How to the Best Mediterraneon Cruise Experience aboard the Sun Princess: A Guide to Exploring Rome, Santorini, Istanbul, Mykonos, and Athens
The Ultimate Sun Princess European Cruise Experience
Have you ever dreamed of embarking on a magical journey through the Mediterranean, exploring ancient ruins, picturesque villages, and vibrant cities along the way? If so, the Sun Princess European Cruise is the perfect adventure for you! From Rome to Athens, this unforgettable cruise will take you on a whirlwind tour of some of the most iconic destinations in Europe.
What is the best cruise line for a Mediterranean cruise?
For the money, hands down was the Sun Princess! We went thru a travel agency and they offered FREE flights from the US to Rome and back. We decided to take a round trip direct flight from Miami to Rome.
Has anyone been on the Sun Princess on the 7 night cruise?
We have! I'm about to share with you the real what to expect on a 7 night Princess Cruise of the Mediterranean. The coolest part was people would get on at different stops and some would stay for over a month.
What can you expect on the Sun Princess European Cruise?
A luxurious and unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking sights and unique experiences.
During this cruise, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most beloved destinations in Europe, including Rome, Naples, Istanbul, Mykonos, Santorini, and Athens. Each port of call offers its own distinctive charm and attractions, promising an unforgettable adventure filled with culture, history, and stunning landscapes.
Where will the Sun Princess sail in 2025 in the Mediterranean?
- Exploring the Eternal City of Rome
- Discovering the Stunning Beauty of Santorini
- Immersing Yourself in the Vibrant Culture of Istanbul
- Indulging in the Charming Atmosphere of Mykonos
- Unraveling the Enchanting History of Athens
First-time cruise questions you didn't think to ask...
1. Is water free on a cruise?
YES! Tap water is included but we decided to buy cases of bottles of water just to make sure we didn't get sick. Sometimes there are bacteria in the water source in different countries and your body may not like. Remember ice is just frozen water.
2. Can you sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship?
Am I allowed to answer this? The short answer is yes, and usually they will allow you to bring 2 bottles of wine per person over 21 years old. I don't drink anymore but I will tell you you can go to walmart buy a bottle of wine with a seal that's loose and add other alcohol to it after dumping out the cheap bottle of wine. The airline wine was AWESOME! So when they offer it to you on the plane there and back take it.
3. What is the best deck on a cruise ship?
Depends on what you like to do. I'm going to go thru the Sun Princess deck with you all and tell you the best things to do.
Sun bathing beautys likely love the Lido Deck. Foodies the restaurant deck and you will probably try each of them out. gamblers the casino deck; and walkers or joggers, the top deck.
However, if you're talking about the best deck to book your cabins, typically the higher the deck, the more movement which should be considered for anyone prone to seasickness. Lower cabin decks are often noisy, it was VERY quiet and I think it was the population of people on our cruise, or subject to a bit of vibration from the engines, and decks that are right above or below all the action can also get a bit noisy. All this to say, cabins on the middle decks of a ship are usually a good bet for anyone worried about movement or noise.
How many decks does the Sun Princess have?
21 in total but all are not accessable to guests.
Where is the medical center?
Deck 4. If you should get sea sick.
They should have NoMo Nausea Bands, but if not make sure you get your own for only $12! NoMo Nausea seaband bracelets are the first essential oil infused pressure bands that stop sea sickness in 30 seconds. NoMo Bands are waterproof and easy to pack. Plus for the price of a sandwhich will ensure you don't get sick during rough seas.
Where is the Princess Theater?
Deck 7 & 8 are the princess theater and unfortunately only sits like 200 people so if you want to see a show, I suggest someone in the group goes to stand in line for 2 hours BEFORE the show starts. Their acts are very intimate and don't repeat more than TWICE ever so if you really want to see something prepare for it.
The dining rooms are also on the same decks 7 & 8.
Do they play movies that are currently in the theaters?
YES! The movies under the stars was really fun for our family of 6. We had grandparents that loved watching the kids play in the pool while watching a movie. I wish the jacuzzi was located a little better so you could see the screen from any angle.
How many jacuzzi's does Sun princess have?
Only 3 and the ones in the back of the boat are made for 2 people at a time. They do have really nice big beds so if you get up early grab one for your family and post up there for the day.
Is there a gym to workout on the Sun Princess cruise?
There is a gym but it is very small. It is NOT open 24 hours, so for people who have jet lag there is not much to do after 10pm. There is a jogging track on deck 19 & 20. It was really windy so I didn't see too many people running on it.
Does the Sun Princess have a nightclub or disco?
NOPE! The sun princess cruise does not have a nightclub or disco because alot of the activities happen in the atrium.
What show is found in the Dome on the Sun Princess?
It's their version of the Cirque de Solei diving into the water show. We couldn't get into the show after trying because it sold out quickly but got to watch the divers practice and they were like Olympians.
Best part of the Sun Princess...
The live band and entertainment in the pub was my favorite. The artist was incredible and should have her own concert. She played request songs and her own song that I was blown away by.
How good is the food on the Sun Princess?
AMAZING!! I have been on MANY cruises and the Sun Princess had the best food. They do cater to an older crowd, and we chose to only dine where it was included because Europe has so many delicious restaurants and I wanted to try what each city had to offer.
Where is the best pizza on the cruise ship?
- Pizza on the main eatery deck make sure you go outside and they will make you fresh pizza oven pizza and you don't have to pay for it.
Best food on the Sun Princess?
It was all delicious but I was impressed with the pressed sandwhiches in the 24 hour bar area in the middle of the cruise. They also had tea and coffee that is included and doesn't have an additional fee. The bartenders were great, they made my daughter hot chocolate everyday and never charged us. We tip well.
4. How do I find people in my travel party on the ship?
You can finally throw away those ugle walkie talkies, because the princess app has a feature to talk to your cabin mates and friends. You DO NOT have to buy the internet package (which was ridiculous in price and people who bought it said it wasn't worth it. The Princess Medallion wearable actually tracks your location on the ship, and you can give permission to share your location with your cruise party through the Medallion app.
However, not all ships have a free messaging or tracking app. (Some charge for this service.) You might need to go old school, agreeing to meet at specific times, using a whiteboard on the cabin door to leave notes for one another or even use walkie-talkie (which, truthfully, don't always work so well onboard).
5. Do cruise ships still ahve assigned dining tables and tablemates?
Please book your dining date and time AHEAD of time. Especially if you are a family of more than 4. They always had ample 2 seater or 4 seater tables but for bigger groups it was always a wait.
6. Do you need to pack beach towels for a cruise?
No. Like hotels, cruise ships provide towels for use while you're cruising, including beach towels. Pool and beach towels are usually provided in-cabin or somewhere by the pool and can even be taken with you off the ship at port.
There's just one catch: You have to keep track of your towel or pay up. Many cruise ships charge for lost towels. Want a fresh towel? You can trade a wet towel for a fresh one on the pool deck or with your stateroom attendant.
7. Do you have to dress up on a cruise?
I forced my family to because I wanted pictures I could use for Christmas cards. You are permitted in the main dining room with a relaxed attire but half of the fun on a cruise is getting all dolled up. While high-end cruises often still have enforced dress codes, Sun Princess was not one of them, most lines have suggested or optional formal nights. It's not uncommon to see women in sundresses or business casual attire on formal nights and men in slacks and a button down shirt. Some lines do stick firmly rules around no jeans in the dining room.
8. Should you buy the pictures onboard or get the package before you get on the ship?
Order the picture package before you cruise because you will LOVE the photos and it will save you $200 at least. We loved Tumi our photographer. He remembered us and he was part of the family by the time we left. We have the best pictures our family has ever taken thanks to him.
Is the Sun Princess worth it for families?
The playground was not open so my daughter who was too old for the kids club and too young for the teen club had a hard time finding her hangout spot. There are no water slides and the hang gliding was not in service. For the price, nothing could beat it, but for the family I think we should try another cruiseline.
9. How do I keep track of my cruise card?
The simplest way to keep track of your cruise card is a plastic, wallet-sized card used as your onboard ID, room key and ship account card. I would recommend you either clip it onto a lanyard, you can buy matching lanyard from dollar tree, or place it in your purse, waist pack or wallet. Lanyards are loved and loathed by cruisers, and many ships will give you a cruise line-branded lanyard or even a mini-wallet when you check-in. Other cruise ships like Disney cruise have bracelets. Princess cruise have a tracking feature so as you get close to your room it automatically turns on a green light.
Note for families: they make 1 parent and 1 child sleep in the same room, so if you have pre-teens and teenagers, it's a little bit of a hassel making sure both people have cards because I wanted to sleep in the same room as my husband and not with my daughter.
10. What do I do with my passport during my cruise?
While your on the cruise, you'll want to store your passport in the cabin safe or its usual spot somewhere safe in your luggage. Though you'll likely need your passport at check-in and when disembarking in a foreign country in order to clear customs, you won't have much use for it otherwise. On each of the stops you might need it if you buy large purchases. I had a picture of my passport on my phone because I definitely did some damage at the Valentino store in Rome, Italy.
Exploring the Eternal City of Rome
Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city steeped in history and adorned with iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain. During your visit, you can explore ancient ruins, indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this timeless city.
Discovering the Stunning Beauty of Santorini
Santorini is known for its picturesque white-washed buildings, stunning sunsets, and crystal-clear waters. While on the Sun Princess European Cruise, you can wander through the charming streets of Oia, soak in the hot springs of Nea Kameni, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the cliffs of Fira.
Immersing Yourself in the Vibrant Culture of Istanbul
Istanbul, a city that straddles both Europe and Asia, offers a unique blend of cultures, history, and traditions. During your visit, you can explore the majestic Hagia Sophia, shop at the bustling Grand Bazaar, and cruise along the scenic Bosphorus Strait.
Indulging in the Charming Atmosphere of Mykonos
Mykonos is a vibrant island known for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and iconic windmills. Here, you can stroll through the narrow streets of Chora, relax on the golden sands of Paradise Beach, and savor fresh seafood at a seaside taverna.
Unraveling the Enchanting History of Athens
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history and culture. During your visit, you can explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis, visit the historic Plaka neighborhood, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Lycabettus Hill.
What is the best month to cruise the Mediterranean?
Spring and Fall are usually great choices with mild temperatures in April and May. Warm during the day and cool in the evenings. The summer has lots of tourists, but it was very hot since we had to go when the kids were not in school.
How to explore Sun Princess Mediterranean Cruise?
Make the Most of Your Sun Princess European Cruise
What months is the Mediterranean Sea rough?
Summer months tend to have calmer seas. The west coast of France and north coast of Spain (Bay of Biscay), and the North Sea can be rough during winter months (November through March). River cruises usually operate from spring through fall.
How to stop sea sickness in seconds?
Ensure a smooth sailing experience by purchasing NoMo Nausea, a 3:1 essential oil infused pressure bracelet that instantly stops nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, morning sickness in pregnancy, and nausea from chemotherapy in cancer in 30 seconds. Say goodbye to seasickness and hello to unforgettable adventures!
Conclusion
Embarking on the Sun Princess European Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore some of the most mesmerizing destinations in Europe. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the idyllic beaches of Mykonos, each port of call offers its own unique charm and allure. So pack your bags, set sail on the Sun Princess, and get ready to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime!
