Lavender Trail – Nice, Portofino & Rome

About this cruise

You board in Barcelona on September 4, 2027 for 7 nights visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer, La Spezia, Portofino, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Naples, and you come back from this kind of trip wondering why you don't do it more often. A few ports come in quick succession, which is great for sightseeing but means you'll appreciate the sea days when they arrive. Roman ruins at one stop, Renaissance piazzas at the next. Centuries of history at every quay. La Spezia stands out. It's Gateway to the pastel villages of Cinque Terre. Around 11 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. Celebrity Xcel launched in 2025, so everything on board is still new. You can tell. Families and groups will find plenty to do: waterslides, shows, multiple pools, and something for every age. If you can, add a night in Barcelona before boarding. It's a good city to wander. The autumn timing is underrated too. Good weather, calmer seas, and a more relaxed ship. All in all, it's a solid trip.