Princess Cruise - Greek Isles and Italian Cruise
My 7‑night sailing took me from Rome to Athens, calling at Italy, Greece and Turkey along the way.
Our first port was Naples, the gateway to iconic sites such as Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Rather than joining a tour, I chose to take the ferry across the bay to Sorrento, wandering its charming streets on foot before continuing on to Capri for a short visit. The local ferries are straightforward to use, but you do need to keep a close eye on timings to ensure you are back to the ship in good time. If you opt for one of the ship’s organised excursions, the advantage is that the ship will wait for you if there are any delays.
Next, we arrived in Crete, where I spent the day exploring Heraklion and some of the nearby beaches before returning on board for a relaxing day at sea. Sea days on Enchanted Princess never feel quiet: from Broadway‑style shows and live music to quiet relaxation spaces in the Lotus Spa, there is always something to enjoy. For those who like to stay active, the fitness centre and outdoor running and walking track are ideal.
Our journey continued to Mykonos, where I spent the day happily getting lost among whitewashed lanes and cobbled streets, soaking up the atmosphere of Little Venice and the famous Mykonos windmills. That evening I was treated to a spectacular sunset over the Greek islands before we sailed on to Kusadasi in Turkey. Here I enjoyed a leisurely morning of shopping, although the port also offers a wide range of excursions for those who wish to explore further.
From Kusadasi we cruised to Istanbul. We took a taxi to the Grand Bazaar, then continued on foot to visit the Blue Mosque. Istanbul was busy, vibrant and full of energy, yet incredibly rewarding to explore.
Our final call was Athens, which turned out to be my favourite stop. As we were disembarking here, I made the most of the day by taking a taxi into the city, dropping my bag at a luggage storage facility and heading out on foot. I visited the Acropolis and Parthenon, along with the Temple of Olympian Zeus. There is so much history and culture packed into Athens that I will definitely return. Around Syntagma Square, narrow cobbled streets are lined with small shops and traditional tavernas, creating a lovely, relaxed atmosphere. My late direct flight back to Dublin meant I had a full day to explore, but it would be well worth extending your stay in Athens to see even more of what this incredible city has to offer.
I would not hesitate to recommend Princess Cruises. The food and entertainment on board were excellent, and the Medallion Class service really elevates the whole experience. This clever wearable allows you to unlock your stateroom, order drinks or food from anywhere on the ship, and even track your luggage, creating a seamless and highly personalised cruise. I stayed in a spacious inside cabin, but a balcony or suite would be a wonderful upgrade, particularly for a honeymoon or special celebration, giving you your own private space to watch the sea and ports of call glide by.
Dining is a real highlight on Enchanted Princess. From relaxed buffets and speciality pizza to elegant multi‑course dinners, there is something to suit every taste and every mood. You can enjoy a quick bite between activities or savour a long, indulgent evening in one of the more refined venues.
Families are very well catered for too. Like her sister ships, Enchanted Princess offers a wide range of dedicated children’s clubs and entertainment, with age‑appropriate activities designed to keep younger guests happy and engaged while parents enjoy some well‑earned downtime. It is a genuinely family‑friendly ship, with something for every generation.
If you would like to explore your own cruise adventure, whether in the Mediterranean or further afield, I would be delighted to help you find the perfect itinerary and ship to suit you.
