Costa Smeralda: 7-Night Cruise from Barcelona - September 12, 2027

You'll have 8 hours hours to explore Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. The city's layered history shows up in Roman ruins, medieval towers, and wide Spanish style streets, all woven into daily life.

The Costa Smeralda carries 3,500+ passengers, which can create congestion at the terminal in Naples, Italy. Ship-arranged shore excursions are your best bet - these groups most often receive priority disembarkation. A short drive from Naples, these ancient Roman towns offer a fascinating glimpse into history preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Your ship arrives in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy at 8:30 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. Rome is the main draw, and many visitors focus on a handful of must see areas.

You'll have 8 hours hours to explore Genoa, Italy, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. Genoa's historic center is one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe.

The Costa Smeralda carries 3,500+ passengers, which can create congestion at the terminal in Marseille, France. Ship-arranged shore excursions are your best bet - these groups most often receive priority disembarkation. The Old Port is the heart of Marseille, where fishing boats and yachts mingle.

Your cruise ends in Barcelona, Spain, where the Costa Smeralda is scheduled to dock at 8:00 AM. With 3,500+ passengers, disembarkation groups are called over a two to three hour window - but once your group is called, you'll be off in about 15 minutes. Self-assist - carrying your own bags off - lets you skip the wait and walk off first. Book your flight at least five hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Wandering through the older districts reveals narrow streets, hidden squares, and centuries of stories.