Our Mediterranean Holiday

Travelling with teenagers can be a delightful challenge — they crave independence, excitement, and a little indulgence. Our recent Mediterranean cruise aboard MSC Seaview ticked every box, delivering an unforgettable journey through Italy, Spain, and the sparkling gem of Malta.

From the moment we stepped into Rome, Italy stole our hearts. The teens were instantly captivated by the Colosseum’s grandeur, imagining gladiator battles and Roman emperors. Wandering through cobbled streets, history whispered from every stone wall.

And of course — gelato. Every corner had its own creamy masterpiece. Pistachio, stracciatella, and even lemon cream were favourites. Meanwhile, my husband was indulging in rich Italian coffee, enjoying espresso the way it was meant to be: short, strong, and savoured in the moment.

Barcelona brought a vibrant contrast. Gaudí’s whimsical architecture sparked curiosity and photo ops galore (even from the hard-to-impress teens). The markets buzzed with colour, music, and tantalising scents. We stumbled across a tiny café serving crêpes with Nutella, banana, and whipped cream, and the kids declared it “the best breakfast ever.” Between street performers and shopping for cool European fashion, Barcelona blended culture with just enough freedom for teenagers to explore their own interests – Nike, Adidas and Tiffany & Co!

We didn’t expect Malta to be the favourite — but it was. This small island was the highlight of our cruise. The views from Mdina were postcard-perfect, and the blend of Mediterranean.  We hired a local boat and skipper who took us through the hidden caves and we swam in turquoise warm waters.  Highlight was the local ice-cream boat that approached us from nowhere with a range of ice-cream in the middle of the Med!

The teens loved roaming Valletta’s narrow streets, soaking in the atmosphere, and snapping Instagram-worthy photos against golden stone walls and bright blue seas. Malta offered the right balance of adventure, history, and beauty.

Be sure to check out our post on Life Onboard MSC Seaview – Teen-Friendly & Relaxing