Traveling to Europe with Teens? Try a Cruise

A Unique Family Adventure on a Mediterranean Cruise

High-school graduation is a significant milestone, and for our family, it was the perfect time to plan a special trip. My husband and I decided to take our daughter and her close friends on a journey to Europe with some of our family friends. The planning process, however, proved to be quite challenging. Organizing a multi-country trip for four adults and three teenagers was no small task, especially when considering different interests and schedules.

After exploring various options, we found that a Mediterranean cruise offered the ideal solution. It allowed us to explore multiple countries without the hassle of constant travel arrangements. We opted for a seven-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, which started in Civitavecchia, near Rome, and made stops in Salerno and Sicily, Italy; Kusadasi, Turkey; and Santorini and Mykonos, Greece, before ending in Piraeus, near Athens.

Simplified Planning and Exciting Experiences

One of the biggest advantages of the cruise was the ease of trip planning. Once we selected our itinerary, we focused on shore excursions. The cruise ship provided a variety of organized tours at each port, making it easy to choose activities that suited our group. We all had input on the daily plans, and the teens’ interest in mythology influenced our decision to visit the island of Delos, known as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

We also enjoyed the flexibility of choosing whether to do excursions together or split up. This allowed everyone to engage in activities that interested them while still being able to enjoy the ship's amenities and have some downtime.

Stress-Free Travel and Freedom for Teens

Traveling by cruise also made things more manageable for everyone. We could unpack once upon boarding and only repack the night before departure. This eliminated the need for constant packing and unpacking, which was a relief, especially for the teenagers who aren’t known for their neatness.

The cruise also gave the teens a sense of freedom. While they weren’t left alone in unfamiliar cities, they had plenty of space to explore the ship. They could use the gym, try the waterslides, grab a snack, or take a nap without supervision. The only regular activity required was dinner, which became a highlight of the trip as we shared stories and memories.

Enjoying Meals and Relaxing on the Ship

Eating local cuisine was a big part of the trip. We tried fresh mozzarella and olive oil in Sorrento, Greek lunch in Fira on Santorini, and fried feta with honey in Mykonos. The cruise made meals easier, with breakfast available every day and a buffet on the ship for snacks. Each evening brought a new dinner menu, allowing the teens to try new dishes and have a backup option if needed.

A day at sea provided a much-needed break from the busy schedule. It allowed us to relax, read by the pool, or enjoy the FlowRider. This break helped reset the pace of the trip and gave everyone a chance to recharge.

Discovering New Places and Cultures

While a cruise doesn't offer deep cultural immersion, it provides a great introduction to multiple areas of Europe. Our trip included visits to two medieval villages on Sicily, the iconic blue-roofed buildings of Santorini, and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey. We also learned about the Asian portion of Turkey and discovered that the ferries in Mykonos are not for the faint of heart.

Extending the Experience Beyond the Cruise

To enhance the experience, we added stays in Rome and Athens before and after the cruise. In Rome, we visited the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and enjoyed a food tour of the Trastevere neighborhood. In Athens, we did a private driving tour, a street food tour, and a mythology walking tour. These additional days allowed us to explore beyond the cruise and get a taste of non-cruise travel.

A Memorable Journey for All

The cruise provided a unique opportunity for our family to see many places in a short amount of time. It allowed the teens to experience different cultures without the stress of constant travel. As my daughter put it, “It let us see a lot of places in a shorter amount of time than we would have if we were just traveling on our own.” The trip was a success, and it has inspired future adventures for our family.