From the moment we stepped on board our Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise in Barcelona, we knew we were in for something special. This 12‑day journey took us along some of Europe’s best known coasts, while also giving us time to learn about the places we visited and the people who live there.
In this blog, we share our day‑by‑day experience of the Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise, plus some simple tips to help you plan your own trip.
Boarding in Barcelona and first impressions
Getting to know the ship
We boarded the ship in Barcelona around 11:00 a.m. Check‑in was smooth, and we were soon walking around the ship to learn the layout. On day one, we:
- Found all the restaurants and bars
- Checked out the spa and gym
- Walked through the pool area
- Looked at the theatre and other entertainment spaces
Taking this time on day one made the rest of the cruise easier. By dinner, we already knew where to go without looking at signs every few minutes.
Barcelona: Gaudí, Sagrada Família and city highlights
Free Viking tour and time on our own
One of the nice things about a Viking Ocean cruise is that each port includes at least one free excursion. In Barcelona, our included tour focused on the work of architect Antoni Gaudí, with a highlight visit to the Sagrada Família.
Standing in front of this famous church, with its high towers and detailed stonework, was a powerful moment. Inside, coloured light from the stained-glass filled the space and gave it a calm, almost dreamlike feeling.
Even though it was not peak tourist season, the crowds were huge. Our guide did a great job steering us away from the worst lines and finding quieter corners. After the tour, we had free time to walk through the city, before heading back to the ship for our evening sail‑away.
Marseille: harbour life and hilltop views
Old Port and Notre‑Dame de la Garde
Overnight, we sailed to Marseille. The city feels busy and lived‑in right away, especially around the Old Port. We watched fishing boats come in and saw the morning market in full swing.
Our tour took us by coach up to the basilica of Notre‑Dame de la Garde, high on a hill. From there, we had wide views over the city and the deep blue sea. It was a good reminder of how large Marseille is and how important the harbour has been over time.
Back in the old quarter, we walked narrow lanes lined with small shops and cafés. We found a bakery where we enjoyed a simple but perfect croissant and coffee before returning to the ship.
Monte Carlo: casinos, palaces and beach time
Glamour and a calmer side
Next came Monte Carlo, known for wealth and style. We walked past the Casino de Monte‑Carlo, which looked like something from a film, inside and out. Even without gambling, it was worth seeing.
We also visited the Prince’s Palace and watched the changing of the guard. The palace gardens gave us a quiet break from the busy streets and a great view over the harbour.
Later, we took time out at Larvotto Beach. The clear water and simple beachfront made a nice contrast to the more flashy parts of the city. It was a good place to sit, slow down and enjoy the sea.
Livorno and Pisa: gateway to Tuscany
Leaning Tower and missed Florence
Livorno was our entry point to Tuscany. The city itself has working canals and busy seafood markets, but our included tour took us to Pisa.
Seeing the Leaning Tower in real life felt almost strange at first, because it is such a famous image. Climbing the tower was a fun experience and the view from the top was worth the effort. We also visited the nearby cathedral and baptistery in the Campo dei Miracoli, both full of detail and history.
We chose not to take the longer optional tour to Florence, but those who did, came back talking about the Uffizi Gallery and seeing works by Michelangelo and Botticelli. If you have never been to Florence and do not mind a longer day, this could be a good add‑on.
Rome: ancient sites and the Vatican
A day of bucket‑list moments
From Civitavecchia, we headed into Rome for a full day. It is hard to fit Rome into a few lines, but some of our key stops were:
- The Colosseum, bigger and more powerful in person than any photo
- The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you can walk through real ruins
- St. Peter’s Basilica, with its huge dome and rich interior
- The Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s ceiling, a true “bucket list” moment
We also saw the Pantheon and threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain. A simple plate of pasta at an outdoor restaurant finished the day before we went back to the ship, tired but happy.
Naples: old town and true Neapolitan pizza
City sights and food highlight
Naples felt full of life from the moment we arrived. The historic centre is a maze of small streets, churches and squares. We saw the Naples Cathedral and Piazza del Plebiscito, and watched daily life unfold around us.
The stand‑out here was the pizza. Eating an authentic Neapolitan pizza in its home city, with a thin base, soft centre and fresh toppings, was a memory in itself. If you like food, do not leave Naples without trying one. One regret here was not taking a paid excursion to see the ruins of Pompeii. If you intend to book a Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise, then consider adding on the Pompeii excursion.
Corfu: island charm and Achilleion Palace
Greek island stop with a calm feel
Our next port was Corfu, a Greek island with a mix of Greek and Venetian history. Corfu Town has narrow lanes, old buildings and small squares that are easy to explore on foot.
A visit to Achilleion Palace gave us another view of the island. The gardens, full of statues and with wide views over the sea, felt peaceful. We returned to the ship in the early afternoon, which gave us time to rest on deck as we sailed toward Croatia.
Dubrovnik: walking the walls and cable car views
The Pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik is often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and it is easy to see why. Our first move was to walk the full circuit of the city walls, about two kilometres in total. This is a must‑do. The view over the orange roofs and blue water is stunning.
We suggest going early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds. Later, we explored the old town, including the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace, then strolled along the Stradun, the main street.
To end the visit, we took the cable car up Mount Srđ. From the top, you get a wide view of the city, islands and coast. It is a simple but very rewarding short trip.
Split: Diocletian’s Palace and harbour promenade
Ancient palace at the heart of a modern city
Split was our last port before Venice. The core of the city is Diocletian’s Palace, built by a Roman emperor and now full of homes, shops and cafés.
Walking through its stone passages and courtyards felt like moving through time. The Peristyle, the main open courtyard, is a good place to stand and imagine what the palace was like when it was first built.
We visited the Cathedral of St. Domnius, once the emperor’s mausoleum. The bell tower gives great views if you climb it. Outside the palace, the Riva promenade runs along the harbour. It is the perfect place for an ice cream or coffee while watching boats come and go.
Venice: canals, churches and rising tides
Ending the Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise
Large cruise ships no longer dock in Venice itself, so we took a smaller ferry in from the cruise port area. Venice is made up of many small islands linked by bridges, with canals instead of streets. It is unlike any other city we have visited.
We visited:
- St. Mark’s Basilica, famous for its gold mosaics and mix of styles
- The Doge’s Palace, once home to Venice’s ruler and government
- The Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, with markets and shops nearby
After the cruise ended, we stayed on in Venice and saw St. Mark’s Square under 1–2 feet of water. Tides and storms can flood parts of the city, so raised walkways are used when needed. It was strange, but also interesting to see how the locals deal with it.
Despite these challenges, Venice remains one of the most memorable stops on the route and a special way to finish the trip.
Is a Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise worth it?
For us, this Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise felt like a complete journey. In less than two weeks we saw:
- Big cities and small ports
- Ancient sites and living neighbourhoods
- Quiet island lanes and busy capital streets
The mix of free Viking excursions and optional tours gave us flexibility, and returning to the same ship each evening kept things simple and stress‑free. If you enjoy history, culture and coastal views, we can happily recommend this cruise.
Watch the Viking Mediterranean Odyssey cruise video
To see this route in motion, including real footage of each port and life on board, scroll down and watch our full cruise video.
See also the full cruise details here
