Our adventure began with a flight from Sydney to Athens, with a stopover in Seoul at Incheon Airport. Flying with Korean Air was a pleasant experience, offering comfortable seating, the latest movies, and a selection of Korean and Western meals. Upon arrival at Incheon, we took a short coach ride to the Grand Hyatt Incheon for a one-night stay, included in our flight package. That evening, we enjoyed an authentic Korean BBQ at Songdo Galbi, where I had my first experience with metal chopsticks—a delightful start to the journey.

Continuing our journey, we flew from Seoul to Athens with a brief stop in Amsterdam. Arriving in the early hours, we checked into Ella Ermou, a charming boutique hotel in Syntagma Square. Its central location was ideal for exploring the city, and the rooftop view of the Acropolis was simply stunning.

Our first day in Athens was spent soaking up the sights, starting with a leisurely coffee overlooking the Acropolis, followed by a long lunch, more walking, and some shopping. The day concluded with a traditional Greek dinner at a local taverna—a perfect introduction to this historic city.

The next morning, we visited the Acropolis, ensuring an early start to beat the crowds, thanks to online booking. After immersing ourselves in the ancient ruins, we made our way to Piraeus Port to embark on the Sun Princess. The check-in process was seamless, and soon we were on board, ready to explore our new home for the next part of the journey.

The Sun Princess was a breeze to navigate, and I was thrilled to experience the Medallion Class. The medallion can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, or clipped onto your clothes or bag. It even unlocks your cabin door automatically as you approach, and you can order room service with it at any time.

My balcony cabin on deck 14 was beautifully appointed, with plenty of storage, a desk, a small lounge, a mini bar fridge, a hairdryer, and a cosy balcony with a small table and two chairs—a perfect spot for breakfast with a view.

Our first port of call was Kusadasi, where we took a coach to visit the Virgin Mary’s shrine and one of the oldest homes in the area. The next stop was the ancient city of Ephesus, a remarkable site with brilliant architecture that still impresses after all these years. After exploring Ephesus, we returned to the port, stopping at a carpet-making factory where we enjoyed Turkish tea while admiring an array of carpets—though I resisted the temptation to buy. The day ended with a leisurely stroll around the shops and cafés along the shoreline, with a beautiful old fort providing the perfect backdrop.

The following day brought us to Chania, Crete, where we spent a beautiful day walking around the city, shopping, and enjoying lunch by the sea at a lovely restaurant called Salis. Back on board, we dined in the main dining room and later enjoyed a fun evening with a comedian and a lively silent disco in the ship’s Atrium.

Our journey continued with a visit to the stunning city of Sorrento. This picturesque destination, with its narrow streets, lemon groves, and breathtaking views, quickly became a favourite. We also visited the ancient ruins of Pompeii, where the preserved remnants of life frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius continue to amaze.

As our cruise came to an end, we spent our last day in Rome, visiting iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, followed by a memorable lunch at one of the oldest restaurants, Dal 1922, located in a former church with seating underground. The traditional Italian cuisine, particularly the pasta, was the best I’ve ever had.

Saying farewell to the Sun Princess and Rome, we headed to the airport for the journey home. The Sun Princess exceeded all expectations, with its newness, friendly staff, and thoughtful design making it a ship I’d highly recommend for travellers of all ages.