We are experienced independent travelers who have recently started using cruises as a means of easily and cheaply getting from one place to another.
We combined a 14-day segment from Istanbul to Barcelona (Istanbul, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Antalya, Port Said, Alexandria, Katakolon, Corfu, Messina, Naples, Barcelona) with another 14-day segment from Barcelona to Tampa (Barcelona, Cartagena, Malaga, Cadiz, Funchal, Tampa).
We arrived in Turkey a week early and flew to Cappadocia (somewhat overrated but worth a day or two) then on to Istanbul (a fantastic city). We stayed at the Azze Hotel. The Azze Hotel is very inexpensive and sits in a wonderful location a few steps from the "Tunel" Funicular which takes you right down to the Galata Bridge. The manager, Tugba (pronounced "Tuba") was a wonderful young lady with a pleasant attitude and many good suggestions. The main pedestrian shopping street and dining/bar scene is less than 6 minutes walk away.
PROS: Clean, roomy for two (larger than most standard ocean-view cabins on other lines), nice sitting area and work/makeup counter, good size bathroom with shower and tub large enough to be quite functional, good size window, comfortable bed, plenty of closet space and under-bed space for clothes and suitcases. Cabin is far enough from the stern that engine vibration and mechanical noises are kept to a minimum while underway. CONS: The steward's utility closet is nearby across the hall. As soon as room servicing begins around 7:30am each morning, the noise from scooping ice into buckets acts as a second alarm clock. Window shelf and curtains show significant wear and are in need of replacement. Cabin is just below the Promenade deck so muffled walking and moving of deck chairs can be heard from time to time (in addition to the early morning hose-down of the deck). Mechanical noises can be heard when docking but are much more subdued than the noise in cabins further aft.