Our journey to join Sun Princess began with a long-haul trip from Australia to Athens, travelling with Qantas via Singapore. The attentive service, smooth connections and access to several airport lounges made our transit comfortable, even with two children aged 16 and 12. We arrived in Athens late and settled into Acropolis Heart, a small two-bedroom apartment set in a lively neighbourhood with cafés close by and a clear view of the Acropolis from the street. The following morning, we enjoyed breakfast outdoors and wandered the area before transferring to the port of Piraeus.
As this was my first time boarding a ship of this size, I had been unsure what to expect from the embarkation process. Any hesitation was quickly eased. Check-in was straightforward and friendly, our bags were delivered soon after, and the cabin was ready by early afternoon. Stepping aboard the brand-new Sun Princess for the first time made an immediate impression. The ship’s sleek design, soft natural light and generous open spaces created a calm, uplifting atmosphere and set high expectations for the voyage ahead.
The ship itself offers a modern yet relaxed feel. Despite its size, the clever layout meant it rarely felt crowded, with many smaller venues helping disperse foot traffic. Our deluxe balcony cabin, located toward the aft, was quiet and exceptionally comfortable. As the ship runs on LNG, vibration and engine noise were almost non-existent. Storage was plentiful, the lighting was well designed and the linens were of high quality, creating a peaceful retreat after busy days ashore. The glass elevators at the aft offered wonderful ocean views and were rarely used, making them a handy shortcut to the Eatery and the Wake View pool and bar.
Public areas were light-filled and thoughtfully furnished, with plenty of seating available throughout the day. The Eclipse Dining Room proved a warm and reliable choice, with varied menus and polished service. Dining overall became a standout feature of the voyage. Escargot at the Captain’s Welcome Dinner was beautifully prepared! The Catch by Rudi delivered exceptional lobster, steak and pâté, while Teppanyaki offered lively, theatrical fun. Sabatini’s produced rich, satisfying Italian dishes, and Love by Britto was an imaginative five-course experience of themed décor, drinks and cuisine, ideal for a special night. Makoto’s Japanese dining was flavourful and energetic, positioned alongside the Piazza. While reservations are recommended, we never waited more than ten minutes even without a booking.
Service throughout the ship was consistently warm and genuine. Crew members were professional, cheerful and often remembered our preferences. Bar service was efficient and the cocktail list thoughtful, and the coffee bar became a favourite morning stop thanks to its range of speciality coffees.
Entertainment added another strong dimension to the experience. Evening options ranged from musical theatre to an impressive circus-style production, with themed nights including White Night, an 80s party and a popular Silent Disco. With two main shows scheduled nightly and several smaller venues offering live entertainment, the ship maintained a lively yet never overwhelming atmosphere.
Princess places strong emphasis on comfort and guest experience, and it showed in many small details. Smoking areas were well separated, the pool deck dining offered fresh tacos, salads and burgers, and the wellness program included well-run Pilates and cycling classes. The spacious gym was well equipped, providing a good balance between indulgence and healthier pursuits.
The Mediterranean itinerary delivered a memorable mix of ports and scenic cruising. Bar in Montenegro offered stunning mountain backdrops and a charming town centre. Taxis were unreliable, so booking ship tours is a sensible option. Corfu was easy to explore on a hop-on hop-off bus, while Messina and Mallorca provided energetic slices of Italian and Spanish life. Gibraltar was a standout, with excellent tours including St Michael’s Cave, the famed monkeys and WWII tunnels. Marseille was beautiful, though best explored by taxi rather than the heavily crowded hop-on hop-off service. From La Spezia, the tour to Florence and Pisa was seamless and professionally operated. On disembarkation day in Naples, we joined a ship-organised tour of Pompeii that concluded with direct transfer to the airport, making for an easy and well-timed journey home.
This Sun Princess voyage suits couples, families, solo travellers and food lovers seeking a balance of comfort, culture and variety. Princess Cruises delivers strong value through refined service, memorable dining and thoughtfully curated entertainment.
