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The Herald Scotland
17 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Experience Greek isles and Roman nights on a stunning ten-night cruise
Then, board the luxurious Sun Princess for a seven-night full-board cruise across sparkling seas, soaking in coastal views, cultural treasures, and relaxing elegance onboard. From there, you'll head to Italy's third-largest city, Naples, a bustling metropolis that's rich in centuries-old culture and customs. Naples is also your gateway to the Isle of Capri, the fabled Amalfi Coast and the ruins of Pompeii, buried in ash by the cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. With an arrival at 7am and a departure at 7pm, you'll have plenty of time to explore this wonderful city and all that it has to offer. The next day is spent at sea, where you can relax and enjoy the many facilities on board. Highlights include live poolside music, an array of food and drink options and a kids club to keep little ones busy. You'll then arrive at Chania, on the iconic Greek island of Crete. It's a centuries-old mix of Minoan myths, well-preserved Venetian mansions, a mesmerizing Old Town complete with labyrinthine passageways, and atmospheric Kastelli Hill, once the site of a Roman acropolis. But Chania may be best known as the gateway to the breathtaking 4,000-year-old Minoan ruins at Knossos, home of the legendary King Minos and the part man and part bull known creature as the Minotaur. And around every corner of this idyllic area, you'll find picturesque villages, breathtaking views and architectural wonders that will remain with you for a lifetime. After another day at sea, the next port of call is Kusadasi on Turkey's Anatolian Coast. In Kusadasi, picturesque whitewashed stone houses rise in tiers behind the market district and the palm-lined esplanade is the centre of town life, with thousands of merchants offering wares to rival the famous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. This stunning city was once a Roman provincial capital and is also home to several of Christendom's holiest sites, including the tomb of St. John the Apostle. You'll then get a full day (7am until 9pm) to enjoy the unique charm of the island of Mykonos. Needing absolutely no introduction, the white buildings of Mykonos must be one of the most-recognisable symbols of Greece. Your unforgettable journey with Orbis Travels – who have a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot – then concludes with a full day and night spent in Athens, where culture and history combine and the ancient Acropolis sits above the commotion of the modern city. Packed with busy shops and lively tavernas, Athens is the perfect place to round off your trip in style before flying back to the UK the following day. Departing on select dates from August, September 2025 and April to October 2026, this 10-night escape blends history, beauty, and leisure across two of Europe's most iconic cities. Call now on 0113 517 5272 Travel notes Price From £1,219 pp Return flights to Rome and out of Athens from Scottish Airports Departing on select dates from August, September 2025 and April to October 2026 Two nights in Rome at The Republic Hotel One night in Athens at Luwian Boutique Hotel THE SUN PRINCESS LUXURY and comfort are everything on board the luxurious Sun Princess, where Orbis passengers will enjoy a seven-night full-board cruise across sparkling seas, soaking in coastal views, cultural treasures, and relaxing elegance onboard. The Sun Princess includes an epic sphere atrium, first ever geodesic dome, innovative entertainment venues and premium suites. It is the newest and largest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, representing a bold leap into the future of cruising. This innovative vessel blends modern design, cutting-edge technology and unparalleled luxury. With spacious, light-filled interiors inspired by the sun, Sun Princess introduces exciting new venues like The Dome, a multi-level entertainment and relaxation space with a glass-enclosed pool by day and dazzling shows by night. Guests can indulge in world-class dining, from the casual delights of Alfredo's Pizzeria to special experiences like Love by Britto. Interior cabins are Sun Princess' most affordable option. Featuring twin beds or a queen-size bed, a desk with a chair, a flat-screen television, a spacious closet, a bathroom with a shower, a hair dryer and other bathroom amenities, a refrigerator and digital security safe, they're perfect for guests who just want a comfortable spot to recharge. Ocean View cabins offer a room with an expansive view. They feature all the same amenities as interior cabins but with the added benefit of a window that brings an airy openness to the room. During the day, you can enjoy a variety of activities. Princess Cruises has partnered with many exciting brands to provide the best onboard experience possible. Destination-themed activities like live performances, music and dance lessons and the chance to try local dishes will give you a deeper connection to the places you visit. Sun Princess' art gallery boasts an extensive collection of impressive artwork from world-class artists. And if you prefer shopping for clothes, accessories and beauty products, the shops of Princess, which can be found on Decks 7 and 8, offer a wide variety of options.
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
Forget the buffet: Here's why a cruise should be on your vacation bucket list
Many people flock to cruise ships for their vacation because you get everything you want and need in one place: multiple ports of call, spas, pools, live entertainment and, of course, buffets. For some, however, buffets are a deterrent, and many cruise ships are starting to realize they may not be what passengers want anymore. The realization couldn't come at a better time, as travelers are increasingly choosing cruise travel over land-based vacations, according to June 2024 research from JP Morgan, which noted that consumers are more and more "focused on value within discretionary categories, with the value spread between cruises and land-based alternatives standing at 25-30% today versus 10-15% pre-pandemic." As a result, cruise operators are overhauling their fleets and on-board offerings to appeal to these consumers. In April 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line placed its largest ship order ever to meet rising demand. And Disney announced at its D23 fan event last August that it will expand its cruise fleet to 13 ships by 2031. Cruise lines are also getting creative with their dining solutions to accommodate guests who favor a more selective experience in lieu of a massive standard buffet. Aboard Princess Cruises' Sun Princess, the latest ship added to the cruise line's fleet, you'll still find grandiose dining rooms and a buffet, however, guests are offered a served buffet rather than a serve-yourself concept. The cruise line has also teamed up with some of the top chefs from around the world to curate its unique dining experiences. The ship boasts over 30 restaurants and bar venues with celebrity collaborators, including mixologist Rob Floyd, world-renowned artist Romero Brito, supermodel Tyra Banks, famed butcher Dario Cecchini and many others. "We wanted to bring a new taste and flair to our guests," said Sami Kohen, vice president of food and beverage operations for Princess Cruises. "The cruise line industry has been around since the early 1960s and the traditional dining room is part of our dining choices, but it's not the primary one that we want to implement." Take Makoto Ocean, for example, an edomae-style sushi restaurant aboard the Sun Princess. Chef Makoto Okuwa, a famed Japanese chef known for his brick-and-mortar restaurant in Miami Beach, has brought his culinary talents to the high seas, serving his delicious sushi and specialty dishes to cruise guests. Another unique addition to the Sun Princess is Spellbound by Magic Castle. The members-only concept -- the original clubhouse is located in Los Angeles -- is now giving passengers a sneak preview of its sumptuous dining, extravagant cocktails, and magical entertainment aboard the cruise ship, treating them to "incredible feats of magic from talented magicians, surprises in themed rooms and theatrical cocktails delivered by sleight-of-hand servers," according to a press release. Meanwhile aboard the Disney Treasure, Disney's latest vessel and sister ship to the Disney Wish, the company is taking immersive experiences to a whole new level. The Treasure's Haunted Mansion bar is the first bar of its kind in the cruise line's fleet. The ship is the first vessel to incorporate storylines found in Disney theme parks into new experiences found on-board. Unique light shows, spooky handcrafted cocktails, and even appearances from Madame Leota herself are just some of the sneaky surprises you can expect from this elevated, adults-only experience. Over at Plaza de Coco, the Treasure is taking dinner and a show to a whole new level. Once you walk past a long corridor, you feel like you're no longer aboard a ship and have been transported to a plaza en La Ciudad de México (Mexico City). With authentic Mexican cuisine and delicious handcrafted cocktails paired with an incredible mariachi show and entertainment from Disney and Pixar's famous animated film "Coco," you'll surely be celebrating Dia de los Muertos with your newfound familia. "When you think about the entertainment part of it, I haven't been to a place where you can actually have live music and entertainment and have a menu like this where we are putting all these Mexican touches," said Disney Cruise Lines food and beverage expert Isai Coca. In addition to elevated dining experiences, travelers are also seeking greater flexibility. Many cruise lines are doing away with the concept of seated dinners and giving control back to passengers so they can plan their days accordingly, whether they're looking to do a little remote work, spend an extra hour at the pool, or just head back to their cabin for a midday nap. Carlos Justina, food and beverage director aboard the Sun Princess, says that giving control back to passengers when it comes to when they want to eat, plus the use of technology with the Princess App, actually helps the company to adequately prepare and deliver a stronger experience to guests. If you're moving on from the cruise vacations of yesteryear or are simply looking to embrace a fresh, experiential concept, cruise lines are listening -- and chances are, you'll find what you're looking for.
Vancouver Sun
05-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
In my Princesss Cruise era
Article content Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content I didn't want to do much more than lounge in a deck chair when I planned my cruise on Discovery Princess. Yes there were excursions I had to do – ride a trolly in San Francisco, visit the San Diego Zoo, and see the La Bufadora in Ensenada, Mexico, a blowhole that shoots water metres into the air several times a minute – but those outings were planned by or for my daughter. I just wanted to get away from the office, eat good food and relax. Article content Article content Article content Discovery Princess proved to be worthy of the stewardship. Full disclosure: I sailed on the Sun Princess in 2023 and knew Princess Cruises was synonymous for — luxury, indulgence, pampering, and entertainment that didn't require I get out of a cushioned seat. Yes I was going to pack on a few pounds and be catered to while sailing along the California coast down to Mexico, at times just watching the horizon dip. Article content The Lotus Spa is located on deck 5, just past customer service. I was welcomed by the sound of babbling water, offered a cucumber-infused water and given a tour by a friendly hostess. Article content Article content There are treatment rooms for: massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, wraps, exfoliating scrubs and more treatments than I needed. I was more enticed by the large hydrotherapy pool at the heart of the spa. This is The Enclave – which anyone can use even if you don't get a spa treatment. A pass is required to use The Enclave or you can get a package that allows you access every day of your cruise. Article content Article content I booked a deep-tissue massage for the next day. My massage involved a lot of kneading, and just the right amount of pressure to leave me feeling like Gumby. From the massage table I drifted to The Enclave's three steam rooms one after another. The Hammam for a steam bath, the Laconium for its dry heat and finally the Roman-inspired Caladium. By the time I dipped into the hydrotherapy pool I was stress-free and swooning. From there I gathered myself long enough to take the short steps to a heated stone lounger. Article content I vacillated in the space between basking and dozing content to soak in the heat. It was only FOMO that got me off the lounger to check on happens elsewhere onboard.
National Post
05-05-2025
- National Post
In my Princesss Cruise era
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Article content I didn't want to do much more than lounge in a deck chair when I planned my cruise on Discovery Princess. Yes there were excursions I had to do – ride a trolly in San Francisco, visit the San Diego Zoo, and see the La Bufadora in Ensenada, Mexico, a blowhole that shoots water metres into the air several times a minute – but those outings were planned by or for my daughter. I just wanted to get away from the office, eat good food and relax. Article content Article content Discovery Princess proved to be worthy of the stewardship. Full disclosure: I sailed on the Sun Princess in 2023 and knew Princess Cruises was synonymous for — luxury, indulgence, pampering, and entertainment that didn't require I get out of a cushioned seat. Yes I was going to pack on a few pounds and be catered to while sailing along the California coast down to Mexico, at times just watching the horizon dip. Article content The Lotus Spa is located on deck 5, just past customer service. I was welcomed by the sound of babbling water, offered a cucumber-infused water and given a tour by a friendly hostess. Article content Article content There are treatment rooms for: massages, facials, pedicures, manicures, wraps, exfoliating scrubs and more treatments than I needed. I was more enticed by the large hydrotherapy pool at the heart of the spa. This is The Enclave – which anyone can use even if you don't get a spa treatment. A pass is required to use The Enclave or you can get a package that allows you access every day of your cruise. Article content Article content I booked a deep-tissue massage for the next day. My massage involved a lot of kneading, and just the right amount of pressure to leave me feeling like Gumby. From the massage table I drifted to The Enclave's three steam rooms one after another. The Hammam for a steam bath, the Laconium for its dry heat and finally the Roman-inspired Caladium. By the time I dipped into the hydrotherapy pool I was stress-free and swooning. From there I gathered myself long enough to take the short steps to a heated stone lounger. Article content I vacillated in the space between basking and dozing content to soak in the heat. It was only FOMO that got me off the lounger to check on happens elsewhere onboard.
Miami Herald
03-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
South Florida is the cruise capital. See ships based this year in Miami, Broward
South Florida is home to two of the busiest cruise passenger ports in the world, PortMiami and Port Everglades. PortMiami had a record 8.2 million visitors in fiscal year 2024, a 13% increase from the prior period. New ships departing included Explora Journeys Explora II, Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady, MSC Cruises World America, Norwegian Cruise Line Aqua, Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady and Oceania Allura. MORE: What do you want on a cruise? How private resorts are changing travel Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale had 4.1 million passengers in fiscal year 2024, also a record. New ships include the Crystal Serenity, Princess Cruises' Sun Princess, Silversea's Silver Ray and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's llama. Here are the ships home-ported in Miami and Broward until Sept. 30, 2025: PortMiami Visit Miami port's website for details on cruise lines and their ships. ▪ Carnival Cruise Lines Celebration, Conquest, Horizon, Magic, Sunrise, Miracle, Paradise, Spirit, Venezia ▪ Celebrity Cruises Summit, Explora Journeys, Explora I, Explora II ▪ MSC Cruises MSC Divina, MSC Magnifica, Seascape, Seaside, Seashore, World America ▪ Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Blissv, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Pearl ▪ Oceania Cruises Insignia, Marina, Nautica, Sirena, Vista, Regent Seven Seas, Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator ▪ Royal Caribbean International Allure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Virgin Voyages, Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, Valiant Lady Port Everglades Visit the Broward port's website for details on cruise lines and their ships. ▪ Baleària Caribbean Jaume II (will sail year-round) ▪ Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Reflection (will sail year-round), Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Summit ▪ Crystal Crystal Serenity ▪ Disney Cruise Line Disney Dream (will saill year-round), Disney Magic ▪ Holland America Line Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Oosterdam, Rotterdam, Volendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam ▪ Princess Cruises Caribbean Princess, Coral Princess, Emerald Princess, Enchanted Princess (will sail year-round), Island Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Ruby Princess, Saphire Princess, Sky Princess, Sun Princess, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Ilma ▪ Royal Caribbean International Freedom of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas (will sail year-round), Liberty of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas (will sail year-round), Serenade of the Seas, Silversea Cruises., Silver Moon, Silver Ray, Silver Shadow ▪ Viking Cruises Viking Mars, Viking Neptune, Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris, Viking Sky
