'The Caribbean seemed impossible from Australia. Then I found this loophole.'

It's cold and dreary in much of Australia right now. But guess where it's not cold and dreary? The Caribbean! How do I know this? Because I recently spent seven nights aboard the Enchanted Princess cruising to the Caribbean, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Mid-year burnout is creeping in, friends, but I've discovered the perfect remedy for you.

This delightful adventure departs from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) and includes four stunning stops: The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos.

Before I dive in, let me share a bit about myself and my holiday needs. I'm a busy professional residing in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. I'm married with no kids, and I recently found myself heading towards that mid-year burnout that has many Aussies jetting off for their European summer trips. But that's not my vibe right now.

My ideal getaway leans towards 'rest and reset' rather than 'music festivals and Eurorail' — just enough of a breather from the daily grind to recharge for the rest of the year. I also suffer from decision fatigue — a common struggle amongst the women in my life. I needed a holiday where the only decisions I'd face each day were where to eat and where to set up my beach chair, sprinkled with genuinely immersive cultural experiences. If that sounds like you, I highly recommend you follow in my footsteps right up the gangway onto the Enchanted Princess.

I adore travelling to new, hard-to-reach destinations. The Caribbean has always been on my list, but with so many islands to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? For Australians, the high costs of flights and accommodation make choosing the wrong destination a costly gamble.

What if you could get a sneak peek of four of the Caribbean's crown jewels? This cruise provided just that, allowing me to sample the highlights and inspire future visits.

Port days typically last around eight hours, which is plenty of time to disembark, find your bearings, and set off on an adventure. The cruise stopped at the private Bahamian island, Princess Cay, San Juan in Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk island in Turks and Caicos.

Princess Cays.

When you think of "the Caribbean," you probably envision crystal-clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, palm trees, and that blissful "island time" feeling of having nowhere to go and nothing to do but swim and snooze on your beach chair. That's precisely what Princess Cays offered. Princess Cays is an exclusive port of call available only to guests on the Enchanted Princess, so you will feel very VIP. Pair that with a piña colada and a beach BBQ, and it was the perfect way to kick off the journey and embrace the Caribbean vibe.

San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Next up was San Juan, Puerto Rico, where we stepped off the ship and right into the old city, adorned with centuries-old forts and vibrant Spanish colonial architecture.

The vibrant streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Image: Supplied.

While San Juan caters to tourists, there's a strong local presence that creates the authentic travel experience many Australians seek. A short Uber ride takes you outside the tourist area, immersing you in everyday San Juan life, which is truly incredible.

The vibrant streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Image: Supplied.

On the advice of a fashionable friend, I visited Vice Versa, a beloved vintage and thrift store reminiscent of the good old Vinnies, brimming with treasures and second-hand gems. I couldn't resist leaving with my new favourite denim jacket!

After shopping, I was directed to Molinis for traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Friends, there was not a tourist in sight, and the food was hands down the best I've had in ages.

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Port number three was Puerto Plata (Amber Cove), Dominican Republic. Much like San Juan, Puerto Plata is a lively port city with something for everyone. I joined a group of other Aussie travellers and hired a local driver named Victor, who showcased his city's gems. Pink Street and Umbrella Street did not disappoint, and the town square featured the best papaya gelato I've ever tasted — yes, I'm declaring it the best in the world!

Umbrella Street, Pink Street, and the best papaya gelato I've ever tasted. Image: Supplied.

We capped off the day with a sensational lunch at a local haunt, featuring fried fish with fresh lime, sweet plantains, fresh juices, and a super-strong piña colada. Returning to my cabin for a nap on crisp bedding while watching us depart port from my private balcony was absolute bliss.

Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos.

The final stop was Grand Turk island, Turks and Caicos. Like Princess Cays, this port was an invitation to relax, swim, and soak up the Caribbean sun just steps from the ship. It was the perfect place to say farewell to the Caribbean before our final day at sea.

While all four destinations were stunningly beautiful, San Juan is the place I'm most eager to return to for a longer visit. It was the perfect blend of old and new, with some of the best food I've ever had.

A close second is the Dominican Republic, where I sensed we'd barely scratched the surface of its rich, complex history, as well as the art and music scenes. I can only dream of returning someday for a night of dancing.

This experience taught me so much about these incredible places, and I feel far more informed and prepared for future Caribbean adventures.

One of the best aspects of the Enchanted Princess's port-day approach is that it allows guests to tailor their experiences. There's a variety of shore excursions to suit all ages and interests, but they're not mandatory. For those keen on a self-guided adventure, helpful resources and locals are available to help you design your day — just remember to return to the ship on time!

A working holiday.

Not the best at relaxing? Me neither! I find it easier to unwind if I can fit in a few hours of work. Thankfully, the Wi-Fi on the ship was phenomenal. My cabin featured a perfect workspace, and whenever I felt a bit cooped up, there were plenty of inviting spots to work from — a cosy bar corner with a cocktail, or the spectacular private deck, The Sanctuary, which is an adults-only oasis of tranquility. 

The perfect workspace. Image: Supplied.

If your work involves creative thinking, there's nothing quite like being surrounded by some of the bluest water I've ever seen to spark inspiration. And since good coffee is essential for productivity, you'll be pleased to know the Enchanted Princess has talented baristas serving flat whites using Lavazza beans.

Some serious pampering.

Burnout can also bring about those aches and pains we all know too well, especially with desk jobs. Add in the "winter skin" many Aussies experience, and I was in desperate need of pampering. This cruise features two unique settings designed for ultimate restoration and luxury: The Lotus Spa and The Enclave.

The Lotus Spa is located at the heart of the ship, and is equipped with numerous treatment rooms, as well as a salon. But as soon as you step inside, you can easily forget you're sharing the ship with nearly four thousand others — oh, the serenity!

I opted for a blissful two-hour Biotec body and facial treatment, and emerged from the treatment room in a state of pure bliss. The spa also has a hidden gem: the Enclave.

The Enclave at the Lotus Spa. Image: Supplied.

The Enclave is a VIP area within the spa, and features a whirlpool, three types of steam rooms, a sauna, and four unique showers, each with its own aroma. It rivals five-star hotel spas, and for a small fee, you can add this to your experience. I highly recommend it for at-sea days when you want a few hours of deep relaxation before attending the many exciting entertainment offerings in the evening, from standup comedy to karaoke, silent-discos to incredible stage-shows. 

Health and fitness.

Cruises often come with a reputation for indulgence, and if that's your thing, the Enchanted Princess has you covered. With over 20 restaurants, cafés, bars, and 24-hour room service, food and drink are available at every turn. The thought and care put into the culinary offerings onboard are astonishing, and the world-class chefs infuse passion into every dish.

However, cruises are evolving, and there are more passengers seeking healthier options, as well. Thankfully, the Enchanted Princess has all the ingredients for a DIY health and fitness retreat.

Squeezing a workout during a holiday is the best! Image: Supplied.

All restaurants offer fresh and healthy selections, showcasing Caribbean cuisine with fresh fish, vegetables, and more. The buffet and International Café feature green smoothies, fresh juices, and tropical fruits available around the clock.

The onboard fitness offerings also blew me away. The spacious gym provides everything you need for your workout routine, and a treadmill facing the stunning sea is enough to motivate anyone. Additionally, the fitness instructors offer a variety of classes — I booked sessions for Pilates, yoga, and deep stretching, with private sessions available.

If you're a step-counter, you'll easily meet your goals just by opting for the stairs over the elevator. And if you need more, the top deck features a walking track with 360-degree ocean views.

But hey, let's not forget this is a holiday. Work hard, play hard, right? One of the most incredible highlights of the cruise was a bespoke cocktail hour with Princess' official mixologist, Rob Floyd, who worked closely with none other than Matthew McConaughey to develop some of the best cocktails around. The spicy watermelon margarita using McConaughey's Pantalones tequila definitely counts as a healthy beverage… it's got fruit in it! 

Spicy watermelon margarita. Image: Supplied.

A week that feels like a month (in a good way)…

From the moment I boarded the ship to our final disembarkation, the incredible staff managed every detail with impeccable attention, allowing my sense of urgency to fade away completely.

My cabin was cosy and comfortable, and the chilled champagne waiting for me upon arrival was a lovely touch. I was surprised by how well I slept at sea, too. The beds were so luxurious that only the thought of the Caribbean beach could coax me out of them. Turns out there's a reason for that: Princess Cruises have actually designed their own mattresses for ultimate comfort, and as we all know, sleep is such an important part of any good holiday. 

What truly surprised me, though, was how restorative being at sea can be. Perhaps it's the distance from the endless to-do list, or the fact that you have to surrender to the journey and take your time. The three "sea days" we had felt like a gift; I genuinely found myself... wait for it... relaxing.

There were so many activities on the ship and during port days that every day felt fulfilling. By the time I disembarked back in Port Everglades, I felt as if I'd been away for ages (now I'm just trying to hold onto that cruise feeling for as long as possible). We all know the feeling of needing a holiday from our holiday, where the effort of travelling drains our energy instead of replenishing it. But this may just be the real X factor of cruising with Princess: they anticipate every need, allowing you to be present and soak it all in.

I travelled solo, but was surrounded by every possible configuration — extended families, young couples (even an onboard wedding!), girls' trips (both hens and bucket list), and travellers of all needs and abilities — all of whom were having the time of their lives.

If the flight from Australia to Florida seems daunting for this itinerary, I've got good news.

The sister ship to the Enchanted Princess, called The Discovery, will debut in Sydney on the 6th of December and will offer all the amenities, experiences, and charm I enjoyed on the Enchanted Princess, but instead of the Caribbean, it will take you to New Zealand, the South Pacific, and other enchanting "seacations."

Ideal itinerary for the Enchanted Princess or The Discovery.

If you do find yourself on board the Enchanted Princess or The Discovery, here is my ideal itinerary for a day at sea:

Watch the sunrise from the ship.

I highly recommend you set an alarm to watch the sunrise from the ship at least once… a sea day is perfect because when there's no port to explore, you can have a little nap later. Arrange for your coffee to be delivered to your cabin so you can watch the sky change colour from your balcony… or even your bed.

Start your morning at the state-of-the-art gym.

From sunrise, start your morning with one of the many classes available at the state-of-the-art gym. I recommend the Pilates class, which will get you ready for the dance floor later in the evening.

Get breakfast.

After Pilates, head to the buffet for brekkie, and don't forget to grab one of the delicious, freshly made green smoothies. 

Want to relax for a bit? Visit the Sanctuary.

Now… relax. Head to the Sanctuary and do absolutely nothing but take in the views, work on your tan and nap in the shade until lunchtime. The Sanctuary has its own incredible menu full of healthy bento boxes that you can eat in your cozzie while you keep an eye out for whales and dolphins. If the Sanctuary is too tranquil for you, there are numerous pools and sundecks to while away the arvo, but don't forget to stop by the gelato shop when you need a cool-down. 

Stop by the Enclave in the Lotus Spa.

After lunch, I recommend stopping by the Enclave in the Lotus Spa for a cool mist shower and a soak in the hot tub before returning to your cabin — which will have been tidied and cleaned by your steward — for a blissful nap. Keep the curtains open to watch the sea roll by as you prepare a little shut-eye. 

Take yourself to one of the bars.

After you've napped, showered and changed into some casual evening wear, take yourself to any one of the numerous bars on board the ship and order one of the spicy watermelon margaritas — you will not be sorry. Wherever you do, sit for a sundowner. You'll find live music, entertainment, and plenty of people to chat with as you wait for your dinner reservation. 

Dinner at 360 restaurant.

For dinner, you must book yourself into the 360 restaurant at least once. This isn't just a restaurant, it's an immersive, culinary experience that will leave you full of incredible food and wine, as well as highly entertained. It's tucked away in a secret spot on the ship and only serves a select number of guests at a time, which makes for a highly personalised experience with impeccable service. 

Watch the Rock Opera.

Make sure you order yourself an espresso (or an espresso martini), because after dinner, it's time to go to an incredible live performance in the theatre. There, you'll be blown away by the on-board, world-class talent. I highly recommend the Rock Opera — the fashion, the music, the dancing… chef's kiss!

Avail turn-down service to cap the night.

And finally, make your way back to your cabin, where the 5-star turn-down service will have your robe and slippers waiting for you.

Mamamia travelled as a guest of Princess Cruises. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.

Feature image: Supplied.