Cruising Europe in Your 40s: My Honest Review of the Majestic Princess Cruise from Barcelona to Rome
- Hillary Huyghue-Matias
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 21 hours ago
In my 20s, I recall meeting a friend for dinner after work, and before I knew it, that same evening we were on a plane to the Caribbean! We spent one night there, and the following day, I took a personal 'mental health day' off from work to enjoy the beach. By the next night, I was back sleeping in my own bed after my whirlwind adventure. Although I still see myself as somewhat spontaneous, now that I'm in my 40s, that spontaneity involves a color-coded spreadsheet, a small suitcase filled with enough medications to supply a small pharmacy 'just in case,' and at least two days to recover from the ordeal of leaving my couch. In your 40s, vacations start to look a bit different. It's less about "hostel hopping" and more about "do they have gluten-free options and what is the thread count of the sheets?"
If you're over 40 and itching to explore Europe without living out of a suitcase or planning a military-style itinerary—then cruising is probably your best bet. I recently cruised the Mediterranean on the Majestic Princess, sailing from the stunning city of Barcelona to the historical wonders of Rome. Although I've cruised before, this was my first experience with the Princess line.
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This post is a mix of a Majestic Princess review and a cruising guide for Europe, sprinkled with a dash of personal experience. I'll share my thoughts on cruising around Europe through the lens of a fabulous 40-year-old and include the pros and cons of sailing on the Majestic Princess.
Ports of Call: A Mediterranean Sampler Platter
Majestic Princess Itinerary as of March 2025
1. Barcelona, Spain - Kick off your adventure in this lively city, famous for its sangria and tapas that are so good they might make you miss the boat! Arriving a day early is like getting a sneak peek at the fun, and trust us, you won't regret it. Plus, showing up ahead of time means you won't be the one waving goodbye to your cruise ship from the dock!
Pro Cruising Europe Tip: The port's at Adossat Quay Cruise Terminal, but your cruise could leave from any of the 7+ terminals there. Make sure to call the cruise line before you go to find out which terminal you're leaving from, or your taxi driver might end up going in circles. If they drop you off and leave, you could be wandering around trying to find the right terminal. Silver lining: you'll get those steps in, and hopefully, you're only carrying one bag.
The items below are my must haves when packing for a European cruise!
Do you tend to overpack? Here are my favorite tips for packing lightly for a European trip.
2. Gibraltar - The famous Rock of Gibraltar is found here. Think British territory meets wild monkeys. The Rock is a must-do for sweeping views and glute workouts. Be sure to keep your belongings secure, as the monkeys have a habit of taking tourists' items as keepsakes. This crossbody purse and fanny pack kept my personals from becoming monkey play toys!
3. Ajaccio, Corsica - Napoleon’s hometown, but all I remember is the gelato and gorgeous coastline.
4. Genoa, Italy - This charming and walkable city is also known as the birthplace of pesto. If you don't have a nut allergy, get ready to indulge in the green goodness!
5. Livorno, Italy (Gateway to Tuscany) - By taking a tour bus or a taxi ride you can easily get to Pisa and Florence.
Leaning Tower of Pisa: Yes, it’s touristy, but come on! Who wouldn’t want a classic photo pretending to hold it up?
Florence: The Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, so many picture perfect moments!
Pro Cruising Europe Tip: The tours offered by the cruise tend to be very overpriced. A great option to explore the port city and its surrounding areas is to hire a taxi right there at the port. If you can get 4 to 6 passengers together, you can negotiate a great rate per person at a fraction of a cruise tour. The driver will wait for you and take you to multiple locations. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring your collapsible water bottle and compact umbrella. Bring along that collapsible bag and fill it with souvenirs and goodies from your trip around town!
6. Rome, Italy - The cruise finale. Explore at your own pace, but do yourself a favor—book a night or two here post-cruise. What can you do in Rome in 2 days? Read this article on exploring Rome in 48 hours.
Majestic Princess Cruise Experience: Life On Board
The Vibe: Classy Comfort
The ship is clean, elegant, and easy to navigate (after a day or two). They give you a medallion, which serves as your room key, offshore ID, and is used for on-board purchases. I booked an inside stateroom, which was spacious and comfy. Room service was included so I treated myself to breakfast in bed almost every morning. Morning coffee in my favorite travel mug with a Mediterranean view? Yes, please!
Food & Service: Above Average
From breakfast buffets to fine dining and late-night snacks—Princess delivers on the culinary front. Just pace yourself, unless you've packed stretchy pants. From stateroom attendants to waiters who remembered my name (and my favorite soup), the staff truly aims to please.
Entertainment: Slight Identity Crisis
Let's discuss music. I can only describe it as if it were experiencing an identity crisis. Perhaps it was also caught up in a midlife frenzy? One moment, we’re doing the Twist; the next, it’s a complete Bruno Mars and K-pop dance mix. As someone in their 40s, I felt slightly too young for the 60s hits and a bit too old for the TikTok trends. It was... a humbling experience.
Pros & Cons of a European Cruise in Your 40s
Pros:
You only unpack once!
Great food and attentive service.
Built-in downtime = actual vacation.
See multiple countries without multiple train tickets.
Cons:
Entertainment skews older (or younger—but not you).
Late-night fun is limited unless you bring your own vibe.
Some excursions can be physically demanding—bring comfy shoes.
Is Cruising Europe in Your 40s Worth It?
Absolutely! I would say that it's the best way to get a taste of Europe and decide where you'd like to return to visit for more time. While I'm not 100% sure I would cruise again on the Majestic Princess, I definitely recommend cruising to Europe. There’s something deeply satisfying about being able to sightsee in Genoa on Tuesday, sip wine in Corsica on Thursday, and then crash in your private cabin that evening—all without dragging luggage through cobblestone streets. This trip reminded me that when you're over 40, comfort is cool.
Yes, the entertainment might miss your sweet spot, and you might occasionally wonder if you’re the only one not wearing orthopedic shoes. But cruising Europe this way is low-stress, high-reward travel—and that’s exactly what your 40s deserve.
Here's to life's amazing adventures—bon voyage!
Let's cruise!
Quick Q&A for European Travelers
Q: Is cruising Europe worth it in your 40s?
A: 100% yes! It's the perfect balance of adventure and comfort without needing a chiropractor by day 3.
Q: What should I pack for a Mediterranean cruise?
A: Think versatile layers, a pair of dress pants and comfy walking shoes. Oh—and stretchy pants. Always stretchy pants.
What about you? Have you cruised through Europe? Drop your funniest cruise memory in the comments!
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Read this it's good
Great read! I'm going to try cruising to Europe. 💪👏