TRIESTE, ITALY
46°N, 14°E
DEPART: 4PM

Your VACAYA adventure begins in elegant Trieste, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets and the perfect gateway to Venice (about 75 miles away and easily accessible by train) and the northern Adriatic. For centuries, Trieste served as the great seaport of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and today its grand piazzas, magnificent architecture, bustling cafés, and beautiful waterfront reflect a fascinating blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences. Spend the day strolling Piazza Unità d’Italia, one of Europe’s largest sea-facing squares, enjoying an authentic Italian espresso at a historic café, or simply soaking in the relaxed rhythm of this remarkable city before boarding Oceania Allura. Then, as the afternoon sun begins its slow descent over the Adriatic, we’ll gather on deck for sail-away. New friendships begin. Champagne glasses clink. The coastline slips into the distance. And VACAYA’s spectacular 2027 Total Eclipse Med Cruise officially gets underway. Tonight, we’ll celebrate together at our signature THIS IS ME Welcome Party, where more than 1,200 Vacayans come together for the very first time to kick off an unforgettable journey.

Few cities capture the imagination quite like Dubrovnik. Surrounded by massive stone walls that have stood watch over the Adriatic for centuries, Croatia’s most celebrated city is a masterpiece of marble streets, terracotta rooftops, hidden alleyways, and breathtaking coastal views. Every turn reveals another postcard-worthy scene, from charming cafés tucked into ancient passageways to spectacular overlooks high above the shimmering sea. Walk the famous city walls. Discover centuries-old monasteries and palaces. Sip a crisp Croatian wine overlooking the harbor. Or simply lose yourself wandering one of Europe’s most enchanting old towns. With our late evening departure, you’ll also experience Dubrovnik in its most magical light, when the daytime crowds begin to fade and the city’s limestone streets glow beneath the golden Mediterranean sunset.

If there’s one destination guaranteed to have cameras working overtime, it’s Kotor. Nestled deep within Europe’s southernmost fjord, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by dramatic mountains that plunge almost vertically into the sapphire waters of the Bay of Kotor. It’s one of the most breathtaking sail-ins anywhere in the world, so don’t sleep through it. The medieval Old Town is wonderfully compact and endlessly charming, filled with cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches, inviting cafés, hidden courtyards, and friendly cats that have become something of Kotor’s unofficial ambassadors. Feeling adventurous? Climb the ancient fortress walls to St. John’s Castle for panoramic views that are worth every step. Prefer a slower pace? Find a waterfront café, order a local Montenegrin wine, and watch the world drift by. However you spend your day, Kotor has a way of stealing your heart, so be ready!

Welcome to one of Greece’s greenest and most elegant islands. Influenced by centuries of Venetian, French, and British rule, Corfu feels distinctly different from the whitewashed villages most people imagine when they think of Greece. Here you’ll discover pastel-colored architecture, graceful arcades, lively squares, and olive groves that stretch to the sea. Stroll the charming streets of Corfu Town, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where flower-filled balconies overlook inviting cafés and boutique shops. Explore the impressive Old Fortress, whose stone ramparts have protected the island for centuries. Relax on one of Corfu’s beautiful beaches. Or simply settle into a seaside taverna where grilled octopus, fresh seafood, creamy tzatziki, and a chilled glass of Assyrtiko remind you why Greek cuisine has captivated travelers for generations. Don’t be surprised if Corfu becomes one of the unexpected favorites of your journey. It often does.

Sicily doesn’t do anything halfway. It’s passionate. It’s colorful. It’s wonderfully chaotic. And it’s unforgettable. At the foot of mighty Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, Catania buzzes with energy, history, and unmistakable Sicilian character. Elegant Baroque buildings stand alongside lively markets where locals passionately debate everything from tomatoes to soccer while the aromas of fresh seafood, citrus, espresso, and warm pastries fill the air. History lovers may choose to explore ancient Roman theaters and grand piazzas. Food lovers… Well, you’re in Sicily. Fresh pasta. Arancini. Cannoli. Pistachio gelato. Local wines. Citrus that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Good luck deciding. With our late departure, you’ll also enjoy Sicily as the evening comes alive, when outdoor cafés fill with conversation and the golden light softens one of Italy’s most captivating cities.

GOZO, MALTA
ARRIVE: 7AM

DEPART: 4PM

Gozo is Malta’s quieter, dreamier side – a sun-washed island where rugged cliffs, honey-colored villages, ancient temples, hidden coves, and impossibly blue water come together in one seriously gorgeous Mediterranean escape. Smaller and more relaxed than Malta’s main island, Gozo moves at its own easy rhythm, inviting you to slow down, wander, and let the day unfold. Explore the historic Citadel rising above Victoria, visit the remarkable Ġgantija Temples, dip into seaside villages, or simply chase those postcard-perfect coastal views that make this island feel untouched by time. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and deeply atmospheric – exactly the kind of port that reminds you why the Mediterranean has been seducing travelers for centuries.

TOTAL ECLIPSE DAY!

This is why we’re here. Not for the parties. Not for the incredible cuisine. Not even for the remarkable destinations we’ve explored together. For this. Out here in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Oceania Allura will carefully position herself along the path of totality, placing us directly beneath one of nature’s rarest and most awe-inspiring spectacles. The morning begins like any other. Coffee. Breakfast. Laughter. Conversations. Then, almost imperceptibly, the light begins to change. The moon slowly moves across the face of the sun. The brilliant Mediterranean sky softens. Shadows sharpen. The air cools. The sea grows strangely still. And then… day becomes night. For a few extraordinary minutes, the sun’s brilliant corona blazes around the silhouette of the moon while twilight surrounds the horizon in every direction. Some people cheer. Some cry. Some simply stand in silent amazement. However you experience it, you’ll never forget sharing this extraordinary moment alongside more than 1,200 members of your LGBTQ+ family. It’s one of those rare experiences that no photograph can truly capture. You simply have to be there. And afterward? We’ll celebrate the only way VACAYA knows how: Together. All day. All night.

LA GOULETTE (TUNIS), TUNISIA
ARRIVE: 7AM

DEPART: 5PM

Today, your Mediterranean adventure takes an exciting turn as we cross into North Africa. Just a short drive from the port of La Goulette lies Tunis, where Roman ruins, French colonial elegance, bustling souks, and centuries of fascinating history come together in one remarkable destination. It’s a place where ancient traditions and modern life exist side by side, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on our journey. Many Vacayans will choose to visit the legendary ruins of Carthage, once one of the greatest powers of the ancient world. Walk among the remains of temples, villas, and amphitheaters while imagining the days when Hannibal and his mighty empire challenged Rome itself. Others may wander the colorful Medina of Tunis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where winding alleyways reveal artisan workshops, fragrant spice markets, handwoven carpets, intricate ceramics, and treasures around every corner. It’s the perfect place to sharpen your bargaining skills while soaking up the sights, sounds, and aromas of North Africa.

A SHENANIGAN-FILLED DAY AT SEA

Yesterday we explored another continent. Today, we finally get to sleep in! After a week of remarkable destinations and Monday’s unforgettable eclipse celebration still fresh in everyone’s minds, today is all about embracing everything Oceania Allura has to offer.

So, after you sleep in, linger over a leisurely breakfast. Book that spa treatment you’ve been thinking about. Take a dip in the pool. Challenge new friends to trivia. Enjoy another spectacular lunch. Sip champagne on your veranda. Discover a cozy corner you’ve somehow missed all week. Or do absolutely nothing at all. Some of the best memories aboard a VACAYA cruise aren’t made ashore. They’re made over long lunches that turn into afternoon cocktails. They’re made beside the pool while laughing with people who were complete strangers just a few days ago. Enjoy!

PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN
ARRIVE: 10AM

DEPART: 5PM

If the Mediterranean had a playground, it might just be Mallorca. Sophisticated yet relaxed, cosmopolitan yet unmistakably Spanish, Palma effortlessly blends centuries of history with a vibrant modern lifestyle that has made it one of Europe’s favorite island escapes. Towering above the waterfront stands the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria, affectionately known as La Seu. Its soaring Gothic architecture dominates the skyline and serves as one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic landmarks. Beyond the cathedral, Palma invites exploration.

Stroll elegant boulevards lined with cafés and designer boutiques. Lose yourself among narrow medieval streets filled with hidden courtyards and charming plazas. Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the marina. Or simply settle into a sidewalk café with a glass of crisp Spanish Albariño and watch island life unfold around you. This is a city that knows how to enjoy life. Which makes it feel perfectly suited for VACAYA. As the sun begins to set over the Balearic Islands, we’ll return to Allura for one final sail-away together. One last toast. One last spectacular dinner. One last late afternoon dancing beneath the Mediterranean skies.

Every great adventure eventually reaches its final chapter. Fortunately, ours ends in one of Europe’s most extraordinary cities. Barcelona greets us with breathtaking architecture, world-famous cuisine, vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful beaches, and an unmistakable energy that’s equal parts artistic, cosmopolitan, and wonderfully alive. It’s a city where the whimsical creations of Antoni Gaudí stand beside lively markets, palm-lined boulevards, and one of Europe’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ communities. If your schedule allows, we highly recommend extending your stay by a few days. As for us… your V Team will say goodbye with full hearts, countless new friendships, and enough incredible memories to last a lifetime. We can’t wait until we see you on the next adventure!