One of the many joys of cruising is that every ship is different and every voyage offers a new playground to explore. I’ve been cruising for more than 25 years, and yet there are still so many adventures to be had. My latest was on board the magnificent Enchanted Princess.
As my husband, Jim, and I stepped onto the beautiful, sparkling new ship in sunny Malaga, that familiar feeling of relief and relaxation swept over me. We had arrived: no further need to pack and re-pack bags, no need to worry about travel plans, we just had to sit back and be pampered! And that’s exactly what we did.
The first novelty was receiving our Medallion - which worked like magic. As we approached our stateroom, the door clicked and unlocked. No more fumbling for keys or cards… for the rest of the voyage, we acted like human sensors, able to access our cabin from several yards away! It is cutting-edge technology and means that you can order food, locate your family or friends on board and effortlessly pay for anything you need with a wave of your magic disc!
Our stateroom - a Mini Suite - was spacious and comfy, with a balcony and two chairs. We had two flat screen TVs as well, which were useful when we wanted to watch different programmes. And, as part of the technological revolution, you can access all services via the TV, including dining in your room.
Food is an important part of any cruise, and the options on Enchanted Princess were many and varied. We found the standard of cuisine in the club dining areas truly exceptional: delicate hors d’oeuvres, sumptuous main courses and exquisite desserts, all served in a quiet restaurant with views of the ocean.
We also ate in two of the speciality restaurants, The Crown Grill was spectacular. I had a seafood starter, followed by surf and turf, half a lobster and a filet steak. Yes, you’ve guessed it, my eyes were bigger than my stomach and, rather like the Vicar of Dibley trying to swallow one more Christmas sprout, I simply couldn’t manage the last two mouthfuls, which was extremely annoying because it was all completely fabulous! We also ate in the French Bistro Sur La Mer, created under the guidance of three Michelin-star Chef Emmanual Renaut. Once again, the food was delicious and there’s an option for eating out on deck as you watch the sunset and the moon rise. Magical!
Entertainment Princess-style is non-stop and joyful. There was a real buzz around the ship… in the many bars, the swimming pools and the lounge areas. There’s also a gorgeous theatre where I chatted about royalty to a delightfully appreciative audience. And I watched the Jubilee Party at the Palace on the huge outdoor screen overlooking the pool; another magical moment.
Our voyage around the Mediterranean was a perfect taster of all that Princess Cruises has to offer. I didn’t have time to sample the spa (but it looked fab) or to take in all the theatre shows. I’d love to have taken a peek at one of the superbly luxurious Sky Suites with their huge balconies and panoramic views. But all that will have to wait for another occasion. The world of cruising is well and truly open once again, and it seems to me that it is bigger, better and more sophisticated than ever. Go and enjoy it!
