7-Night Disney Dream Cruise through Greece // the bargeron explorers.

After spending four glorious days in Rome, we checked out of our hotel and headed towards the grand finale of our European summer trip: a 7-night sailing aboard the Disney Dream from Civitavecchia! was exactly that—a perfect blend of breathtaking destinations, world-class entertainment, incredible food, and the unmatched service Disney is known for.

This was our second time sailing together on Disney Cruise Line, and we were able to experience some of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean while enjoying all the magic of Disney in between each port. Spoiler: it was EVERYTHING!

Setting Sail from Rome

Our adventure began in Civitavecchia, the cruise port for Rome. As soon as we stepped aboard the Disney Dream, we were welcomed with smiling and enthusiastic cast members, a beautiful stateroom with a verandah, an exciting embarkation celebration newly rebranded as the "Let's Sail Away!" party, and the unmistakable feeling that nobody does it like Disney. I can't explain it, but even the scents throughout the ship feel magical. (Sounds crazy, I know, but it's true. I wanted to bottle up the smell in the Grand Hall and bring it home with me.)

We were over the moon to call this gorgeous ship "home" for a week!

Santorini: Blue Domes & Whitewashed Streets

Our first stop after enjoying a sea day was the stunning island of Santorini.

This was a tender port, which was something we had never experienced before. It was a simple procedure that required us to get off of the cruise ship directly onto a smaller boat that would take us to shore. We had read horror stories of the cable car situation on Santorini, but thankfully we were the only cruise ship at port that day and everything was smooth and quick. The weather was ideal this day, too!

After getting off the cable car, we took a bus to the picturesque village of Oia, famous for its postcard-perfect white buildings, smooth cobblestone streets, and iconic blue-domed churches. AKA the reason this has been at the top of my personal bucket list for so long. Walking these streets legitimately felt like stepping into a dream. Around every corner was another incredible view of the sparkling Aegean Sea.

We spent time exploring local shops, taking photos of the famous blue domes, and simply soaking in one of the most unforgettable places we’ve ever visited. We, also, got to walk around this island with some new friends that we met while waiting to get on the cable car. Meeting and exploring with them was the biggest blessing, and we all agreed that they made our day in Santorini so much more memorable!

I still cannot believe I actually felt this island beneath my feet and got to behold it's unique, breath-taking splendor. A dream turned reality for this girlie!

Mykonos: Wandering Through a Greek Postcard

Next came Mykonos, another island that completely lived up to the hype.

We kept things simple again this day and opted to wander the charming town. It was another maze of whitewashed streets was filled with colorful doors, boutiques, cafés, and hidden corners waiting to be discovered literally everywhere. The Little Venice area of the island was so charming! And of course, we couldn’t leave without visiting the island’s famous windmills overlooking the sea. They’re one of Mykonos’ most recognizable landmarks and it felt surreal to be seeing them in person.

Before heading back to the ship, we enjoyed some frozen Greek yogurt (because duh!!) and a gyro (again, because DUH!).

Chania, Crete: Old Town Meets the Beach

Our stop in Chania gave us an opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds: the city and the beach!

We explored the beautiful Old Town, where Venetian architecture, waterfront restaurants, and centuries of history create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Before wandering through the charming streets, we headed to a nearby beach for a refreshing swim. With crystal-clear water and beautiful scenery, it was the perfect way to spend a warm Mediterranean afternoon.

A highlight for us was when Braxton spotted a huge sea turtle in the water while we were walking towards the beach! It was magical.

Naples: Pizza & Overstimulation

Our final port of the cruise was Naples, Italy.

No visit to Naples would be complete without authentic Neapolitan pizza, so our first stop was the legendary L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele. The menu was simple, but the pizza was delicious! And the line was down the street by the time we were leaving, which made us grateful that we listened to a local's advice to get there before they opened.

After lunch, we explored a unique indoor shopping area called Galleria Umberto and walked over to see the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. We were told by someone in Rome that Naples was chaotic, and we can report that our experience was exactly that. If we ever went back to this city, we would likely take a boat to Capri, Ischia, or Amalfi instead. But we're glad to say we've been!

Truthfully, we only walked around this port for a couple of hours and then got back on the boat to enjoy the amenities with fewer people on board.

Our Days Aboard the Disney Dream

As marvelous as each port was, some of our favorite memories happened onboard. I mean it when I say that I truly believe that Disney is the best in the business when it comes to families. We smiled and laughed and danced all week long! This sailing only had two full sea days, and we made the most of every minute.

We spent countless hours exploring every corner of the ship, meeting beloved Disney characters, relaxing by the pool, and enjoying more soft-serve ice cream than we’d ever admit (because Disney calories don’t count, right?), and playing taking advantage of as many activities as possible (big trivia fans over here!). Both kiddos had the time of their lives all week long, and we all left the ship with significantly less enthusiasm as we had when we were getting on.

The AquaDuck water coaster was a favorite of ours on our last Disney cruise in 2019, and Bethany was excited to be old enough to ride it this time. It was an instant favorite for everyone again! We challenged each other to a family game of mini golf on one sea day, too, and Braxton snuck off to play by himself so many times while we were lounging or playing on the pool deck all week.

If putt putt and the aquaduck were Braxton's highlights on board, the best part for Bethany was the Bippity Boppity Boutique. She got a 45-minute personal makeover, a brand new Belle dress, and the attention of everyone she passed afterwards. The cast members would exclaim, "Look! A princess!" every time they saw her, and she was absolutely beaming. I was such a proud mama this week watching my kiddos live their best life.

Our evenings were filled with Disney’s fantastic rotational dining experience where delicious food, beautiful themed restaurants, and genuinely outstanding service made every dinner feel special. Our servers followed us as we rotated dining rooms, and they were the absolute best. Bethany and I both shed tears when we had to say goodbye to our main server, Carina, at our final breakfast before debarking.

Another thing we, also, loved about this particular sailing was being able to watch newly-released movies in the onboard theater—including Toy Story 5 and The Devil Wears Prada 2. (AHH!! Seriously, so cool.) This Belle-loving crew thought the Beauty and the Beast live production was fantastic, too!

One thing that consistently amazed us throughout the cruise, just like last time, was Disney's top-notch level of service. Every cast member seemed sincerely invested in making our vacation the very best it could be. Our dining team quickly learned our names and preferences, housekeeping kept our stateroom spotless twice a day (and added character sheets on the kids' beds when we asked her for them), and every interaction felt warm, personal, and sincere.

This cruise was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, and it was all we'd hoped it would be when we booked it 16 months prior. Whether we were racing down the AquaDuck, grabbing another cone of soft serve, meeting Disney characters, or simply watching the Mediterranean glide by from the deck, we were reminded how special it is to slow down and experience the world together as a family.

We told our kiddos that we hope they invite us when they take their own families on trips like these one day. I pray that it won't be enough that we've raised them; I pray that they want us to grow old alongside of them, too, and to make blessed memories together for a lifetime.

Because oh, how I wish these days would never end.

We left with seven days worth of amazing memories, thousands of photos and videos (including the digitals from the cruise photographers, which is 100% worth the investment), and a hopeful promise to ourselves: we’ll be back.

We are already trying to decide where Disney will take our family next!

Watch this video for a glimpse into all the fun we had on the cruise. But be warned: you will probably want to book a Disney cruise for yourself afterwards!

4 Days in Italy // the bargeron explorers.

In late 2019, we opened our first travel rewards card because we had a lofty goal: visit Greece for our upcoming 10th wedding anniversary. By the middle of the 2020, we had enough points to make it happen -- yay! But unfortunately the world shut down for the foreseeable future in the middle of earning those points, and we had to pivot our plans -- boo! We still had a great anniversary trip on points the next year to Florida, and we tabled our dream trip for a later date.

This June, five years after having to postpone the dream, was that later date!

*insert happy cry emoji here*

And to make our original plans even better by waiting five more years, we...

1) got to bring our kiddos with us,

2) added on a few days in Italy before visiting Greece, and

3) explored Greece by way of a luxury cruise.

(Yes, luxury, because nobody does it like Disney!)

These were some of the most memorable days of our whole lives!

First up: Italy!

Getting There

We flew overnight from Atlanta to Rome with a short layover in Paris, which was long enough for us to enjoy some coveted macarons while we waited (yum!). On the way back to Atlanta, we flew from Rome with another short layover but this time in Amsterdam. Both travel days were long and required a lot out of us, but we learned a lot last year on our first true long-haul flights and felt more prepared this year. Long flights in economy definitely aren't the most comfortable experience, but they get us where we are giddy to do so we manage just fine. Maybe one day we'll get to fly business class to somewhere special, but we'll just have to wait and see! Something new about these flights were that we all got to share a middle row both ways, and everyone loved that element.

We'd heard and read horror stories of the new EES system, too, but we had great experiences both flights with short lines and wait times.

After we checked into our suite at the stunning NH Palazzo Cinquencento Roma, there was only one thing to do -- start exploring!

Three Perfect Days in Rome:
History, Pasta, and a Dreamy Day Trip to the Amalfi Coast

The first part of our European adventure was in Rome, Italy! We weren't sure how we would like this Eternal City based on what others had said, but we did what we always do and made room to make our own decision. The verdict was easy -- we LOVED Rome! We walked all over and left after four days with achy bodies and full hearts. What an amazing city bursting with history and charm. I got weepy several times as we wandered around. There are cities you visit, and then there are cities that stay with you forever. Rome is undoubtedly the latter for us now.

Day 1: First Impressions of the Eternal City

Instead trying to cram sightseeing into our arrival day, we wandered the nearby streets, soaked in our first views of the city, immediately found pizza and gelato, and let ourselves adjust to the new time zone. Rome had a way of making even an ordinary walk feel magical, with charming cafés, centuries-old buildings, and hidden piazzas around every corner. Sometimes the best travel memories happen when there’s no agenda at all, in my opinion, especially when traveling with kiddos.

Our instant favorite feature of the city, though? Easy! The water fountains. Yes, I said water fountains! The aquaduct system in Rome is unlike anything we'd ever seen before, and my water-loving family was THRILLED to almost always have access to water while exploring. My kiddos said that this reason alone was enough for them to come back to Rome again (LOL).

Day 2: Rome’s Most Iconic Landmarks
(and Homemade Pasta!)

Our first full day started early with some of Rome’s most famous sights.

We began at the breathtaking Trevi Fountain, where tradition says tossing a coin over your shoulder guarantees a return trip to Rome. From there, we walked to the remarkable Pantheon before strolling through the lively Piazza Navona, one of the city’s most beautiful squares.

And because no Roman (or European??) adventure is complete without gelato, we stopped at Giolitti, one of Rome’s oldest and most beloved gelato shops. Then with cones in hand, we continued to the famous Spanish Steps, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere that makes this part of the city so memorable (and for me, pretending to be Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday).

In the afternoon, we headed towards dinner, passing Vatican City on the way. We didn't get to experience the Vatican and all of its glory this trip, which only means that we'll just have to come back. We did admire the walls and the outside of the museum on the way to our grand finale of the day -- a cooking class where we learned to create fresh Italian pasta from scratch! We made tiramisu, as well, and both of our chefs were amazing. I now know that cooking in Italy is more fun than cooking at home -- maybe because it was paired with Italian wine (wink, wink). Truthfully, though, this was such a memorable experience and our kids especially loved it!

Day 3: Positano & Pompeii Day Trip

One of the highlights of our trip was venturing beyond Rome. When planning this trip, I asked myself the question I always ask when planning a trip: If this is the only time I get to visit here, what would be my biggest regret if I don't do it? And my answer: the Amalfi Coast.

We met up with our City Wonders tour group bright and early at Piazza del Popolo before setting off for an unforgettable day exploring southern Italy. Our destination was Positano, and it was everything I hoped it would be. *insert more happy cry emojis here*

Colorful cliffside homes, turquoise water, charming boutiques, and winding streets made Positano every bit as magical as we’d imagined. Only being able to spend two hours there immediately became the biggest tease of my life, and I pray I get to return to that beautiful village. A taste of magnificence was not enough, but I feel so grateful I got to experience it with my husband and children. What blessedness.

Our final stop of the day was Pompeii as we headed back to Rome, where ancient streets and remarkably preserved ruins offered a fascinating glimpse into life before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago. This was another place of awe and wonder, only this time more somber in nature.

As we walked the streets of these two very different places, all I could think was that life is so very precious.

It was a long and costly day, but it was absolutely worth it. An unforgettable adventure!

Day 4: Trastevere & Ancient Rome

Our final day focused on Rome’s ancient past. We started by exploring Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods. Its cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and local cafés felt wonderfully different from the city’s bustling tourist areas. We stopped for apertivos at an alley-way osteria, which was divine. I had an aperol spritz and a caprese salad, TJ ate delicious Italian meatballs and potatoes, and the kids enjoyed sodas in glass bottles while nibbling on our food. I think we'll always remember our time in Travestere, at least TJ and I will. Such a charming area of the city.

When we finally peeled ourselves away from the osteria, we stopped in at the Church of St. Mary of the Garden to sit and marvel before heading towards the famous Knights of Malta Keyhole, where a perfectly framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica. You can, also, see three sovereign entities at one time: the Order of Malta, Italy, and Vatican City. We had a wait in line to look through the keyhole, but I thought it was definitely worth it!

That evening, we did our own tour of the Colosseum. Walking along these ancient streets while learning the stories behind them made history come alive in a way no textbook ever could.

Rome is a city where every street really does tell a story, where people have walked for thousands of years. Whether you’re marveling at ancient ruins, enjoying world-famous gelato, learning to make fresh pasta, or taking a day trip to the Amalfi Coast, every experience adds another layer to the adventure. It certainly did for us.

Three days barely scratched the surface, but we gratefully left with no regrets. Plus, three days were enough to make us fall completely in love with Italy and want to explore more of it.

And because we made sure to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, we’ll definitely be back.
*wink*

Then, just like that, it was time for the next part of our adventure:
A cruise through the Greek Isles on the Disney Dream!

Watch this video for a glimpse at what we saw in Rome.