🇺🇸 🇮🇹 🇬🇷 🇹🇷 🇫🇷 Summer 2026

Paris lights, ocean miles, family magic.

Marcus, Lisa, Bethany, and Rebecca are rolling from a Mediterranean cruise into the Paris chapter — part ancient history, part sea breeze, part pastries, museums, and Eiffel Tower sparkle.

✈️ Jul 1–16🚢 Odyssey of the Seas🕒 Day-by-day rhythm🏰 Paris + Disney
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Live trip tracker

What’s next?

Paris hotel update: the family made it from Orly to Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon. Current move: decompress from the packed Gare de Lyon transfer, settle in, and choose the smartest Paris transit setup for the week before heading back out.

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Paris-bound mood board

The site now shifts from cruise-blue energy into a warmer Paris travel journal: cream paper, navy ink, bourgogne accents, gold details, and a little Eiffel sparkle.

🏛️

Rome in layers

Colosseum, Forum, Vatican dome, piazzas, fountains, and Monti home base.

🚢

Mediterranean mode

Sea days, balcony views, Greek islands, Türkiye, Naples, and late-night dinners.

🎤

Ship fun watchlist

Free-play basketball, all-ages karaoke, North Star, iFLY, main shows, and free little wins.

✨

Paris finish

Louvre, Palais Garnier, Disney, Versailles, cafés, and Bastille-week magic.

Day-by-day travel journal

A travel-blog-style look at the route: the anchors, the big moments, and the little windows where the best family stories usually happen.

Wed Jul 1 Launch day

Orlando → New York → Rome

Travel starts early, with a Midtown Manhattan layover anchored by SUMMIT One Vanderbilt before the overnight flight to Italy.

MCO 6:00 AMJFK 8:38 AMSUMMIT noonRome flight 7:30 PM
Notes
  • Checked bags should continue through to Rome; confirm at MCO check-in.
  • Keep NYC light: personal items only, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt at 12:00 PM, lunch/photos nearby, then back to JFK with margin.
  • International flight departs JFK Terminal 4 at 7:30 PM.
3:20 AM
Curb-ready for Uber
Passports, wallets, personal items, chargers, travel-day snacks.
3:30 AM
Uber pickup for MCO
Aim to be at Terminal B around 4:00-ish.
6:00 AM
DL2702 departs Orlando
MCO Terminal B → JFK Terminal 4.
8:38 AM
Arrive JFK
Confirm bags are checked through to Rome; keep personal items only.
9:30–10:30 AM
Transfer toward Midtown
AirTrain/subway/taxi decision based on energy and timing.
10:30–11:45 AM
Midtown / Grand Central arrival
Keep the route simple and stay near SUMMIT.
12:00 PM
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Timed-entry tickets for all four travelers; mobile tickets ready.
1:30–3:00 PM
Lunch + Midtown photos
Grand Central / Bryant Park / Times Square only if energy and timing cooperate.
3:00–3:30 PM
Start heading back to JFK
Do not stretch this too late; goal is back by 4:30–5:00 PM.
4:30–5:00 PM
Back at JFK Terminal 4
Security, water, dinner/snacks, boarding buffer.
7:30 PM
DL230 departs JFK
Overnight flight to Rome FCO.
Overnight
Sleep as much as possible
Tomorrow is an arrival + Colosseum day, so every hour helps.
✈️
🏟️
Thu Jul 2 Ancient Rome

Arrive Rome + Colosseum day

A thrilling first Italy day: land at FCO, shake off the overnight flight, and step straight into ancient Rome.

FCO 10:05 AMRome Life HotelColosseum 2:00 PM
Notes
  • Luggage storage is available if check-in timing runs a little late.
  • Colosseum experience is anchored at 2:00 PM via Touristation Office, Piazza d’Aracoeli 16.
  • Physical original IDs/passports are required for entry.
10:05 AM
Land at Rome FCO Terminal 3
Passport control, bags, and airport exit.
11:00 AM–12:15 PM
Transfer into Rome
Head to Rome Life Hotel in Monti.
12:15–1:00 PM
Luggage drop / check-in attempt
Drop luggage if needed, then keep the first Rome afternoon moving.
1:00–1:25 PM
Quick reset + snack
Water, sunscreen, passports/IDs in hand.
1:25–1:45 PM
Move toward Touristation
Piazza d’Aracoeli 16; Big Bus Stop No. 5 / Piazza Venezia area.
2:00 PM
Colosseum / Roman Forum / Palatine Hill
Multimedia experience + ancient Rome visit.
4:30–5:30 PM
Finish ruins / gelato break
Keep it easy after overnight travel.
5:30–7:30 PM
Optional Rome stroll
Casual streets-of-Rome wandering after the ruins; no major landmark stop needed.
7:30–9:00 PM
Dinner at Benso
Stumbled across Benso and had very good pasta.
9:00 PM+
Mini-market snacks + hotel rest
Grabbed snacks at a local mini market, then returned to the hotel to rest.
Fri Jul 3 Vatican climb

St. Peter’s Basilica Dome

This morning belongs to St. Peter’s: security lines, dress-code checks, the Dome climb, and those unforgettable rooftop views.

10:30 AM551 stepsVatican City
Notes
  • Dome booking is 10:30 AM and lasts about 2.5 hours.
  • Strict Vatican dress code: shoulders covered, knees covered, no short shorts, mini skirts, crop tops, tank tops, sleeveless tops, or low-cut shirts.
  • For Lisa/Bethany/Rebecca: safest outfit is a dress/skirt/pants that covers knees or leggings/pants, plus a light scarf/cardigan for shoulders.
  • For Marcus: lightweight pants or long shorts that clearly cover knees; avoid sleeveless shirts.
  • Travel light because there is no cloakroom; bring only a small bag, water after security if allowed, and sun/heat protection.
  • Dome involves 551 steps total; plan water and a slower afternoon.
  • Live trip note: same-day Vatican Museums / Sistine Chapel tickets worked out after lunch, with independent entry. The day turned into a Vatican-to-Rome-icons marathon: Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Tiber bridge, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and a late Uber back to the hotel.
7:30–8:30 AM
Breakfast at Rome Life Hotel
Breakfast is included; hydrate early.
8:30–9:15 AM
Dress-code + bag check
Small bags only; no bulky items, tripods, selfie sticks, or food/drink.
9:15–10:00 AM
Travel to St. Peter’s Square
Build in security and walking buffer.
10:30 AM
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome experience
QR/security check, terrace climb, internal/external dome ring access.
1:00 PM
Finish Dome / Basilica
Audioguide Basilica route if energy allows.
1:00–2:30 PM
Lunch near Vatican / Prati
Cool down and sit after stairs.
2:30–5:00 PM
Flexible Rome afternoon
Castel Sant’Angelo, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, or hotel rest.
5:00–7:00 PM
Trevi / Spanish Steps candidate window
Best if everyone has energy; otherwise keep it local.
7:30–9:00 PM
Dinner
Rome evening without overdoing it.
9:00 PM+
Pack for Civitavecchia transfer
Tomorrow is hotel checkout + port-town move.
⛪
🛤️
Sat Jul 4 Port bound

Rome morning → Civitavecchia

One last Rome morning, maybe starting with Bethany’s wonderfully unhinged 4 AM Trevi Fountain idea, then a drift toward the coast as the cruise portion starts to feel real.

Tentative Trevi 4 AMRome checkout 11 AMTownhouse 41Check-in 3–8 PM
Notes
  • Rome checkout is until 11:00 AM.
  • Trevi at 4 AM is tentative only — a fun pre-dawn photo mission if everyone is safe/rested enough.
  • Keep the transfer day simple; tomorrow is boarding day.
  • Townhouse 41 pre-check-in agreement is complete; tomorrow should be a straightforward Rome-to-Civitavecchia transfer.
4:00 AM tentative
Trevi Fountain mission
Bethany’s pre-dawn photo idea happened: Trevi Fountain around 4:30 AM, coins tossed right-hand-over-left-shoulder, then Spanish Steps and Via dei Condotti before hotel breakfast.
8:00–9:00 AM
Breakfast + pack
Separate cruise boarding essentials.
9:00–10:30 AM
Optional final Rome walk
Actual pre-breakfast route: Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Via dei Condotti.
10:30–11:00 AM
Checkout and final sweep
Check chargers, passports, and anything tucked away.
11:00 AM–12:30 PM
Lunch / transfer buffer
Choose train or car based on final plan and heat.
12:30–2:30 PM
Transfer to Civitavecchia
Move from Rome to port-town lodging.
3:00 PM
Check in near the port
Reset and cool off before embarkation day.
4:00–6:30 PM
Civitavecchia wander
Easy port-town walk, pharmacy/snacks if needed.
6:30–8:00 PM
Dinner near lodging
Keep it low-key.
8:00–9:30 PM
Prep cruise day bags
Passports, boarding docs, meds, swimwear/first-day essentials.
Early night
Sleep before embarkation
Tomorrow starts the cruise portion.
Sun Jul 5 All aboard

Board Odyssey of the Seas

Embarkation day in Civitavecchia: board, explore, unpack, sail away, late dinner.

Balcony viewsSail 4:00 PMTheme: Resort Casual
Notes
  • Ship sails at 4:00 PM.
  • A balcony cabin makes the sea days feel extra special.
  • Theme/dress reference: Resort Casual.
  • Dining is listed for 9:00 PM in docs.
  • Live trip note: embarkation day is complete, including sail-away, first evening onboard, and a late pool-deck TV watch party for Brazil vs. Norway.
8:00–9:00 AM
Wake + breakfast
Final repack: boarding documents and passports accessible.
10:00 AM
Townhouse 41 checkout deadline
Confirm all bags and chargers.
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Port transfer / boarding timing
Use official Royal app check-in time once available.
12:00–1:30 PM
Board Odyssey
Lunch, muster station, first ship photos.
1:30–3:00 PM
Explore ship + cabin access
Find SeaPlex, Royal Theater, Two70, pools, dining.
3:00–3:45 PM
Sail-away ready
Balcony/deck view, sunscreen, camera.
4:00 PM
Sail from Civitavecchia
Greek Isles cruise begins.
5:00–8:30 PM
Unpack + first evening onboard
Check app for shows, free activities, iFLY/North Star windows.
9:00 PM
Main Dining Room dinner
Late seating per docs.
After dinner
Light ship walk / early night
Day 2 is a full sea day.
🚢
🌊
Mon Jul 6 Sea day

At sea: find the ship rhythm

A full day at sea to learn the ship: sports, shows, sea views, and the first real taste of cruise life.

Theme: Dress Your Best’70s nightSeaPlex
Notes
  • Theme/dress reference: Dress Your Best / ’70s — bring a dressier outfit plus something retro/fun for the first big sea-night energy.
  • Watch for free-play basketball, all-ages karaoke, North Star, iFLY, main shows, and little promenade surprises.
  • Use the Royal app early for reservations.
  • Live trip note: after the late Brazil vs. Norway pool-deck game, breakfast onboard is the current move; do the app/reservation sweep next.
8:00–9:00 AM
Breakfast onboard
Check Royal app before/after breakfast.
9:00–10:00 AM
Reservation sweep
Look for free RipCord by iFLY and North Star windows.
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Pool / ship exploration
Find teen-friendly spots, deck views, and SeaPlex.
12:00–1:30 PM
Lunch
Try complimentary venues first.
1:30–3:30 PM
Activities block
Free-play basketball or competitions, trivia, samples, giveaways, and whatever fun pops up in the app.
3:30–5:00 PM
Rest / balcony / dress-up reset
Protect energy for evening.
5:00–7:00 PM
Photos + early show candidate
Main evening cruise show if scheduled before late dinner.
7:00–8:30 PM
Retro-night wandering
Photos, music, promenade energy, and a little cruise-night sparkle.
9:00 PM
Dinner
Main Dining Room.
10:30 PM+
Show / karaoke / promenade fun
Only if the girls can participate and everyone has energy.
Tue Jul 7 Santorini

Santorini: blue domes, smart return, ship-night win

Santorini delivered: tender ashore, Transfer to Oia, blue-dome photos, Strogili lunch, Fira return, no-line cable car, Windjammer dinner, and iFLY video back onboard.

10 AM–11 PMTenderTheme: Tropical
Notes
  • Santorini is a tender port with a long published window: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM.
  • Theme/dress reference: Tropical.
  • Live update: Santorini is complete — Oia photos, Strogili lunch, Fira return, and a smart early cable-car move with no line.
  • Evening update: back onboard around 7:30 PM, Windjammer dinner, girls did RipCord by iFLY with video, then Sorrento’s/World Cup room time and Schooner Bar piano time.
8:00–9:00 AM
Breakfast + tender prep
Water, hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes.
9:00–10:30 AM
Early tender push
Get moving early so there is time to book the Transfer to Oia / Fira bus in person.
10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Tender ashore + find Transfer to Oia
Completed: tendered ashore and caught the Transfer to Oia.
12:00–3:30 PM
Transfer to Oia + blue-dome views
Completed: Oia blue-dome photos, castle/church area, and Strogili lunch — 3 gyros plus Becca ravioli.
3:30–5:30 PM
Fira bus / return toward Fira
Completed: back in Fira. Bus ran hourly on the hour.
5:30–7:30 PM
Fira wander / dinner / sunset-flex
Skipped island sunset on purpose and caught the cable car while it had no line.
7:30–9:30 PM
Return queue buffer
Do not assume quick descent/tender return.
10:15 PM
Last tender reference from May sailing
Verify exact July app time; treat this as a serious planning buffer.
Late
Back onboard
Completed: back onboard around 7:30 PM, then Windjammer and RipCord by iFLY for the girls.
9:00 PM or adjusted
Dinner plan depends on return
Completed: Windjammer dinner, then Sorrento’s + World Cup for Marcus/Bethany and Schooner Bar piano for Lisa/Becca.
🇬🇷
🏺
Wed Jul 8 Ephesus

Kusadasi + guided Ephesus day

Türkiye delivered: Ephesus ruins, House of the Mother Mary, St. John’s Church, glass-blown jewelry, Eddie the clay goat/giraffe, a stone pear, port shopping, and Turkish ice cream.

9 AM–7 PMDockTheme: Resort Casual / ’80s
Notes
  • Official itinerary: docked 9:00 AM–7:00 PM.
  • Theme/dress reference: Resort Casual / ’80s.
  • May Compass practical shore window was about 9:30 AM–6:30 PM.
  • Live trip note: guided tour completed with Ephesus ruins, House of the Mother Mary, St. John’s Church, a glass-blown jewelry experience for Lisa, Bethany, and Rebecca, art-gallery souvenirs named Eddie and a stone pear, then 30 minutes of port shopping and Turkish ice cream.
7:30–8:30 AM
Breakfast + day bag
Passports/ID if required, water, hats, sunscreen.
9:00 AM
Ship scheduled arrival
Wait for official clearance/shore access.
9:30 AM
Practical shore-access reference
Tour meeting time is 09:30 at the first exit gate; if ship clearance is delayed, contact WhatsApp.
9:30–10:15 AM
Meet guide / depart port
Meet 09:30 at the first exit gate of Kusadasi port; look for “M. BURNETTE FAMILY” / Neopolis Travel.
10:15 AM–1:00 PM
Biblical Ephesus tour focus block
Ancient streets, theater, library area, biblical history, and heat-aware pacing.
1:00–2:00 PM
Lunch / cool down
Use this as the cool-down/reset point during the guided tour day.
2:00–4:30 PM
House of Virgin Mary / Terrace Houses / Artemis options
Final route depends on the booked tour details and what is included.
4:30–5:30 PM
Return toward Kusadasi
Leave buffer before all aboard.
6:30 PM
All-aboard reference from May sailing
Verify July time; official itinerary departs 7:00 PM.
Evening
Dinner + Retro evening
Theme based on May Compass pattern; confirm in July app.
Thu Jul 9 Mykonos

Windmills, Little Venice, and Mykonos Bay

A shorter gangway port day turned into the perfect island combo: whitewashed streets, church stop, windmills, Little Venice, then pool-and-beach downtime at Mykonos Bay.

7 AM–5 PMGangwayTheme: White Attire
Notes
  • Official itinerary: gangway 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
  • Theme/dress reference: White Attire.
  • May Compass practical shore window was about 7:30 AM–4:30 PM.
  • Live correction from Marcus: Mykonos is gangway access, not tender, and all aboard is 4:30 PM.
  • Live trip update: family ferried to the Old Port, checked out the church, Little Venice, and the windmills, then settled at Mykonos Bay. Day passes include the pool, beach chairs, and restroom/shower access.
6:30–7:15 AM
Early breakfast
This is a shorter port day; start early if going ashore.
7:00 AM
Scheduled arrival
Gangway access begins when cleared.
7:30 AM
Practical shore-access reference
May sailing reference; Marcus confirmed today is gangway, not tender.
8:00–10:30 AM
Mykonos Town wander
White streets, shops, photo alleys before peak heat/crowds.
10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Windmills + Little Venice
Classic family photo block.
12:00–1:30 PM
Travel / settle at Mykonos Bay
Day-pass base: pool, beach chairs, restrooms, and showers.
1:30–3:00 PM
Mykonos Bay pool/beach time
Enjoy the day-pass setup; start watching the clock before 3:00 PM.
3:00–4:00 PM
Start return process
Leave Mykonos Bay with a serious all-aboard buffer; 4:30 PM is the confirmed deadline.
4:30 PM
All aboard
Confirmed July deadline from Marcus; be back onboard before this.
Evening
White-island evening onboard
Freshen up, grab dinner, and keep the Greek-island glow going.
🤍
☀️
Fri Jul 10 Sea day

Sea day: sports, shows, and slow moments

A second sea day gives everyone room to sleep in, play, ride, sing, swim, and catch the ship moments that got missed earlier.

Theme: Dress Your BestiFLY watchlistNorth Star watchlist
Notes
  • Theme/dress reference: Dress Your Best — pack something polished for another dress-up night at sea.
  • Best makeup day for North Star/iFLY if reservations were not available earlier.
  • Keep an eye out for main evening shows plus all-ages karaoke.
8:30–9:30 AM
Slow breakfast
Sleep in a bit after three port days.
9:30–10:30 AM
Royal app sweep
North Star, iFLY, main shows, all-ages karaoke, and free-play basketball.
10:30 AM–12:30 PM
Pool, hoops, and free activities
SeaPlex, free-play basketball, and open activities if they appear in the app.
12:30–1:30 PM
Lunch
Complimentary venue focus.
1:30–3:30 PM
Ride/activity block
North Star/iFLY if free windows line up.
3:30–5:00 PM
Rest and reset
Balcony, naps, packing check before Naples.
5:00–7:00 PM
Photos / main show candidate
Dress-up night energy.
7:00–8:30 PM
Ship wandering / karaoke / giveaways
All-ages karaoke, samples, giveaways, or promenade wandering before dinner.
9:00 PM
Dinner
Main Dining Room.
10:30 PM+
Late show / karaoke
Only if open to under-18 participation.
Sat Jul 11 Capri day

Naples → Capri: island loop, swim, souvenirs, and ship return

The Italian finale delivered: morning ferry from Naples, a hard-earned climb to Capri Centro, funicular back down, group boat tour, Marina Grande swim, souvenir hunt, 3:25 PM ferry back, Naples port pizza and pastries, then back onboard at 5:15 PM.

Naples 7 AM–6 PMCapri ferry 3:25 PM returnTheme: Resort Casual
Notes
  • Official itinerary: docked in Naples 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; likely all aboard around 5:30 PM.
  • Live update: the family got the morning ferry to Capri, climbed from Marina Grande to Capri Centro/Piazzetta, then took the funicular back down to the port.
  • Live update: Capri day is complete — boat tour, quick Marina Grande swim, t-shirts/tote/magnet shopping, 3:25 PM ferry back to Naples, port pizza/pastries, and back onboard at 5:15 PM.
  • Main Dining Room timing shifted after the first night from 9:00 PM to 7:15 PM; Prithvy from Mauritius and Deepak from India have been the family’s waiters.
  • Final-night update: dinner is done, Duo Delight is complete, and the family is closing with a campfire cookie at Playmakers before stateroom packing and Norway vs England at 11:00 PM.
6:30–7:15 AM
Breakfast + Capri day bag
Water, hats, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, ferry tickets/IDs if needed.
7:00 AM
Scheduled arrival Naples
Ship docked in Naples for the final cruise port.
7:30 AM
Practical shore-access reference
May sailing reference; use Royal app for exact July all-aboard time.
Morning
Walk to Molo Beverello
Ferry terminal is right by the cruise port area.
Morning
Ferry to Capri
Completed: grabbed a morning ferry from Naples to Capri.
Late morning
Arrive Marina Grande
Capri arrival point at the harbor.
Late morning
Climb to Capri Centro
Completed the climb; live note: funicular would have been the better move.
Late morning
Capri Centro / Piazzetta reset
Quick Centro moment after the climb.
Before noon
Funicular down to Marina Grande
Completed: took the better move back down to the port.
12:15 PM
Group boat island tour
Quoted as max 2 hours; watch the return timing because the Naples ferry is fixed.
~2:15 PM target
Boat tour returns to Marina Grande
Completed: back at Marina Grande with time for a quick swim.
2:15–2:55 PM only if easy
Marina Grande swim window
Completed: grabbed take-away pizza and water, changed into swimsuits, and swam about 20 minutes at Marina Grande beach.
3:00 PM
Ferry dock ready
Completed: wrapped up swim/souvenirs and made it to the ferry on time.
3:25 PM
Ferry back to Naples
Completed: 3:25 PM ferry back from Capri to Naples.
By ~4:45 PM
Return toward ship
Completed: grabbed another pizza slice and pastries at the Naples port, then headed back to Odyssey.
5:30 PM likely
All aboard
Completed: boarded at 5:15 PM — not last, but close enough to keep the port-return streak interesting.
Evening
Final cruise night
Completed: dinner, Duo Delight in the Royal Theater, campfire cookie at Playmakers, packing, and a late cabin soccer watch.
🌺
🥐
Sun Jul 12 Paris transfer

Civitavecchia → FCO → Paris

A long logistics day turns into a Paris welcome night: disembark, fly to Orly, settle in, then float the Seine for the first sparkle of the Eiffel Tower.

Ship arrives 5 AMFCO 3:05 PMORY 5:10 PMNovotel Gare de LyonSeine cruise night
Notes
  • Ship arrives Civitavecchia at 5:00 AM.
  • easyJet FCO → ORY departs 3:05 PM; bag drop opens 1:05 PM and closes 2:25 PM.
  • Seine River sightseeing cruise is booked for arrival night; target the 9:30 PM sailing if available, with 10 PM as the backup.
  • Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon notes: 2 Rue Hector Malot; rooms from 3:00 PM; check-out by noon; free luggage storage before room access; bring a physical credit card for check-in guarantee; amenities include the pool, fitness room, kids’ area, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour gourmet shop, bar 8:00 AM–midnight, and Mediterranean-inspired Olicéa bar/restaurant.
  • Hotel arrival tip: from Orly, Metro Line 14 to Gare de Lyon is estimated at 25 minutes; from Gare de Lyon underground, use Exit 9 “Place Henri Frenay” and the hotel is about 40 m on the left.
5:00 AM
Ship arrives Civitavecchia
Completed by the Sunday morning schedule: Odyssey reached Civitavecchia and the cruise chapter closed.
6:00–8:00 AM
Disembark / collect bags
Completed/advanced for Sunday morning: self-assist walk-off and bags handled for the airport transfer.
8:00–10:00 AM
Transfer toward FCO
Completed/advanced for Sunday morning: protect the airport margin and settle in at FCO.
10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Airport buffer / lunch
Completed: airport buffer/lunch handled after bag drop and security, including two quick maritozzo con panna pastries before the gate posted.
1:05 PM
easyJet bag drop opens
Completed: bags are dropped for the easyJet flight.
2:25 PM
Bag drop closes
Satisfied: bags were dropped before the deadline.
3:05 PM
EJU4936 departs FCO
Completed: FCO → Paris Orly flight done.
5:10 PM
Arrive Paris Orly
Completed: landed in France, collected bags, took Métro 14 from Orly toward Paris, and reached Gare de Lyon.
6:30–8:00 PM
Check in Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon
Current: made it to Novotel Paris Gare de Lyon. Decompress, settle bags/rooms, and decide the week’s Paris transit setup before the Seine-cruise plan.
9:30 PM target
Seine River cruise
Bateaux Parisiens from the Eiffel Tower area; use 10 PM as backup if 9:30 is full.
Late
Return to hotel + sleep
Keep it sweet and simple; tomorrow is Louvre + Garnier.
Mon Jul 13 Paris icons

Louvre + Palais Garnier

A Paris culture day that starts with the Louvre, sweeps into Palais Garnier, and leaves room for a Jellycat café detour if timing smiles.

Louvre 11:00 AMGarnier 2:30 PMJellycat + evening flex
Notes
  • Louvre permanent collections are booked for 11:00 AM.
  • Palais Garnier self-guided tour is booked for 2:30 PM.
  • Jellycat Patisserie is a target before or after Palais Garnier, depending on how much time the Louvre gets.
8:00–9:00 AM
Breakfast + city setup
Transit cards/apps, comfortable shoes, light bags.
9:00–10:15 AM
Travel toward Louvre area
Carrousel/Pyramid entrance options; allow security time.
11:00 AM
Louvre entry
Permanent collections; IDs/proof ready for youth tickets.
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Louvre highlights
Keep it focused rather than museum-marathon.
1:00–2:00 PM
Lunch / move toward Opéra
Do not cut the Garnier transfer too tight.
2:30 PM
Palais Garnier self-guided tour
Entrance at corner of Scribe and Auber streets.
3:30–5:00 PM
Opéra / Jellycat / café flex
This is the window to try for Jellycat Patisserie if the Louvre and Garnier timing works.
5:00–7:00 PM
Bastille-week monitoring window
Adjust for security zones, closures, or event crowds.
7:00–10:30 PM
Dinner / possible fireworks plan
Only if official schedule confirms and logistics are safe.
Late
Return to the Gare de Lyon area
Expect crowds if fireworks/events happen tonight.
🎨
🏰
Tue Jul 14 Disney magic

Disneyland Paris

One-day, two-park Disney day with direct RER A logistics from the Gare de Lyon area.

1 Day / 2 ParkBastille DayDirect RER A
Notes
  • Dated 1 Day / 2 Park tickets for all four travelers.
  • Jul 14 is Bastille Day; Disney remains the plan while Paris central disruption is avoided.
  • Use RER A from Gare de Lyon area to Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy.
6:30–7:30 AM
Wake + breakfast
Theme park day: shoes, chargers, water, sunscreen.
7:30–8:30 AM
RER A to Disneyland Paris
Direct access is the major Paris lodging win.
8:30–9:30 AM
Arrive / security / rope-drop-ish start
Exact park hours TBD; check app closer in.
9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Priority rides block
Hit highest-priority attractions before afternoon fatigue.
12:30–1:30 PM
Lunch
Use mobile order/reservation strategy if available.
1:30–4:30 PM
Park hop / shows / favorites
Use 2-park flexibility.
4:30–6:00 PM
Snack + lower-intensity block
Photos, shops, slower rides.
6:00–8:30 PM
Evening ride/show block
Choose based on energy and showtimes.
8:30–10:30 PM
Nighttime spectacular if offered
Stay only if everyone is still enjoying it.
Late
RER A back to hotel
Expect holiday crowds; stay together.
Wed Jul 15 Royal finale

Versailles Palace

Final full day: early Versailles Passport + VR visit, then flexible Paris finale.

9:00 AMPassport + VRFinal full day
Notes
  • Versailles Passport + VR is booked for 9:00 AM.
  • Entrance: Pavillon d’Orléans, left of Entrance A.
  • Entry allowed within 30 minutes; delay over 1 hour may cause refusal or alternate time only if available.
6:30–7:15 AM
Breakfast + depart prep
Do not make this a rushed morning.
7:15–8:30 AM
Travel to Versailles
Build buffer for transit and walking to entrance.
8:30–9:00 AM
Arrive / security / entrance
Pavillon d’Orléans, left of Entrance A.
9:00 AM
Versailles Passport + VR entry
Lumière de la liberté VR plus palace access.
9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Palace + VR focus block
Keep tickets through the visit.
12:30–2:00 PM
Gardens / lunch
Weather and heat decide pacing.
2:00–3:30 PM
Return toward Paris
Leave margin for final-night packing.
4:00–6:00 PM
Paris finale flex
Eiffel/Seine/Montmartre/café wandering depending on priorities.
6:30–8:30 PM
Final dinner in Paris
Celebrate the trip.
8:30–10:00 PM
Pack for CDG flight
Bags, passports, liquids, souvenirs, chargers.
👑
🏡
Thu Jul 16 Homeward

Paris morning → Orlando

Final Paris morning, then Air France home from CDG to Orlando.

CDG 4:40 PMMCO 8:25 PMStories forever
Notes
  • Air France/Delta flight departs CDG Terminal 2E at 4:40 PM.
  • Arrives Orlando MCO Terminal C at 8:25 PM.
  • Leave generous CDG buffer with checked bags and family travel.
8:00–9:00 AM
Breakfast + final packing
Check rooms, souvenirs, chargers, passports.
9:00–11:00 AM
Easy final Paris window
Short walk/café only; keep bags and checkout timing simple.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Checkout / luggage plan
Confirm hotel checkout and storage if needed.
12:00–1:00 PM
Transfer to CDG
Prefer too early over stressful.
1:00–2:15 PM
CDG check-in / bag drop
Terminal 2E.
2:15–3:45 PM
Security / passport control / gate
International departure buffer.
4:40 PM
DL8724 / Air France departs CDG
Paris → Orlando.
8:25 PM
Arrive MCO Terminal C
Collect bags and get home.
Late
Home
The trip becomes family lore.

Seven-night Greek Isles cruise

A ship-within-the-trip: Civitavecchia, two sea days, Santorini, Ephesus/Kusadasi, Mykonos, Naples, and back to Rome — with each ship-night vibe called out for packing.

Sun Jul 5RomeSail awayResort Casual
Mon Jul 6At SeaShip dayDress Your Best / ’70s
Tue Jul 7SantoriniTender + sunsetTropical
Wed Jul 8EphesusAncient ruinsResort Casual / ’80s
Thu Jul 9MykonosGangway + white islandWhite Attire
Fri Jul 10At SeaShows + ridesDress Your Best
Sat Jul 11NaplesNaples flexResort Casual

Theme-night labels are from the May 17, 2026 Odyssey Compass for the same itinerary pattern; verify July-specific labels in the Royal Caribbean app.

Watchlist for the Royal app

  • Free/reservation-required RipCord by iFLY windows.
  • Free/reservation-required North Star windows.
  • All-ages karaoke, free-play basketball, and basketball competitions.
  • Main evening shows in Royal Theater and Two70.
  • Free samples, giveaways, and low-effort ship perks.

Theme-night packing hints

  • Sun Jul 5: Resort Casual.
  • Mon Jul 6: Dress Your Best / ’70s.
  • Tue Jul 7: Tropical.
  • Wed Jul 8: Resort Casual / ’80s.
  • Thu Jul 9: White Attire.
  • Fri Jul 10: Dress Your Best.
  • Sat Jul 11: Resort Casual.