Bucket List: Checked! Inside A Royal Caribbean Med Cruise Adventure When one of my fabulous cruise clients, Hope Ramer, returned from her Mediterranean adventure aboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas, I couldn’t wait to hear all about it. She checked off bucket-list favorites—Italy, Greece, and Turkey—on a journey filled with unforgettable food, culture, laughter, and, of course, those jaw-dropping views. Instead of just telling you about her trip, I thought I’d let her share the story in her own words. Here’s what Hope had to say about her Mediterranean cruise experience: Q: What made you choose a Mediterranean cruise with Royal Caribbean, and how did you decide on this specific itinerary? A: I’m loyal to Royal because of the point system, and I’ve always wanted to visit Italy, Greece, and Turkey—so this itinerary was perfect!
Q: Which destination instantly stole your heart? A: Turkey. The people were phenomenal, and the sellers weren’t as aggressive as I expected. It was such a pleasant surprise.
Q: What local dish or drink are you still dreaming about? A: Turkish stew—it was amazing!
Q: What was your “wow” moment of the trip—something that truly took your breath away? A: Definitely my time in Italy. We stayed at Hotel Firenze, and the view was absolutely incredible.
Q: What’s something you packed that you were really glad to have? A: My phone! This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and I wanted to capture every moment. I took over 100 videos and shared them on social media so I could hold on to every memory.
Q: Was there a moment when you thought, “This is exactly why I travel”? A: Yes, when I was sitting by the pool at Hotel Firenze. It was hot, I had an Italian lemonade in hand, and it was the most peaceful resort I’d ever stayed at.
Q: Was there a port you wish you had more time in? A: Greece. I wanted more time to explore the less touristy spots and stay longer at the beach. The views were unforgettable.
Q: What was your favorite photo you took on the trip, and what’s the story behind it? A: A group shot with all my girlfriends. There’s nothing like traveling with your best friends—it’s a whole different kind of joy.
Q: What advice would you give someone thinking about booking their first Mediterranean cruise? A: Book through a travel agent! And make sure to carry euros as most cabs don’t take credit cards.
Q: Now that you’ve done the Med, what’s next on your cruise bucket list? A: An Asian cruise! Japan and Vietnam are at the top of my list. And yes, expect 100 more videos!
There’s just something magical about the Mediterranean. Hearing Hope’s story reminded me why I love what I do: helping travelers experience the world in a way that’s seamless, meaningful, and completely unforgettable. If you’ve been dreaming of your own Mediterranean getaway, I’d love to help you make it happen—let’s plan something extraordinary.
