Ocean Discovery – Marseille, Barcelona & Civitavecchia (Rome)

About this cruise

If you don't need a long holiday but still want to get out on the water, this is a solid pick. 5 nights from Genoa on November 7, 2026, visiting Marseille, Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome). Hardly any sea days here. It's basically port-hopping the whole way. 3 countries (France, Spain and Italy) across the Western Mediterranean, each with its own character. Don't rush through Marseille, which is known as France's oldest city, salty and soulful. Around 10 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. At 185,010 gross tons, Costa Smeralda is big enough that you can find a quiet corner or a crowd, depending on your mood. The autumn timing is underrated too. Good weather, calmer seas, and a more relaxed ship. All told, 3 ports across 5 nights covers a lot.