Frequently Asked Questions: Virgin Voyages Eclipse Cruise to the Med

• Do I need a passport?
  Yes! Also you should have at least 6 months valid on your passport PAST August 22, 2026 (the last day of the cruise).

• Where does the cruise start and end?
  The Virgin Voyages "Eclipse Cruise through the Mediterranean" is a 12-day one-way voyage.

• • • Starts: Barcelona, Spain on Monday, August 10, 2026

    • Ends: Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy on Saturday, August 22, 2026

This means you will need to book your arrival flight into Barcelona and your departure flight out of Rome (specifically from the Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), which is the most common connection from the Civitavecchia port).

• Where exactly is Civitavecchia?
  Civitavecchia is a major seaport town located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 50 miles northwest of Rome, Italy. It is officially known as the Port of Rome because it serves as the primary cruise terminal for the capital.

• What is near Civitavecchia?
  While the town itself has historical charm, its main draw is its proximity to other major areas:

• 1. Rome (City Center): This is the biggest draw, and it's located about 60 to 90 minutes away by car or train. From Civitavecchia, you can easily take a train to explore famous sites like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Roman Forum.

  2. Tuscany Region (Southern Towns): The very southern edge of Tuscany, known as the Maremma region (featuring beautiful vineyards in towns like Pitigliano and Sovana), is the closest part of the region, about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car. 

  3. Local Attractions: The town itself features the impressive Fort Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress right at the harbor, and the ruins of the ancient Roman Taurine Baths. You can also explore the local market and seaside promenade.

  4. Airport Connection: The cruise ends here because it provides a direct, manageable connection to Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO), which is the international airport you will use for your departure flight home.

• When should I plan to arrive in Barcelona for Embarkation?
  It is highly recommended that you arrive in Barcelona at least two days prior to the Virgin Voyages Eclipse Cruise departure date (i.e., plan to arrive on August 8, 2026).

While arriving one day before is the minimum advised for any cruise, an international flight from the U.S. to the Mediterranean adds a layer of risk that warrants extra buffer time. Here's why:

1. Safety Buffer for Travel Delays: International flights, especially those crossing the Atlantic, are susceptible to significant delays or even cancellations. For example, if your flight is scheduled to arrive at 5:00 PM the day before the cruise, and it gets canceled or delayed until 5:00 PM the next day, the ship will likely have already sailed without you. By arriving two days early, you have a full extra day to account for any unforeseen travel disruptions, ensuring you don't miss your vacation.

2. Enjoy Barcelona's Beauty: Barcelona is an incredibly vibrant and beautiful city that absolutely deserves a day or two of exploration. It would be a shame to fly all that way just to rush straight to the terminal.

3. Personal Experience: We've followed this advice ourselves! We are arriving three days in advance to tour Barcelona and the surrounding areas, giving us time to relax, adjust to the time change, and truly start our vacation stress-free before stepping on the ship.

In short, book your flight to arrive at least two days before your cruise. It turns a potential travel headache into a mini-vacation in a world-class city!

• Do I need any special clothing?
  Virgin Voyages has no formal dress code and no formal night. The rule is "Come as you are," meaning you can wear whatever you like to all restaurants, from a t-shirt and shorts to a cocktail dress. Here are the essentials you should pack:

• A Splash of Red: Every cruise features Scarlet Night, a massive, ship-wide party. While not mandatory, nearly everyone wears something red—from a casual tee to a glitzy outfit. It's the most fun night to participate in!

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: For your port days exploring Barcelona and other Mediterranean stops, this is the most important item. You'll be walking for miles over historic cobblestones.

• Layers and a Scarf/Wrap: The Mediterranean climate can be variable. Layers are great for cool evenings on the ship. A scarf or wrap is also essential for visiting churches and religious sites, as they require you to cover your shoulders and knees.

• Pajamas: An optional but fun one: there's usually a PJ Party on the first night!

• What is the expected weather?
  You can expect beautiful, hot weather for your Mediterranean cruise. During the daytime, average temperatures will range from 75 to 85 degrees. Expect sunny, dry, and warm conditions perfect for swimming, as the sea temperature will be a very warm at 74 to 80 degrees. In the evening, the weather remains pleasant and balmy, cooling slightly to 65 to 75 degrees. You'll likely enjoy dining outdoors, though a light jacket may be handy on the open decks. Rainfall will be minimal, typically only occurring as brief, light showers.