Salerno (UK: , US: ; Italian: [saˈlɛrno] ; Neapolitan: Salierno [saˈljernə]) is a city and comune in Campania, southern Italy, and the capital of the province of the same name. With 125,958 inhabitants as of 2025, it is the second most populous municipality in the region after Naples.
▸Getting ashore in Salerno
Day 3
About the Ovation of the Seas
Rated 4.2 out of 5. Sample score from the demo catalog, not a guest rating — reviews written on Sail Away are listed, counted and credited separately.★★★★★★★★★★4.2· sample score
Ovation of the Seas is a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International, 168,666 GT, carrying up to 4,188 guests. Specifications sourced from Wikidata (CC0).
Nobody has reviewed this sailing here yet. We only show reviews written by real travellers — we don't generate them, and we don't score a sailing until at least 3 people have had their say.
Messina ( meh-SEE-nə, US also mih-; Italian: [mesˈsiːna] ) is a harbour city and the capital of the Italian Metropolitan City of Messina. It is the third largest city on the island of Sicily, and the 13th largest city in Italy, with a population of 217,033 inhabitants in the city proper and 595,948 in the metropolitan city as of 2025.
▸Getting ashore in Messina
Day 4Palermo· Italy
Arrive 08:00 · Depart 17:00
Palermo (Sicilian: Palermu) is the capital and largest city of the autonomous island region of Sicily in southern Italy, located on the eponymous gulf facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. A 2,700-year-old city, it is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence.
▸Getting ashore in Palermo
Day 5Olbia· Italy
Arrive 08:00 · Depart 17:00
Olbia (Italian: [ˈɔlbja] , locally [ˈolbja]; Sardinian: Terranoa; Gallurese: Tarranoa) is a city and comune (municipality), which along with Tempio Pausania is a co-capital of the Province of Gallura North-East Sardinia in the autonomous island region of Sardinia in Italy, in the historical region of Gallura. It has 61,739 inhabitants.
▸Getting ashore in Olbia
Day 6Ajaccio· France
Arrive 08:00 · Depart 17:00
Ajaccio is the capital and largest city of Corsica, France. It forms a French commune, prefecture of the department of Corse-du-Sud, and head office of the Collectivité territoriale de Corse (capital city of Corsica).
▸Getting ashore in Ajaccio
Day 7Civitavecchia· Italy
Arrive 08:00 · Depart 17:00
Civitavecchia (Italian: [ˌtʃivitaˈvɛkkja], lit. 'Ancient Town'; Latin: Centumcellae, and later, Civitas Vetus) is a city and major sea port on the Tyrrhenian Sea 60 kilometres (37 miles) west-northwest of Rome, Lazio, Italy. Administratively, it is a comune (municipality) of the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital.
▸Getting ashore in Civitavecchia
Day 8Zadar· Croatia
Arrive 08:00 · Depart 17:00
Zadar (US: ZAH-dar, Croatian: [zâdar] ), historically known as Zara (from Venetian and Italian, pronounced [ˈdzaːra]; see also other names), is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. It is situated on the Adriatic Sea, at the northwestern part of Ravni Kotari region.
▸Getting ashore in Zadar
Day 9Split· Croatia
Arrive 08:00 · Depart 17:00
Split (; Croatian: [splît] ) is the second-largest city in Croatia, after the capital Zagreb, situated on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. As the administrative seat of Split-Dalmatia County and the largest city on the Croatian coast, it serves as a key economic, cultural, and transportation hub for the region.
▸Getting ashore in Split
Day 10Dubrovnik· Croatia
Arrive 08:00 · Depart 17:00
Dubrovnik, historically also known as Ragusa, is a city in southern Dalmatia, Croatia, by the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, a seaport and the centre of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
What the fare covers, what it doesn't, and how this itinerary actually runs.
Save the balcony money
11 port days and no sea day — you are ashore in daylight and asleep the rest. An interior cabin costs about $1,250 less per person, which is most of a shore excursion budget.
11 port days back to back
Early tenders and late returns, several days running, with no sea day to recover in. Pick the two ports you actually care about and let one of the others be a lie-in — the itinerary is not a checklist.
Day one and the last day are half-days
A 11-night cruise is really 10 full days. Boarding runs into the afternoon and you are off the ship early on the last morning.
Money on board · Royal Caribbean International
Already in the fare
Meals in the main dining rooms, Windjammer Marketplace buffet, and select casual eateries like Cafe Promenade and Sorrento's Pizza.Most onboard entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, ice skating performances, live music, and comedy acts.Access to pools, hot tubs, the fitness center, and sports facilities such as the rock-climbing wall and FlowRider surf simulator.Adventure Ocean kids' and teens' clubs, offering supervised activities for various age groups.Basic beverages like tap water, iced tea, drip coffee, hot tea, and select juices at breakfast.Complimentary room service for continental breakfast and certain cold items, though a service charge may apply for hot items or outside specific hours.
The drinks package
The Deluxe Beverage Package typically costs around $80-100 USD per person, per day, including the automatic service charge, but prices can vary and should be confirmed when booking.
Break-even: This package usually pays for itself after about 5-7 alcoholic drinks, premium coffees, or fresh juices per day.
It suits those who enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages daily and non-alcoholic premium drinks, but light drinkers or those content with complimentary options may find it unnecessary.
Gratuities
Automatic daily gratuities are typically around $16-18 USD per person, per day for standard staterooms, and slightly higher for suites; these can usually be prepaid before sailing or adjusted at Guest Services onboard if you wish to do so.
Wifi
VOOM Surf internet packages allow basic browsing, email, and social media for a daily fee, usually around $20-25 USD, while the more expensive Surf + Stream packages offer faster speeds suitable for video calls and streaming.
Costs that surprise people
◆Specialty Dining. Restaurants beyond the complimentary options, such as Chops Grille, Izumi, or Giovanni's Table, carry an additional per-person cover charge or à la carte pricing.
◆Shore Excursions. Any tours or activities booked through the ship for your port stops will incur separate charges, which vary widely by destination and activity.
◆Spa and Salon Services. Treatments at the Vitality Spa, salon services, and access to the thermal suite in the spa are extra, with prices varying by service.
◆Gambling and Arcade Games. Spending in the casino, including slot machines and table games, is charged to your SeaPass card, as are games in the onboard arcade.
◆Photo Packages. Professional photos taken by the ship's photographers are available for purchase, either individually or as part of a package.
◆Select Fitness Classes. While the fitness center is included, some specialized classes like yoga, Pilates, or spinning may have an additional per-session fee.
Ways to spend less
◆Pre-book packages. Purchasing drinks, internet, or specialty dining packages online before your cruise often results in a discount compared to onboard pricing.
◆Bring permitted beverages.
AI-written guidance, not a quote. Prices and policies change and vary by sailing — confirm anything that matters with the cruise line before you book.
Guests are typically allowed to bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day, for which a corkage fee may apply if consumed in dining rooms.
◆Utilize complimentary dining. Enjoy meals in the Main Dining Room, Windjammer Marketplace, Cafe Promenade, Sorrento's Pizza, and other included venues to avoid extra charges.
◆Attend free activities. Take advantage of the many included shows, live music, pool deck parties, and sports activities without incurring extra costs.
◆Go ashore independently. Research and plan your own activities or transport in port, which can be less expensive than booking ship-sponsored shore excursions.
◆Drink included beverages. Stick to tap water, iced tea, drip coffee, and select juices at breakfast, which are always available at no extra charge.
Cruise ships typically dock at Molo Manfredi, which is directly adjacent to Salerno's historic centre. The main promenade and central areas are usually within a 10-15 minute walk from the gangway. Ships generally berth directly, so tendering is uncommon.
WalkApproximately 10-15 minutesFree
The Lungomare Trieste promenade starts right at the port entrance, offering a pleasant walk into the city.
Port ShuttleAround 5-10 minutesOften free or a nominal fee, confirm with your cruise line when booking
If provided by your cruise line, the shuttle typically drops passengers closer to specific city squares or the Duomo area.
TaxiAbout 2-5 minutesTypically around ","10-15 per car
Taxis are usually available outside the cruise terminal for a direct ride into the city centre.
Watch out. The walk from the ship along the Molo Manfredi pier to the main city streets can be longer than it looks, potentially feeling warm in summer due to limited shade.
Worth doing here
Explore Salerno's Old Town and Duomo
This allows for an easy exploration of historical architecture and local life directly accessible from the port.
A leisurely walk of two to three hours, starting a short distance from the port. The Duomo typically has no admission fee, but a small donation is appreciated.
Stroll along Lungomare Trieste
Offers a relaxing, flat walk along the waterfront with scenic views, suitable for all energy levels.
Varies by how far you wish to walk, adjacent to the port entrance, with no cost.
Visit Minerva's Garden (Giardino della Minerva)
This historical botanical garden provides a tranquil green space with unique plants and panoramic views over the city and sea.
About two to three hours including the uphill walk, located within Salerno's old town. Admission is usually about €3 per person.
Day Trip to Pompeii
This offers the opportunity to explore a world-renowned ancient Roman city, providing a significant historical experience.
This is a full-day activity. Travel to Pompeii Scavi can take around 40 minutes each way by regional train. For guaranteed return to the ship on time, consider booking a ship-sponsored excursion.
AI-written guidance, not a quote. Prices and policies change and vary by sailing — confirm anything that matters with the cruise line before you book.
No guide for this port yet.
No guide for this port yet.
No guide for this port yet.
No guide for this port yet.
Cruise ships berth at various docks within the large port of Civitavecchia. These berths are a significant distance from the port's exit and the city center, making walking from the gangway unrealistic. Tendering is uncommon here.
Port shuttle busAround 10-20 minutesOften free, but some lines might charge a small fee, typically a few Euros
These shuttles usually drop passengers at Largo della Pace, the main port exit, from which you can reach the train station or city attractions.
Walk from Largo della PaceAbout 15-20 minutes to Civitavecchia train stationFree
From Largo della Pace, it's a straightforward walk along flat ground to the train station, which is the gateway to Rome.
Taxi5-10 minutes from Largo della Pace to the train stationTypically around \u20ac10-15 within Civitavecchia
Taxis are available near Largo della Pace; confirm the fare before starting your journey, especially for longer trips to Rome.
Watch out. The significant distance and time required to get from the ship to Civitavecchia train station, which is often underestimated by passengers planning a day trip to Rome.
Worth doing here
Visit Rome's iconic sights
This is a classic choice for many first-time cruisers to Italy, allowing a taste of the capital's history and culture without managing complex logistics independently.
This is a full-day trip, typically 8-10 hours, involving a bus journey of usually 1.5 to 2 hours each way to Rome. Expect significant walking in Rome itself. The ship's excursion is generally the most reliable way to ensure a timely return to the ship. Confirm prices with the cruise line; these excursions are often around $100-200 USD per person, sometimes more if they include meals or specific entry tickets.
Discover Forte Michelangelo and the town center
This option allows for a relaxed day close to the ship, perfect for those who prefer not to travel far and enjoy local history and atmosphere.
The Forte Michelangelo is usually a short walk from the cruise terminal, perhaps 10-15 minutes, with the town center easily accessible nearby. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the fort from the outside and stroll through the local shops and cafes. There is usually no charge to walk around the fort's exterior and the town.
Explore the ancient Terme Taurine Roman Baths
This provides a unique historical insight into Roman life and engineering in a less crowded setting than central Rome, appealing to history enthusiasts.
The baths are located a few kilometers outside Civitavecchia center. A taxi would be the easiest way to get there, typically taking about 10-15 minutes each way, costing around €15-25 each way. Allow 2-3 hours for the visit. Admission fees are usually around €6-10 per person; check the current price at the entrance.
Discover the Etruscan Necropolis of Tarquinia
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a fascinating look into a civilization predating the Romans, suitable for those interested in ancient history beyond the common tourist routes.
Tarquinia is about 20-30 minutes by taxi or local bus from Civitavecchia. Taxis might cost around €30-50 each way. Allow 3-4 hours to visit the site and the nearby museum. Entry to the Necropolis is typically around €8-10, with a combined ticket for the museum often available for a few euros more; confirm prices on arrival.
AI-written guidance, not a quote. Prices and policies change and vary by sailing — confirm anything that matters with the cruise line before you book.
No guide for this port yet.
No guide for this port yet.
No guide for this port yet.
Cruise ships typically dock at Gaženica Port, which is approximately 3 to 4 miles (5 to 6 kilometers) southeast of Zadar's Old Town. Walking from the pier to the city center is not realistic. Larger ships usually dock, but smaller vessels or those on busy days might anchor and tender passengers into the Old Town port.
Port shuttleAbout 15-20 minutesTypically around €5-8 per person each way
Often organized by the cruise line or port authority, these shuttles usually drop passengers near the Land Gate, close to the Old Town entrance. Confirm pricing and schedule with your cruise line or at the port upon arrival.
Public busAbout 20-25 minutes to the main bus station, plus a 10-15 minute walk to the Old TownRoughly €1.50-2 per ticket
Local bus line 9 connects Gaženica Port with the main bus station. Tickets can often be purchased on board with cash, so have small kuna or euro coins ready, or from a kiosk at the port or bus station.
Taxi or rideshareAbout 10-15 minutesUsually around €15-25 per car to the Old Town
Taxis are typically available at the terminal exit. Confirm the fare with the driver before beginning the journey, or ensure the meter is used.
Watch out. The significant distance between Gaženica Port and the Old Town means that transport is essential; walking is not a viable option.
Worth doing here
Zadar Old Town Walk
This self-guided walk offers a mix of ancient Roman ruins, unique modern art installations, and the charm of a historic Dalmatian city.
Expect to spend 2-4 hours exploring the main sights like the Sea Organ, Sun Salutation, and Roman Forum, which are all within easy walking distance from the cruise terminal or port shuttle drop-off point, with most attractions being free to experience.
Museum of Ancient Glass
This museum provides a focused look at Roman-era glass production, showcasing a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts in a restored palace.
It is located in the Old Town, requiring about 1-2 hours to explore. Admission is typically around €5-10 per person; check the current price on arrival.
Kolovare Beach Visit
For those seeking relaxation, this popular city beach offers a chance to swim in the clear Adriatic waters or simply enjoy the sun.
It is about a 15-20 minute walk from the Old Town, or a short taxi ride that might cost around €5-10 each way, making it a good 2-3 hour activity.
AI-written guidance, not a quote. Prices and policies change and vary by sailing — confirm anything that matters with the cruise line before you book.
