Grand Western Mediterranean--Enchanted Princess
GRR to Atlanta; Atlanta to Barcelona--total Flight Time 14h 40 min. Including Layovers.
11-12-23
Transfer to Ship via PRINCESS. Bus was approximately 30 minutes. Easy to find Princess representative, after luggage collection, wait for bus. We always have print out of proof that we paid for transfers. Transfer rep wanted to see the printed document. This was the first cruise we didn't receive one of our pieces of luggage. Filled out a claim form at the Airline counter.
11-12-23
Board Enchanted Princess
Arrived on ship booked shore excursions that we did not book at home with OBC. Also booked the wine tasting. Enjoyed the sail away party and main dining room for dinner. Booked all dining reservations with app at home before sailing.
11-13-23
Toulon France 8:00 am-6:00-Port of La Seyne sur Mer
We chose to take the Princess Ferry across the bay, for convenience. Just scan the Medallion on the dock and the Ferry was quick and easy. Approx. $70.00 for two charged to our account. Arrived across the bay and purchased tickets for the 'Little Train of Toulon' The ride was very enjoyable with music and narration. The ride was 45 minutes past beaches, the city and harbor. We walked the city, to the park and Opera House. Since, we didn't have our luggage, we found a two-story mall and purchased a couple dresses that I needed for dinners. Mall was very close to the port, many familiar stores, like Zara, shopping is universal, we didn't need to speak French. Walked past many cafes, with fresh seafood and back to the ship.
Always take a picture of screen before leaving
11-14-23
Genoa, Italy 7:00 am-7:00 pm
Lots to do in Genoa: very walkable, no need a cab. Walked off ship to right and past the old sailboat and the world's largest aquarium. Focaccia bread and Gelato was very good. Walked to the black and white Cathedral, Piazza de Ferrari. Visited the Christopher Columbus House Museum. Purchased tickets at the House. Shopping looked good at this port, although we were told our luggage is coming, so we didn't shop.
11-15-23
Florence/Pisa Italy 7:00 am-7:00 pm
Booked a tour with Princess (Princess L11-400) Climb the Leaning Tower in the morning. We feel in popular tourists' spots, it is easier to do with the ship. The tickets were purchased for us, to climb the top of the tower. Limited number of people at one time, Guide took us to the streets to the Piazzi Dei Miracoli, had shopping time and back to ship on motorcoach. the port is Livorno. We unloaded, then back to the dock to take bus to the Livorno. Princess provided a free bus. Livorno had many stores, H&M, with American sizing, Zara and many more. Purchased things at H&M, since we still didn't have our luggage.
11-16-23 and 11-17-23
Sea days, Formal Night, Champagne waterfall. A chance to sleep in and rest.
11-18-23
Kotor, Montenegro-We couldn't not tender here due to the weather. Missed port. Could view the city very well from top deck in the morning.
11-19-23
Corfu, Greece 9:00 am-10:00 pm
Fun, port, HoHo or Hop on Hop off bus is right at the port, purchased tickets inside terminal building. Fun double decker bus. We stopped at the old fort and walked to the top, bought tickets at the fort (this is where the Princess bus takes guests as well) Fun walk to the top and visit the cathedral on site. Across the street from the old fort are many shopping opportunities, many street vendors and traditional stores, cafes and Restaurant's, (I could spend entire day). Very fortunate to find a great outdoor market store. The owner looked at us and she and knew what our sizes were without asking. My husband purchased, shorts, shirts and I found a swimsuit. First one I tried on and it fit. (I don't have this experience in US malls) The owner was very knowledgeable, and this was a fun shopping experience and quality clothing. Also, make sure you try Kumquat Liquor...we bought some to bring home at Lazaris. Back to ship to unload, then back on the bus when to visit the Mon Repos Villa where prince Phillip was born. One could spend an entire day here walking the trails and grounds. Next stop was the Windmill then back to the ship.
11-20-23
Sea Day, Formal Night; Arrived in Sicily early due to missed port; we decided to stay on the ship since we had a tour booked with the ship the next day. Did the wine tasting for Elite Guests.
11-21-23
Sicily Italy 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Princess tour QME-180 Mt. Etna & Time on your Own in Taormina- 8:45 am-3:45 pm. Tour to Mt. Etna, First stop on the motor coach was restroom break and time purchase gifts, then we went to the Crateri Silvesti. Very windy here and we able to take a few small lava rocks back home. After the Crateri walk we had hand made, fresh Cannolies, shopping and we took a break for gelato. No time to visit the Greek theater, long lines, our guide didn't recommend it and we don't want to miss the bus. After the tour we visited the bell Tower (across the street from ship) The Bell tower is the largest and most complex mechanical and astronomical clock in the world. The show is at noon, we missed it, although it was fun to see it and purchase a few sweet treats before going back to the ship Recommend the Princess tour, Sicilian guide, and beautiful ride to the Crater.
11-22-23
Naples 8:00 am-6:00 pm
Princess tour NAP-450 Memories of Naples 8:45-4:45 Memories of Naples. Met our guide on the Dock, she provided headsets for us. Walking tour to; Piazzo del Plebiscitio, Tearo si San Carol, Galleria Umberto, Naple's galleria Borbonica, Aqueduct of Carmingo, Lunch (Pizza). Walked thru the streets, a restroom break was provided, and could purchase coffee and treats. The underground tunnels were very interesting, a special guide was provided, tickets included with tour. After the underground tour we had pizza lunch, then board a motorcoach to Pompeii. At Pompeii our group was split into two groups with another guide since our group was too large. More shopping at the entrance of Pompeii. Ride back along the water with the sun setting. Recommend Princess tour, entire day, and we were able to see the underground and Pompeii, no stress, tickets were ready for us. Guide was fun easy to spot with a flower in her hair.
11-23-23
Civitavecchia, 5:00 am. (turnover day) --Tour 7:30 am-5:30 pm
We were staying on for the next sailing, we packed our things, and our cabin steward moved us the to Sun deck for the trans-Atlantic. Clothing on hangers was moved for us and everything arrived in our new cabin after our full day in Rome. This was a marathon port day ...One of our best tours ever. Unfortunately, still no luggage, we were provided free same day laundry service and Princes gave us a one-time OBC.
Princes ROM-105.
Left early for our motorcoach ride to Rome, they provided two buses for this tour, one was full, we were on the second one with only 13 of us on a full-size motor coach. We stopped along the way to pick up a tour guide for Rome. First stop was the Colosseum, tickets were provided, then walked thru old Rome, to St. Peters In Chains, Roman Forum, more tickets were included. Lots of walking, great English-speaking guide. Lunch in an underground restaurant:(Le Terme del Colosseo) wine, pasta, chicken with vegetables, bread and desert. Large lunch --Thanksgiving Day in USA. After lunch we went to Vatican City and inside, guide went with us through the line and narrative inside. Shopping stop and back to ship. Most everyone took a nap on the way back. This was an awesome memorable day, seeing so much! I purchased a charm and necklace in Vatican City. Highly recommend this tour, one of our best! Long day, tour was a bit pricey, well worth it. Marathon Port/busy day
Back on ship, new cabin, new guests, and still no luggage, part one of cruise is over. First part was very port intensive, so we had an inside cabin, not much down time. Our cabin steward, Jessica, moved everything well, and was in place in the new cabin, she said I could borrow one of her dresses for formal night. Very kind of her. I declined, since I was able to buy a few at the first port. (just not what I planned on, no tux or traditional formal dress)
Mediterranean Passage:
11-23-23
Sail away party and we ate at buffet tonight, long day.
11-24-23
Florence/Pisa Italy 7:00 am-7:00 pm
Princess Tour Ll1-140 Livorno on Foot and by Boat. Since this was the 2nd stop to the port of Livorno. We booked a short morning tour. It was a boat ride thru the canals of Livorno. Guide provided narration and history of the fishing industry. After early morning boat ride, coffee break was provided, then walked to the central part of the city, viewing the Cathedral, central market, and fish market. We could choose to stay in the city or ride back with the tour. We went back with the motor coach and enjoyed the hot tubs and pools for the afternoon.
11-23-23
Corsica, France 7:00 am-7:00 pm
Walkable town walked off the ship and there were street vendors selling early in the morning. We had to buy a few more things. Found a few men's shirts at this port. Walked back to ship to unload and went to see the Citadel along the coast. Free admission, views of the water. In the morning the lines were long for the Napoleon Museum, after the fort, we walked to Napoleons house, purchased tickets onsite. Small line, not as long as in the morning, and back to the ship. Corsica is a small island, everything is easy to walk to, many shops and cafes near the port. The street vendors were closed when we arrived back at ship in late afternoon, apparently they close shop just after lunch.
11-26-23
Sea Day, Formal Night
11-27-23
Gibraltar, United Kingdom 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Princess Tour GIB-220-First stop was a lighthouse on the southern edge of the country and we could view Africa. Next was a stroll to the upper rock, views and light show, (upper rock nature reserve) Barbary Ape's Den and the Great siege Tunnels. Guide stayed with us thru the tunnels and for the rock/light show. Two restroom stops were provided and shopping time. The van dropped us off downtown and walked to the lower cable car station. I would suggest lunch at the Mons Calpe Suite (top of the rock). Our table with an incredible view was ready with our name. We were able to bypass the long lines at the cable car station, we entered via the exit per instructions, just had to provide our reservation email. We were not charged for the ride up or down since we had lunch reservations. (down just show receipt). Excellent experience, arrived at the restaurant a couple minutes before two, took approximately an hour for walk and ride. After our large lunch, walked thru town and back to ship, very easy walk, did notice there was a bus for passengers who do not like to walk. Marathon port/ busy day.
11-28-23
Sea Day, rest, Enjoy the decks, hot tubs and food.
11-29-23
Santa Cruz De Tenerife Spain 8:00 am-5:00 pm,
Princess TCI-990. This 'tour' or ride is transportation to the beach. Motor coach to las Teresita's Beach from 10:15 am to 2:00 pm. Water was warm and a snacks/drink were available for purchase. Chairs were available as well. Walkable, relaxing beach.
11-30-23
Gran Canaria/Las Palmas 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Princess tour-LPA-990--A Day at the Maspalomas Beach-seven hours. Our 100th unique port visit!
The original itinerary was visit to Madeira, Portugal, it was cancelled due to a dock workers strike. We booked an excursion/ride with Princess to Playa de Maspalomas Beach. Motor coach ride to beach, dropped off in front of shopping area and cafes, many restaurants. The beach is very large, we are talking miles of shoreline, walkable, sand dunes and a light house. We purchased subs and drinks for the beach. Clothing is optional at this beach. Fun, relaxing day and ride to and from the beach. Many guests chose to not spend the entire time on the beach, I would rate this good for shopping, many choices for lunch. Selling knock-off purses and other goods on the sidewalks.
12-1-23-12-8-23
Sea Days, Crossing the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale. On Sea days, we enjoy the decks, shows, specialty restaurants and just doing nothing.
12-8-23
Fort Lauderdale, we took a cab to airport, only a few minutes away approx. $25.00.
We never received our luggage; we did get a call while on the ship that it was officially 'lost'. Then another call from our home airport that it was found, we could pick it up when we arrived home. This was one of our most challenging cruises, without our clothing and we had to make time shop. Delta Airlines did reimburse us within 48 hours after we submitted the claim for the items purchased. We were very conservative with our purchases. after hearing many other experiences. It was a topic of conversation for us. We did cancel dinner at Princess 360, not fair to other guests to be dressed inappropriately (it was kind of fate, because now as it stands, we will be having dinner at Princess 360 on my husbands actual birthday in September). The ports and cruise were wonderful, allowing us to see and do many things we have only read about. The ship is large, perfect for a trans-Atlantic crossing. Crossing was very calm, (we were boaters on Lake Michigan for years) I felt the crossing was calmer than boating on Lake Michigan. Later I will do a review of the ship, and specialty restaurants, shows.
--for more information regarding shore excursions Go to Princess.com/ports-excursions
-- I felt safe at every port, and the motor coaches provided via Princess tours were new and clean. mostly Mercedes buses.
--do your research, we try to find what is unique to each port. This cruise was the Mediterranean-be prepared to walk.
