Some Disappointment
Sun Princess Cruise Review to Europe - Mediterranean
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 8
Sail date: June 08, 2024
Ship: Sun Princess
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 11629
Traveled as: Family (older children)
Reviewed: 4 months ago
Review summary
It gave us the opportunity to see many of the Greek Islands. We were exhausted every day but saw many wonderful things.Embarkation
Having cruised 13 times before, 11 on Disney, 1 Norwegian and 1 Holland America, I could not believe how quick and easy we were able to embark at 10:30 am! We did our homework and had all requested info completed on the app and we quite literally got off our private transport to the ship and walked right on.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
We were disappointed that the GF breakfast options were not freshly prepared as they are on Disney. Watching the frozen waffles and pancakes being pulled out of plastic and dropped in a toaster was unappetizing. Also disappointing that they had no DF cheese or ice cream on the ship with only one place offering sorbet which becomes tiresome. We did find the dinners in Horizon to be very tasty. We did Spellbound which had a fantastic meal where more effort seemed to exist for those in need of GF and DF options. Will speak more of Spellbound under
entertainment but suffice it to say it was the highlight of the onboard dining and entertainment. We also ate at Crown Grille where the dinner was second only to Spellbound. Also ate at Sabatini’s which was my least favorite of the specialty dining as the 6 course meal seemed as if it would never end. They also however accommodated GF and DF.
Onboard Activities
We could never find 3 or 4 chairs together by the pool and only discovered the 3.5 foot glass pool on the next to last night of the cruise. Our 17 y/o grandson worked out in the gym nearly everyday. My husband and I got there only once. Lots of ellipticals but not too many machines that I was familiar with. 14 y/o grandson was disappointed that there was no waterslide and while he had been excited reading about the zip line, rock climbing wall and other activities available in the “park” area he was, as was I to learn that the area will not be opened until the ship arrives at the US and passes an inspection. We did play bingo several times and I won $223. Also played one round of Deal or No Deal.
Entertainment
The music performances were very good from the live band for dancing to the Cats Duo on electric violin and electric viola who were exceptional. Comedians made us laugh. However if you did excursions all day and then dinner, fatigue set in and it was difficult to see shows etc. and still be able to get up early for the next excursion.
Children's Programs
The 14 y/o refused to go to The Underground because, he said “That’s where parents ditch their kids so they can do what they want.” He finally went there the next to last night and the last night as well and didn’t return to the cabin until well after midnight. Made a friend who was staying 5 blocks from our Barcelona hotel and was able to come see him for a couple hours before we returned to the US.
Service and Staff
By and large the staff was great. Our steward was a gem. The Horizons manager was very involved in us having GF meals and in my case DF also. He was very caring and personable.
Ship Quality
It’s a hard ship to learn how to traverse. To get to guest relations mid ship you have to go up and then down and you can’t just walk across. The spa is on multiple floors depending on what you are having done. I only was getting the hang of how to easily get from one place to another at the end of our second week.
Cabin / Stateroom
We comfortably fit 2 adults and a 17 and 14 y/o along with 6 checked bags, 4 carry ons and 4 backpacks into the mini suite. 3 suitcases fit under our bed. 1 trunk case sat in a closet and the grandsons’ suitcases were across from the sofa turned bunk beds. Our steward kept everything sparkling.
Ports of call
We did not tour Rome as an excursion before boarding but did it in our own.
Thumbs Up
0
I was disappointed that we had no time to shop even though the excursion description said we would
Great guide. Was awe inspiring to be on the Acropolis. Very accommodating restaurant for lunch.
Took a long ride to Lipa Cave. Was well worth it. Not enough time to really shop in Old Town.
Went on the excursion and was frustrated about not having enough time to shop. Took boat tour of caves. Upon returning to port with little time left we found the jewelry store where I purchased a beautiful necklace 10 years ago and purchased a bracelet from the owner’s grandson.
Great guide. Was actually given ample time to shop in Sicily as well as in Taormina and on Mt. Etna.
We did not book thru Princess. We booked our own Segway tour of Barcelona and Sagrada Familia.