Chase the winter sunshine closer to home with Princess Cruises

The days are drawing in sooner and the weather is getting colder – sounds like it’s time to escape somewhere warmer…

And the Mediterranean offers those few extra degrees in temperature with the added bonus of astounding culture, good food and mesmerising architecture.

Princess Cruises is the line to cruise with to erase those winter blues, after all, winter doesn’t end until March 20, 2024.

So read on to discover our favourite itineraries across February and March 2024 with Princess Cruises – you can thank us later.

Grand Mediterranean

If you’re going to escape to the Mediterranean, then why not combine this trip with Sun Princess’ Grand Mediterranean cruise, departing from Barcelona to Rome?

This 10-day cruise departs February 18, 2024, and visits six ports of call – so you can get your teeth stuck into some truly iconic destinations.

Take Athens for example, with an energy that fizzes 24/7 and a history that goes back to the dawn of recorded time, this dazzling destination is one you’ll remember fondly for life.

Start your sightseeing with the Acropolis, which is an ancient citadel, perched on a rocky outcrop above the city, and is the most famous archaeological site in Greece.

Then visit the highest hill that Athens is built on, Lycabettus, which is named after the wolves once said to live here – and its 227m peak is the perfect spot to enjoy sunrise (or sunset) views.

Luckily for you, Princess Cruises combines these must-do activities into one handy excursion, ‘Athens Sightseeing & Lycabettus Views’, with the addition of the ease of arranged transport and knowledgeable tour guides.

You’ll also visit Santorini, whose iconic blue and white painted buildings perched atop rugged cliffs are a well-known sight and the spot is hugely popular with tourists.

We recommend taking time to visit the smaller villages to soak up their distinctive traditional atmosphere, a rewarding experience.

Your last port of call on this itinerary is Rome, where you can admire the Colosseum, which is the world’s largest amphitheatre, and possibly the most iconic emblem of the city, the Pantheon, regarded as the best-kept ancient monument in Italy and more.

For a unique experience in Rome, perhaps if you have visited before, how about the ‘Etruscan Countryside & Olive Oil Tasting’ excursion, where you journey to the ancient town of Tuscania and enjoy a guided tour through the medieval centre’s cobbled lanes.

You’ll then travel to a local farmhouse that produces olive oils where you can have a cheeky taste accompanied by Tuscan snacks.

The Best of the Mediterranean

For a longer escape (we don’t blame you), opt for the 20-day ‘The Best of the Mediterranean’ itinerary which calls at 14 ports as a roundtrip from Rome.

You’ll visit the likes of Santorini, Athens and Rome – similar to the ‘Grand Mediterranean’ voyage above. But you’ll also explore Corfu, Greece, where you might discover your inner wordsmith as the island has inspired generations of writers, from Shakespeare, through Edward Lear, to Gerald Durrell.

Another port of call is Naples, from which you can visit Capri and Pompeii, with Capri offering up intriguing rock formations and a classic Italian charm, and Pompeii is known for showcasing frozen in time houses, frescoes, mosaics, shops, theatres, the Gladiator School and Forum.

In fact, you can explore Naples itself with Princess Cruises excursion, such as the ‘Naples Eating Italy Foodie Walking Tour’. This mouth-watering tour allows you to discover some of the city’s most distinctive eateries as well as learn about the local culture.

History lovers will thrive in Cartagena, Spain, as you’ll be transported back to Roman times by wandering around the civil war shelters, with the time to observe and ponder what it was like to live back then.

For an excursion with a difference in Cartagena, we love the ‘Kayaking In Cartagena’ activity, where you can kayak through the clear-blue waters that surround Cartagena and discover several of the area’s most secret beaches.

Gibraltar is another port of call, where we recommend you head to Apes’ Den where you can wave hello to tailless Barbary Apes, which are actually the last of the species in Europe.

Why Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises are known globally as destination experts, the line doesn’t simply transport you to each destination, it immerses you through extensive excursions and bringing local culture onboard.

Many of Princess Cruises Mediterranean itineraries occur onboard Sun Princess, the line’s newest arrival. The ship boasts a 4,300 capacity, 21 decks and The Piazza inspired by the town squares of Europe.

The Dome is also an inspired design choice, by the terraces of Santorini to be exact, which is also where you'll find Cirque Éloize. Wander within the first-of-its-kind glass-encased dome which features an indoor/outdoor pool as well as an eye-catching water feature.

The Sphere Piazza spans an impressive three storeys and offers non-stop ocean views. You can also be entertained by the LED screen in the centre of the Piazza which can be configured to deliver a range of entertainment.

You can look forward to the likes of the top-deck space named Park19 which features a Sea Breeze Rollglider, which is a first at sea adventure, and something that will be a highlight for all your cruises to come.

So, treat yourself in 2024 and make it the year you travel the world in style with Princess Cruises.