Travel / Back to Europe the slow way · 2022–2023
We set sail on a Princess transatlantic cruise, hearts buzzing with anticipation for a journey across the Atlantic. The itinerary promised exotic ports—Morocco, Spain, and the gem of Madeira—but the ocean had other plans. High waves forced us to skip Morocco and Spain, yet our family found ourselves shrugging it off, savoring the unexpected gift of extra sea days and a slow, gentle slide into a new time zone.
The real star of the crossing? Madeira. Stepping onto this lush Portuguese island felt like wandering into a postcard. Funchal’s colorful markets brimmed with tropical fruits and handmade crafts. We wandered cobblestone streets, sipped poncha at a tiny café, and marveled at the botanical gardens’ explosion of flowers. A cable car ride up to Monte offered views that stretched forever—green hills plunging into the blue Atlantic.
Back on board, the ship became our floating home, and we leaned into its rhythm. The food was fun, we aren’t a family that eats out much so it was a real treat. Every night, we’d gather in the dining room or buffet, and enjoy all the options. Breakfast was just as good, especially with the daily wake-up show playing in the background. We aren’t much for watching TV but it became a fun ritual to wake up to! Corny jokes, quick ship updates, and the host’s infectious laugh—it was like morning coffee for the soul.
The biggest surprise, though, was the art education class. I’ll admit, we went thinking it wasn’t going to be anything special. Instead, it was a great overview of the history of art in under an hour. The instructor’s passion for the ship’s art collection pulled us in, and we found ourselves debating brushstrokes and sculptures like pros. I was hoping to get a copy of the slides to add it to our homeschool curriculum but the art curator politely said no. The highlight? A quirky challenge to guess the weight of a sleek statue. I nailed it—pure luck—and was offered a framed print though I had to decline because of our weight limitations.
Those extra sea days, far from being a letdown, became the heart of the trip. No ports meant no rush. We played trivia in the lounge, lounged by the pool with books we’d meant to read for years, and watched the horizon shift time zones with us. One great thing about all the time on the ship was getting to know the staff. We started recognizing the same people and chatted with them often. We met a number of super friendly people that explained what it was like to be crew, how the crew appreciation doesn’t really go to them, and some of the struggles of life on a cruise ship. A few went out of their way with bringing our daughter a birthday surprise and singing happy birthday at breakfast.
Would we do it again? In a heartbeat. Princess delivered a trip that was equal parts cozy and grand, with Madeira’s charm and onboard surprises we’ll be talking about for years. Sometimes, the best adventures come when the plans change, and the waves remind you to just go with the flow.
