Sun Princess Cruise

We flew direct to Athens on an early morning flight, hopped on a coach transfer down to the port and after a very smooth, quick check in we had our Princess medallions, and we boarded the beautiful Sun Princess. The Sun Medallion is a small coin shaped device that gives you access to your room, allows the crew to see what package you are on, and also make additional purchases on the ship. Your account is always available to view under the folio section on the Princess app. You can also book dining and excursions via the app too. There is a very handy locator option on the app so you can see where everyone in your party is at all times. We found this great for giving the kids some freedom as we were always able to track them and find them within minutes.

We choose a deluxe balcony cabin which was ready straight away. Our luggage was delivered within 2 hours to the cabin. On entering the cabin, its set up as a queen double bed and sofa bed. Your room Stewart each evening and morning reconfigures the sofa bed to one bed and then a bunk pulls out from the ceiling. Our kids are 9 & 11, and we had plenty of space for the 7 nights we were on board. The highlight for me was waking up to a new view every morning. It was just incredible the views from the balcony both at morning and evening time. We selected the Princess Plus package and paid extra then for two speciality restaurants while on board. We tried the sushi restaurant Makoto Ocean and the Crown Grill for Joes Birthday meal. I can talk you through all of the packages available.

The Sun Princess offers a wide variety of dining options, including complimentary and speciality restaurants with a focus on diverse cuisines. Complimentary dining includes the main dining rooms (Soleil & Eclipse) The Eatery, the Lido pool restaurant (amazing salads and tacos) and the American Diner as well as pizza restaurants, O’Malley’s Pub and a selection of coffee and ice cream docks around the ship, there are no shortage of options. Speciality dining features has Sabatinis Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill, Umai Teppanyaki, Makoto Ocean and Love by Britto to name a few.

The entertainment is fantastic with a full daily itinerary of events delivered to your room every night so you can plan out your day. From Broadway style shows, to X factor winning singers, to family game shows and shopping events there really is something for everyone.

There are also kids clubs from age 3 right up until teenage years with a basketball court and other activities for entertaining kids up on deck 19. There is a full gym and wellness centre to keep the fitness levels on track and a beautiful Lotus Spa, barbers and hairdresser onboard. We loved the jogging track on deck 19 for those post dinner evening walks. There is also a selection of shops onboard which have sales on throughout the sailing.

The itinerary we choose was:

Athens – we boarded the same day that we flew as in high season there are more regular flights. You may choose this sailing and require a pre night or two in Athens before boarding the ship depending on the flight schedules and time of year.

Chania Crete – Chania is a beautiful small fishing village, we took the shuttle bus from the ship ($15A $5C) it takes about 20 minutes, and runs all day until the ship is scheduled to leave. Very picturesque little town with nice little shops, bars and restaurants through winding streets.

Corfu – Corfu was my favourite stop. There was a free shuttle down to the ferry terminal and we decided to do the hop on hop off bus to get to see some of the island. It was also 32 degrees so a handy option when you have children with you that may struggle in the heat a bit. We then got off at the old town and did some shopping, the shops are beautiful, lovely clothes and jewellery shops and great value. We then found a nice square for lunch and had some fresh seafood and cold drinks to cool down before heading back to the ship.

Day At Sea

Bar Montenegro – Free shuttle to the port. This was my least favourite stop, we didn’t plan anything so I would advise booking an excursion or consider taking a trip to Kotor as there is very little to see here. You could just get off and stretch your legs or find a beach and go for a swim but don’t expect too much from this port/stop.

Sicily – This was the day of Joes Birthday. We got off the ship – you are straight into the centre, so no shuttles required. Again, we did a hop on hop off bus tour as the temperatures were mid-30s, we came back to the centre and got a seat at a restaurant in front of the Messina Cathedral. You will see large numbers of tourists gathering to watch the mechanical clock featuring the noon time movement of bronze figures while Ave Maria is playing. It’s a lovely experience. If I was to do it again, I would take the trip to Taormina just to see a bit more of the island. It’s about a 45 minute taxi ride or you could arrange an excursion.

At Sea

Barcelona – We sailed into Barcelona at 6am and we were off the ship at 7.30. You are allocated times depending on your onward plans, but everyone is off the ship by 9.30 at the latest. We had a coach transfer to the airport for an 11am flight so we said goodbye to Princess after a phenomenal week, and we will definably be back!

If you would like to plan your Princess cruise get in touch and I can guide, you through the whole experience and give you all the tips and advise you need for your cruise adventure!