Naples, Italy

Our first stop on the inaugural Sun Princess Mediterranean cruise was Naples, Italy. Opting for a private shore excursion, we found ourselves embarking on a personalized journey tailored to our interests. This is a great option when you have a group of 3-4 people because it’s a flat fee and ends up being a similar price to if you all purchase tickets for a group tour.

Departing from the Naples pier we headed to our first stop, Herculaneum. Having previously visited Pompeii, we opted for its lesser-known counterpart, and we were not disappointed. Herculaneum, though smaller in scale, boasts remarkable preservation, offering an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants. Walking through the well preserved streets and marveling at the intricate details of its architecture, we couldn’t help but feel transported back in time.

Next on our itinerary was a stop at the overlook to see the charming little cliffside town of Positano, renowned for its pastel-hued buildings cascading down the steep slopes. Arriving during the shoulder season, the town was closed (most of Positano is open from April-October) so we just seized the opportunity for a photo op, capturing the timeless beauty of Positano against the background of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

As the day unfolded, we made our way to Sorrento, a picturesque town perched atop dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. Here, we indulged in a leisurely lunch, savoring Italian cuisine like focaccia and buffalo mozzarella. As we strolled through the historic market we sampled generous amounts of limoncello, Sorrento’s signature lemon liqueur. Similar to Positano, Sorrento is not fully open during shoulder season but there are still many stores and a few restaurants open.

Returning to our cruise ship, we concluded our day with a delicious dinner, followed by an evening of entertainment with trivia and the majority rules game hosted by the amazing cruise staff.

Note: If you are prone to motion sickness like myself, I would strongly recommend the private car. The roads to Sorrento and Positano are narrow and winding. I would never have survived on a bus.