Cruising the Amalfi Coast

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas, for example, spends a day in culturally-rich Naples, which has stood under the watchful guise of Mount Vesuvius for nearly 3,000 years. Italy’s third-largest city, Naples is also one of the most captivating. Spend time at the National Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the world’s finest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities. Then stroll the pedestrian-only Spaccanapoli before stopping for an authentic pizza.

Just a short drive away lies ancient Pompeii, frozen in time since Vesuvius buried it in ashes in 79 A.D. Gaze at the amazing remains of the public baths, amphitheaters, temples and private villas with their unscathed frescoes. Or, hop a hydrofoil to the fabled jetsetter isle of Capri. Be sure to visit its famous Grotta Azzurra, the Blue Grotto; the sun’s refraction in this fascinating cave turns the water a luminous blue. Afterward, grab a seat in the famous main square, La Piazzetta, order an espresso and relax in the center of local life.

Another popular port of call, the Coast’s namesake town of Amalfi will be visited by Oceania Cruises plush new Oceania Riveria in 2012. According to Greek legend, Hercules fell in love with a nymph named Amalfi; when she died, he buried her here, the most beautiful place on Earth. You’ll be equally enchanted meandering along the charming avenues with their covered porticos and taking a peek inside the graceful, 11th-century cathedral. Papermaking is said to have originated in the town, and its parchments are still used by the Vatican for its official correspondence.

Amalfi’s greatest appeal, though, may be its close proximity to the ever-chic Positano. A sleepy fishing village when John Steinbeck first hailed its charm, today this fashionable, pedestrian-only resort lures with designer boutiques and trendy cafés. Yet its white Moorish-style homes, spectacular bay and pebble beach never fail to take one’s breath away. For a more restrained glamour, head to the romantic town of Ravello. Stroll through the lovely rose gardens at Villa Cimbrone; its Terrace of Infinity boasts idyllic views of the gulf.

For a chance to see it all, you may want to cruise aboard Crystal Serenity, which overnights in Sorrento. Perched along the cliff-edge overlooking the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is lush with lovely parks and verdant orange, olive and lemon groves. The tasty Italian liqueur, limoncello, is traditionally made from Sorrento lemon peel – a delicious chilled treat after any meal.

An ancient commercial hub, today its tiny shops are lined with locally produced wines and cheeses, coral jewelry, traditional lacework and marquetry. Visit the Museo Bottega Della Tarsia Lignea for exquisite examples of this town’s specialty. Then head out in whatever sun-soaked direction strikes your fancy.

Each cruise line offers an extensive array of shore excursions along the Amalfi Coast. Or, for the ultimate tailor-made experience, we recommend creating a private car and driver experience, or Italy tours that focus on Rome and Southern Italy.