Cruise Line: Princess
Group Hosts: Steve & Carolyn Weber
Call Travel Experts, LLC at 843-645-0800 for more details.
Sun Princess Ship Information
Inaugural sailing: Feb 28, 2024
Max. Guests (double occupancy): 4,300
Crew: 1,600
Gross tonnage: 177,882
Length (in feet): 1,133
Number of Decks: 21
Oct 31 Barcelona, Spain
Board the Sun Princess. The ship sails at 5 p.m.
Barcelona is one of the world's greatest treasures. Vibrant and earthy, commercial and cultural, this city of two million residents is the capital of Spain's autonomous region of Catalonia. Stroll along the wide, tree-lined promenades of Las Ramblas and marvel at the spires of Gaudi's Basilica La Sagrada Familia. Visit the former Olympic Ring on the hill of Montjuic, also home to world-class parks, fountains and museums. Barcelona, which nurtured such artistic giants as Picasso, Dali, Miro and Casals, is definitely a traveler's paradise.
Some of the Best Places to Visit in Barcelona:
Barri Gothic
Featuring labyrintine streets and the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, the Gothic Quarter is the center of the old city of Barcelona. Some buildings date back to medieval times and the remains of a Roman wall are visible.
La Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona's most idiosyncratic and flamboyant church, is regarded as architect Antoni Gaudi's masterpiece and has been under construction since 1882. It features breath-taking spires and awe-inspiring stained glass windows.
Las Ramblas
Barcelona's famed promenade is alive and colorful with flower stalls and cafés. Stroll the old medieval quarter of Barri Gothic.
Park Guell
Designed by Antoni Gaudi, Catalonia's master architect, this glorious park features many works of wonder, including a serpentine-shaped bench, stunning views of the city and a mosaic dragon at the park's entrance.
La Pedrera
Known locally as Casa Mila, Gaudi's most accomplished, finished work features an ornate façade with undulating walls and iron art nouveau balconies.
Nov 1 Day at Sea
We realize that transoceanic cruises are not for everyone. For each day at sea shown below, we will list an activity that you may want to enjoy while at sea. We have enjoyed a number of transatlantic and transpacific cruises. If you are unsure of whether you would enjoy sailing on one, please ask us what it is like on your resort at sea so that you may decide if it is a good fit for you.
Onboard Activity:
Mesmerizing shows and engaging activities are found all over the ship, highlighted by transformational entertainment venues. The Princess Arena, the most technologically advanced Princess Theater design, has three configurations to maximize sight lines and deliver a truly captivating experience. With a pool by sunlight and a stage for shows by starlight, the glass-enclosed Dome, inspired by the hills of Santorini, features acrobatic performances created in partnership with the renowned Cirque Éloize.
Nov 2 Malaga, Spain
7 am - 7 pm
One of Spain's oldest cities, Malaga has been inhabited since the time of the Phoenicians, who called it Malaka. A city of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, churches and sunny plazas, Malaga offers an idealized image of Spain.
The city of Granada is close enough to visit for the day while you are in port. In addition to the fabled Alhambra, Granada boasts some significant landmarks such as the Old Quarter, the majestic Granada Cathedral, Alcazaba – an ancient Moorish fortress nestled above the city, and the Royal Chapel – the final resting place of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. Andalusia's main port is also your gateway to the resorts of the Costa del Sol.
Some of the Best Places to Visit in or near Malaga:
Generalife, Granada
The Moorish country palace for rest and contemplation, this ancient retreat was the summer home of emirs and emperors. Poems and novels have been written of this Eden.
Alhambra, Granada
Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada. It was originally constructed as a small fortress in 889 and then largely ignored until its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-11th century by the Moorish king Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Kingdom of Granada, who built its current palace and walls. It was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada.
Malaga Cathedral, Malaga
Malaga's cathedral boasts a Baroque exterior, a Renaissance altar and superb choir stalls.
Ronda
Another city to consider visiting is Ronda, one of Spain's oldest cities. (This is where we will be visiting on this trip.) Ronda sits atop dramatic cliffs and is divided by a gorge. Its historic and picturesque views make for a prime tourist destination.
Museo Picasso, Malaga
Over 155 works of the famed painter, donated by Picasso's family, are proudly displayed in this museum dedicated to its celebrated resident.
Alcazaba, Malaga
The Alcazaba is a fortress in Málaga, Spain, perched above the city. Alcazaba offeris panoramic views of Malaga.
Marbella, Costa del Sol
The most famous resort on the Costa del Sol, Marbella retains its original charm, with cobbled streets and whitewashed houses and Gothic-style architecture. Trendy boutiques and open-air cafés add a bit of the contemporary to this tourist favorite
El Castillo de Gibralfaro, Malaga
El Castillo de Gibralfaro is a Muslim fortress built on a hill in the middle of the city. As the highest point in the center, you can view all of Malaga, including the harbor in the south and the fisherman's neighborhood.
Nov 3 Gibraltar, U.K.
7 am - 6 pm
Less than 9 miles from Morocco, The Rock crouches over the sea like an ancient stone beast, looking towards Africa. Beneath the white cliffs of this natural fortress grows a profusion of palm, pine, and cypress. No fewer than 600 varieties of flowers thrive here, some not found anywhere else on Earth. Gibraltar's stunning setting is matched by its history - five countries have battled for 13 centuries to control the passage between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The result made for a cultural melting pot. Veiled Moroccan women in caftans and vacationing Englishmen and Spaniards stroll along the narrow, steep lanes. The locals revert to a liquid Spanish when talking among themselves. Visitors to a 15th-century cathedral pass through a blue-tiled courtyard, once part of a 13th-century mosque. Helmeted bobbies, pillar-boxes and pubs make for a bit of Britain in the Mediterranean. Gibraltar is a fascinating place, from its caves and batteries to the Barbary apes gamboling on the slopes of the Rock.
Nov 4 Cadiz, Spain
7 am - 7 pm
Mention Spain and the images that inevitably spring to mind are images of Andalusia - shadows falling across the bullring, the staccato rhythms of flamenco, the waft of orange blossoms from a Moorish garden. Cadiz is one's of Europe's oldest inhabited cities, dating from 1100 B.C., and is your gateway to this storied land and the city of Seville (aka Sevilla). Visit Seville's massive Alcazar fortress, modeled on the legendary Alhambra Palace of Granada. See the city's cathedral, a 15th-century Gothic masterwork that boasts a Moorish patio, fountain and minaret. Seville is also the legendary home of Don Juan, Bizet's Carmen and Rossini's Barber of Seville.
Nov 5 Day at Sea
Onboard Activity:
Sun Princess serves up 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences. Highlights include Love by Britto, an artistic-inspired dining experience celebrating love, in partnership with Romero Britto; The Butcher’s Block by Dario, in partnership with the world’s most famous butcher, Dario Cecchini; Makoto Ocean, in partnership with Master of Edomae-style sushi Makoto Okuwa; and Umai Teppanyaki, where world-class cuisine intertwines with captivating performance.
Nov 6 Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Spain
9 am - 6 pm
Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Archipelago. Like its brethren, Tenerife was formed by fierce volcanic activity. Its landscape remains dotted with volcanic cones and areas of intense geothermal activity. Towering over the island is Mt Teide, an extinct volcano that, at 12,200 feet above sea level, is the highest peak in Spanish territory. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the island's capital and your port of call. Tenerife's north shore is separated from the south by rugged mountains.
Nov 7 Day at Sea
Onboard Activity:
Guests can recharge by taking in the ocean vistas around them. The Sea View Terrace sets the tone at the front of the ship, while the Wake View Terrace features an infinity pool and unparalleled views. The two-story Lotus Spa and Lotus Salon offer relaxing treatments and services for guests to enjoy any time during their voyage.
Do you want more action? Add a new twist to your dance moves with a wide variety of classes like country line dancing, ballroom, salsa, and more. Get your heart pumping with a high energy Zumba class or take a spin on one of our pulsating night clubs.
Nov 8 Day at Sea
Onboard Activity:
Pools, hot tubs and more - Take a dip in sparkling freshwater pools or unwind in the hot tubs and padded loungers.
5 Pools – 2 Lido-Deck Pools, Dome (indoor/outdoor), Sanctuary Pool and WakeView Pool
9 Hot Tubs
Watch several Movies Under the Stars®, join in or cheer on the hilarious pool competitions, view the cocktail mixing demonstrations, and try out the world-famous pizza and complimentary soft serve ice cream.
Nov 9 Day at Sea
Onboard Activity:
Most Princess cruises include a musical performance by guests, who rehearse on sea days, either as a vocal choir or instruments. Carolyn has been in the guest choir on many Princess ships. She has also taken ukelele lessons on a transpacific Princess cruise, recorder lessons on a British Isles cruise, and steel drum lessons on a Caribbean cruise. She is excited to find out what this cruise will offer.
Do you like to participate in karaoke? You may want to audition to be part of The Voice of the Ocean. Similar to The Voice television program, with turning seats for the judges, the show comes to life throughout the cruise with auditions, mentor rehearsal sessions, the iconic "I Want You" chairs, three charismatic team coaches, a live band to back you up, and a live finale performance where guests choose the winner.
Nov 10 Day at Sea
Onboard Activity:
Guests will experience an extraordinary shopping journey in a transformed space that includes over 25 brands available to cruise guests. Spread over two decks, the more than 5,800 square feet of retail space holds more than 200 premium brands from fine jewelry and watches to fashion.
Nov 11 Day at Sea
Onboard Activity:
Learn more about the history, culture, and architecture of the areas you are visiting as you listen to experts share their knowledge.
Most Princess cruises also provide a space where guests can attend daily Bible studies led by other guests while at sea. Both Jewish (at the start of the Sabbath) and Christian (on Sunday mornings) services are usually held once a week.
Nov 12 Day at Sea
Onboard Activity:
Live performances, music and dance lessons, local foods and more will give you a deeper connection to the places you visit. Depending on your itinerary, cruise activity options may include:
Nov 13 Day at Sea
Onboard Activity:
Culinary demonstrations & wine tastings - Learn how to prepare the gourmet specialties served on board. Indulge in special wine tastings with selections from regional vineyards, as well as varietals from around the globe. Enjoy High Tea at sea.
Nov 14 Day at Sea
Onboard Activity:
Let the sound of the slots and the glow of blinking lights captivate you in the state-of-the-art casino. Try the table games you love, along with bingo, tournaments and more!
Nov 15 Fort Lauderdale, FL
Arrival at 6 a.m.
Fort Lauderdale used to be known as America's Spring Break capital. Now it is better known as a family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is rightly named the "Yachting Capital of the World," with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home and is also known as the "Venice of America" with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping and sits 24 miles north of Miami.