Review: Princess Cruises Enchanted Princess 14 Day Mediterranean Cruise

The Grand Entrance

Just casually pretending this is our living room. If only someone would bring us a cocktail on demand at home too…

There’s something undeniably dramatic about stepping onto a cruise ship for the first time—especially when that ship is the Enchanted Princess, a floating palace of food, entertainment, and the occasional passenger power-walking to the buffet like their life depends on it.

For 14 glorious days, we set sail through the Mediterranean, stopping at some of Europe’s most iconic ports. Think Barcelona’s buzzing streets, Athens’ ancient ruins, Mykonos’ Instagram-worthy sunsets, and Naples’ pizza that might just bring a tear to your eye. (No, really, it was that good.)

So why are we writing this review? Simple: If you’re considering a Princess cruise, you probably have questions. Is it worth it? What’s the food like? Will you accidentally lose track of time in the spa and miss an entire port stop? (Asking for a friend.) We’re here to give you the inside scoop—the good, the bad, and the hilarious moments that made our Mediterranean adventure one for the books.

Itinerary Highlights

• We boarded the Enchanted Princess in Civitavecchia, Rome, ready for a 14-day Mediterranean adventure. Here’s a quick look at the major ports we visited during the cruise:

  • Rome, Italy: A perfect start with exploration of historic sites and indulging in local cuisine.

  • Naples, Italy: We explored this gritty city and enjoyed a classic margarita pizza—because when in Naples, right?

  • Heraklion, Crete: A journey through ancient history, with the Palace of Knossos taking center stage.

  • Kusadasi, Turkey: The ancient ruins of Ephesus left us in awe, with a side of delicious Turkish delight.

  • Istanbul, Turkey: A magical blend of cultures, with mosques, bazaars, and mind-blowing history.

  • Mykonos, Greece: Whitewashed buildings, crystal-clear waters, and enough charm to make you want to move in.

  • Athens, Greece: Walking in the footsteps of gods and philosophers, with a side of Greek souvlaki.

  • Santorini, Greece: Picture-perfect views, with a sunset that felt like a dream.

  • Kotor, Montenegro: We missed this stop due to too much wind in the narrow passage (sad, but safety first!).

  • Messina, Sicily: A scenic train ride to Taormina—mountain views and ancient theaters.

  • Naples, Italy: A day trip to Sorrento and Pompeii—because one visit to Naples just isn’t enough!

  • Barcelona, Spain: Ended with a bang, soaking up the city’s vibrant nightlife and Gaudí’s surreal architecture.

    
    

  Each destination had something special to offer, whether it was history, food, or unforgettable views. If you want to dive deeper into what to see, eat, and experience in each place, check out the links in the heading for each destination guide!

  
  

  Shore Excursions

  
  

  With a jam-packed itinerary, we knew we had to make the most of each port. As this was our first time in many of these destinations, we opted for cruise line excursions to explore major attractions like the Acropolis in Athens and Pompeii in Italy—two bucket-list sites that absolutely lived up to the hype.

  
  

  However, for more laid-back ports like Mykonos, Heraklion, and Messina, we decided to do our own thing, and it struck the perfect balance. These more independent explorations allowed us to soak in the local atmosphere at our own pace, while still experiencing the charm of each place. While the cruise line excursions were well organized and, though costly, offered knowledgeable guides, they weren't without their quirks. Some cruisers in our group weren't quite up for the walks, and at times, the pace was a little slower than expected.

  
  

  That said, the efficiency of the whole process made it relatively painless. Each morning, we’d gather in the theatre for the obligatory numbered sticker (because who doesn’t love a bit of color coding to kickstart the day?), and then, more often than not, we'd be herded onto a bus for the next leg of the adventure. While there were a few slow moments, the overall experience was worthwhile, especially when it came to exploring local history and traditions with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

  
  

  

  Nothing says "I’m a seasoned traveler" like a giant sticker on your chest. #TouristChic

  
  

  In the end, whether we were diving into ancient ruins or strolling through charming streets on our own, the excursions—both guided and self-planned—definitely enhanced our overall cruise experience, offering plenty of opportunities to discover the rich culture and history of the Mediterranean.

Dining on the Enchanted Princess: A Feast for the Senses (and Stomach)

Let’s talk food—because if there’s one thing a cruise is about, it’s eating, right? For breakfast and lunch, we mostly hit up the buffet (because who can resist a never-ending spread of delicious options?). We either took our time sitting down to a leisurely meal or grabbed a quick pastry to fuel up before heading off to explore yet another stunning city. That said, we did often indulge in lunch port-side, sampling some of the fantastic local fare in the many cities we visited—because why eat on the ship when you’re in Naples, right?

But back to the buffet. It was massive—seriously, we got lost in there a couple of times trying to navigate through the endless stations. And while the buffet was great, we quickly learned that the International Café was our true MVP for those mid-morning or afternoon cravings. A quick coffee to kickstart the day or a snack to tide us over before our mandatory afternoon nap (because come on, it’s a cruise) was just what we needed.

Now, when it came to dinner, the main dining room was where we really settled in for a culinary adventure. The food was consistently top-notch, and we quickly discovered a true gem: the shrimp cocktail. One of us made it their personal mission to have one every single night—and honestly, I’m not sure how they didn’t develop gills by the end of the trip. And the service? Faultless. By the end of the cruise, our junior waiter in the main dining room knew exactly what we needed: double-pour chardonnays ready at the table within minutes. We didn’t even have to ask.

 One of us made it their mission to eat one every night. A noble quest.

For a change of pace, we treated ourselves to dinner at the specialty restaurants. We dined at Crown Grill one night, where the French onion soup was highly recommended and absolutely lived up to the hype—rich, cheesy, and decadent, just like the kind you’d find in a French bistro (but with a better view). We also had a fantastic meal at Catch by Rudi, where we discovered that seafood and top-notch service can make you feel like royalty—even if you’ve just finished a food coma from the buffet.

Decisions are hard, so we ordered both. Zero regrets

And let’s not forget the Princess Plus package, which included drinks. We made it our mission to try as many cocktails as possible—mostly because why not? Our favorite spot for a drink was Crooners Lounge, where AJ on the piano was always ready to play our (very specific) requests. Billy Joel? Check. Elton John? You bet. And the service there? Again, faultless. Mohammed and Glen, the bar staff, only had to catch our eye and they’d be there—always recommending the perfect drink for our mood (and let's face it, we needed help deciding after a few cocktails).

When your waiter knows you better than you know yourself. #ServiceGoals

The Irish Pub was another go-to for a quick pint, where the duo would have you tapping your feet and feeling like you’d suddenly been transported straight to Dublin. Again, the service was impeccable—making us feel like we were regulars, even though we only dropped by once or twice!

Cabin Life: The Balcony Experience (and Why We Need a Cabin Steward at Home)

We opted for balcony cabins, and they did not disappoint. Spacious, well-appointed, and with a bed so comfortable we seriously considered how to smuggle it off the ship. The balcony itself was a dream—every morning, we woke up with the curtains open, greeted by the sight of a brand-new port. There’s nothing quite like rolling over, bleary-eyed, and realizing, “Oh look, it's Santorini!” instead of your usual bedroom wall.

Spacious, comfy, and featuring the best wake-up view money can buy.

That said, we cruised in the height of summer, so extended balcony lounging was more of a “lovely idea in theory” situation. Sitting outside for long periods felt a bit like slow-roasting ourselves, and leaving the balcony door open? Absolutely not unless we wanted to turn our cabin into a sauna. The air conditioning was our best friend.

Living the dream… for about five minutes before retreating to the air conditioning.

One of the best perks? The twice-daily room service. We’d head out for an excursion, return to a perfectly made-up room, take a post-adventure shower, indulge in our mandatory afternoon siesta, and then head off to dinner. By the time we got back, fresh towels were waiting, and our bed was magically remade, ready for round two of sleeping. Honestly, if this could be arranged at home, that would be great.

The whole experience left us wondering: how do we sign up for a cabin steward in real life?

Entertainment & Activities: Broadway at Sea, Trivia Glory, and the Champagne Tower Moment

The live music on board was already a highlight for us (shoutout to AJ at Crooners), but the entertainment didn’t stop there. We made it our mission to attend almost every musical show in the Princess Theater, and honestly? It was worth it. With two showings each night, getting a seat was usually pretty easy, and the performances were next level—the kind of singing and dancing you’d expect from a Broadway production, but with the added challenge of doing it on a moving ship. One particularly rocky night, we watched in awe as the performers danced on tabletops without missing a beat. Meanwhile, we could barely walk in a straight line carrying a drink. Respect.

Beyond the theater, the daily planner was packed with activities. Whether you wanted to learn something new, test your luck at bingo, or just kick back and be entertained, there was always something happening. Our go-to was the afternoon quiz at Princess Live Lounge—the perfect post-nap, pre-dinner activity. As avid pub quizzers, we took it very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that we managed to pull off a win, earning ourselves some very prestigious Princess Cruises medals. Were they worth their weight in gold? No. Did we wear them around the ship like Olympic champions? Absolutely.

Front row for the show where we learn to cook… and then immediately forget as we head to the buffet.

And then there were formal nights. Whether you wanted to go full glam or just enjoy the extra sparkle around the ship, they were a fun addition to the cruise. If you do plan to get into the spirit, at least once, make sure to stop by the champagne tower for a photo. It’s a bit special—one of those little cruise traditions that makes you feel like you’re starring in a vintage travel poster.

Classy, glamorous, and slightly terrifying. Cheers to not knocking it over!

All in all, Princess really knows how to keep guests entertained. Whether it’s a Broadway-caliber show, an intense trivia match, or a glass of bubbles at the champagne tower, there’s never a dull moment.

Fitness & Wellness: The Gym, The Stairs, and the Much-Needed Manicure

With the best of intentions, I packed my gym gear, fully expecting to balance out the buffet indulgence with some good, solid workouts. However, as it turns out, my gym gear simply enjoyed a lovely European holiday, untouched and well-rested in the cabin closet.

That being said, I did make it to the gym on day one—and I have to admit, it was really well-appointed. Plenty of cardio machines, weight equipment, and even fitness classes for those motivated enough to attend. One of our group actually did stick to his fitness routine, making great use of the running track. His Garmin watch, however, struggled with the whole moving ship concept and recorded some epically long runs, presumably assuming he was setting world records somewhere in the Mediterranean.

For those truly committed to staying active, there were plenty of options—from spin classes to yoga and even personal training sessions. But for us, we took a more DIY approach to fitness: The Stair Challenge. With elevators that could take forever, we decided that taking the stairs everywhere was our best bet. Plus, with no actual gym commitment, we had to burn off all that food somehow. We made it the entire cruise only using the lift once—a fact we are (probably too) proud of.

As for wellness, the ship’s Lotus Spa was a welcome retreat. Two of our group indulged in a couples massage, which they highly rated—emerging looking far too relaxed for people who had just been vigorously kneaded like bread dough. Meanwhile, after three weeks of European travel abuse, my manicure was in desperate need of salvation. A quick visit to the onboard nail salon had me looking human again, and while cruise spa prices are never cheap, the service was excellent.

All in all, while the gym facilities were fantastic, we found that stair-climbing, port exploring, and lifting the occasional cocktail glass worked just fine for our fitness regime. And when that failed—there was always the spa.

Final Verdict: The Enchanted Princess Experience – Rated & Reviewed

After 14 days of cruising, countless cocktails, and an admirable dedication to the Stair Challenge, it's time to reflect on our Enchanted Princess adventure. To keep things fun, we're introducing a totally scientific and highly official rating system.

🛳️ Itinerary – 9.5/10 (Would Have Been 10, But Kotor Ghosted Us)

This cruise was an absolute Mediterranean dream, covering some of the most incredible cities in Europe. Rome, Athens, Santorini, Istanbul, Barcelona—this was a bucket list itinerary. The only hiccup? Kotor, where Mother Nature decided to hit us with winds too strong to navigate the narrow passage. But with so many incredible stops, we can’t be too mad.

Bonus Points:

• A great mix of iconic cities and scenic islands

• Plenty of time in port for proper exploring

• Kotor, you owe us a visit

  
  

🍽️ Food – 10/10 (Would Come Back for the Shrimp Cocktail Alone)

From five-star dining in the Main Dining Room to “just one more” pastry from the International Café, the food was top-notch. The buffet was massive and high quality, and our two specialty restaurant nights at Crown Grill and Catch by Rudi were absolute highlights (the French Onion Soup was life-changing).

Bonus Points:

• Amazing service (our waiter had our double-pour Chardonnays ready on sight)

• Huge variety, from fine dining to casual eats

• Shrimp cocktail obsession fully supported

  
  

🍸 Drinks – 11/10 (We Made It Through Most of the Cocktail Menu)

We had the Princess Plus package, which meant unlimited drinks—and we put in the work. From espresso martinis at Crooners Lounge (shoutout to Mohammed & Glen, the true cruise MVPs) to pints at the Irish Pub, we thoroughly researched this category.

Bonus Points:

• Crooners Lounge was the perfect evening spot, complete with AJ on piano

• The bartenders knew us too well by the end

• The cocktail menu is too tempting—watch out

  
  

💰 Cost – 8/10 (Worth Every Penny, but Beware the Spa Prices)

Cruising isn’t cheap, but Princess delivers on value. The food, entertainment, and service were all exceptional, and the drinks package was a game-changer. Shore excursions, however, do add up, and the spa prices were a bit steep (but, let’s be honest, worth it when your nails are tragic).

Bonus Points:

• Food & drinks package = absolutely worth it

• High-end service across the board

• Shore excursions and spa services aren’t budget-friendly

  
  

🎭 Entertainment – 10/10 (Broadway at Sea, Plus Pub Quiz Glory)

We made it to almost every show in the theater, and the singers, dancers, and musicians were seriously talented. Even on a slightly rocky night, they danced on tabletops like absolute pros. Outside the theater, we dominated the Princess Live quiz nights and walked away with actual medals—sure, not Olympic gold, but we’ll take it.

Bonus Points:

• Broadway-level shows every night

• Live music everywhere, from piano bars to Irish pubs

• Pub quiz victory = lifelong bragging rights

  
  

🛏️ Service – 12/10 (Faultless, and They Knew Our Drink Order By Sight)

From the incredible waitstaff (who knew our Chardonnay situation within a few days) to the cabin stewards, service was flawless. We’d return to a perfectly cleaned cabin every afternoon post-siesta, and every night, fresh towels would magically appear. Can we get this level of service at home, please?

Bonus Points:

• Staff were beyond attentive

• Dining and bar service felt personal

• Who doesn’t love coming back to a perfectly made bed—twice a day?

  
  

Final Thoughts & Future Cruising Plans

Would we cruise with Princess again?🚢 ABSOLUTELY.

Would we book another Med cruise?☀️ In a heartbeat.

Would we maybe sneak in a few extra shrimp cocktails next time?🍤 No comment.

After this fantastic experience, we’re already plotting our next voyage. While the Mediterranean was stunning, we’re eyeing up Northern Europe or somewhere tropical next—maybe somewhere where our balcony would be cool enough to actually sit on for extended periods.

Until then, we’ll just be dreaming of Crooners Lounge, pub quiz wins, and room service shrimp cocktail at sea.

We had an absolute blast sailing through the Mediterranean on Enchanted Princess, but now we want to hear from you! Have you cruised this region before? Do you have a favourite port, restaurant, or cocktail spot on board? Or maybe you're planning your first Mediterranean cruise and have a few questions?

Drop a comment below or send us a message—we’re more than happy to chat about itineraries, excursions, or the very important decision of which bar has the best espresso martini (spoiler: it’s Crooners).