Our two week diary on a P&O cruise around the Mediterranean

Globalmouse is hitting the seas once again with the simply brilliant P&O Cruises. This time we’re cruising around the Mediterranean. We’ve decided to write a travelogue as we go so you can check in and follow our travels as they happen. Read our two week diary on a P&O cruise around the Mediterranean with a day-by-day account of how we get on.

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Day 1 – Getting onboard

I cannot tell you how excited we are to get on board.

Last year we travelled around Italy and Croatia on board P&O’s Ventura and fell in love with cruising.

For us, it really provided the perfect way to travel. There’s plenty of time to relax on board mixed with independent travel around all of the cities and regions we stop at.

We have literally been counting down the hours until this moment and now we are here we breathed a sigh of relief while the children squealed with delight.

We’ve already stopped for pizza, registered at the kid’s clubs and checked out the chocolate available in the shop (priorities eh?).

Day 2 – At sea

Today we are at sea, sailing down past the French coast and feeling the temperature rise with every passing hour.

It was so lovely to wake and pull back the curtains this morning to the sight of the sea and only the sea, in every direction we looked.

There’s something about just gazing at the deep blue ocean with white horses dancing gently on top.

Kid’s club

Our six year old awoke with one goal – to get to kids club. She wasn’t a fan of kids clubs until we travelled on the Ventura last year and now she loves them.

So the older two raced in to spend the morning enjoying arts and crafts and games.

Masterclass with Marco Pierre White

The highlight of the day has to be Mr Globalmouse getting a cooking masterclass with Marco Pierre White. He is one of P&O’s food heroes who has helped develop many of their menus.

He also has a restaurant on the ship and was on board for book signings, a question time session and for an extra charge, the masterclass.

Since Mr GM is definitely the cook in our home he was really excited to spend some time learning techniques. They cooked up the perfect langoustine risotto and a host of other seafood specialities.

It was such an amazing opportunity and the children got to meet him afterwards too.

Black tie evening

We then went to the black tie event this evening which was a great excuse to get dressed up and enjoy some amazing dishes.

The food on board is just fantastic, catered to all our diets (vegetarian and wheat free) and every dish is top restaurant quality.

And now we’re gently rocking our way towards Spain and tomorrow is our first port stop of Vigo which we can’t wait to explore.

DAY 3 – Vigo – Our two week diary on a P&O cruise around the Mediterranean

The smell of salty sea air which was at the same time fresh and cool hit us as soon as we disembarked the Azura today at the port stop of Vigo, Spain.

This isn’t an area we know at all but it most definitely is one we will look to return to. With its pine trees, terracotta roofed homes and a relaxed feel.

It is an airy, green corner of Spain and the city raises up on levels across the hillside.

Vigo is one of the world’s biggest sea ports but it doesn’t feel industrial or too busy.

El Castro, Vigo

The ship pulled straight into the old part of the town so as soon as we stepped off we were there amongst the tapas restaurants, cafes and little shops.

We walked the hundreds of steps to the castle (El Castro) at the top of the city for views all across the region of Galicia and cooled off in the water fountains there.

Wander the backstreets

Vigo is a lovely town to wander through the winding backstreets which climb and drop.

You can find pottery, wicker and even bagpipes – a traditional instrument from the area and a legacy of the times when the Celts passed through the country two millennia ago.

We loved exploring the streets and stopping for tapas – including the local speciality of salted green peppers which were delicious.

We fell in love with the laid-back Spanish vibe of Vigo, it certainly is unlike any other part of Spain we have visited.

As it’s built on a hill it was a bit of a workout for us, a good excuse to stop for Tarta de Santiago, a Galician sweet almond cake which is so tasty.

It’s a late afternoon departure from Vigo so we’re back on board now, the children are already eager to get back to the kids club and we’re contemplating cocktails.

Day 4 – Lisbon

Portugal is one of our favourite countries and a trip to Lisbon today was something we have all been looking forward to.

We hopped off the boat as soon as we docked in the port.

The whitewashed houses and domed Portuguese churches overlooking this fishing harbour reflected perfectly in the water in the already warm morning.

Lisbon aquarium

We took the P&O shuttle bus to the centre of the city and from here took the metro out to Orient and to Europe’s largest aquarium.

We thought Oceanario was fantastic with its huge tanks full of shoals of silvery fish, stingrays and large sharks with their toothy grins.

This is an aquarium to easily spend a morning or afternoon at with special displays for jungle locations as well as fish native to the area.

The area of the city around the aquarium is also really fun with restaurants, shops and lots of fountains for children to play in. It’s a great place to stay awhile if you have time and enjoy Lisbon with the locals.

Wandering through the centre of Lisbon

We then headed back to the centre of the city and found a bakery stocked high with pasteis de nata, or Portuguese custard tarts.

They were creamy and delicious and the perfect little stop for a snack.

The day was really heating up now and we wandered the streets, picking out some handicrafts to take home and some more sweet treats.

Lisbon is such a beautiful, friendly city and I only wish we had time to linger longer.

But I’m excited to check out the next destination, somewhere none of us has ever been, Gibraltar.

Before then we are off out to dinner in Atul Kochar’s Sindhu restaurant on board which I can’t wait to try.

Day 5 – Gibraltar

We had the best morning start ever today.

I woke up around 7am and pulled back the curtains slightly to an amazing sunrise – orange and bleeding into the sky.

It was beautiful and so I stepped onto the balcony where the mild sea air was fresh.

Through the haze I could see the rock of Gibraltar jutting out of the sea, its craggy corners softened by the morning light.

And then I saw it, or I thought I did. A glimpse of shiny skin, glistening momentarily before gliding back beneath the water.

And then right in front of me it happened, two dolphins jumped straight out of the sea and dived below it again. I have wanted to see dolphins in the wild for the longest time and to see them like this, swimming how they should be, wild and free was really emotional.

I woke everyone up to come and stand bleary eyed and watch for more.

The dolphins didn’t disappoint, we must have seen a hundred. Jumping out of the water, gliding alongside the boat, shoals of fins pointing out of the sea.

It really was the most incredible sight.

We were then ready for our day exploring Gibraltar, somewhere my Great Grandfather was prison sergeant of during the war so I was eager to see it.

Europa lookout point

We went to the lookout point of Europa and stood at the railings looking over to the mountains of Africa we could see beyond.

Such an experience to stand on Europe and see Africa.

And we climbed to the top of the rock where cheeky monkeys tried to steal Mr GM’s phone and clambered about with their babies on their backs.

Exploring the tunnels

We escaped the heat of the day in the 17th century tunnels dug deep into the top of the rock. With guns hiding in strategic dug outs, ready to defend this quirky little British enclave.

And we also wandered through the second world war tunnels, there to defend the community against a Nazi invasion.

In Gibraltar centre

And finally, we wandered the streets, passing red telephone boxes and British department stores. We stopped for cheese sandwiches and chips (when in Britain) and shopped for furry monkeys and ice creams.

And then we wandered back to Azura who was waiting patiently in the port for us.

As we sailed away the dolphins were back for another show and we all stood again on the balcony.

“I saw it jump on its tail” shouted our three-year-old.

“Yes, it really did!” I smiled. What a wonderful experience for all of us.

DAY 6 – At sea – Our two week diary on a P&O cruise around the Mediterranean

We’re at sea today, hazy Spanish mountains in the distance as we gently sail past.

We’ve spotted jellyfish, strange looking sun fish and even some flying fish on our journey today.

Food onboard

I’m not ashamed to say it’s primarily been a day of eating.

We stocked up on the biggest breakfast. The children have really taken to the smoothie of the day so they each had those, pancakes with maple syrup, bowls of mixed fruit and assorted pastries.

While we tucked into veggie breakfasts of Quorn bacon, Quorn sausages and sautéed potatoes, unlimited pots of hot coffee, fresh grapefruit segments and muesli.

I did announce over breakfast that I didn’t think I could leave the Azura.

The children have spent time at the kids clubs today, swimming in the pools, ice cream on deck and sitting on the balcony reading.

I’ve caught up on some of our washing (we travel light so it’s great to be able to use the washing machines on board), perused the Pandora shop on board and booked a couple more excursions for the next few port stops.

We’ve all come together for lemonades on the top deck and apple cakes in the cafe.

It’s been one of those idyllic ‘at sea’ kind of days.

Black tie evening

Tonight we all got dressed up for the black tie evening. We’ve really embraced this and love getting all ready for dinner.

It’s made a real event of and the food and service on board is absolutely fantastic, it’s like being in a five-star restaurant every single day.

We’ve feasted on mushroom stroganoff, cauliflower tempura, salmon in creamy sauces and desserts of chocolate fondant and mille-feuille.

We all sat out on the balcony this evening to watch the sun going down over the med. The soft breeze kissing our cheeks and a sailboat sailing whimsically into view.

It was one of those moments we just felt so fortunate and happy and like there’s nowhere else we’d want to be right now.

Day 7 – Monaco

Sunshine, blue skies and sparkling seas as we pulled into Monte Carlo this morning.

This is such a beautiful stretch of coastline and it was incredible to pull back the curtains and see the mountains of Monaco and the houses on the hillside.

It was really exciting being tendered in on the Azura’s lifeboats. Great to see them in action and how high-tech they are.

Also to be so close to the brilliantly blue sea here, it makes you want to dive straight in.

Musee Oceanographique

We spent a really lovely day exploring the city. Up the winding paths to the Palace at the top, down past the Cathedral and through the tropical gardens with their spiky cacti, colourful flowers and refreshing ponds.

We went to the Musee Oceanographique housed in a beautiful building, packed full of character.

Here we saw the sharks and jellyfish and stood inside a shark’s jaw bone which was pretty terrifying to see how easily we could all fit inside.

We saw bones of whales and looked at artefacts from through the ages in the impressive museum.

And it was so lovely to be out of the baking heat for a while, particularly during the midday sun.

Stopping for food in Monaco

Then we stopped for pizza and lemonades at a cafe near to the palace. Before winding our way back down to the waterfront.

Monte Carlo really is such a beautiful city and it was great to see the countryside around it as we pulled away.

Overnight off the coast

We didn’t go far, the boat stopped just out to sea, overlooking the Cote d’Azur where we could see France, Monaco and Italy with one sweep of the eye.

Dining at the Epicurean

We dined tonight in The Epicurean on board Azura and it really was the most fantastic meal. Playful, delicious food with flavours that range from the delicate to those that really pop.

We had smoked salmon marinated in 18-year-old whisky hand carved at the table, mushroom mille feuille with a fennel ice cream and the most amazing cherry chocolate cake with popping candy and a shot of New York cream soda.

All eaten on the deck with candles and the view of the sun slowly disappearing behind the mountains, sending the sky pink and purple. Just wonderful.

DAY 8 – La Spezia

We’ve arrived in beautiful Italy. A country we’ve spent a fair amount of time in as a family and one we adore.

We are in the port of La Spezia at the gateway to Tuscany.

This is a great location for day trips to Florence and Pisa or some of the Tuscan towns which we have spent time in before. So we decided to go somewhere different this time and to the absolutely beautiful Cinque Terre or five towns which have become a UNESCO World Heritage site.

These towns are not easily reached by land so we took a P&O tour which involved boats and trains and was the perfect introduction to the area.

Manarolla

We started at Manarolla with its central clock tower. The little shops and houses wound their way to the bay with its crystal clear waters with village children jumping from the rocks into the sea.

This is such a timeless Mediterranean village and just packed full of Italian charm.

Varnazzo

From here we caught the boat to Vernazzo with its fairytale like cove, its beautiful squares and old world streets. With washing flapping in the breeze from the high balconies above.

We ate ice creams here, they were melting so fast in the hot sunshine we had to gobble them up.

And we shopped for lemon soaps and tomato pizza.

Monterosso

And then it was back in the boat and on to Monterosso. Here we explored the little streets and beautiful boutique shops and stopped for focaccia and lemonade.

The beaches of Monterosso were lined with coloured umbrellas but it was too hot for us to venture onto the sand. Although the water looked so inviting, I could have jumped in with my clothes on so many times today.

We spent the whole day at the Cinque Terre, catching the train back to La Spezia in late afternoon. We loved exploring this coastline, it felt like somewhere from yesteryear with fishing boats pulled up to the cottages lining the little streets.

Definitely an area I’d recommend for families with plenty of ice cream and sheltered bays for swimming.

It’s just so picturesque.

Room service on board

We’re back on board now and after our day of eating yesterday we are just going to order some food to the room this evening. I’ve had my eye on the Quorn and beetroot ciabatta for a few days now and Mr GM is after the poached citrus poached salmon.

The sun is still strong and beating down and it’s time to venture onto the balcony for some reading with my feet up after climbing all the village steps today.

Day 9 – Rome

What a scorching day.

41 degrees in Rome today and it certainly felt like it with blue skies and the sun blazing bright. It was absolutely gorgeous.

Rome Private Tours

Today we were picked up from the door of the boat by Rome Private Tours and driven the hour or so to Rome from the port at Civitavecchia.

After stopping for a classic Italian breakfast of coffee and cream filled pastries, we were met by Valentina, the lovely guide who took us on a four hour walking tour of the city, perfectly geared for children.

We had an absolutely wonderful day stopping at the so called ‘ugly boat’ fountain at the bottom of the Spanish steps to try the water. Posing for photographs on the Spanish steps themselves and walking the streets of Rome to find little cafes and perfect pizza restaurants.

We wandered into the Church of St Ignatius to find its secret lurking above. That its beautiful domed ceiling is in fact an illusion – it was so perfectly painted we had no idea.

And we learnt the secret of how Romans drink from the water fountains which are everywhere.

We couldn’t visit Rome and not visit the most famous fountain, the Trevi, where we threw coins over our shoulder and made our wishes.

We also walked through the Forum – one of my favourite parts of Rome which I knew from trips before children. It was brilliant to return with them, pointing out details on fallen columns and dusty walkways to hidden temples.

The Pantheon was as beautiful as ever and never ceases to be a marvel. When we visited it was closed for mass with great wafts of incense spilling out of the open doors.

This temple to the Gods is breathtaking in its beauty and architectural brilliance.

The Colosseum

But the show stopper was always going to be the Colosseum and it did not fail to disappoint.

The children were spell-bound by stories of the animals that would have fought here and the range of gladiators who would have prowled the stage.

Valentina pointed out details I hadn’t seen before. Small piles of Roman peach stones and olive pitts discarded by spectators thousands of years ago.

There were toothpicks, chicken bones and oyster shells – remnants of snacks munched happily on while the action was watched and discussed.

It was a fascinating insight.

Even though was a very hot day the four hours passed so quickly as we all soaked up the historic details and little gems of information.

Ice cream

We stopped for big tubs of ice cream and the best pizza laden with fiery peppers, salty olives and chunks of mozzarella cheese, drizzled over with pesto – perfect Italian food.

What a day of discovery and interest. And best of all the children are still talking about it as we sailed off into the warm air.

I have a feeling this trip will stay with them for a very long time.

DAY 10 – Corsica – Our two week diary on a P&O cruise around the Mediterranean

Sweet, floral, breezy Corsica.

We had a relaxed day in the capital, Ajaccio. Wandering past market stalls selling soaps, olives and rustic French breads.

We shopped through the main streets in the world’s most gorgeous toy shop and beautiful clothes shops.

The island of Corsica is green and picturesque and its beauty really lies in the middle of the island with forests and flowers.

Ajaccio

But we decided to explore Ajaccio, the home town of Napoleon and spend some time passing through the streets which twist and weave around.

The town is wonderfully, typically French. With a bustling market just off the port and a stack of boulangeries and restaurants.

We wound our way around to the top of the town where Austerlitz Park stands. Here a suitably reverential memorial to the much loved son of the city is proudly looking down to the sea below.

Our children spent the longest time playing here. As Napoleon himself would have done as a young child.

We bought bags of Corsican sweet breads and ate them in the sunshine looking down on the turquoise waters, with palm trees gently swaying above.

It felt tropical and the perfect spot to take a break.

Back in the town, we sought out Napoleon’s birthplace. Unfortunately, it was closed on a Monday, but the children loved peering through the windows.

Corsica is yet another destination we have earmarked to explore some more. Along with its surrounding islands which are filled with intrigue and ready for adventures.

We’re now gently rocking as the ship makes its way back across the Mediterranean. And we are looking forward to some time at sea to rest our feet after all these days exploring.

Day 11 – At sea

Today has been a very welcome day of rest at sea.

We have been sailing along the coast of Spain and it’s been relaxing to look out over the ocean. Although no dolphins were spotted today.

We have been spending time really relaxing today, something we rarely get a chance to do at home. And with the children in the kids club, it was great to be able to laze around a bit, sit out and drink coffee, read a little and spend time in the coffee shop.

I love this boat and could genuinely spend a year on board quite happily (retirement plans already in place).

The food has been as fantastic as always and we’ve had orzo pasta, Portuguese sardines, pumpkin soup and vegetable fajitas.

We followed dinner this evening out on one of the top decks with an impromptu game of shuffleboard. Such fun.

DAY 12 – Cadiz, Spain – Our two week diary on a P&O cruise around the Mediterranean

Oh beautiful, beautiful Cadiz.

I have fallen in love with this gorgeous Spanish town. With its tiled doorways hiding glimpses of colourful courtyards beyond.

Unpretentious and just full of authentic Spanish charm this has probably been my favourite port stop.

The old town

We wandered the streets of the old town. The children buying colourful fans to keep them cool in the heat.

We ate ice lollies as we wandered past market stalls and took a bus tour around the city to learn about its importance in the days of sea trade.

We had an amazing find beneath the theatre in the centre of the town. Here we discovered a window into old Cadiz from 3000 years ago with old streets that have been excavated and a skeleton found with a broken leg and who had inhaled the smoke which had destroyed the town.

It was such an interesting insight into life here thousands of years ago.

Time at the beach

We then went to the seaside and splashed about and cooled off in the clear, calm sea.

This popular stretch of sandy beach was perfect to spend some classic seaside time on.

And then it was back to wander the streets, stop for some tapas and peer into more doorways.

Cadiz is such a beautiful city, I absolutely love it.

Day 13 – At sea – Our two week diary on a P&O cruise around the Mediterranean

Breezy sea air, blue skies and deep blue ocean with foaming white tops like whipped cream.

The temperature is cooling off again as we edge our way north. The Atlantic winds blowing us forward and away from the heat of the Mediterranean.

Even so, we’ve still managed to spot a dolphin or two jumping the waves and wishing us well on our way.

Relaxing on board

We’ve spent the day relaxing on board, having tea in The Glass House and playing board games in the Malabar lounge.

We took afternoon tea in the Peninsular which was just lovely and great to be part of this British tradition.

It’s another black tie evening. The children have been superheroes in the kids club and we’ve dined on delicious dishes of smoked salmon and giant mushroom raviolis from Marco Pierre White’s menu.

After a promenade along the decks, the sea air has us ready for bed but excited for another day of fun tomorrow.

Day 14 – At sea

Our final day on board Azura and we’ve been rocking about a little on the Bay of Biscay. It’s amazing how little the ship does move considering the size of some of the waves.

The temperature is noticeably cooler and we’re wrapping cardigans and jumpers around us. And remembering the beautiful Mediterranean sunshine we have left behind.

We had a huge breakfast this morning with all of our favourites. Muffins, smoothies, pastries, cereal, fruit and big hot fry ups.

It was the perfect start to our last day.

We’ve been doing some final jobs. Returning our library books, packing, watching a film and looking back over photographs of our trip.

I felt quite emotional seeing the pictures of all of the adventures we’ve had over the past fortnight. Eating tapas in Spain, a visit to Europe’s biggest aquarium in Lisbon, eating pizza in Italy and seeing the breathtaking Colosseum in Rome.

What a trip and what memories.

This evening we had cocktails and mocktails for a final time. Reminiscing about our favourite things on board, our best port stops and everything we’ve loved about this trip.

And now back to our lovely little cabin for the last night on board Azura as we sail past the French coast.

DAY 15 – Leaving – Our two week diary on a P&O cruise around the Mediterranean

Today we left Azura.

It felt really sad to be leaving this beautiful ship and the staff who truly are exceptional. Nothing is too much trouble and they really go out of their way to ensure every person has the most wonderful holiday.

And we certainly have.

It was really strange to walk off of the boat for one last time. Walking out in to Southampton, where we started two weeks ago.

To travel so far without flying is just brilliant and we have loved this cruise so much. The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

This has been an amazing time for our family. We have shared some really magical moments, like watching so many dolphins jumping around the boat, gasping in delight as they swam around will stay with all of us for the longest time.

We have visited six different countries: eaten their food, bought little mementoes and saw some incredible sights such as the Colosseum in Rome and the 17th-century tunnels in Gibraltar.

What an incredible two weeks of travel. Thank you Azura for such a wonderful family holiday and thank you P&O.

We can’t wait to travel with you again soon.

 

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Our review of our P&O cruise around the Mediterranean