We just returned from 5/13 sailing on Princess' Emerald Princess.Found booking flights with Princess for Business Class less expensive than internet rates. Be sure and do Princess' bus transport. It's much easier to transfer to ship that way. Venice airport full of Princess staff to help collect luggage for shuttle bus. Quick embarkation, than onto ship to find a beautiful suite in midship. It is smaller than most ship suites, but very comfortable, with love seat sofa and 2 chairs. Good closet space with lots of drawer space through out cabin. We had larger balcony(4 chairs/small round table and 2 cushioned lounge chairs), but space is tight. Had flower arrangement, corsage/boutonniere(formal night),chilled champagne,canapes, and fruit bowl awaiting us. Cabin stewart, Aurajon, immediately introduced self and was an excellent stewart and so very helpful. Ship is beautiful and smaller pool areas, dining rooms, really helps lend to a more intimate atmosphere. Never felt overcrowded with people. "Movies Under the Stars" is really fun with covered lounge chairs, warm blankets, and bags of popcorn. Later on, warm chocolate chip cookies/milk are passed out. We enjoyed most of the entertainment, especially the specialty acts. Opera singers, string orchestras, especially The Venice orchestra were superb. Comedian, Carlos Oscar was hilarious and G-rated ! Food was better than expected, with Caribe Cafe serving different cuisine nightly, as well as the main dining rooms. Sabitini's was an event. Our waiter was excellent as he served cold and hot appetizers, pasta dishes, entree(scallops were wonderful),and dessert. Alot of food, so come hungary. Enjoyed sunset with this leisurely dinner.
The port lecturers really help prepare you for each port, with lots of history, things to see, best ways to get places, and even suggestions on the best priced souvenirs. If you miss a lecture, you can watch it on your TV. Port lecturer David Toulson made the sail aways special, as he commented on points of interest/historical facts. A dramatic sail away from Venice, as David lectured followed by music of Andre Boticelli. Awesome ! Also on board was astronaut, Walter Cunningham, who lectured on Space. Wonderful !
Shore excursions were almost all good experiences. They gave you flavors of each port visited. If it's your 1st visit to The Mediterranean, you'll see the highlights only. The guides were very knowledgeable, except for our guide in Rome. The tour with the lunch at a villa in Tuscany (Florence)is not to be missed;beautiful location and wonderful food. You can do Mykonos on your own. Just take the shuttle bus to Mykonos Town. Be sure and have lunch at one of the restaurants on the waterfronts. Good shopping there also.