We celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary last year and knew we wanted to do something big to mark the milestone. Our original plan—made a decade ago—was to return to our honeymoon spot for a kid-free getaway. But now, as a family of four, that idea didn’t feel quite right anymore.
Instead, we set out to find a destination that had rich history, stunning landscapes, and just the right mix of culture and adventure for the boys to enjoy, too. That search led us to the perfect solution: a Disney Cruise to Italy.
Sailing aboard the Disney Fantasay, we explored iconic destinations like Barcelona, Palermo, Naples, Florence, and Rome—all while enjoying the comfort, magic, and family-friendly ease that only Disney can provide. In this post, I’m sharing everything about our Mediterranean adventure: where we went, what we loved, what we’d skip, and tips for planning your own unforgettable Disney Cruise through Italy.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post about What We Did on Our Disney Cruise Italy Trip contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Pre-Cruise Stop: Exploring Barcelona Before Our Disney Cruise Italy TRIP
We arrived in Barcelona a few days early before our Disney Cruise Italy itinerary with kids began. Not only did this give us a buffer in case of flight delays, but it also allowed us to explore this vibrant city—a destination none of us had visited before. If you’re flying internationally for a Disney Mediterranean cruise, we highly recommend arriving at least 1–2 days early to adjust to the time zone and soak in some local culture.
We stayed at the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona, and it was the perfect base. The hotel was exceptionally clean, beautifully designed, and had a modern aesthetic that made our stay feel relaxing and elevated. The rooftop pool area was a highlight—especially after a long flight. Thanks to the time change, we found ourselves napping poolside in the warm afternoon sun, which was the perfect way to ease into vacation mode.
Quick Sightseeing with the Barcelona City Tour Bus
With limited time, we opted for the Barcelona City Tour hop-on hop-off bus, which was ideal for seeing major landmarks in one day without the stress of navigating public transit. We hopped off near a charming city square where we stumbled upon a tucked-away courtyard restaurant. The food was incredible, and the architectural surroundings gave us that we’re really in Europe moment. This quick stop ended up being one of our favorite meals in the city—highly recommend exploring beyond the touristy streets to find local gems.
After lunch, we continued the tour by bus, passing by several of Barcelona’s famous sights. A quick heads-up: if you plan to visit the Sagrada Família (often referred to as the “sandcastle church”) or Park Güell, you’ll need to purchase tickets in advance. These two iconic spots are must-sees in Barcelona, but they often sell out, and we missed our chance by not booking ahead. Lesson learned!
If you’re building a Disney Cruise Italy itinerary with kids, spending a couple of days in Barcelona before embarkation is a great way to extend your adventure and ease into your European cruise experience. With its mix of architecture, food, and family-friendly sightseeing, this city is the perfect kickoff to the magic that awaits at sea.
Day 1: Relaxing Sea Day on our disney cruise To Italy
Our Disney Cruise Italy itinerary with kids kicked off with a relaxing sea day—a perfect way to ease into vacation mode. We love sea days on a Disney Cruise because they give our family time to unwind and explore everything the ship has to offer. While we grabbed comfy deck chairs and enjoyed a good book under the Mediterranean sun, the boys spent hours playing mini golf, cruising down the waterslides, and checking out the onboard activities designed just for kids.
Disney does an incredible job making sea days feel just as magical as port days. From character meet-and-greets to family trivia and movie screenings, there’s always something happening. That night, we were treated to a Broadway-style performance of Aladdin—one of the highlights of the entire cruise. The costumes, special effects, and animatronics were truly next-level and kept everyone—from adults to kids—captivated from start to finish.
If you’re planning a Disney family cruise through Italy, don’t underestimate the value of sea days. They’re the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy the Disney magic at sea.
Day 2: Exploring Palermo on our Disney Cruise Through Italy
On Day 2 of our Disney Cruise Italy itinerary with kids, we ported in Palermo, Sicily—a city full of history, culture, and dramatic architecture. While we were initially excited for a unique open-air cruiser car tour, we found out that the vehicle had a mechanical issue and was in the shop. Instead, we were given a Mercedes van, which was comfortable but definitely not the unique experience we had envisioned. That said, our guide still took us to all the planned stops, and we were able to see a wide range of Palermo’s most notable sites.
To be honest, I didn’t research much about Palermo ahead of time, so we were surprised (in both good and not-so-good ways) along the way. Below, I’ve outlined the stops we made and my honest take on which are worth the time and which I’d skip if you’re planning a family-friendly Palermo shore excursion.
✅ Stops Worth Seeing:
Quattro Canti & Piazza Pretoria: These iconic city squares are full of energy and history—perfect for a quick walk and photos with the kids.
Teatro Massimo: Italy’s largest opera house is visually stunning from the outside and a great cultural landmark to pass by during your city tour.
Monte Pellegrino: This stop was unexpectedly breathtaking. The panoramic views of Palermo’s coastline and surrounding hills are unforgettable. We wish we had more time here—it’s definitely worth a longer stop if you can plan for it.
Mondello Beach: This was the highlight of our Palermo day! A charming seaside town just outside the city, Mondello was the perfect place to unwind. We had a fantastic lunch at Trattoria de Enzo’s —the fresh pasta and seafood were some of the best of our trip. And the views were stunning!!!
❌ What We’d Skip:
Catacombe dei Cappuccini di Palermo: This stop wasn’t the best fit for our family. It’s fascinating from a historical perspective but may be too intense for younger kids.
Santuario di Santa Rosalia: A beautiful church dedicated to Palermo’s patron saint, but we skipped this due to time and tired kids.
🆗 Pass-By Highlights (Nice, but not must-sees):
Porta Nuova, Via della Libertà, Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo Cathedral, Parco della Favorita: These are interesting to drive by and give you a sense of the city’s mix of historical and modern architecture, but not essential to stop for unless you have a strong interest in Sicilian history.
Monreale & Cattedrale di Monreale: A quick stop here is nice if you enjoy cathedrals. The mosaics are beautiful, but younger kids may not appreciate the historic details.
Despite the last-minute change in transportation, this day in Palermo ended up being a meaningful part of our Disney Cruise Italy itinerary with kids. Sicily’s mix of coastal beauty, religious landmarks, and city chaos made for an adventurous (and very authentic) experience. With a few tweaks and more time in Mondello or Monte Pellegrino, this port stop has the potential to be a favorite.
Our Disney Cruise Italy itinerary with kids was the perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and cultural discovery. By choosing private excursions at each port—from the Amalfi Coast to San Gimignano, Palermo, and Rome—we were able to move at our family’s pace while experiencing Italy’s highlights in a meaningful way.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly way to see Italy, a Disney Mediterranean cruise checks every box. The onboard Disney magic keeps kids entertained, while the ports offer some of the world’s most beautiful and historic sights. Add in flexible excursions, and you’ll create a vacation that your family will talk about for years to come.
Day Three: Amalfi Coast Excursion – A Dreamy Day from Our Disney Cruise Italy Naples Stop
One of the most unforgettable days on our Disney Cruise Italy itinerary with kids was our stop in Naples, where we took a private full-day driving tour of the Amalfi Coast. We booked the excursion through Viator, which allowed us to explore four of the region’s most stunning towns—Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello—at our own pace.
From the cascading villas tucked into the hills to the sparkling turquoise coastline, the Amalfi Coast was pure magic. Though the day was long and the roads winding, the beauty of each town made it more than worth it.
Our Private Amalfi Coast Tour Itinerary
Because the Amalfi Coast has limited public transportation options—no train lines and slow-moving buses—a private driver made all the difference for our family. Our air-conditioned minivan allowed us to relax and soak in the views while someone else navigated the notoriously narrow and winding roads.
Here’s what our customized private tour included:
Stops in Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello
A scenic overlook at Vico Equense, known for its historic church and quiet charm
A visit to a limoncello factory, which was a fun treat for both adults and kids
Lunch in the mountains with an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea—one of the most peaceful and picturesque meals of our entire trip
Our driver selected the restaurant, which sat high atop the cliffs and gave us a breathtaking view during lunch. It was one of those moments where everything felt surreal.
Positano: A Coastal Gem You Can’t Miss
While each town had its own charm, Positano completely stole my heart—and if you’re building a Naples port itinerary for your Disney Cruise through Italy, this is a must-stop.
The views in Positano are nothing short of spectacular. As you make your way down the steep, winding walkways, you’re surrounded by pops of color from bougainvillea, boutique storefronts, and hand-painted ceramic tiles. The streets themselves are narrow, charming, and full of character.
We walked all the way down to the beach, passing everything from linen shops and gelato stands to cliffside cafes with unbeatable views. The shoreline is lined with colorful umbrellas and anchored boats that make the entire bay look like a scene from a romantic movie or an exotic model shoot.
What We’d Do Differently
While we loved the Amalfi Coast experience, the drive was intense. The roads are narrow, winding, and often packed with traffic. At times, it felt like a rollercoaster—and unfortunately, our youngest, Owen, got carsick, which added some stress to the day. If we were to do it again, we would seriously consider touring the Amalfi Coast by boat, especially with kids. It’s a more relaxed and scenic option that avoids the winding roads while still offering spectacular views of the coastline.
If you’re planning a Disney Cruise Naples excursion with kids, a private Amalfi Coast driving tour is a great way to cover multiple villages in one day. Just be sure to prepare for the road conditions (remember that Dramamine!) —or consider booking a boat tour for a smoother (and less dizzying!) experience.
Day Four: Touring Rome by Golf Cart – A Family-Friendly Disney Cruise Excursion
On Day 4 of our Disney Cruise Italy itinerary with kids, we docked at Civitavecchia, the port city for Rome. Rather than joining a large group bus tour, we booked a private golf cart tour of Rome—and it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our entire trip.
Our guide, Achilles, was incredible. He tailored the entire experience to our interests and made the day feel personal and relaxed. The golf cart was the perfect way to weave through the city’s busy streets, avoid traffic, and see Rome’s major landmarks up close without exhausting the kids (or the grandparents!). It was fast-paced without feeling rushed—ideal for a one-day visit.
Personal Highlights from Our Rome Excursion
One of the most special moments of the day came from a request by my father-in-law. Years ago, he had an unforgettable porchetta sandwich in Rome with his own father, and he wanted to relive that moment and share it with us. Our guide took us to a local spot where he said the porchetta was “just like he remembered”—crispy, flavorful, and packed with nostalgia. It was such a personal and emotional experience that added so much meaning to our day.
We also got to check off all the iconic landmarks:
The Colosseum, which never fails to impress—even if you just view it from the outside
The Trevi Fountain, where we tossed coins and made our wishes
The Spanish Steps, perfect for a quick photo op and people-watching
A drive-by view of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City
Because of the Jubilee year celebrations and the recent announcement of the Pope, the Vatican was incredibly crowded. We made the call to skip going inside, which was the right move for our group. The streets were bustling, and our golf cart allowed us to navigate seeing the Vatican up close, without getting stuck in the crowds.
Lunch in Rome: A Pasta Lover’s Dream
Our guide brought us to a local favorite restaurant for lunch—far from the tourist traps and full of authentic Roman flavor. The pasta was fresh, simple, and absolutely delicious. After walking and sightseeing, it was the perfect break to refuel and soak in more of the Roman atmosphere.
If you’re planning a Rome port excursion during your Disney Cruise, we can’t recommend a private golf cart tour enough. It’s an efficient and family-friendly way to see the highlights of Rome in one day, while also giving you the flexibility to personalize your stops. From legendary sandwiches to historic landmarks, this day was packed with unforgettable memories—without the stress of crowds or long walks in the heat.
Day Five: Skipping Tuscany and Choosing a Shorter Livorno Port Excursion
Our original plan for Day 5 of our Disney Cruise Italy itinerary was a vineyard tour in Tuscany, complete with a farm-to-table pasta lunch in the countryside. The setting sounded idyllic, but after several consecutive 8+ hour excursion days, our entire family hit a wall. The drive to and from the vineyard would’ve taken over two hours round-trip—and we simply didn’t have the energy.
Thankfully, Viator offers a 24-hour cancellation window, so we were able to cancel last minute without penalty. Looking back, I highly recommend building rest days or light excursions into your Mediterranean cruise itinerary, especially when traveling with kids. Back-to-back full-day tours, while exciting, can leave you completely drained by the end of the trip.
What We Did Instead: Livorno Canal Boat Tour
Instead of the vineyard, we chose a shorter 3-hour Livorno port excursion that included a canal boat tour through the city (see tour here). It was a nice way to get a taste of Livorno’s culture without overexerting ourselves. The canals were scenic and gave us a new perspective on the city’s layout and maritime history.
That said, this tour reminded us that we’re not really the “group tour” type. Because it was a bus excursion arranged through the cruise line, we had to wait for the entire group before returning to the ship—which became frustrating when everyone wasn’t on the same schedule. After days of private, flexible tours, this one felt a bit too rigid for our pace and preferences.
Conclusion: Why a Disney Cruise Through Italy Is the Ultimate Family Vacation
Our Disney Cruise to Italy was truly the trip of a lifetime. From exploring iconic cities like Rome, Naples, Palermo, and Florence to relaxing sea days and incredible onboard entertainment, every moment was packed with discovery, joy, and quality time together.
Choosing private excursions gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace, avoid large crowds, and create more personalized experiences for our family. Whether it was eating porchetta in Rome, shopping our way through Positano, or soaking in the views of Monte Pellegrino in Palermo, each stop brought its own kind of magic.
If you’re considering a Disney Mediterranean cruise, especially with kids, we highly recommend taking time to plan your port days carefully—mixing in adventure with downtime, and choosing excursions that match your family’s travel style.
Planning your own Disney Cruise to Italy ?
📌 Pin this post for later, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more family-friendly travel tips, itineraries, and packing guides!
💬 Have questions about excursions or want personalized suggestions? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!
xx,
Kim
SHOP
THE POST
PIN FOR LATER
