Princess Cruises Mediterranean Itinerary
A Mediterranean cruise has been on my dream‑trip list since high school—the kind of trip I used to see on Santorini calendars and think, “Maybe someday.” Thanks to points and miles, someday is finally here. We’re sailing the Sun Princess from Rome to Athens, exploring Italy, Greece, and Turkey on one of Princess Cruises’ most iconic Mediterranean itineraries.
If you’re planning a Princess Cruises Mediterranean itinerary, this guide walks you through our pre‑cruise plans in Rome, our Sun Princess dining and cabin upgrades, the excursions we booked, and what to expect in each port.
For cruise planning, packing lists, and money‑saving strategies, explore my Mediterranean Cruise Guide.
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Why We Chose a Princess Cruises Mediterranean Itinerary
A Rome‑to‑Athens route has everything I love in a cruise: ancient history, incredible food, bucket‑list ports, and a mix of culture and coastline. We booked the Sun Princess because:
It’s a Sphere Class ship with upgraded dining and entertainment
We could use points and miles to book flights and hotels
It ends in Athens—another dream destination
If you want to see how I booked this trip using points, you can read the full breakdown here.
Flying Into Rome Before the Cruise
We’re arriving in Rome the morning before embarkation. I’ve visited Rome several times—once for my husband’s 40th birthday and again with our boys in 2017—so this time we’re keeping it simple:
Walk the city
Enjoy a long Italian lunch
Explore the Borghese Gardens
If it were my first visit, I’d head straight to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. They’re unforgettable, and I highly recommend buying tickets in advance.
Where We’re Staying
We booked the Sina Bernini Bristol Hotel because 2025 is a Jubilee year in Rome, and I booked almost a year in advance. Update: this was an amazing stay - read my full review
✨ Ready to pack like a pro? My Princess Cruises Packing List covers everything you need — from Dress to Impress outfits to Medallion must‑haves — so you can sail stress‑free and stay stylish.
Rome to Civitavecchia Transfer
I booked a private shuttle through Viator. Princess notes that the walk from the train station to the port is about a mile—doable, but not ideal with luggage. With just the two of us on this trip, the convenience of a shuttle was worth it.
Sun Princess Mediterranean Cruise Overview
Rome before the Sailing
This is my first time sailing on a Sphere Class ship, and I’m excited to compare it to the Royal Class ships I know well.
Our Cabin Upgrade
We originally booked an oceanview but won an upgrade bid to a Deluxe Balcony—a huge win for a Mediterranean itinerary.
Why We Chose the Premier Package
My husband and I both enjoy good food and wine, and the Sun Princess has more specialty dining options than the Royal Class ships. The Premier Package felt like the right fit for this trip.
I booked specialty dining for every night of our cruise. If you want help with reservations, here’s my full guide to Princess Dining Reservations.
Specialty Restaurants We’re Trying
Princess recently updated the Plus & Premium Packages—read the full breakdown here.
Mediterranean Cruise Ports (Rome to Athens Itinerary)
Our itinerary includes four ports before ending in Athens. Here’s what we booked and why.
Naples, Italy
We’ve visited Naples twice to see Pompeii, and it’s incredible—highly recommended for first‑timers. Since we’ve already done it, I wanted something different.
I booked a Mount Vesuvius wine tasting through Princess Cruises. Wine tasting on a volcano? Absolutely yes.
We’ll be back in Naples next year, and that’s when I’ll finally try my dream Amalfi Coast day.
Crete, Greece
This is my first time in Crete, and I booked a Cretan Wines Jeep Safari through Shore Excursion Group.
The excursion includes:
Off‑road trip to Vatolakos Hill
Guided tour of Manousakis Winery
Wine tasting
Full Greek lunch (Dakos, Dolmadakia, Beef Yiouvetsi, dessert)
It looks like the perfect mix of adventure, food, and wine.
Istanbul, Turkey
My husband chose this one, and he went big. We booked a full‑day Princess excursion that includes:
Blue Mosque
Topkapi Palace & Harem
Turkish lunch
Grand Bazaar
Hagia Sophia
It’s a packed day, but Istanbul deserves it.
Mykonos, Greece
I booked the Exclusive Mykonos Old and New Tour through Shore Excursion Group.
Highlights include:
Northern beach views
Ano Mera village
Panagia Tourliani Monastery
Little Venice
Mykonos windmills
Old Harbor & Fish Market
It’s a great mix of culture and classic Mykonos scenery.
Disembarking in Athens, Greece
We’re staying two nights at the Grand Hyatt Athens before flying home. A taxi from the port is around €20, so we didn’t book a transfer.
Athens Plans
Day 1: Greek Walking Food Tour
Day 2: Acropolis tickets (booked through GetYourGuide)
I’ve never been to Athens, so I’m excited to explore.
Mediterranean Cruise Essentials
These items make Mediterranean travel easier:
Water Shoes – perfect for rocky beaches
Waterproof Phone Pouch – essential for boat days
Magnetic Hooks – maximize cabin space
Portable Travel Fan – a must for warm-weather cruises
Amazon Cruise Essentials – my full packing list
Heading to the Mediterranean? Don’t miss my Mediterranean Cruise Packing List.
Related Mediterranean & Princess Guides
🌸 About the Author
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she helps families travel smarter using points, miles, cruise hacks, and simple Lazy Girl strategies. She sails Princess Cruises 4–5 times a year, specializes in practical Mediterranean cruise planning, and teaches travelers how to explore Europe beautifully without overspending.
Julie’s travel style is approachable, mom‑friendly, and rooted in real experience — from navigating Med ports to choosing the right excursions, cabins, and credit cards. If you love easy, honest travel advice, you’re in the right place.
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