All aboard! You might think of a cruise as summer fun, but luxe cruises are the perfect way to wrap up the fall season as well. I recently partnered with Oceania Cruises and embarked on the opulent Gladiators to Gondolas voyage. My daughter, Liz, and I spent 10 unforgettable days on the Mediterranean Sea (specifically the Ionian and Adriatic Seas), taking in breathtaking views, dining on the finest cuisine at sea and enjoying the awesome amenities Oceania Cruises’ Riviera has to offer. Come along with me on my latest over 60 travel adventure—a cruise around some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.
Meet Your New Favorite Cruise Line
First things first—I simply can’t say enough good things about Oceania Cruises! This cruise line is truly one of the finest at sea, taking extravagance and comfort to the next level. I was so impressed with my stateroom for the trip, especially the bathroom, complete with stunning finishes and plenty of vanity space. Oceania is known for its Mediterranean cruises and has a wide range of voyages to choose from, each with both well-traveled and unique destinations.
Visit the Staple Destinations of Italy
This fantastic cruise started from Porto di Civitavecchia in Rome. We arrived a day before the cruise departed, so we had a solid 24 hours (minus some sleep time!) to visit the jam-packed Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Spanish Steps and other iconic sites. Before long, we were off to our first stop, stunning Salerno just south of Naples. As we meandered down the Amalfi coast, we visited Gragnano, the Pasta Capital of Europe. I even had a grain to noodle pasta-making lesson from the incomparable Alfonso Cuomo.
After gazing at some nighttime views of the Amalfi Coast, the next morning the ship docked at the gorgeous island of Sicily. Messina was our first stop, where we took an excursion to dazzling Taormina, followed by a stop for some photos atop the famous Mt. Etna volcano (crossing our fingers it decided not to have a surprise eruption for the day of our visit!). It always feels incredible to see such storied sites!
Step into Malta’s Unique History
Here it was—the big 100! I’ve been working toward visiting 100 countries for years, and the time has finally come. Malta was the final nation I needed to reach my goal. Though I only got one day in the bustling capital city of Valletta, it was certainly a day trip to remember. I strolled through the Upper Barrakka Gardens in a flowy white dress (those younger Instagram influencers would be proud) and experienced the jaw-dropping interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral and had an informative tour of the city. I can’t thank Oceania Cruises enough for being instrumental in my voyage to 100 countries!
Never Miss a Chance to See Greece!
Ask nearly anyone, and they’ll tell you Greece is high on their list of dream travel destinations. Though Liz and I have both visited Greece and explored its historic sites, I was so excited for some new excursions to this marvelous country. The first stop was Katakolon, where we drove to UNESCO’s Olympia and toured the original Olympic Stadium. The torch is still lit there before beginning its journey to the host city. Back when it was in regular use, only men were allowed to participate in and watch the games! After Olympia, we watched some Greek dancing and popped into Mercouri Estate for a vineyard tour and wine tasting.
The next day, we were off to the picturesque Corfu island. I hadn’t heard of this magnificent place until I saw it on my Oceania itinerary, but turns out, it’s a very popular tourist stop! I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list.
A Second Helping of the Croatian Coast
If you’re an avid follower of my Instagram (if not, you should be!), you might remember my trip to the Balkans (formerly Yugoslavia countries) a few weeks back. I’m excited to report that I got another dose of beautiful Croatia on my Oceania cruise! When it was time to say goodbye to Greece, the ship headed back north on the Adriatic Sea toward the postcard-perfect Dubrovnik. Although the skies were overcast by the time we docked, this seaside town never disappoints.
After enjoying Dubrovnik for a day and heading back to the cruise ship for a lovely dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, Red Ginger, Zadar was next on the itinerary. Picture a traditional Croatian small town in your head, and you’re surely imagining the warm tones and church bells of old town Zadar. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia, and it’s chock-full of gems. I loved sipping coffee at a shop built inside an old church, and then heading outside to see the Sun Salutation. These solar panels are Zadar’s number-one tourist attraction and are truly something to behold as they change color at night.
Help Yourself to Gourmet Meals at Sea
Oceania Cruises has been recognized time and time again for their outstanding cuisine, and I concur! The food on my cruise deserves its very own paragraph. From the fine dining atmosphere to cooking classes in the state of the art Culinary Center, Oceania gave my daughter and me a fantastic culinary experience I won’t soon forget. Let’s start with the atmosphere—the grand dining room is definitely the epitome of grandeur and made me feel like royalty sitting down for a stately dinner. The menu is full of delights, from decadent French cuisine to themed dishes based around our destinations. Of course, there were options for less adventurous eaters—I loved having a simple fruit plate for dessert.
Additionally, we dined at four specialty restaurants featuring Italian, Asian, French, and Italian food and a steakhouse with perfectly prepared steaks. Each restaurant was truly the finest cuisine at sea.
My adventures in boomer travel have taken me all over the world and allowed me to sample all kinds of cuisine. But this cruise gave my daughter and me the most over-the-top dining experience of our lives! My daughter pointed out several days into the trip that she had eaten uniquely prepared lobster every day on the ship! We indulged in a wine-food painting haute culinary experience seven-course dinner. I sampled some delectable haute cuisine including Maine lobster, veal Wellington, and calisson de Provence. Oceania has clearly earned their numerous recognitions as the best midsize luxury cruise line for cuisine!
The Best Mother-Daughter Trip to Take in 2023
I love solo travel, but nothing beats sharing such a special dining experience with my daughter! If you’re planning a getaway with your adult daughter, I can’t recommend an Oceania Cruises enough. There was a wide variety of activities, including cooking classes, massages, afternoon high tea, and excursions that make the perfect mother-daughter time. This is one of the best mother-daughter trips you can take in the fall or really any time of year.
See the Mediterranean Like Never Before
Whether you’re cruising for the gourmet cuisine or the destinations and excursions, Oceania Cruises will not disappoint. There are a wide range of accommodations, from comfy staterooms to luxurious suites. So, the next time you want to get away from the stresses and humdrum of daily life, book a cruise with outstanding Oceania!