Spain, France, & Italy Luxury Cruise

Climate

March typically presents mild and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to explore these iconic cities. Barcelona temperatures range from 46°F to 64°F, with sunny days and cool evenings. Nice and Monte Carlo will often offer temperatures between 48°F to 66°F, perfect for enjoying the scenic coastline.

Genoa and Livorno typically have slightly cooler weather, with temperatures between 45°F to 59°F, providing a comfortable climate for sightseeing although layers are recommended.

Inland in Pisa and Florence, temperatures range from 43°F to 61°F, with a mix of sunny days and occasional spring showers. Finally, Rome will offer a pleasant climate with temperatures from 46°F to 63°F, allowing for comfortable exploration of the city's historic and cultural landmarks.

Overall, the weather in March is typically a mix of cool mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons, perfect for enjoying some of Europe’s most iconic destinations during a time with less tourists. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.

Currency

The official currency of Spain, France and Italy is the Euro. Check www.xe.com for current rates.

Languages

As popular international tourist destinations, you’ll find that these cities have many restaurants, bars, and hotels with English-speaking staff.

Barcelona, Spain: Though Spanish is the official language of Spain, both Spanish and Catalan are spoken in Barcelona, with Catalan taking precedence in many situations and everyday life, as it is the native language of the place.

Nice, France / Monte Carlo, Monaco: Since 1860, French has been the official language of Nice. The ancient language of Nice is Nissart, and you may see some bilingual street signs in the city. However, very few people speak Nissart these days. Much like Nice, the official language of Monaco is French with Monégasque, a variety of Ligurian, being the national language of the Monégasque people. However, it is the primary language of very few people.

Pisa, Italy / Florence, Italy / Genoa, Italy / Livorno, Italy / Rome, Italy: The official language spoken in Pisa, Florence, Genoa, and Livorno is Italian. Italian is the official language of Italy, and it's the primary language used in government, education, and daily communication throughout the country. While regional dialects may be spoken in these areas, especially among older generations, standard Italian is universally understood and used.

Celebrations: Birthdays, Anniversaries, Honeymoons, and More

If you will have a birthday or celebration during your vacation and have not already informed your Olivia Travel Consultant, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.

You can register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.

Connect with Other Guests : Join the Facebook Group

If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join 2026 Spain, France & Italy Luxury Cruise Facebook Group.

Travel & Entry Requirements

We’ve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans: please click here. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.

Passports & Visas: All travelers will need a passport that is valid for six months after the last day of your trip. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the other countries we will be visiting to ensure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

Important New Entry Requirements: The European Union is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) sometime in mid-2025. ETIAS is designed as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling from 60 countries, including the United States and Canada. This system is being implemented to enhance security and streamline the entry process for travelers visiting the European Union.

US and Canadian citizens will be/are required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application to enter the European Union. Starting sometime in 2025, if you are planning to visit one of the 30 EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you will be required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application. This requirement will apply to travelers who do not currently need a visa for entry into these countries.

While this might be an additional step in your travel preparations, it is designed to improve your overall experience by reducing waiting times and enhancing security measures. You can fill out your applications at: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en once the site goes live. Please be aware that most ETIAS applications will incur a processing fee of 7 Euros.

Specific Needs: Dietary, Medical, Mobility, and Other

If you have any medical, mobility, dietary, or other special requirements that you haven't yet shared, please reach out to [email protected] as soon as possible. To verify if we can accommodate your needs, kindly do so at least 90 days before your trip.

Vacation Stretchers

We will offer a pre-cruise vacation stretcher in Barcelona and a post-cruise vacation stretcher in Rome. Please check back for more information, available approximately 9 months prior to sailing.

Vaccinations

Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” followed by “Vaccinations.”

Windstar FAQs

Click here to view some frequently asked questions about Windstar and what to expect on your cruise.

Air Travel

Airports: You will need to fly into Barcelona (BCN) and out of Rome (FCO). We encourage all guests to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.

Airfare Discounts: Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Airfare discount codes will be available approximately 330 days prior to departure date.

Flight Arrival and Departure Times: Due to the first day of the cruise being docked in Barcelona overnight, arrival times are flexible. Embarkation begins at 1 pm. Your outbound flights out of Rome should be booked no earlier than 12 pm.

Luggage Allowances: While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.

Transfers to the Ship

Your transfer from BCN airport to the ship and to FCO airport from the ship is not included. More information about purchasing a transfer will be included in the Cruise Guide, which will be available approximately 30 days prior to sailing. The cruise ship is approximately 30 minutes by car and 90 minutes by public transit from the BCN airport in Barcelona. The FCO airport in Rome is approximately 60–90 minutes from the cruise ship.

Alcohol on Board

Guests are allowed to bring aboard two (2) bottles of wine or champagne per cabin. If consumed in public areas, there is a small corkage fee (approximately $15 USD + 18% gratuity). All additional alcohol (wine, beer, and/or hard alcohol) including alcohol purchased at ports of call, will be kept by ship’s staff and delivered to your cabin the last evening of the cruise.

Electricity

All staterooms are equipped with 110- and 220-volt electricity. These outlets are provided beside the dressing table mirror in your stateroom.

Excursions

Excursions may be booked online beginning 30 days prior to departure. To facilitate the online booking process, you will be assigned a booking number and sent detailed information regarding shore excursions, transfers and activities—and how to book them—approximately four weeks prior to the trip.

Gratuities

Gratuities are included in the cost of the cruise. Gratuities are provided for your cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d’, and other-behind-the-scenes crew members. Tips to your local guides on excursions are not included and are recommended.
Below is a suggested guideline per person:
Local guide: half day—$5 / full day—$10
Bus driver: half day—$2-$4 / full day—$4-$6

Internet and Email

Wifi plans are available onboard for your laptop or mobile devices. Pricing will be posted on board.

Laundry Services

Laundry and pressing service is available onboard. Dry cleaning is not available. Check onboard for pricing.

Medical Services

There is an onboard infirmary. Medical services entail an additional fee.

Money: On-Board Purchases

All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. All charges will be billed in US dollars. Please check with the front office onboard for further details.

Phone

Each cabin has a phone which you may use to call cabin-to-cabin, and to the various onboard facilities. There is an additional fee to use this phone to call outside of the ship; cost is available on board. We recommend using WhatsApp or FaceTime to make phone calls via wifi.

Smoking Policy

All indoor areas onboard, including cabins and verandas, are non-smoking, including vaping. Outdoor public smoking areas will be posted.

Spa Services

The onboard spa offers facials, massages, and many other services for an additional fee.

Disembarkation

Disembarkation will begin once the ship has cleared customs at approximately 8 am.

Transfers to the Airport

You will be able to purchase a transfer to the airport for flights departing after 12 pm on March 15, 2026. Transfer time is approximately 60–90 minutes.

Vacation Stretchers

We will offer a pre-cruise vacation stretcher in Barcelona and a post-cruise vacation stretcher in Rome. Please check back for more information, available approximately 9 months prior to sailing.