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!
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!).
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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!
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