Summary This was a trip of a lifetime and the best vacation ever. Just like the VISA commercial... family time priceless. After we returned, my 7 yr old was walking by a random painting at a doctor's office, and he said, "mom, look, it's the Parthenon!" We have family memories that no one can ever take away from us.
Background Information We are a family of 4 with 2 children ages 12 and 7. Two parents have traveled extensively in Europe, but it was the first time in Europe for the children. First cruise for dad and 2 kids. Itinerary was Barcelona, Marseilles, Livorno (Florence), Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, Mykonos, Istanbul, Ephesus, Athens, and Venice, with 2 sea days. It was very port intensive, and we were happy to see each sea day. Formal nights were held at the end of each sea day.
Travel to Port of Embarkation We flew from Denver to Barcelona on Lufthansa. Used frequent flier miles to upgrade to business class, and it was great, especially with the children. Of course, since they are picky eaters, they wouldn't eat anything, but the crew could not have been nicer. The lay flat beds were an added plus, and it was wonderful. We made sure to tell the kids that they might not see b-class again until they were 40.