Linda Lange and Steve Ahillen
| For the Knoxville News Sentinel
See inside Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Star Princess
USA TODAY was invited to be among the first to experience the newest ship in Princess’ fleet, Star Princess.
BARCELONA, Spain – A cruise along the Mediterranean Sea is a true seafood platter.
Our 13 days on the 1,200-passenger ship Oceania Vista from Barcelona, Spain, to Istanbul, Turkey, provided a wide selection of spectacular cuisine served on board, and a feast of sights and adventures on shore excursions.
The cruise delivers a generous sampling of what people love about the Mediterranean Sea: vibrant colors, exotic flavors, romantic settings, diverse cultures, festive music, refreshing sea air and warm climes.
On this Oceania voyage, the Vista docks at 12 popular ports, each with distinctive old-world sights and experiences.
Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia, the famed basilica designed by Antoni Gaudi, draws huge crowds. Its construction began in 1882 in a traditional Gothic style, but over the decades transitioned into whimsical Art Nouveau and even contemporary flourishes.
Less crowded, but equally impressive is the Picasso Museum, hidden on narrow Montcada Street in Barcelona’s historic La Ribera neighborhood. The galleries, constructed by joining five medieval palaces, display pieces selected from the museum’s collection of 5,000 Pablo Picasso’s works.
Subsequent ports of call allow for exploration of Marseille and the Provence region of France, followed by a whirlwind spin through the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera.
A sea of wonders
The 131-year-old Mercato Centrale in Livorno, Italy, is a true Tuscan food market. Vendors sell fish, vegetables and poultry from 230 stalls under an ornate ceiling of Parisian design. We venture through the wine country, leading us to Villa Dianella for a pure Tuscan meal flavored with local olive oils and wines.
As we ramble through Rome, the landmarks we’ve seen in history book pictures suddenly stand before us. We recognize the Coliseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Circus Maximus.
The resort town of Taormina on the island of Sicily offers a captivating maze of narrow streets. They wind past ancient churches like Duomo di Taormina, built in the 13th century, and the Greek Theatre that dates back 10 centuries earlier.
Our fascination with Chania on the island of Crete comes from its blending of many cultures through the centuries. A colorful kaleidoscope of shops and cafes edge the ancient port. Venetians and Egyptians constructed and reconstructed the lighthouse that oversees the harbor from the end of a seawall. Turkish fountains, a Jewish quarter and numerous churches hint at the diversity of the island’s cultures.
Oia crowns the Greek island of Santorini in resplendent whites and blues reflecting in the sea. Tourists line up to take perfect selfies with the iconic blue church domes as backdrops. The island has just 15,000 residents, but more than 630 churches.
Despite a steep climb, the Acropolis in Athens draws about 7 million visitors annually to view the Parthenon and other structures built in the fifth century BC. A beautiful and serene drive along the resort-studded Aegean Sea delivers us to the Temple of Poseidon. Its remaining columns cast long shadows as the sun sets on Cape Sounion.
In Turkey, we pass cotton fields on a leisurely drive along the Buyuk Menderes River – historically called the Meander River – and we are reminded that the country is a major world exporter of textiles. The region boasts at least three significant ancient sites: the Temple of Athena Polias in Priene, the Roman theatre in Miletus and the Temple of Apollo in Didyma.
Our voyage draws to a close in enchanting Istanbul, a city of nearly 16 million people that contains volumes of history amid its modern-day hustle and bustle. The awe-inspiring, 17th century Blue Mosque attracts the biggest crowd because of its majestic architecture and splendor. Hagia Sophia Mosque was once the main house of worship of the Byzantine Empire. A few steps away, the Basilica Cistern engulfs us in mystery with its dark chambers and eerie aura.
Back on the Oceania Vista
After experiencing thrilling sights during land excursions, we gladly slide back into the serenity and comforts of the Oceania Vista. Staterooms, designed in soothing colors to foster relaxation, feature private verandas.
The 11 passenger decks provide ample room for rejuvenation and socialization. We relax in a beach cabana on the pool deck. Other open decks offer pickleball, golf putting greens and shuffleboard. Guests lose their way in literature in the library and hope to meet Lady Luck in the casino. They shop for chic clothing and jewelry at boutiques and dedicate “me time” at the spa and a well-appointed fitness center.
Music sets the mood for socializing at eight sophisticated bars, lounges, and entertainment venues. Teatime attracts guests to Horizons to hear a classical string quartet and nibble on tasty petits fours and finger sandwiches. Glamour enwraps the elegant upholstered seating clusters at Martinis bar, known for its fresh new spirits selection. The Vista Lounge presents lively entertainment, ranging from cabarets to magicians to vocalists. The Grand Lounge entices us to sip an aperitif before dinner or a nightcap at the close of day.
Flavors of the world
Our culinary-themed cruise awakens all the senses. The flavors and aromas drift from the Mediterranean coast to reach the ship’s kitchens and dining rooms. Almost 700 different dishes are prepared daily by more than 100 chefs to please every palate.
“We are not running a cruise ship; we are running a floating kitchen,” jokes French chef Alexis Quaretti, Vista’s executive culinary director.
The selection of dining opportunities surpasses guests’ desires and preferences. Jacques specializes in French signature dishes, like coq au vin; and Toscana celebrates Italy’s passion for seafood and pasta. The Polo Grill claims fame for its steaks. Specialties at Red Ginger trace their flavors to Thai, Korean, Japanese and Malaysian traditions, such as a miso-glazed sea bass with a spring roll appetizer.
Continental cuisine reigns at the Grand Dining Room. Aquamar Kitchen serves wellness-inspired dishes. Our lunch at the sun-dappled seaside tables of the Terrace Cafe is an anchovy pizza.
And, when cruising the Mediterranean Sea, wine is ever-present.
“The best part of the culinary experience is drinking,” said Quaretti, with a smile and a tip of his wine glass.
Linda Lange and Steve Ahillen are travel writers living in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Dining and Cooking