Amsterdam’s canals and Grand Prix glamour may steal the spotlight, but for one of our valued clients, this year’s ultimate incentive experience was a Mediterranean cruise like no other.
Hosted by our Incentive Programme Manager, Pam Smith, the group boarded the brand-new Sun Princess, the latest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet, for a journey that blended luxury at sea with the excitement of exploring five destinations in a week.
With world-class entertainment, exceptional dining, and standout moments both onboard and ashore, the trip delivered on every front. From a pizza-making workshop in Sicily to a luxury shopping experience onboard, this was incentive travel elevated to something truly memorable.
A One-Of-A-Kind Medallion
The group stayed in Balcony Staterooms, which Pam described as “beautifully upscale, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with sliding doors opening to stunning sea views.” Each stateroom opened onto a private balcony, so guests could relax with the fresh sea breeze and panoramic vistas right from their room. And thanks to the ship’s innovative Medallion Class system – a small wearable device that serves as a room key, simplifies check-in, lets guests order food and drinks, and helps the crew recognise your preferences. Pam noted that it was a first-of-its-kind experience.
“The medallion unlocked your cabin automatically as you walked up to it, and the staff could instantly see what you usually ordered. Guests were genuinely impressed by how effortless and personalised everything felt.”
Ease and Entertainment
Days at sea were anything but still. From five heated swimming pools, an exclusive adult-only retreat and shopping outlets to a fully equipped fitness and wellness centre and a wide variety of entertainment options – there was always something to do. Guests could try their luck at the casino or indulge in a massage at the Lotus Spa. For those craving quiet, Pam noted that there were plenty of peaceful corners to escape to, such as peaceful lounges and decks with ocean views. “The ship never felt crowded…it was thoughtfully designed to suit every kind of traveller,” she adds.
Evenings brought a different kind of energy. Live music performances flowed through the lounges; quiz shows, magic shows and karaoke kept spirits high; and the theatre hosted spectacular performances that had everyone talking. A giant screen by the pool area showed movies, concerts and sporting events to entertain the masses. “There was entertainment at every turn,” Pam explained. “Some guests loved the evening shows, while others enjoyed relaxing to live music after dinner. There really was something for everyone.”
Gourmet Dining at Sea
Great food and free-flowing drinks are key to any incentive trip, and the Sun Princess did not disappoint. Dining options onboard ranged from formal multi-course meals to casual bites by the pool. The group’s go-to was the beautiful Soleil Dining Room for elegant three-course dinners, but many also ventured out to explore the ship’s speciality restaurants.
“The food was excellent across the board,” said Pam. “Even the buffet felt elevated and offered plenty of variety.” One of the highlights was the teppanyaki experience – a lively dinner with theatrical cooking and sizzling flavours. “It was such a hit that several of the guests went back for a second night,” she added.
With a range of cocktail lounges, 24/7 cafés, and sea-view bars onboard, there was always a place to toast the day’s adventures. And thanks to the all-inclusive package, guests could relax and indulge without a second thought.
Adventure Ashore
Beyond the luxury onboard, each stop along the way brought its own unforgettable experiences:
Bar, Montenegro: “Bar ended up being a wonderful surprise,” said Pam. The group explored the medieval town and visited a traditional olive oil mill, sampling local varieties alongside regional delicacies. “It was simple, authentic, and completely unexpected – a real highlight.”
Corfu, Greece: Guests enjoyed a free day to explore at their own pace. Many wandered the cobbled lanes of Corfu’s Old Town for shopping and café-hopping, enjoying the island’s relaxed pace and scenic beaches. “Having time to explore independently was definitely appreciated,” said Pam.
Messina, Sicily: The group set off for the stunning hilltop town of Taormina before rolling up their sleeves at a local pizzeria. The pizza-making workshop was an instant hit. “Everyone loved it – and the pizza, of course,” Pam shared.
Mallorca, Spain: In Mallorca, guests had another leisure day. Some explored Palma’s shops and the cathedral, while others simply relaxed by the sea. It was the perfect chance to recharge.
Barcelona, Spain: The cruise came to a close in Barcelona, where the group enjoyed one final guided walking tour through the city’s Gothic Quarter before a visit to the iconic Sagrada Família. “It was the ideal way to wrap up the trip,” Pam said. “Barcelona’s energy, the history, the architecture – it was unforgettable.”
READ RELATED CONTENT: WHY CULTURAL EXPERIENCES ARE KEY TO UNFORGETTABLE INCENTIVE TRIPS
Cruising's Unique Appeal for Incentive Travel
As this Mediterranean adventure proved, cruising is a winning recipe for incentive travel. Pam was thrilled with how smoothly the trip unfolded, and with the glowing guest feedback. “It’s ideal! You unpack once but get to explore multiple destinations.”
Aboard the Sun Princess, the group enjoyed an all-inclusive experience with unlimited food and drink, a major advantage for an incentive group that loves to celebrate. The ship catered to every type of traveller, offering active pursuits like the swimming deck, shopping, the casino, and live entertainment, as well as plenty of spaces to unwind in the spa, quiet lounges or on private balconies. The cutting-edge convenience of the Medallion Class service further enhanced the trip, streamlining everything from check-in to room keys and ordering food and drinks.
With so much choice, everyone could set their own pace. As Pam noted, guests were free to be “as busy or as relaxed as they wanted,” making the experience feel truly tailored to each individual.
