Where We Explored (and Rested!)
Civitavecchia is a relaxed day
Cruising through the Mediterranean on MSC World Europa allowed us to experience historic cities, coastal charm, and laid-back sea days. We boarded in Barcelona and visited five ports: Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina, and Valletta. In true Sapphire Blue Travel style, we didn’t feel the need to rush at every stop. Some days we wandered, some we stayed onboard — and that balance made the whole trip more enjoyable. This blog is a relaxed guide for couples on how we spent each port day, and we’ve linked the videos for each stop if you’d like to explore with us.
Barcelona – Embarkation Day on Our Mediterranean Cruise
Barcelona Waterfront
Barcelona – Embarkation Day on Our Mediterranean Cruise
Our journey began in Barcelona, and while it was technically our first “port day,” we spent it getting settled on board. Embarkation was smoother than expected, especially with our Aurea package perks.
If you’re spending time in Barcelona before your cruise, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for you:
Our Barcelona Blogs — exploring Gaudí icons, the Gothic Quarter, and more
Watch our Barcelona Video Playlist—it includes over 4 videos, featuring Casa Batlló, Sagrada Família, Eixample, and tips for getting around.
We also filmed Getting On Board and Our Cabin Tour on the same day.
Couples’ Take: Don’t over-schedule embarkation day — enjoy the ship, settle in, and soak in that first sail away moment.
Marseille – A Relaxed Port Day on Our Mediterranean Cruise
We decided to stay on the ship in Marseille. We needed a quiet moment to recharge after a few full days of travel before the cruise. We enjoyed coffee in one of the lounges, took in views from the deck, and slowed down.
Couples’ Take: It’s okay to skip a port. A rest day onboard can be just as special, especially on a ship with plenty to enjoy.
Genoa – Exploring the Old Town During Our Mediterranean Cruise Stop
Piazza del Ferrari
Genoa was a lovely surprise. We wandered through the Old Town, admired the elegant Via Garibaldi, and soaked in the historic charm of this underrated port. It was an easy, walkable day without a set plan — just how we like it.
We used the Hop-On Hop-Off bus for a relaxed city circuit, which helped us avoid backtracking and gave us a feel for Genoa’s coastal layout. The coastal route offered beautiful harbour views and helped orient us before we set off on foot. Once off the bus, Genoa proved to be very walkable, especially in the historic centre, with plenty to discover at your own pace.
Couples’ Take: Genoa is perfect for a self-guided day. Comfortable shoes, a loose plan, and curiosity go a long way.
Want to see what a laid-back day in Genoa looks like?
Come wander with us through historic streets, take in the harbour views, and discover why this underrated port was such a pleasant surprise.
Watch our Genoa port day video here!
Civitavecchia – A Mediterranean Cruise Port Without the Pressure
Kissing in Memory of a Port with the Forte in the background
We decided not to go to Rome (a big call, we know!) because we’d been there before and wanted a quieter day. This turned out to be our most chilled port. We wandered off a couple of hours after docking and simply enjoyed the city as we meandered through it. There was no big plan — just a peaceful walk, a tasty lunch, and an easy return to the ship.
Couples’ Take: It’s your cruise — not every stop must be a big adventure. Sometimes, staying local is the best choice.
Curious what a slow, no-pressure port day looks like?
Join us in Civitavecchia as we take it easy, stroll the foreshore, enjoy a relaxed lunch, and soak up the sunshine — no rushing to Rome required.
Watch our Civitavecchia port day video here!
Messina – Discovering Sicily on a Mediterranean Cruise Port Day
Messina gave us a taste of Sicily we hadn’t quite expected. With a later arrival time and only a few hours in port, we decided to explore on foot — no grand plan, just a walk into town and a willingness to see where it took us. The cathedral was impressive, and we took time to sit in the piazza, people-watch, and soak up the atmosphere.
Then came the climb. We spotted a viewpoint on the map and thought, “Why not?” It turned out to be steeper than we bargained for — a solid reminder that not all scenic stops are created equal! But we made it to the top, caught our breath, and took in the view over the city and had lunch at a cafe before heading back down for a well-earned rest onboard.
Couples’ Take: Know your limits and travel at your own pace. Some port days are about pushing a little, and others are about knowing when to enjoy the moment — and skip the tower climb.
Want to see what a lightly challenging but rewarding stop looks like?
Join us in Messina as we stroll the streets, admire the cathedral, and take on a climb we didn’t quite plan for.
Watch our Messina port day video here!
⚓️ Valletta – One of Our Favourite Mediterranean Cruise Ports
Valletta was one of our absolute favourites — and it started with a spectacular sail-in past limestone cliffs and historic fortifications. We opted for a ship-organised tour in this port, which made everything feel simple and stress-free. From the moment we stepped off the coach, we were surrounded by beauty, history, and charm.
We visited the Upper Barrakka Gardens, enjoyed sweeping views over the Grand Harbour, and explored parts of the old city with a guide who brought the history to life. While it was a bit more structured than our usual approach, it was the right call for the day, and gave us plenty of time to relax back on board before sail away.
Couples’ Take: Guided tours can be a great choice when you want the insight without the planning — especially in cities as rich as Valletta.
Want to explore Malta with us?
Come along as we discover the beauty of Valletta — from grand harbour views to peaceful garden walks, this port was a highlight of our trip.
Watch our Valletta port day video here!
Couples’ Take: Guided tours can be a great choice when you want the insight without the planning.
Wrap-Up: Our Thoughts on Port Days
Looking back, our Mediterranean cruise was richer because we didn’t feel pressured to see and do everything. We balanced exploration with rest and made decisions based on what we needed each day, rather than what we felt obligated to accomplish.
Couples’ Take: Trust your travel rhythm. Whether it’s a museum marathon or a coffee with a view, the best port days are the ones that suit you both.
More from this Cruise:
Was the Aurea Package Worth It?
MSC World Europa: Honest Review
Related Blogs:
Packing for a Winter Mediterranean Trip: What’s in Our Bags?
A Winter Escape on MSC World Europa
Planning Time in Barcelona?
We spent several days in the city before our cruise — check out our favourite walks, Gaudí sites, and travel tips:
✍️ Plan & Remember Your Best Adventures
If you love crafting meaningful, well-paced travel days like this, you might enjoy our Sapphire Blue Travel Journal — created to help couples plan brilliant trips and capture special memories along the way.
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