Inspire Me

Exploring the Mediterranean – Solo Style

Sitting on my private balcony, sipping a glass of champagne, listening to the lapping waves as we sail out of the Port of Civitavecchia in Rome, taking it all in on board Odyssey of The Seas cruise ship with Royal Caribbean – it’s a pinch me moment that will stay with me forever.

I started traveling solo with my 10-year-old twins around Ireland in 2022. Our first trip abroad together was to Lake Garda in September 2023. Solo traveling can be intimidating at first, but after a few trips, you develop a routine and it becomes addictive. I now plan road trips for every bank holiday, mid-term break and school holiday, to the point where my children eagerly ask about our next destination. We’ve stayed in a variety of accommodations including hotels, Airbnbs, cabins, luxury hideaways and now, I can add a cruise ship to our travel list.

We began our cruise experience in Rome and transfers to the Port of Civitavecchia. The seamless check-in process at the port, with enthusiastic Royal Caribbean personnel from baggage handlers to the maître d’, immediately showcases why Royal Caribbean is a favourite among holidaymakers. From the start, their communication has been impressive and of the highest standard. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone considering this type of holiday. Booking through a travel agent like Tour America and Cruise Holidays simplifies everything and who else better to ask about the range of excursions and the packages that enhance your holiday experience, than the experts themselves.

I was initially uncertain about needing a drinks package, especially since I was traveling alone with my two children and I’m not a big social drinker. However, I’m glad I opted for it. I thoroughly enjoyed cocktails by the pool on sea days and at the nightly shows.

Stepping into the welcome foyer, the atmosphere is all about fun. We were mesmerised by the sheer size of the ship’s exterior, but the interior was even more visually impressive. Odyssey of the Seas boasts 16 decks, each with unique areas catering to different preferences. The passengers are a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds. There are glamorous holidaymakers, couples on their post-pandemic dream holiday, multigenerational families making memories, millennials, centennials, retirees, honeymooners and solo travellers like me with my two young children. Cruising holidays are now for anyone and everyone who loves adventure, fun and entertainment.

Everywhere on board, from the lifts to guest services, shore excursion desk, dining areas, pools, kids’ clubs and even the hallways, there’s a palpable sense of excitement. The atmosphere is vibrant and you’ll find yourself chatting with fellow passengers wherever you go, making every part of the ship an engaging experience. Even when travelling solo, it didn’t feel like I was solo, I spoke to people in whirlpools, in the pool, at the bar, in the kids area – it was probably more social for me than staying at a resort on land.

We spent the first two days finding our way around the ship, discovering the many quirky areas and some are over 18’s like the casino and the Solarium. Our favourite spot quickly became the pool on Deck 15, because of the vibrant decor, lively music and daily entertainment. The Lime and Coconut bar buzzed with multi-coloured cocktail requests, live music, water games and various entertainment activities. My twins also enjoyed the Flowrider, an outdoor surf ride/bodyboard experience and the Rip Cord, a skydiving simulator. We were delighted to meet Captain Per on the bridge and learn about how he and his team ensure everything runs smoothly and all the safety measures are maintained.

We indulged in several specialty dining options, including a Teppanyaki-style dinner, an Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant and Giovanni’s Pizza Restaurant. There are numerous dining spots throughout the ship, offering a wide array of delicious, fresh food. For those looking to shop, the couture shops offer jewellery, perfume, Royal Caribbean mementos, handbags and more, giving the ship a touch of Vegas at sea.

The shows can be booked upon boarding and the phone app and Royal Caribbean TV channel make everything easy to navigate. The Royal Theatre is impressive, with an intimate feel—I’ve been to smaller cinemas in Ireland! The shows are popular and operate on a first-come, first-seated basis, so be sure to allow enough time to find the theatre, which might be on the opposite end of a deck. The Two70 Theatre also hosts spectacular shows. One standout performance, The Book captivated us with dancers emerging from hidden floor panels, trapeze artists descending from the ceiling and a contortionist appearing from a book prop. The stunning visuals, VR effects and lighting mesmerised both my children and me. The shows typically run for 45 to 55 minutes, a perfect duration that keeps you engaged from every corner of the stage. We flopped into bed each night and slept so well.

Our cruise itinerary included stops in Santorini, Kusadasi, Mykonos and Naples, with Rome as both the starting and ending point. Each destination offered a unique and memorable experience.

Santorini: Just like a scene from the movie Mamma Mia, Santorini is perched high atop mountains, accessible by cable car, donkeys, walking 587 steps or a 30-minute boat trip excursion to Oia followed by a bus ride to the capital, Fira. We opted for the boat and bus route, making it easy to find excursions upon arriving in Fira port. We wandered through Oia, soaking in the island’s exceptional beauty and tranquil atmosphere. We purchased trinkets, jewellery, printed sundresses and towels adorned with Santorini. We stopped at bars tucked into the mountainsides for Aperol Spritz and refreshments and took countless photos. A cable car ride back down to catch our boat allowed us to enjoy the sunset from the ship, capping off a perfect day in Santorini.

Kusadasi: The next morning, we eagerly pulled back the curtains to reveal Kusadasi. Excitement filled the air as we disembarked and explored the bustling Bazaar area. Men sat outside shops sipping coffee, chatting and waiting for their cruise customers—we were likely their first of the day. We haggled for bags, football kits, designer polo tops, trainers, jewellery and more. We were thrilled with our bargains. We took a 10-minute taxi ride to Ladies Beach, where we jumped into the blue sea while Bollywood-style music played from a nearby hotel.

Mykonos: After docking the next morning, we hopped on a sea bus and arrived in Mykonos town in under 10 minutes. Mykonos is easy to navigate on foot, although the cobblestone paths can be challenging for wheelchair users and parents with strollers. The narrow laneways are lined with shops selling clothing, mementos, jewellery and skincare products. We found a small beach near the port and enjoyed a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear azure sea. Even at the end of May, the area was busy but still enjoyable and stress-free. I learned that the buildings stay so white because they are painted once a year. The pelican, I am told, is also a symbol of Mykonos, adding to its unique charm.

Naples: Unlike our previous stops, Naples greeted us with bustling noise. Docked just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, we found an abundance of taxis, tour buses and excursion offices ready to serve cruise passengers. We chose to visit Pompeii, a place I’ve always wanted to see after reading about the volcanic eruption in primary school. While a Blue Grotto tour was tempting, it required a full day and cruise schedules are tight for some stop offs. Pompeii exceeded our expectations—fascinating, sombre and much larger than anticipated, with many structures still intact. Next time, we plan to explore Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Naples, vibrant and rich in history, deserves several days to fully explore. Each stop on our cruise offered distinct and enriching experiences, leaving us with lasting memories of the Mediterranean.

I never felt lonely or unsafe traveling on my own with my twins. From my transfers to the cruise experience, everything was flawless. I highly recommend this for anyone seeking a fun holiday that also offers the chance to visit different cities and countries. For me, the best part was opening my curtains each morning and discovering where I was. This type of holiday is perfect for families, solo travellers, couples and retirees alike. It felt like waking up on Christmas morning every day, with new surprises and countries to explore.

We will never forget it.

Yvonne was a guest of Royal Caribbean International and Tour America.

Contributed by exclusive Journalist to Tour America, Yvonne Reddin.