Everything You Need to Know About the Desire Venice-Rome Cruise 2023
Going on a cruise can be an incredible experience filled with relaxation, adventure, and excitement. To get the most out of your cruise, there are a few things you can do.
First, take advantage of all the activities and amenities the ship has to offer. Whether it's swimming in the pool, trying out new cuisine at restaurants, or attending shows and events, there is always something to do on board.
Second, make sure to explore the ports of call. Research ahead of time and plan your excursions to make the most of your time at each destination. You can book tours through the cruise line or explore on your own. Don't be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone.
Third, take care of yourself and spend time with your partner. The Desire Venice-Rome cruise offers many ways to relax and unwind, such as clothing-optional areas, playrooms, classes, and lounging on the deck. Take advantage of these opportunities to recharge and rejuvenate.
Finally, connect with other passengers and the crew, this is a great time to meet other couples. Cruises provide a unique opportunity to meet people from all over the world and share experiences. Engage in conversation, participate in group activities, and make new friends.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you get the most out of your cruise and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Thursday - May 18, 2023 - Venice, Italy
Friday - May 19, 2023 - Sibnek Croatia
Saturday - May 20, 2023 - Dubrovnik, Croatia
Sunday - May 21, 2023 - Kotor, Montenegro
Monday - May 22, 2023 - Day at Sea
Tuesday - May 23, 2023 - Amalfi, Italy
Wednesday - May 24, 2023 - Sorrento, Italy
Thursday - May 25, 2023 - Rome, Italy
Themes
Basic Instincts - Lingerie & Masks
Welcome to the Jungle
Desire Colosseum - Gladiators & Princesses
Gatsby Gala
Electric Neon
We are Toys - Barbies, Ken, Toy Story
White Soiree
Don’t Forget to Pack
Comfortable Walking Shoes - so many places to hike on this trip
Sunscreen - May can be very sunny in these areas, with lots of beaches and fortress exploring
Your bathing suits - pool parties, beaches, it’s a given
Theme night outfits
Pack enough underwear and socks - You’re going to be gone a whole week!
Bring a quality travel umbrella
Bring a jacket or cardigan not only because of the weather but also if you plan on visiting any religious site, as the dress codes usually mean no bare shoulders, no shorts, and no lewd messaging on clothing.
Bring your allergy medication if needed - everything is in bloom!
Pro-Tips
Keep an eye on the weather
Download Google Translator - this can really help in times of need, if you get lost, and very easy to use
Don’t be afraid to go a little off-grid (use your sense of discernment) - that’s where the best restaurants, shops, and sites are
Be a half hour early for check-in on the boat, otherwise, you’re going to be in line for a while
There are tons of fortresses, walls, and ancient stairways to climb - be prepared and dressed for walking and hiking.
Ask for the bill at restaurants! You’ll be waiting for the check if not.
Port Guide
A port day is when your cruise goes ashore, docks, or tenders at a port of call or private island. During this time you are free to explore the area on your own, do an organized tour either through the ship or booked independently, or stay on the ship and take advantage of reduced capacity.
Thursday - Venice, Italy
Things to Do:
Take a Gondola Ride
Wander around Piazza San Marco
Buy a Venetian mask for the masquerade ball on the ship.
Tours:
Landmarks:
St. Mark’s Basilica - best to go on a tour (to skip the line) and/or reserve ahead of time.
Doge’s Palace - is truly a wonder to behold with its ornate Gothic facade, frescoed interiors, and gilded ceilings.
Rialto Bridge - the Rialto Bridge is the oldest bridge in Venice, and without a doubt, the most renowned. Every year millions of tourists cross it.
Murano Island - where you can watch traditional Venitian glassmakers.
Food/Drink to Try:
Ciccchetti - great for appetizers
Aperol Spritz - this light, bubbly cocktail originated in Venice
Bellini - The first Bellini was poured in the summer of 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder and barman of the legendary Harry's Bar in Venezia.
Bigoli in Salsa (pasta in anchovy sauce)
What to Wear: In religious institutions such as St. Mark’s Basilica they prohibit bare shoulders, no shorts, and men must wear shirts. Also, profane writings on your clothes will probably not be entertained. Read more here. In Venice, you will walk a lot and many of these walks will lead you across bridges that are often at a slope and with steps. The best shoes for Venice are therefore walking shoes such as runners/sneakers or walking sandals. They give the best support and cushioning to your foot and will prevent injury and slipping.
Friday - Sibnek Croatia
Things to Do:
Wander the medieval, car-less streets
Explore the Four Fortresses
Tours:
Landmarks:
St. John’s Fortress
Cathedral of St. James
Food/Drink:
Great seafood almost anywhere
Known for some amazing wines - check this local winery out
Tips: It’s pronounced, “She-Ba-Nick.” There are some great tours in this country, both in the center part of the city and some hiking tours in more rugged areas. So dress for comfort. There was a lot of Game of Thrones scenes filmed in Sibenik, take a tour and visit the locations.
Saturday - Dubrovnik, Croatia
Things to Do:
Hike the Grand Dubrovnik Walls
Take a ride on the cable car for an aerial view and eat at the Panorama Restaurant A round-trip ticket costs 170 Kuna (or about $25)
Take the ferry over to Lokrum Island which is right next to Dubrovnik. The island is beautiful and has gardens, pathways, a nice fort, and a Nude Beach on the left side of the island (just follow the signs). There is a ferry that goes over to the island every 30 minutes. The trip lasts 15 minutes and costs 40 Kuna (about 5 euros).
Tours:
Landmarks:
Stradun - main street in Dubrovnik
Game of Thrones King’s Landing
Food/Drink:
Get a coffee at the Gradska Kavana Arsenal - The best place to eat with a view
Try Black Risotto - made with squid ink
Sip on Rakija - a brandy made from pears and plum
Sunday - Kotor, Montenegro
Things to Do:
Visit the Cat Museum
Visit the Blue Cave
Hike the ladder to get the best view of the city of the Bay of Kotor
Tours:
Landmarks:
St. Nicholas Church
St. Tryphon’s Cathedral - built in 1166!!
Food/Drink:
Try the amazing starter dishes like pršut (a tasty dry-cured ham in a rich array of different broths)
Vranac - a dry, dark, ruby-red wine cultivated in the Crmnica region.
Monday - Day at Sea
Things to Do:
Enjoy clothing-optional areas including a playroom
Dance and party all day and night
Learn something new at a workshop with internationally-acclaimed sexologists
Food/Drink:
Try out any of the inclusive dining experiences on board and indulge in the two specialty restaurants as well.
Tips:
Great day to take in a day on the deck and head to the Clothing optional pool party
There is a gym on board for those who need some exercise
Tuesday - Amalfi, Italy
Things to Do:
Hike the Path of the Gods
Visit the Villa in Ravello (ticket is €7)
Rent a bed and umbrella on Atrani beach
Tours:
Landmarks:
Villa Cimbrone Gardens
Duomo di Sant’Andrea
Food/Drink:
Pizza from La Arcate is a must!!
Drink Peach Bellinis at Ill Trident in Positano
Da Gabrisa Restaurant & Wine Bar
Wednesday - Sorrento, Italy
Things to Do:
Visit Piazza Tasso
Explore the Old Town- Here is a great free self-guided tour
Visit the Duomo
Soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Marina Piccola or Marina Grande.
Tours:
Landmarks:
Museo Correale di Terranova
Visit Pompeii:
Food/Drink:
Enjoy fresh seafood along the Marina Grande
Enjoy a refreshing Limoncello
Tips: Be careful getting on a boat trip, they are an all-day long excursion and you can risk missing your boarding time.
Thursday - Rome, Italy
Things to Do:
Visit Roseto Comunale - Rose Garden - only during the month of May and it’s free of charge.
Walk the beautiful, narrow, cobblestoned streets
See the Pantheon
Tours:
Landmarks:
Visit the Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Roman Forum
Colosseum
Food/Drink:
Pizza al Taglio or pizza al trancio (Italian for pizza by the slice — literally "by the cut") is a variety of pizza baked in large rectangular trays and generally sold in rectangular or square slices by weight, with prices marked per kilogram or per 100 grams.
Supplì - A popular street food consisting of fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Carbonara - A classic Roman dish made with pasta, egg, pecorino cheese, and pancetta or guanciale (cured pork cheek).
Gelato - Italy is famous for its gelato, and you can find some of the best gelato shops in Rome.
Tips: If you’re trying to see the Colosseum, and want to skip the long lines, get a Roma Pass—this city card offers free skip-the-line admission to 1 or 2 attractions, free use of the city’s public transport system, and discounts on services and activities.
