Mediterranean Cruise in Sanctuary Class on the Sun Princess
Introduction
Sun Princess by Princess Cruises became, for the second time, my "sanctuary" ship during wartime. After our flight from Lisbon to Tel Aviv was canceled, we had no desire to be "evacuated" back into a country at war, especially with almost entirely closed skies for outbound travel. We decided to make lemonade out of lemons and be refugees in style; we flew from Lisbon to Athens, and after four days touring Athens, we boarded a week-long cruise at the end of March from Athens to Barcelona. The itinerary included four port days: Santorini and Corfu in Greece, Bar in Montenegro, and Messina in Sicily, plus two days at sea.
We vacationed on a beautiful, brand-new, and large ship, and this time there was a truly worthwhile last-minute deal for a mini-suite that also included the Premier package and the "Sanctuary" — the luxury club reserved for the top suites.
Sanctuary Collection Club
The Sanctuary Collection is Princess Cruises' new luxury brand launched in 2024 and is currently available only on the Sun Princess and Star Princess. It is intended for guests staying in full suites, but also in select mini-suites.
It is essentially an "exclusive club" within the ship, designed to provide a more private, tranquil, and upscale experience aboard the mega-ship.
A dedicated pool for Sanctuary Club guests:
Guests receive complimentary access to the Sanctuary area on the top deck, which features a pool, two hot tubs, a bar, comfortable loungers and sunbeds with plush cushions, a buffet with light meals, and occasionally a DJ or musician playing quiet, pleasant music. VIP service includes bartenders and servers who deliver drinks straight to the hot tub and attend to your every need. If it gets chilly, they provide cozy fleece blankets.
The greatest advantage of this area is the complete absence of crowds! There is always available space, and the pool and hot tubs have few guests, unlike the main deck for the rest of the passengers.
Sanctuary Club deck with sunbeds, cushioned chairs, and hot tubs:
Comfortable seating areas on the Sanctuary deck:
Refreshments by the Sanctuary pool:
Sanctuary Collection guests enjoy a dedicated restaurant: a private and exclusive dining room open for breakfast, (brunch on sea days), and dinner, featuring upgraded menus, very short wait times, and outstanding service.
Sanctuary guests also receive the Princess Premier package, which includes:
Wi-Fi for up to 4 devices + premium beverage package (including alcohol, specialty coffee, and bottled water) + unlimited specialty dining + crew appreciation/gratuities + digital photo package, room service delivery, reserved theater seating, and more.
Details of inclusions and pricing for Princess packages can be found in the article: Princess Premier and Plus Packages on Princess Cruises
The Sanctuary Club is highly recommended and well-suited for anyone looking for the "best of both worlds": enjoying the amenities, shows, variety of entertainment, nightlife, and dining of a mega-ship, while having the option to "escape" to a quiet, luxurious, and pampered enclave that feels like a private yacht with high-end service.
At times, the prices for these mini-suites are not expensive at all (compared to full suite rates, and especially relative to the value provided), making it very worthwhile and recommended for anyone already planning to purchase the Premier package to choose this category. It is a pity it is not yet available on other ships across the fleet.
I will not elaborate on the Sun Princess ship itself here, as you can read all about it in my review of the 27-night cruise from Barcelona to England and on to Florida, which features a comprehensive breakdown of all ship amenities, including restaurants, show venues, pools, spa, and more.
In this article, the focus is on the ship's itinerary and the Mediterranean ports we visited.
Ports on the Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary
The ship set sail from the port of Piraeus near Athens, and prior to embarkation, I enjoyed combining 4 days touring fascinating Athens. The cruise concluded in the city of Barcelona. It is always advisable to pair a cruise with a multi-day trip in the departure and/or arrival destinations. If you are already there, why not add a few extra days exploring these locales?
From Athens, we sailed to the Greek island of Santorini, arriving the very next day.
The Island of Santorini
Santorini is one of the most photogenic islands in Greece. In spring, it is more beautiful than ever, especially after a particularly rainy winter; the cliffs, which are usually brown and arid, are blanketed in lush green vegetation and an array of blooming spring flowers.
The island was formed by a colossal volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago—one of the largest in history—which caused the center of the island to collapse inward, creating a caldera: an enormous crater filled by the sea. What remains above water is a crescent of sheer cliffs rising 300 meters high, with small volcanic islands at the center of the caldera. The island has 15,000 permanent residents, but in summer the number of visitors reaches tens of thousands per day, driven by general tourism and especially by the numerous cruise ships arriving at the island.
We visited Santorini in the spring "pre-season" and were therefore the only ship in the area. The ship anchored in the heart of the caldera with breathtaking views of the island. In the morning, we opened our eyes, pulled back the curtains, and saw the magnificent cliffs with their white houses and the cable car—one of the most spectacular vistas imaginable. Ships do not dock at a pier here, requiring a tender boat ride of about ten minutes. From the tiny old port, you can ascend to the main town of Fira via cable car (a 3-minute ride), on foot via 580 zig-zagging steps up the cliff, or by donkey (less recommended!).
Lines for the cable car can become very long, stretching to an hour or even two; however, since ours was the only ship visiting that day and because we set out relatively early, we waited less than half an hour on the way up and encountered no line at all on the way down.
From Fira, it is highly recommended to stroll along the cliff's edge among villas, hotels, restaurants, cafés, boutique shops, and above all—breathtaking views of the cliffs, caldera, whitewashed villages, the stunning ship below, and local blue-domed churches.
Ambitious walkers can hike all the way to the town of Oia—a route of about 10.5 kilometers that takes 3 to 5 hours (depending on pace and number of stops) with gentle ascents and descents, widely considered one of the most famous and scenic walking trails in the world.
We opted for a 2.5-kilometer walk to the village of Imerovigli, perched on the highest point along the cliff, boasting what is considered the finest panoramic view on the island. Since tourist season had not yet peaked, we encountered mostly locals beginning to renovate and clean town properties in preparation for the season, along with fellow cruise passengers. Many cafés and shops were still closed, which was not a drawback at all; on the contrary, it allowed us to focus on the raw power of nature in all its splendor, the lovely white houses, the gorgeous blooms, and the ship blending seamlessly into the landscape. You return via the same cliffside path. A leisurely walk takes about 45 minutes each way, with plenty of stops to admire the views and take photos.
After returning to the ship, it is recommended to spend as much time as possible soaking in (and photographing) the surrounding scenery from the decks, pools, hot tubs, and of course, your private balcony.
Port of Bar in Montenegro
Bar is a coastal port city in southern Montenegro. We arrived on the third day of the cruise, following a relaxing and indulgent day at sea. Its port is the largest and most important in Montenegro, though far less famous than the port of Kotor. Most vessels here are cargo ships, so walking through the port area is not permitted; a regular shuttle service runs from the cruise dock to the marina.
Bar has both an Old Town and a New Town. The Old Town is exceptionally impressive and well worth a visit.
It is located about 4 km from the port (about a ten-minute drive) and, unlike other historic towns, is uninhabited, serving instead as an open-air museum.
It features impressive stone walls, a fortress, an Ottoman-era aqueduct, and ancient churches.
Since we had already toured the Old Town in the past and thoroughly explored Montenegro previously, we decided this time to enjoy a walking tour of the New Town—an authentic, non-touristy city. It is one of the sunniest cities in Europe (around 270 days of sunshine a year), making it a pleasant destination even during the off-season. Indeed, during our pre-season visit, it welcomed us with mild weather and no rain, albeit overcast.
Because Bar is very flat (unlike mountainous towns like Kotor), walking here is easy and pleasant.
We walked along King Nikola's Promenade, a wide seaside promenade stretching north along the waterfront from the marina. On one side are the beaches and yachts, and on the other are cafés and restaurants.
You pass by King Nikola's Palace: a handsome 19th-century red building that served as the summer residence of the Montenegrin royal family. Today it houses a local museum surrounded by a small botanical garden. It was undergoing renovations during our visit.
Further along the promenade are lovely gardens. In summer, the beaches are fantastic for swimming, though they are pebbly rather than sandy. At this time of year, you can spot the occasional fisherman along the shore.
From there, we continued on a short walk to the Cathedral of St. Jovan Vladimir, with its striking golden domes—one of the most impressive Orthodox cathedrals in the Balkans. Its interior is adorned with stunning frescoes in gold and vibrant hues.
Admission is free, and even if you are not a church enthusiast, it is well worth stepping inside to admire the artistry.
From there, we continued to the shopping district and pedestrian street, Ulica Borisa Kidriča, lined with shops offering attractive prices.
Bar is known as the "shopping capital" of Montenegro due to its maritime connection with Italy, with ferries operating to Bari in southern Italy.
Nearby is an authentic covered market filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, olive oil, olives, nuts, and more. Prices are inexpensive and the produce is wonderful.
From there, you loop back to the marina, passing another church along the way.
A pleasant 3-hour stroll for those who have already toured this beautiful country and want to return promptly to enjoy the ship.
For those visiting Montenegro for the first time, it is highly recommended to book a private tour to make the most of the ship's full port call. There are countless touring options with breathtaking landscapes!
Extensive travel information on Montenegro is available on my site:
montenegro-travel.html
Port of Corfu in Greece
The island of Corfu is one of the most popular cruise destinations in Greece and is included on the Mediterranean itineraries of many cruise ships.
We arrived at Corfu port on an overcast, drizzly day in early April. The rain was light and intermittent, still allowing us to walk comfortably with rain jackets and an umbrella. Since we had visited previously, we chose to explore it independently on foot. While there is an abundance of taxis, paid shuttles, and local buses, we preferred to stretch our legs, burn a few calories, and walk from the port into Corfu Old Town. It is a flat, easy walk along the coastline of just over 2 kilometers, taking about half an hour. On the return trip, we took a taxi back to the ship.
Corfu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site—a labyrinth of narrow Venetian-style alleyways, spacious squares, and historic buildings.
Flanking either side of the Old Town are the Old and New Fortresses: two massive citadels overlooking the city and the sea. Near the New Fortress and the city walls is an authentic local market with virtually no tourists, making it a delight to browse.
On the opposite side of town, near the Old Fortress and adjacent to Spianada Square—the largest square in the city—lies the Liston. This is a grand, Parisian-style arched promenade filled with upscale cafés.
Nestled among the alleys brimming with souvenir shops, eateries, and cafés is the Church of Saint Spyridon (Agios Spiridon), the most important church on the island, dedicated to the patron saint of Corfu. It features a distinctive red-domed bell tower visible from afar. The town also has lovely beaches, though naturally unsuitable for swimming in April; even in high summer, the sea temperatures here remain fairly crisp.
The two products most identified with Corfu for souvenirs or gifts are kumquat products—the iconic "symbol" of the island (the dwarf citrus from which kumquat liqueur is crafted, typically sold in ornate decorative bottles, alongside sweets such as jams, candied kumquats, and kumquat Turkish delight)—and olive wood crafts.
Corfu is home to approximately 4 million olive trees, some centuries old, yielding olive wood known for its exceptional quality and durability.
Some buildings in Corfu are beautifully restored, while others show peeling paint and modest maintenance—somewhat surprising for a UNESCO World Heritage site. Making up for this were the numerous Judas trees in full spring bloom, adorning the city with vivid pink blossoms.
A partially restored building:
Port of Messina in Sicily – Italy
The port of Messina, Italy, in Sicily is one of the most convenient ports for cruise passengers because the cruise pier sits right in the city center. It was the fourth and final port on our Sun Princess itinerary from Athens to Barcelona.
The moment you disembark, you are immediately in the heart of the vibrant city.
It is only about a five-minute walk to Piazza del Duomo, the central focal point, home to Messina's grand Cathedral.
The port is also close to Via Garibaldi, the main avenue running parallel to the harbor, packed with shops, cafés, and gelaterias.
For first-time visitors to Messina, I highly recommend booking a guided private or small-group tour (preferably independently, rather than through the cruise line) to Mount Etna and Taormina, which perches on a high cliff overlooking the sea and offers a flawless blend of ancient history, Italian luxury, and sweeping views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
However, for those who, like us, have already toured those highlights and enjoy independent walking tours, it is exceptionally easy and rewarding to set out on foot from the pier, exploring the city streets and avenues lined with well-preserved neoclassical architecture—most featuring green shutters—amidst brand shops, cafés, restaurants, and stalls leading to the authentic local market, which is a true delight for produce lovers. Everything is fresh, clean, and remarkably inexpensive. Nearby is a charming flower market.
Prior to heading back to the ship, be sure to visit the Cathedral of Messina, famous for the astronomical clock housed in its bell tower. Every day at 12:00 noon, the clock begins a 15-minute performance featuring mechanical figures moving to music. It is amusing to see hundreds of tourists gather to watch this spectacle in our era of advanced AI and high technology—quite quaint to see the lion wag its tail and roar, and the rooster crow while flapping its wings.
We toured the city on a rainy day, with persistent drizzle that alternately weakened and intensified without letting up. This did not deter crowds of tourists from standing with umbrellas in the rain to watch the clock performance. I personally enjoyed the Fontana di Orione: a gorgeous 16th-century fountain located directly in front of the cathedral, widely regarded as one of the finest Renaissance fountains in Europe.
From there, we returned wet to the ship to change clothes and enjoy a meal at the wonderful Alfredo's Pizzeria, savoring pizza that rivaled any local pizzeria, accompanied by hot minestrone soup and excellent service.
Afterward, we watched the ship's departure from the rainy city while relaxing in the hot tub.
Cruise Summary
In summary, I am happy to report that I had a very enjoyable experience aboard the Sun Princess on this one-week spring Mediterranean cruise. On a previous sailing on this ship about a year and a half ago when she was brand new, she suffered from numerous "teething issues," with ongoing construction during the voyage causing noise, unpleasant odors, and blocked guest areas. Despite not sailing at full capacity, there were long lines for shows, the café, guest services, and more. When I provided feedback, I was told that the first ship in a new class often experiences initial hurdles during its opening months, which are typically resolved by the sister ship.
Indeed, when I sailed a few months ago on the
Star Princess, the second ship in the class, launched just weeks prior to my voyage, I saw that all earlier issues had been resolved; everything ran smoothly and we had a fantastic time.
Now, returning for another week aboard the Sun Princess, I discovered that nearly all the issues we previously encountered had been fixed and improved. The cruise was a great success, and the ship never felt overcrowded, even at 100% capacity with 550 children on board due to spring break holidays across the US and Europe. We were told that in summer, around a thousand children sail per cruise—quite surprising given that the ship lacks water slides, climbing walls, zip lines, and the like; however, it does offer excellent kids' clubs, family-friendly entertainment, and visits classic European destinations favored by families. Families seeking to avoid mega-ships with 2,000+ kids who want a modern vessel from a premium line on a great itinerary will thoroughly enjoy Sun Princess, as will couples of all ages, including younger travelers. Princess is renowned for its lively musical events, parties, clubs, live musicians in every corner, karaoke, game shows, and more.
The dining variety is very respectable, especially if you have an inclusive package or are willing to pay the specialty dining cover charges. Detailed coverage of all ship facilities can be found in the article: Cruise on the Sun Princess
The ship's theater:
The itinerary—featuring four port days and two sea days—was superb, offering the ideal balance to enjoy the ship's extensive amenities while exploring four diverse and rewarding destinations.
The ship offers three distinct week-long Mediterranean itineraries during the summer, allowing travelers interested in longer journeys to combine two or three back-to-back cruises while visiting entirely different ports.
From Athens, we sailed to two Greek islands (Santorini and Corfu), a coastal town in southern Montenegro (Bar), and Messina in Sicily, concluding in Barcelona. The subsequent cruise, on which many passengers remained on board, sailed from Barcelona to Rome, followed by a third leg from Rome back to Athens.
Our sailing was only the ship's second European voyage following her Caribbean season and transatlantic crossing, taking place during the "pre-season" with somewhat changeable weather, including two days of rain and one windy day. If you prefer warmer, summery weather without extreme heat, the optimal time to sail is late April through early June, or September through early October.
In mid-summer, temperatures in these destinations become excessively hot in my opinion, making it best suited only for travelers focused on swimming in the sea and ship pools rather than touring cities, towns, or nature.
This time, we stayed in a unique category available only on this ship and her sister Star: a Sanctuary Mini-Suite, which comes inclusive of the Premier package. It offers suite-level pampering and personal service without the full suite price tag—a highly recommended category!
On our cruise, roughly half the passengers were first-time Princess cruisers, a surprising statistic given that on most of our previous sailings, the majority were repeat guests.
In conclusion, Sun Princess delivers excellent value for money. Even having sailed her immediately following a luxury cruise on Silversea, I felt no major drop in standards (thanks largely to the Sanctuary Club and the Premier package), and there was undeniably far more to see and do on board courtesy of her size and array of offerings.
Service was outstanding, and the crew was just as hardworking and efficient as on Silversea.