The Ports Trip Report: Venice, Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Athens Greece.

The Ports Trip Report: Venice, Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Athens Greece.

Author: Rope Drop Entertainment July 28, 2026 Duration: 45:47

RDOD — Our Norwegian Viva Mediterranean Trip Report (Part 1): Venice to Athens

🔥 Teaser (Apple Podcasts Optimized)

From an early morning in St. Mark's Basilica to walking the ancient walls of Dubrovnik and standing atop the Acropolis in Athens, our 10-night Norwegian Viva cruise was filled with unforgettable ports. In Part 1 of our trip report, we're sharing our favorite excursions, travel tips, hotels, and everything you need to know before cruising the Mediterranean.


Episode Summary

This week on Rope Drop On Deck, Doug and Michelle kick off the first installment of their 10-night Norwegian Viva Mediterranean cruise trip report.

This episode focuses on the first half of the vacation, covering the ports, hotels, excursions, and travel logistics before and during the cruise. We discuss spending time in Venice, embarking from Ravenna, walking the famous city walls in Dubrovnik, exploring Stari Bar in Montenegro, and finishing with an unforgettable day in Athens, including an early visit to the Acropolis.

If you're planning a Mediterranean cruise—or just dreaming about one—this episode is full of practical tips and firsthand experiences.


In This Episode

✈️ Pre-Cruise in Venice

  • Staying at Hotel Al Sole
  • Why we chose Venice before the cruise
  • Exploring the canals and city

🏛️ Venice Excursion

  • Early entry to St. Mark's Basilica
  • Touring Doge's Palace
  • Exclusive terrace views over St. Mark's Square
  • Why arriving early made all the difference

🚢 Embarkation in Ravenna

  • Staying at Hotel Mosaico
  • Easy transfer to the cruise port???
  • Boarding the Norwegian Viva

🇭🇷 Dubrovnik, Croatia

  • Walking the famous city walls
  • Admission costs (€40)
  • Incredible views of the Adriatic
  • Tips for visiting Old Town

🇲🇪 Bar, Montenegro

  • Taxi to Stari Barr
  • Exploring the historic town
  • Relaxing at the beach
  • Why this port pleasantly surprised us

🇬🇷 Athens, Greece

  • 8:00 a.m. entry to the Acropolis
  • Why early tickets are worth it
  • Jewelry-making workshop with a local artisan
  • Using the Free Now app for transportation
  • Favorite moments in one of the world's oldest cities

📖 Word of the Day

Port Of Call— brought to you by Back to the Mouse

📱 Follow Rope Drop On Deck:

Stay in the loop for bonus cruise content, updates, and behind-the-scenes fun.

More of Michelle

More of Doug

If you want to book a cruise reach out to Michelle at Michelle@TouringandCruises.com

Check out Back to the Mouse.com for all the latest in Disney Cruising 


🎧 Also check out our sister podcast: Rope Drop Radio – your source for Disney Parks planning tips and reviews!

Thanks for sailing with us—until next time, happy cruising! ⚓🌊


Ever wondered what it's really like to set sail on the latest ships, or how to navigate the overwhelming choices for your next vacation at sea? That's the harbor we set out from each week with Rope Drop: On Deck-A Cruise News and Planning Podcast. Hosted by Michelle McKnight, a travel advisor with Touring and Cruises Travel, and Doug McKnight of Rope Drop Radio, this conversation feels less like a formal broadcast and more like getting expert advice from friends who genuinely love cruising. You'll hear candid trip reports that go beyond the brochure, breaking down everything from onboard dining and entertainment to port excursions and cabin choices. The discussion spans the major lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian, offering balanced perspectives whether you're a first-time cruiser or a seasoned voyager. This podcast digs into the practicalities of planning-budgeting, booking strategies, and what to pack-while also keeping you updated on the latest industry news and ship launches. It’s a comprehensive resource for anyone dreaming of a getaway on the water, blending insider knowledge with the relatable excitement of planning a perfect trip. Tune in for a deep dive that makes the vast world of cruising feel accessible, personal, and endlessly fascinating.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Rope Drop: On Deck - A Cruise News and Planning Podcast
Podcast Episodes
RDOD 104: Port Canaveral 101: Ships, Shuttles, and Shoreline Fun [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
🎙️ Rope Drop On Deck - Episode 104 🚢 Port Canaveral 101: Ships, Shuttles, and Shoreline Fun Planning a cruise from Port Canaveral? Before you set sail, join Doug and Michelle as they break down everything you need to kno…
RDOD 103: Top 10 FAQs Before You Cruise [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:48
🎙️ Rope Drop On Deck - Episode 103 🛳️ Top 10 FAQs for First-Time Cruisers Welcome aboard, first-time cruisers! In this episode of Rope Drop On Deck, we're answering the most common questions new cruisers have—from passpo…
RDOD 102: Don't Miss the Boat: Common Reasons Cruisers Get Denied [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
🚢 Rope Drop On Deck – Episode Title: "How to Get Denied from Boarding a Cruise" Welcome aboard another episode of Rope Drop On Deck, your go-to podcast for cruise tips, news, and laughs on the high seas! This week, we're…
RDOD 101: Would You Rather: Europe Cruises [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:26
🎙️ Rope Drop On Deck - Episode 101 Would You Rather - Europe Edition Ahoy, Disney Cruise fans! On this week's episode of Rope Drop On Deck, we're playing a high-seas version of Would You Rather – Europe Edition 🌍🛳️ Join…
RDOD 100: Cris The Cruising Duck Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:41
Welcome aboard! This week we welcome on Cris the Cruising Duck Man. We talk all about the ducks on the ships. The Virtual Muster Drill is great as well! Follow him on facebook and check out his shop! Word of the Day - Du…
RDOD 99: Love It or Hate It DCL With Joe From Back To The Mouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:17
Welcome aboard! This week we welcome on Joe from Back To The Mouse to play a little bit of Love it or hate it DCL style. Word of the Day - (Doug Forgot) Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com What is Norwegian bring to t…
RDOD 98: Emma of Emma Cruises and Matt of the Cruise Maps and Globe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:20
Welcome aboard! This week we talk with Emma and Matt about The Cruise Maps and The Cruse Globe! We also chat about Emma's YouTube channel and some of the amazing fundraising she has done. Here is a link to her video abou…
RDOD 97: Taking Flight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:04
This week we talk about all the things involved in fling in 2025. From apps to water. Word of the Day - Real ID Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com NEWS Check out Back To the Mouse .com Find us on Social Media More of…
RDOD 96: The DCL Cruising Dad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:53
Welcome aboard! This week we chat with Chris about the Wish and much more. He is the DCL Cruising Dad - https://www.dclcruisingdad.com/ Word of the Day - Placeholder Cruise News - By Back To The Mouse.com NEWS Royal in S…