Cruising the Med on the Enchanted Princess: Athens to Rome

Pre and post cruise stays:

Before you set sail, consider spending two days in Athens to immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture. Relax by the rooftop pool at the Grand Hyatt Athens, take in the stunning views of the Acropolis, explore the Ancient Agora and visit the National Archaeological Museum for an enriching experience.

After your cruise, spend three days in Rome to fully experience its historic charm. Be sure to visit the Vatican for its stunning art and architecture, explore the ancient Roman Forum and take in the impressive Colosseum.

Essentials to bring:

When preparing for a Mediterranean cruise, pack a mix of essentials and stylish items to suit a variety of activities. Bring comfortable, casual clothing for daytime explorations, along with a few elegant outfits for formal dinners. Don’t forget swimwear for the ship's pool, a light jacket for cooler evenings and sturdy shoes for sightseeing. Also, pack sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Finally, consider a small, versatile bag for excursions and a power adapter for your electronic devices.

The ship:

The Enchanted Princess, a stunning vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet, offers an array of luxurious features and amenities designed to elevate your cruise experience.

Dining options:

• Crown Grill: Indulge in a classic steakhouse experience with premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list in an elegant, upscale setting.

• The Catch by Rudi: The Catch by Rudi delivers a premier dining experience with exquisite seafood dishes and a refined ambiance, showcasing Rudi Sodamin’s culinary artistry.

• Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with a menu featuring fresh pastas, delectable antipasti and rich desserts, all served in a charming trattoria atmosphere.

• Main dining rooms: The ship boasts several main dining rooms, including the Symphony and Allegro, offering a range of gourmet dishes in a sophisticated environment with flexible dining times.

• Horizon Court: This buffet-style venue provides a casual dining experience with a wide selection of international dishes, perfect for any time of day.

• Piazza: A lively central area featuring cafes and bistros where you can enjoy coffee, pastries and light bites while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

• Ocean Terrace Sushi Bar: Savor fresh sushi and sashimi with panoramic ocean views in this contemporary venue.

Layout:

The Enchanted Princess is thoughtfully designed to enhance your journey with its spacious and elegant layout. Key areas include:

• The piazza: The heart of the ship, featuring a grand atrium with stunning architectural elements, entertainment options and a variety of shops and lounges.

• The Sanctuary: An exclusive retreat offering a tranquil escape with plush loungers, private cabanas and personalized service.

• Movies under the stars: An outdoor movie theater where you can watch films under the stars while lounging by the pool.

Amenities:

• Spas: The Lotus Spa provides a range of indulgent treatments and therapies, including massages, facials and acupuncture, in a serene, luxurious setting. The spa also features a thermal suite with saunas, steam rooms, and hydrotherapy pools.

• Casinos: Try your luck at the Casino Royale, offering a variety of games including slot machines, poker, blackjack and roulette in a sophisticated gaming environment.

• Fitness center: Stay active with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, fitness classes and personal training sessions available in the well-equipped gym.

• Pools: Multiple pools, including an infinity pool and a family pool, offer refreshing options for swimming and relaxation. The Retreat Pool, an adults-only area, provides a serene space for relaxation.

The Enchanted Princess combines elegant design, diverse dining options and top-notch amenities to ensure a memorable and luxurious cruise experience. As of 2024, the brand new ship, Sun Princess, is sailing in the Mediterranean; it boasts the same features of the Enchanted Princess and more!

Entertainment and activities:

Onboard Princess Cruises, you'll find a vibrant array of entertainment and activities to suit every interest. Enjoy Broadway-style shows and live music performances in the elegant theaters and lounges. Participate in engaging activities such as cooking classes, dance lessons and trivia games. Relax in tranquil spaces like the adults-only Sanctuary or indulge in spa treatments. For those seeking excitement, try your luck at the casino or take part in themed parties and nightlife events. There's something for everyone to enjoy throughout your cruise experience.

Port calls:

• Santorini - Santorini’s port of call offers stunning views of its iconic white-washed buildings, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking sunsets, making it a must-see destination. Don’t miss the photo opportunities and the local winery, Santo Wines, where you can sip volcanic soil-grown wines while enjoying a captivating view of the caldera.

• Kotor - The port of Kotor enchants visitors with its medieval charm, dramatic fjord-like scenery and well-preserved historic architecture nestled within a picturesque bay. Take a guided tour of the medieval walled city and sit down to an authentic lunch!

• Messina - In the port of Messina, you can explore the stunning Cathedral of Messina with its famous astronomical clock, take a leisurely stroll along the streets of Taormina, or venture to nearby Mount Etna for a thrilling volcanic adventure.

• Naples - In the Port of Naples, you can explore the ancient ruins of Pompeii or Herculaneum, visit the Naples National Archaeological Museum or enjoy a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast, taking in its breathtaking cliffs and charming villages.

• Barcelona - Wander the Ramblas, experience Hemingway’s Barcelona by dining at Les Quatres Gats and immerse yourself in the work of Picasso in this port. Enjoy the beautiful stained glass in La Sagrada Familia as well as its panoramic views of the city from the towers.

• Gibraltar - Take a guided tour in this port to get quicker access to the cable car; use that to explore the Rock of Gibraltar, meet the barbary apes and take in the view. On a clear day, you could see Africa!

• Marseille - Take an excursion to Avignon to see Le Pont d’Avignon and the medieval castle that still stands.

• Genoa - Travel to Milan on a shore excursion and spend time at Il Duomo and visit the high-fashion district.

• Livorno - Florence and Pisa are accessible from this port. Take a shore excursion to visit these well-known destinations and don’t forget to pose with the leaning tower!

Additional costs:

• I highly recommend purchasing the Princess Premier package, which includes wifi, gratuities, drinks, some specialty dining and many more upgrades to make this cruise experience more enjoyable (no tallying how much you’ve spent on drinks!)

• Shore excursions are not included in the fare. I highly recommend booking shore excursions through the cruise line if you plan on going a distance from the port.

I recommend a Mediterranean cruise with Princess to clients looking for an experience full of history, luxury and unforgettable experiences. It would also be great for generational travel or for a honeymoon. Reach out to me to plan your perfect Mediterranean journey!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on cruise travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Whitney Ellis's guide, A 3-Day Walking Itinerary in Rome.