Discover Hidden Gems on an Adriatic Cruise with Holland America
Cruising has quickly become one of my favorite ways to travel. You see multiple destinations while only unpacking once, and the stress of figuring out transportation between stops disappears. A cruise’s value, comfort, and relaxing pace make it hard to beat. Holland America Line has become my go-to cruise line because it fits my travel style perfectly. From the thoughtful details onboard to the seamless logistics, it’s a travel experience I keep returning to. I think you’ll love it just as much, especially if you are interested in Mediterranean and Adriatic cruises.
Let me share my recent experience on a Holland America Eastern Adriatic cruise along the Italian coast and the Adriatic Sea.
Spoiler: It was an unforgettable adventure!
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Pre-Cruise Stay in Murano: A Venetian Escape
My journey began two days before the cruise on the beautiful and serene island of Murano, just off the coast of Venice. I chose Murano because it is easily accessible to Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport.
Known for its glassblowing, Murano offered the perfect place to stay before embarking on the cruise.
The Hyatt Centric in Murano was calm and peaceful. It offered modern amenities like an airport-to-door experience, air conditioning, elevators, and ice.
Murano reminded me of a smaller version of Venice, where you could wander along the canals without the crowds.
Of course, I couldn’t fly halfway around the world without seeing Venice firsthand. Luckily, it is a short boat ride away from Murano.
In Venice, I enjoyed a leisure cruise through the Grand Canal on a Vaporetto, strolled through San Marco Square, and tasted the best tiramisu I’ve ever eaten at I Tre Mercanti.
Day 1 – Boarding in Trieste, Italy
After two days of soaking up the relaxed vibe of Murano and Venice, it was time to head to Trieste, the departure point for the cruise.
Holland America offered a shuttle from Venice so I could sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through the Italian countryside.
There’s always something exciting about stepping onto a cruise ship for the first time. It’s that mix of anticipation and discovery that makes every cruise special.
Boarding in Trieste was smooth, and I was greeted with Holland America’s signature elegance. The Oosterdam ship was sophisticated and inviting, with many decks to experience the sail away.
I chose an oceanview cabin for this cruise, knowing we would be at a new port each day.
The cabin had all the amenities my balcony cabin had on our previous Holland America cruises to Alaska.
While the room was comfortable, the view from the Promenade Deck stole the show.
Day 2: Zadar, Croatia
Our first stop was Zadar, Croatia, which effortlessly combines ancient history with modern innovation.
The Sea Organ, a musical instrument played by the waves, was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
But the real magic of Zadar comes from its rich history, where I walked through Roman ruins and medieval streets.
Shore Excursion in Zadar
For my shore excursion, I booked a half-day three-island boat tour, which offered the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
The day’s highlight was swimming in the crystal-clear waters and exploring Croatia’s stunning coastline on three islands off the coast of Zadar.
When I returned to the ship, I was already thinking about when I could visit Zadar again.
Day 3: Split, Croatia
Next up was Split, another gem along the Adriatic coast.
Split’s centerpiece is Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the Roman Empire. Walking through its ancient halls felt surreal, knowing the palace had stood for nearly 2,000 years.
Although Split can be explored independently, I spent half the day touring the palace with a guide, getting lost in the maze-like streets, discovering charming cafés tucked away in hidden corners, and visiting Game of Thrones filming locations.
Every turn seemed to reveal something new, whether it was a Roman artifact or a street performer entertaining tourists.
Day 4: Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor, Montenegro, along the Dalmatian Coast, might just be one of the most scenic places I’ve ever visited.
Nestled between towering mountains and the deep blue sea, this medieval town looks like it belongs in a fairy tale.
The entire city is encircled by ancient walls that climb up the mountain, making for a dramatic backdrop.
And if you love cats, you will love Kotor, as cats are everywhere.
Shore Excursion in Kotor
For my shore excursion, I chose a Kotor speedboat tour, which included a thrilling visit to the blue caves, a chance to snorkel in the clear waters, and even a peek inside abandoned Yugoslavian submarine tunnels.
The highlight was visiting the tiny island of Our Lady of the Rocks, home to a picturesque church.
Kotor has definitely made its way to my list of places I must visit again.
Day 5: Corfu, Greece
Corfu is a picture-perfect Greek island that offers everything you’d expect: charming whitewashed buildings, lush landscapes, and a coastline that stretches as far as the eye can see.
It’s easy to see why people fall in love with Corfu.
We had an extended port day in Corfu, so I spent the morning exploring and shopping in Old Town.
Corfu had the best selection of shops with the most affordable prices. I recommend doing your souvenir shopping here.
I ended the afternoon at Imabari, a beach club near the Old Palace.
Shore Excursion in Corfu
Having read that the coast of Corfu was home to the most beautiful sunsets, I decided to enjoy a sunset cruise along Corfu’s coast.
Watching the sunset on the horizon while surrounded by the calm waters of the Ionian Sea was one of the most peaceful moments of the trip.
Corfu’s beauty truly shines at sunset, and the evening felt like something out of a postcard.
Day 6: A Day at Sea – Relaxation and Fun on Board
After several days of visiting the Adriatic cruise ports, a day at sea was just what I needed to recharge.
Holland America knows how to make sea days special, with activities ranging from live entertainment to movies to art.
My favorite part of the day was relaxing in a private cabana at the Retreat, soaking up the sun with a good book, and ending with a spa visit to freshen my nails.
The ship’s dining options were a constant temptation.
From breakfast to late-night snacks, there was always something delicious waiting to be tried.
And the entertainment? Let’s just say that between trivia contests, theme nights, live music, and a Broadway-style show, boredom was never an option.
Cruising Past Stromboli – A Natural Fireworks Show
One of the highlights of this Adriatic cruise was sailing past Stromboli, one of the most active volcanoes off the coast of Sicily. As the ship approached, you could feel the anticipation in the air.
The captain opened the ship’s bow, giving us a perfect vantage point to take in the spectacle.
Stromboli didn’t disappoint.
Even from a distance, you could see the glowing lava flowing down the Sciara del Fuoco, the “Stream of Fire.”
Against the darkening sky, the bursts of lava were like nature’s fireworks. Witnessing this raw power up close was both mesmerizing and humbling.
As I stood on the deck, watching the lava flow down Stromboli’s slopes, I couldn’t help but think back to sailing into Glacier Bay National Park and witnessing calving glaciers with Holland America in Alaska.
Those moments are ones I can’t quite put into words—the mix of beauty, danger, and awe all at once.
Standing there, watching Stromboli light up the night, was the perfect way to close out the day.
Day 7: Taormina, Sicily
Our ship tendered into Giardini Naxos, a small beach town below Taormina in the Catania region of Italy.
Taormina is a hillside town famous for its ancient Greek theater, and it’s easy to see why.
The views are breathtaking. Imagine looking out over the Mediterranean while standing in ruins that have seen thousands of years of history.
Shore Excursions in Taormina
I couldn’t wait to get on a sailboat and explore Sicily’s coastline.
With the sun shining and the waters inviting, we set off toward more blue caves for a day of snorkeling and relaxation.
The underwater world was just as magical as the scenery above—crystal-clear waters, colorful fish, and a fantastic backdrop of towering cliffs.
After snorkeling, we anchored at a beautiful spot off the coast for a lovely picnic on the boat, complete with local wine.
There’s something about sipping wine on a boat while gazing at Sicily’s rugged coastline that feels utterly luxurious.
Adding to the experience, Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, had erupted just days before we arrived.
The skies still carried a slight haze that didn’t quite carry to the coastline.
While we didn’t get close enough to see the lava, just knowing we were near one of the world’s most active volcanoes added an edge of excitement to the day.
Day 8: Naples to the Amalfi Coast
Naples is one of those ports where having a plan is essential.
Some passengers on the cruise mentioned it felt dirty and overcrowded, so wandering aimlessly might not be the best option.
Shore Excursion in Naples
While our ship docked in Naples, I chose to explore the Amalfi Coast.
I signed up for a day-long excursion with Taxi Mister Cab Driver that hit all the highlights—Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, and Sorrento. We also had time to stop at Pompeii to marvel at its preserved ruins.
I can’t recommend this service enough. My driver was at the port, waiting for me with a sign, and made my one-day adventure along the Amalfi Coast a spectacular adventure.
The coastal views were jaw-dropping. You know those Instagram shots you dream of taking? The Amalfi Coast is full of them.
The drive from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint of heart. The winding, narrow roads led to some white knuckles, and I was glad I was not the one driving.
We also stopped in Pompeii, a city frozen in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Walking through the ruins and imagining the lives of those who once called it home was quite humbling.
It’s a history lesson you can’t get from a textbook, and it added another layer of depth to the trip.
While I had a brief visit, you can take a full-day tour to truly explore it all.
Day 9: Olbia, Sardinia
By the time we reached Olbia in Sardinia, I was ready for a more laid-back day.
Olbia offered just that. It’s a less touristy town than the previous ports, making it the perfect spot for exploring at my own pace.
I spent the day wandering through the town and popping into local shops.
I ended my day relaxing on Pittulongu Beach with a $20 rented chair and umbrella.
Sometimes, the best days are when there’s no strict plan—just a little spontaneity and curiosity.
Relaxing on Sardinia’s beach was the perfect way to spend the last day in an Adriatic cruise port.
Day 10: Disembarking in Civitavecchia
All good things come to an end, and disembarking in Civitavecchia signaled the final chapter of the cruise. But the adventure didn’t stop there.
I traveled to Rome from Civitavecchia with Shared Shuttle, which made my life easy by picking me up straight from the port and delivering me to Maison Tritone, my hotel, for a few days of post-cruise exploration.
Post Cruise Adventure in Rome, Florence, and Tuscany
After my Adriatic cruise, I explored Rome, Florence, and Tuscany the following week. The Colosseum, Vatican City, the Statue of David, the world-renowned wine, and the rolling hills of Tuscany all made this trip a Mediterranean adventure I will never forget.
But that is a story for another time.
Why You Should Book an Adriatic Cruise with Holland America
Adriatic cruises with Holland America offer a mix of rich history, stunning landscapes, luxury, and relaxation.
Each port had something unique to offer, whether it was the ancient Roman ruins of Split, the fairy-tale beauty of Kotor, or the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast.
Onboard the ship, the luxurious amenities and endless entertainment made sea days as enjoyable as the excursions.
The combination of culture, adventure, and pure Mediterranean charm makes this trip a must for anyone considering an Adriatic cruise.
Holland America’s attention to detail and exceptional service made every moment memorable. From the Italian coast to the Adriatic Sea, this is one of the best Mediterranean cruises I recommend to anyone seeking adventure and relaxation.
