Aboard Sirena with Oceania Cruises
Cruise Overview
Italy's vibrant capital lives in the present, but no other city on earth evokes its past so powerfully.
For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here.
Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness.
Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.
Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history.
In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa.
In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it.
Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map.
After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here.
The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this.
(The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port.
In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours.
Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed.
Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before.
Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists.
Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage.
Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city.
The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish.
Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color.
The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.
One of the most photographed villages along the coast, with a decidedly romantic and affluent aura, Portofino has long been a popular destination for the rich and famous.
Once an ancient Roman colony and taken by the Republic of Genoa in 1229, it’s also been ruled by the French, English, Spanish, and Austrians, as well as by marauding bands of 16th-century pirates.
Elite British tourists first flocked to the lush harbor in the mid-1800s.
Some of Europe's wealthiest drop anchor in Portofino in summer, but they stay out of sight by day, appearing in the evening after buses and boats have carried off the day-trippers.There's not actually much to do in Portofino other than stroll around the wee harbor, see the castle, walk to Punta del Capo, browse at the pricey boutiques, and sip a coffee while people-watching.
However, weaving through picture-perfect cliffside gardens and gazing at yachts framed by the sapphire Ligurian Sea and the cliffs of Santa Margherita can make for quite a relaxing afternoon.
There are also several tame, photo-friendly hikes into the hills to nearby villages.Unless you're traveling on a deluxe budget, you may want to stay in Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure rather than at one of Portofino's few very expensive hotels.
Restaurants and cafés are good but also pricey (don't expect to have a beer here for much under €10).
For over 2,500 years, emperors, popes, artists, and common citizens have left their mark here.
Archaeological remains from ancient Rome, art-stuffed churches, and the treasures of Vatican City vie for your attention, but Rome is also a wonderful place to practice the Italian-perfected il dolce far niente, the sweet art of idleness.
Your most memorable experiences may include sitting at a caffè in the Campo de' Fiori or strolling in a beguiling piazza.
Livorno is a gritty city with a long and interesting history.
In the early Middle Ages it alternately belonged to Pisa and Genoa.
In 1421 Florence, seeking access to the sea, bought it.
Cosimo I (1519–74) started construction of the harbor in 1571, putting Livorno on the map.
After Ferdinando I de' Medici (1549–1609) proclaimed Livorno a free city, it became a haven for people suffering from religious persecution; Roman Catholics from England and Jews and Moors from Spain and Portugal, among others, settled here.
The Quattro Mori (Four Moors), also known as the Monument to Ferdinando I, commemorates this.
(The statue of Ferdinando I dates from 1595, the bronze Moors by Pietro Tacca from the 1620s.)In the following centuries, and particularly in the 18th, Livorno boomed as a port.
In the 19th century the town drew a host of famous Britons passing through on their grand tours.
Its prominence continued up to World War II, when it was heavily bombed.
Much of the town's architecture, therefore, postdates the war, and it's somewhat difficult to imagine what it might have looked like before.
Livorno has recovered from the war, however, as it's become a huge point of departure for container ships, as well as the only spot in Tuscany for cruise ships to dock for the day.Most of Livorno's artistic treasures date from the 17th century and aren't all that interesting unless you dote on obscure baroque artists.
Livorno's most famous native artist, Amedeo Modigliani (1884–1920), was of much more recent vintage.
Sadly, there's no notable work by him in his hometown.There may not be much in the way of art, but it's still worth strolling around the city.
The Mercato Nuovo, which has been around since 1894, sells all sorts of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, and fish.
Outdoor markets nearby are also chock-full of local color.
The presence of Camp Darby, an American military base just outside town, accounts for the availability of many American products.If you have time, Livorno is worth a stop for lunch or dinner at the very least.
One of the most photographed villages along the coast, with a decidedly romantic and affluent aura, Portofino has long been a popular destination for the rich and famous.
Once an ancient Roman colony and taken by the Republic of Genoa in 1229, it’s also been ruled by the French, English, Spanish, and Austrians, as well as by marauding bands of 16th-century pirates.
Elite British tourists first flocked to the lush harbor in the mid-1800s.
Some of Europe's wealthiest drop anchor in Portofino in summer, but they stay out of sight by day, appearing in the evening after buses and boats have carried off the day-trippers.There's not actually much to do in Portofino other than stroll around the wee harbor, see the castle, walk to Punta del Capo, browse at the pricey boutiques, and sip a coffee while people-watching.
However, weaving through picture-perfect cliffside gardens and gazing at yachts framed by the sapphire Ligurian Sea and the cliffs of Santa Margherita can make for quite a relaxing afternoon.
There are also several tame, photo-friendly hikes into the hills to nearby villages.Unless you're traveling on a deluxe budget, you may want to stay in Camogli or Santa Margherita Ligure rather than at one of Portofino's few very expensive hotels.
Restaurants and cafés are good but also pricey (don't expect to have a beer here for much under €10).
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Sirena
Launch Year: 1999 Length: 181 Width: 25.45 Currency: USD Capacity: 648 Crew Count: 400 Deck Count: 9 Cabin Count: 342
The better-than-new Sirena blends sophistication with a contemporary flair to create a casually elegant ambiance that embodies the most treasured elements of our celebrated ships. Every surface of every suite and stateroom is entirely new, while in the public spaces, a refreshed colour palette of soft sea and sky tones surrounds a tasteful renewal of fabrics, furnishings and lighting fixtures that exquisitely encompasses the inimitable style and comfort of Oceania Cruises.
Beautiful sister ship to charming Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, 648-guest Sirena embodies the most treasured elements of our celebrated fleet and features a few highlights all her own. Better than new, Sirena includes entirely new suites, staterooms and bathrooms and reflects the same beautifully re-inspired ambiance as her sister ships. She features Tuscan Steak, her signature specialty restaurant, which serves Italian favourites, succulent steaks and fresh seafood inspired by Toscana and Polo Grill, as well as the beloved restaurant Red Ginger. Sirena offers 2 additional unique, open-seating restaurants, the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Centre, eight lounges and bars, a casino and 333 luxurious suites and tony staterooms, nearly 70% of which feature private verandas.
Sirena Facilities
Sirena Includes
Cabin Details
Ultimate Suites
The re-inspired Owner’s, Vista and Penthouse Suites on board the elegant Sirena exude a residential character and refined personality like never before. These suites are adorned in designer fabrics and furnishings that echo the serene seas and expansive skies, transforming them into calming and tranquil oases of relaxation. All of our suites include exclusive 24-hour Butler service and are uncommonly spacious, further adding to the luxurious suite experience.
Veranda Staterooms
Our spacious staterooms afford the ultimate in luxury. Sleekly re-designed interiors reveal a chic and becoming palette, designer fabrics, modern furnishings and original art. Plump the cloud-like pillows and relax in your Tranquility Bed, a luxury bedding experience exclusively on Oceania Cruises. As you sail on to your next destination, relax on the private teak veranda, a feature of the vast majority of accommodations.
Luxurious Staterooms
A modern palette blends sea, sky and comforting earth tones in each of these sanctuaries to create a soothing environment that invites relaxation. Every stateroom is imbued with a luxurious ambiance, featuring designer residential furnishings, fine fabrics and plush draperies, chic lighting and much more.
