Mediterranean

In November 2024, we set sail on what we hoped would be a dream journey aboard the brand-new Oceania Vista, exploring the Mediterranean with high expectations, a love for history, and a taste for adventure.

The cruise departed from Rome and took us through a handful of iconic ports—some absolutely unforgettable, and others... well, let’s just say not every stop made the scrapbook.

 One unmemorable port in France came and went without much fanfare, and while we had two Italian stops on the itinerary, one was canceled due to high winds. The other turned out to be probably the most “authentically gritty” place I’ve ever experienced in Italy. We tried a local food tour there that took us through some less-than-sanitary markets—including a fish stall where some of the product was still alive. It wasn’t exactly the Tuscan dream.



But then came the second half of the trip. From Malta to Athens, each stop was a reminder of why we travel: unexpected beauty, rich culture, and experiences that stick with you long after the cruise is over.

1. Malta – A Hollywood-Worthy Entrance

Malta was, without question, my favorite stop of the entire cruise.

 Sailing into Valletta’s harbor felt like entering the set of a Hollywood blockbuster. The golden-hued walls of the city rose out of the sea like something out of a fantasy film, and everything about it felt cinematic and grand.



We hired a private guide for the day to explore the city—particularly some of the Game of Thrones filming locations from Season 1. She picked us up in a sleek Mercedes and led us through a mix of scenic drives and walking tours. We visited the iconic bridge used in the series, stopped at the site of Littlefinger’s brothel, and took in some of Malta’s oldest and most beautiful areas. Every turn was jaw-dropping.

Malta felt clean, elegant, and effortlessly historical. It’s one of just two places from this cruise that I’ve already booked a return visit to—and I can't wait to experience it again.

2. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Walled Beauty & Game of Thrones Vibes

Dubrovnik had long been on my list, and our main focus here was—you guessed it—Game of Thrones. We had booked a private tour to visit all the main filming locations, and the key to enjoying Dubrovnik is this: go early.

We met our guide at 8 a.m. and practically had the city to ourselves. The streets were empty, the lighting was perfect for photos, and even the nearby island of Lokrum felt like our private playground for a while.

By the time we returned from the island a couple of hours later, the place was packed. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder packed. Hot, loud, and overwhelming.

If your ship arrives early, get off immediately and start exploring. The Game of Thrones tour we took doubled as a highlight reel of the city’s most beautiful spots, so even if you’re not a fan of the show, it’s a great way to see Dubrovnik’s best features without wandering aimlessly through the crowds.

3. Kotor, Montenegro – Fjord-Like Magic by Speedboat

Kotor was another gorgeous stop with some real surprises. We tendered in from the ship, which gave us a peaceful little preview of the harbor before stepping into town. While the old town is charming, it's mostly made up of touristy shops and trinket stands, so we opted to take a high-speed boat tour—and that’s where the magic happened.

We cruised out to a small island with a beautiful little church, explored an eerie World War II submarine hangar carved into the cliffs, and passed by an island that used to be a prison and is now a swanky four-star hotel. The real showstopper was the Blue Cave, where the sunlight reflects off the water and makes everything glow this surreal shade of electric blue. A few people even jumped in for a swim.

If you want to see the true beauty of Kotor and its surroundings, get out on the water. It’s relaxing, stunning, and gives you a far better sense of Montenegro’s natural splendor than just walking the old town.

4. Corfu, Greece – Easygoing Views & Island Charm

By the time we got to Corfu, we were ready for a more relaxed day—and that’s exactly what we got.

We joined a bus tour (yes, one of those touristy group ones), and surprisingly, it was really enjoyable. The route took us through some beautiful parts of the island, including a stop at a historic palace (I’ll insert the name later), which was a bit weathered but still beautiful with lots of statuary and gardens. We couldn’t go inside, but the exterior made it a worthwhile stop.

From there, we visited a few stunning lookout points with views across the island and coastline. The scenery in Corfu isn’t flashy, but it’s peaceful and charming in a way that just makes you want to slow down and soak it in.

We wrapped up our visit with a lovely lunch in Corfu Town, wandered the streets a bit, and made our way back to the ship. Not every port has to be an adrenaline rush—Corfu was a perfect low-key day.

5. Mykonos, Greece – Spontaneous Ruins & Windy Ferry Adventure

We arrived in Mykonos with zero plans—just wandering and seeing what caught our eye. When we spotted a ferry heading to the nearby island of Delos, famous for its ancient ruins, we decided to hop on a whim.

Delos did not disappoint. The island is basically an open-air museum, scattered with breathtaking ruins you can roam freely at your own pace. Walking through the remnants of temples, houses, and marketplaces gave me a surreal sense of what life must have been like centuries ago. One highlight was the museum packed with artifacts—it added depth and context to everything we saw outside.



The whole experience was serene and captivating… until the ferry ride back. We hit some seriously rough weather: towering waves and wild winds rocked the boat, and my mom wasn’t the only one getting a little frightened. But despite the white-knuckle ride, we made it back safely, and the adventure was absolutely worth it.

If you get a chance, Delos is a must-visit. Just maybe pack a little courage for the ferry ride!

6. Athens, Greece – CliffsNotes of the Gods

We wrapped up our trip with an overnight stay in Athens, and let me tell you: one night was not enough. That’s why we’re already planning a return trip in February 2026.

We met up with some friends from the ship and hired a private guide to take us through the Acropolis. He was fantastic—just the right amount of history without overwhelming us. In about 90 minutes, we hit all the major highlights and got a crash course in Greek mythology and architecture without needing a full semester’s worth of lectures.

We stayed in a lovely boutique hotel right at the base of the Acropolis, which made everything super walkable. The Acropolis Museum was another standout—modern, clean, and packed with fascinating artifacts that brought the ancient city to life.



Our last night was spent with those same ship friends, sharing a great meal at a hotel restaurant with views of the lit-up ruins in the distance. Athens was the perfect mix of ancient marvels and modern hospitality—and we can’t wait to go back and see even more.

A Word About the Oceania Vista – Understated Luxury, Thoughtfully Done

This was our first time cruising with Oceania, and we’re now officially big fans.

The Vista is Oceania’s newest ship, and from the moment we stepped onboard, we were blown away by the level of elegance and attention to detail. With only about 1,100 guests, the ship never felt crowded. Our balcony stateroom was one of the biggest we’ve had, and the bathroom alone could rival some hotel rooms. Everything felt thoughtfully designed—nothing was overlooked.

The entertainment was creative and engaging, using video screens and clever staging to make the most of a smaller theater space. We especially loved the guest historian who gave insightful port talks before each destination—super informative without being dry.

 But the real standout?

The food. From the specialty restaurants to the British-style afternoon tea, everything was flavorful, beautifully presented, and surprisingly inventive. We skipped the buffet entirely and never looked back.

Top it off with warm, gracious staff and a generally upscale-but-unfussy vibe, and this was hands-down one of the best cruise experiences we’ve ever had—right up there with Disney and Norwegian’s Haven, but more relaxed, refined, and reasonably priced.

We’d absolutely sail with Oceania again—especially on the Vista.

Final Thoughts

While the cruise had its share of forgettable (or in some cases, downright weird) moments, the highlights far outweighed the hiccups. From the cinematic charm of Malta to the ancient grandeur of Athens, this journey delivered beauty, culture, and some true bucket-list experiences.

If you’re considering an Oceania cruise through the Mediterranean, I can confidently say: book it. Just pack your sense of adventure—and maybe skip the questionable food tours.