If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through the Mediterranean with kids in tow—but weren’t sure how “family-friendly” a cruise could really be—cruising the Med on Princess Cruises with kids was not just doable… it was surprisingly enjoyable. We recently sailed aboard the Sun Princess, and here’s our honest review of what it’s like to take a family Mediterranean cruise with two little ones.
One of the biggest highlights of cruising with Princess was how easy it was to explore the Mediterranean, even with two young kids. With just one unpack-and-settle-in, we visited beautiful ports like Gibraltar, Marseille, La Spezia, and Naples—without the stress of constant travel days.
Each of us—including the kids—had a Princess Medallion, a small wearable device that served as our key, ID, and onboard payment method. It also made getting on and off the ship at every port incredibly smooth, which was a huge win for families trying to manage strollers, backpacks, and unpredictable toddler moods.
The Medallion tech meant we could focus more on exploring cobblestone streets and enjoying gelato in port, instead of waiting in long lines to disembark or check in.
The youth center on the Sun Princess quickly became one of our favorite features onboard. It was bright, spacious, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed for different age groups.
The kids’ club was divided into groups: ages 3–7 and ages 7 and up. Thankfully, both of our daughters fell into the same group, which was such a relief—it meant they could enjoy the same activities and also look out for each other.
For younger children like our 3-year-old, Princess provided a pager (an iPhone) at check-in. It gave us peace of mind knowing we’d be just a call away in case of any accidents or if she needed anything. That small touch made a huge difference and really helped us relax while they were off playing.
Each day had a dedicated schedule with themed activities. Our 7-year-old especially loved creative crafts like decorating her own T-shirt, making bracelets, and designing a stuffed animal. She also enjoyed playing video games and making new friends. Our 3-year-old had just as much fun with age-appropriate crafts and a toddler-friendly play structure.
They looked forward to the kid’s club every day—a total game-changer for us as parents. It gave us time to recharge, hit the gym, enjoy an adults-only dinner, or take in a show.
Dining aboard the Sun Princess was a treat for all of us. One of the best parts of cruising with Princess was the sheer variety of food options—we never felt like we were eating the same thing twice. Over our seven-day cruise, we were able to try seven different restaurants, plus the formal dining room, the buffet, and plenty of fast-casual spots for quick meals and snacks
Even after a full week at sea, everyone still looked forward to mealtimes—there was always something new to try.
If you’re considering adding a little extra flexibility, upgrading to Princess Premier can be worth it. With this package, you get unlimited alcoholic beverages, unlimited specialty dining, and other perks that make the experience feel even more all-inclusive.
While there were plenty of casual options available, we especially loved the specialty dining experiences.
As a family of four, we booked a balcony suite, and it worked perfectly. There was enough room for everyone to sleep and store our things comfortably. The room setup included a sofa that converted into a bed and an overhead pull-down bunk, which made bedtime smooth and fun for the kids (they loved the “cruise bunk bed” experience!).
The private balcony quickly became one of our favorite features—perfect for early-morning coffee while pulling into a new port, or winding down at sunset after a busy day of exploring. It gave us a quiet space to reset as a family, and for the kids, it felt like their own little front-row seat to the sea.
You can also look into connecting cabin options. We had balcony staterooms right next to my mom, with a shared door that could be unlocked between our rooms. Even better—the divider between our balconies was removed, creating one large shared balcony space. It made it so easy for the kids to pop over and visit their grandma, meet up for meals, and disembark together on port days.
Sea days were anything but boring. The family-friendly pool area was a hit, with shallow sections that were perfect for younger kids. We also made the most of the onboard entertainment—Movies Under the Stars, family game shows, live music, and even the family dance party put on by the Kid’s Club.
There were plenty of activities that catered to all ages without the ship ever feeling chaotic. It was a great balance of relaxation for adults and stimulation for kids.
If you’re wondering whether a cruise through the Mediterranean can be family-friendly, the answer is a resounding yes. Our experience on the Sun Princess was full of little moments that made traveling with kids easier—from the Medallion tech and flexible dining to the thoughtfully designed kid’s club and stateroom setup.
If you’re considering one of the best cruises for families, especially one that lets you visit iconic European ports without constant packing and airport chaos, Princess Cruises with kids is a fantastic option.
Just don’t forget to pack swimsuits, card games, and stretchy pants—you’ll need them after all those buffet options, snacks and dessert samplings at sea.
