When we decided to book a Mediterranean cruise, we knew we wanted something special—and the new Sun Princess absolutely delivered. Our multigenerational seven-night journey from Athens to Barcelona, with stops in some of the most stunning ports along the way, exceeded every expectation we had. I had my concerns that the kids would get bored or someone in our party would get seasick, but we had a wonderful time. The heavy port focused itinerary proved to give plenty of opportunities for the kids to find things that interested them with the ease of only unpacking once. I highly recommend cruising with kids!
Our Route: A Mediterranean Dream
Our itinerary took us through some of the Mediterranean’s most captivating destinations. We explored the ancient wonders of Crete, wandered through the charming coastal town of Bar, Montenegro, soaked up the culture and cuisine of Taormina, Sicily, and marveled at the lush beauty of Corfu. Each port offered its own unique charm, and having our floating hotel travel with us made the entire experience seamless and stress-free.
The Cabana Mini Suite: Space to Breathe
One of the best decisions we made was upgrading to a Cabana Mini Suite. After experiencing the extra space, I can’t imagine going back to a standard cabin. The additional room gave us a true sanctuary to return to after busy days of exploration. We spent countless hours on our private balcony, sipping coffee in the morning and wine in the evening, all while taking in the breathtaking Mediterranean sea air. There’s something incredibly peaceful about watching the waves go by from your own little slice of the ship.
Princess Premier Package: Splurge-Worthy Luxury
We opted for the Princess Premier package, and while it’s definitely an investment, we found it absolutely worth the cost. The package included unlimited alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees (a must for this coffee lover!), WiFi to stay connected and share our journey, specialty dining experiences, gratuities, and more.
One aspect worth noting: the package only applies to the first two guests in the cabin. Since we were traveling with our kids, they weren’t covered, but we simply paid for their drinks and specialty dining à la carte. This ended up being much more economical than purchasing the package for everyone, and it gave us the flexibility to let them choose what they really wanted.
Tip: With the Premier Package you also get 3 free prints from your trip! Simply visit the photo shop on Deck 9.
Dining: A Culinary Journey
The specialty dining on the Sun Princess was nothing short of exceptional. We had the opportunity to try several restaurants, and each one impressed us in different ways.
Crown Grill was hands-down our favorite. The steaks were cooked to perfection, and the service was impeccable. If you only have time for one specialty restaurant, make it this one.
We also enjoyed incredible sushi at Makoto Ocean—fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. The Catch by Rudi offered a fantastic seafood experience with creative preparations, and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria transported us straight to Italy with authentic flavors and warm, welcoming ambiance.
Entertainment and Activities
The onboard entertainment kept us thoroughly engaged throughout the cruise. One of our favorite activities during sea days or after a day exploring was watching movies on the pool deck—there’s something magical about outdoor cinema on the open sea. The kids especially enjoyed the specialty desserts from Lido Coffee & Cones, which became a daily treat they looked forward to.
The nightly entertainment offered professional-quality shows that ranged from Broadway-style productions to comedy acts, ensuring there was something for everyone in our family. The adults in our party also enjoyed trying our luck at the casino. I had a particularly good run, walking away with over $700!
Pro tip: Make sure to cash out at the casino cashier before the end of your cruise. Casino funds don’t automatically transfer to your onboard account—they’ll be paid out in U.S. dollars at the casino cage, so don’t forget to collect your winnings!
During our sea day, we took full advantage of the laundry facilities located on each deck. This was incredibly convenient and meant we could pack lighter, knowing we could refresh our wardrobe mid-cruise.
The Ship Itself: Beauty with a Few Quirks
The Sun Princess is undeniably beautiful, featuring luxurious touches throughout that make you feel pampered at every turn. The modern design and upscale finishes create an elegant atmosphere that enhances the entire cruising experience.
That said, the layout has some peculiarities worth mentioning. On certain decks, you need to walk through cabin hallways to access public areas, which felt a bit awkward at times. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it did take some getting used to and occasionally made navigation less intuitive than it could have been.
Final Thoughts
Despite the minor layout quirks, our seven-night Mediterranean cruise on the Sun Princess was an absolutely incredible experience. The combination of stunning destinations, luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining, and quality entertainment created memories that our family will treasure for years to come.
If you’re considering a Mediterranean cruise and want to treat yourself to something special, I can’t recommend the Sun Princess highly enough—especially if you upgrade to a mini suite and splurge on the Princess Premier package. Sometimes, the splurge really is worth it.
Want to know more about our port adventures? I’ve written detailed posts about each destination we visited and the excursions we took. Check out my other blog posts for in-depth guides to Crete, Montenegro, Sicily, and Corfu, complete with tips on what to see, where to eat, and which excursions are worth your time!
Looking for help planning your own Mediterranean cruise? I would love to assist you! Contact me today.
Have you cruised the Mediterranean? What were your favorite ports of call? Share your experiences in the comments below!