"Tia Emson
Published: 5:14PM GMT 17 Feb 2010
Enjoy the luxury of having your own private balcony on a cruise with Princess There are the sights everyone knows: museums, galleries, and icons like the Ponte Vecchio, with its medieval buildings and jewellery stalls. But there’s more to it than that, as my husband Oscar and I discovered on a fascinating walking tour.
"Keep looking up," reminded Valentina, our charming guide. "Up there are secrets of Florence's past."
With her help, we spotted medieval towers, survivors of a skyline like a 12th-century Manhattan, and learned to be detectives, using street names and layouts to trace Roman roads and city gates. Valentina even showed us a tiny side-door in the Palazzo Vecchio, the only clue to secret chambers built within the wall itself.
Back in our elegant balcony suite at the end of the day, we ignored – for once – all our fantastic fine-dining options – even our favourite, the romantic trattoria, Sabatini's. Instead, we ordered champagne. . .and a take-away pizza.
When it arrived in its box, we took it and our bubbly out onto our balcony. Only as we sipped and gazed at the sunset did it occur to us how extraordinary it was to be munching fresh-baked pizza while sailing away on a luxury cruise ship.
We were halfway through an amazing two-week voyage with Princess Cruises; a Mediterranean trip from Southampton. One glance at the itinerary – with highlights including Barcelona, Rome and Seville – and it was love at first sight.
Beforehand, we did wonder what we'd do during our days at sea. Actually, they were brilliant – pure self-indulgence, whether we wanted a whirl of activity or total relaxation. There were all kinds of workshops, sports, and a gym with fabulous sea-views; plus our favourite retreat, the tranquil Lotus Spa.
Nights were just as fun, with Broadway-style shows, live music and late-night dancing. Best of all were lazy evenings watching blockbusters on the ship's giant "Movies Under the Stars" screen, while Princess's delightful staff spoiled us with drinks, nibbles and cosy blankets.
One of the best things was the wonderful food. With Princess, you can choose to keep the same gourmet restaurant table and companions, or opt for "anytime dining", eating when and with whom you like.
Our days in port sparkled with variety too. In Sardinia, we explored Alghero's cathedral and romantic, ruined fortress. In Rome, we gasped over Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and other wonders of the Vatican.
After a day in Barcelona, we treated ourselves to the best steaks we've ever had, in the Sterling Steakhouse, one of Princess's speciality restaurants; then joined Petra and Ethan, two new friends we've made here, in the champagne bar.
We'd all had a great day. Oscar and I had explored Gaudí's incredible Sagrada Familia church on our own. Petra and Ethan had joined an organised tour to discover the Gothic Quarter – and the secrets of making real paella.
On our last morning, I was feeling pretty low at the prospect of giving up our movie-star Princess Cruises lifestyles. Oscar, however, was puzzlingly cheerful. "Well, what is it?" I demanded. With a flourish, he produced Princess's 2010 brochure.
"I've just discovered how many surprises the Med still has in store."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/travel/theworldawaits/7255912/Mediterranean-Cruise-with-Princess-Cruises-Mediterranean-Magic-on-this-two-week-holiday.html
