Our second day in Livorno aboard the Norwegian Breakaway began with breakfast at the Garden Café. With a window seat and strong coffee in hand, we watched the port slowly come to life. Around 9:30, we disembarked and purchased tickets for the cruise shuttle bus into the city. Thankfully, the process was much smoother than the previous day, and we were on our way in no time.

The shuttle was busy, but the ride into the center of Livorno was quick—just about 15 minutes. We were dropped off near the main square, and from there, we strolled down Via Grande toward the Quattro Mori monument, an iconic statue of four chained Moors at the base of a larger-than-life figure of Grand Duke Ferdinando I. It’s one of Livorno’s most famous landmarks and a great photo stop.

After that, we wandered a bit off the beaten path and found ourselves in a less scenic part of the city, surrounded by modern office buildings and a bit of weekday bustle. It wasn’t long, though, before we looped back toward Piazza del Municipio, near our original drop-off point, and stopped for coffee at Latte & Co. The café was relaxed and friendly—just what we needed to reset and plan our next move.

Re-energized, we headed along Viale degli Avvalorati, a lovely walkway running beside a quiet canal that forms part of the moat surrounding the Fortezza Nuova. Built in the 16th century by the Medici family, this fort once formed part of the city’s defensive system. Though it’s partially in ruins today, its towering brick walls and grassy inner courtyard remain a striking presence in the center of Livorno. We watched as small tour boats launched from nearby docks, offering scenic trips through Livorno’s historic canals, often called “Little Venice.”

Continuing on, we entered the wide open space of Piazza della Repubblica, one of the largest squares in Italy. It’s a grand and rather unusual spot, built over a canal and functioning both as a public square and a bridge. Its sheer scale is impressive, with broad stone walkways and sweeping views of the city’s architecture and waterways.

From there, we let ourselves get a little lost in Livorno’s charming backstreets, eventually stumbling upon a small open-air market. Stalls were set up along the sidewalk, selling everything from local produce to household goods. Following the crowd, we ended up at the Mercato Centrale, Livorno’s bustling indoor market housed in a beautiful 19th-century building. Inside, we found soaring ceilings, wrought iron details, and rows upon rows of vendors offering fresh fish, meats, cheeses, and regional specialties. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a feast for the senses.

By early afternoon, our feet were reminding us just how much ground we’d covered. With a mix of history, local flavor, and a few surprises, Livorno offered far more than we expected. It’s not the most postcard-pretty Italian town, but there’s something genuine and engaging about its working-class charm—and we were glad to have taken the time to explore it at a slower pace.

Back onboard Norwegian Breakaway, we headed to the Garden Café for a relaxed, early dinner. With many passengers still ashore enjoying extended excursions, the buffet was wonderfully quiet—plenty of space to spread out and no queue for anything. I stuck to something light and vaguely healthy: salad, coleslaw, and a ham baguette, all perfectly simple and satisfying. A cold Coors Light rounded it off—refreshing after a warm day exploring Livorno.

Later, we made our way up to Spice H2O, one of our favorite outdoor spots on the ship. We both ordered mudslides—rich, icy, and just indulgent enough to count as dessert. The sun was still strong, so after enjoying the warmth and the view for a while, we ducked back inside to the cooler comfort of the ship’s air conditioning.

My plan was to spend a quiet few hours on the balcony, perhaps reading or putting on some music. But the Italian Navy had other ideas. What started as a curiosity—a military helicopter flying low over the port—quickly became an ongoing performance. The chopper made pass after pass, swooping lower each time, the blades thudding through the air so forcefully it was hard to ignore. So much for a peaceful balcony break.

Dinner that evening was at Savor, but not before stopping at the Mixx Bar for a pre-dinner drink and some people-watching. Once seated, Peter ordered the lamb kofta to start—visually… let’s just say it wasn’t the most appetizing presentation, drawing comparisons to something better left in a dog park. Fortunately, taste won out and he reported it was delicious. I played it safe with a classic Caesar salad.

For mains, I chose the bang bang shrimp, which came with a surprising and delightful ginger kick, paired with sticky coconut rice. It was flavorful, fresh, and something I’d happily order again. Peter went for the chicken parmigiana, hearty and satisfying. For dessert, we opted for crème brûlée and a chocolate and raspberry slice—both hit the spot.

The day had its share of contrasts: calm and quiet meals, unexpected military flybys, indulgent drinks, and flavorful dinners. But that’s the joy of cruising—you never really know what kind of day you’re going to have, but somehow it always manages to be memorable.