because it offers access to Rome. If you have never visited the Italian capital, it is a wonderful opportunity to see some of its famous sights. Rome is roughly 80 kilometres away, and a train journey can take around an hour and twenty minutes, depending on the service and station. Regional tickets can be relatively inexpensive – around €6 one way was a useful reference point for us – but prices and schedules change, so check current details before travelling.

You can reach Rome by train, organised excursion or private transfer. A cruise-line excursion may suit anyone worried about getting back on time. We generally find Italy manageable for independent travel: the railway system is understandable, and trains can be practical, although strikes and disruptions happen. Check the transport situation ahead of time and leave a generous margin for your return. A ship will not normally wait for guests who miss departure after an independently arranged excursion.

Can you really see Rome in one day? My answer is both yes and no. In a few hours you can walk through parts of the historic centre and admire some of the best-known landmarks. Many central areas are surprisingly walkable, and wandering through the streets can feel like visiting an open-air museum. But can you discover everything Rome has to offer in one day? Of course not. Every building seems to tell its own story, every square reveals something beautiful, and the streets themselves feel like galleries filled with centuries of history.

You could return again and again and still find something new. That is why Rome is such a wonderful cruise destination, even if your visit is short. You may not see everything, but you will almost certainly leave wanting to come back.

As we returned to MSC Divina, another beautiful part of the voyage was waiting for us: the Strait of Messina, where the journey itself becomes an attraction. Read Part 3: Sicily, New Friendships and a Promise for Our Next Cruise.