How the Sanctuary on Sun Princess Changed My Mind About Ocean Cruising
I am very well known for hating ocean cruises.
I blame Gene Hackman and Shelley Winters.
Watching the original The Poseidon Adventure scarred me for life. Some people watched it and saw a movie. I saw a compelling argument for staying on land.
But when I was offered the opportunity to sail the Mediterranean aboard Sun Princess with my travel industry peers, curiosity began negotiating with fear. The itinerary included places I had never visited, and I would be traveling with industry friends who understand why we keep wanting to see what is around the next corner.
So I said yes.
Me. On an ocean cruise. Willingly.
And then I made one of the best travel decisions I have ever made: I upgraded to the Sanctuary.
On a ship carrying roughly 4,300 passengers, that upgrade gave me an experience that felt surprisingly close to something I already love: river cruising. Obviously, the ship was considerably larger. But the smaller, more personal world within it made an enormous difference.
The Sanctuary gave us a private retreat on the top deck, with a pool, a bar, food, and attentive staff. It was wonderfully comfortable, with room to settle in and enjoy being there. I could appreciate the Mediterranean without feeling as though I was sharing every moment with several thousand of my closest new friends.
Our cabin was over 300 square feet, with upgraded bath products, excellent cabin stewards, and all the bells and whistles. Having that much comfortable space to come back to added so much to the trip.
I certainly appreciated the lovely amenities. But what stayed with me most was the feeling of being known.
There was a private dining room for Sanctuary guests, and it reminded me of Cheers: everybody knows your name. That sense of familiarity is something I treasure on a river cruise, and I was delighted to find it here. A large ship began to feel much more personal.
The Dome was another highlight. We enjoyed lovely entertainment in a more intimate setting, which suited me beautifully. Between the Sanctuary, our dining room, our cabin, and evenings at The Dome, I found spaces that made this very large ship feel comfortable and manageable.
And then there was the reason I had said yes in the first place: the Mediterranean.
Barcelona. Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. Ibiza. Corsica. Cinque Terre, Portofino, and Santa Margherita. Rome.
How is that for a spectacular trip?
Other than Rome, these were all new destinations for me. After more than 20 years in the travel business, I still get excited about visiting somewhere for the first time. There is always more to discover, and this itinerary was a wonderful reminder of just how much.
It also reminded me why I need to keep trying things, even the things I have spent years insisting are not for me.
Now, before anyone starts celebrating my complete conversion, let us remember that Gene Hackman made a lasting impression. But I can honestly say this cruise surprised me in the best possible way.
The Sanctuary upgrade was a huge part of that. For me, it was money well spent because it changed how I experienced the entire journey. The comfort was lovely. The familiarity, personal attention, and smaller spaces were what made me feel at home.
That is something I want my clients to understand when we plan their travels together. The ship matters, of course, but so does how you experience it. Your cabin, your dining arrangements, and the places where you spend your time can make a meaningful difference.
If you have been curious about cruising but wonder whether a large ship would suit you, I understand. That is a conversation we can have honestly, with your preferences at the center of it.
Sometimes you learn something useful by stepping outside your comfort zone.
And sometimes, apparently, you find a very comfortable place to sit once you get there.
Your Globetrotting Friend and brand-new ocean cruising fan,
Joy