Ours was an extended family group of twelve, with five teenaged cousins,two young adult cousins, three sisters, one husband and an 81 yr. mother. We had three D-1 staterooms and one grand suite. Air transportation was self booked non-stop from Phila. to Barcelona on U.S.Air. The trip over was uneventful, on time, with all baggage accounted for. We spent one night precruise at the Hotel Continental on Las Ramplas. Took the aerobus from airport to city center...just a short walk to the hotel. The hotel was quite economical, ideally situated, very clean, friendly, decent breakfast, free internet and drinks (including wine and beer 24 hrs.) The hotel itself is a bit quirky in decor, but met our needs..balconies overlooking Las Ramblas were entertaining with street performers below. Noise was not a problem. The beds firm, but not uncomfortable. We were pleased with our choice. Spent the day touring on our own, had paella for dinner and enjoyed a marvelous flamenco show in the evening. The next morning we took hop on and off buses for more touring. Boarded the ship around 1 p.m... embarkation was a breeze. Our stateroom was ready, and we were more than pleased with our aft corner location. The extra width makes a huge difference and the extended balcony was a dream. During the week we experienced no particular engine noise (just a low,lulling vibration when at sea), no soot problems, and did not notice a lack of breeze on the aft balcony. The Grand suite was well appointed with a spacious bath. Three of us used the concierge lounge which came with the suite on a daily basis. Martin, the concierge, is friendly and helpful in all matters. The continental breakfast complete with decent cappuccino, was a welcomed reprieve from the masses in the Windjammer..plus, free top-shelf liquor and hors d'oeuvres each evening! We found the Voyager in very good condition overall. Carpeting was being replaced efficiently with a minimum of inconvenience. This was the first cruise we had experienced where we felt in the minority as Americans with a predominance of Italians, Spaniards, Great Britainers and multiple other nationalities...an interesting mix of people that added to rather than detracted from our enjoyment. The main shopping area is glitzy and has a mall-type atmosphere. The casino is ample in proportion. The spa and gym have excellent amenities. The teenagers enjoyed the ice skating and rock climbing wall as well as a well-run teen club in the evenings. The pool was ever-crowded especially on the day at sea. The adult pool was a plus with padded lounge chairs and somewhat less noisy (do get there early on the day at sea.)We had no problem booking tours, even at the last minute. Entertainment was decent...the ice show should not be missed, the hand shadow show was fascinating, the magic show okay, the Broadway review could be skipped. We had main seating at 7 p.m.(this worked for us...the late seatings were just too late) with a table for twelve. The three-level dining room is magnificent with varied live music each evening. Service was efficient and amiable. As for the food, it was hit and miss. The soups were invariably excellent as were most of the appetizers and desserts. The Caesar salad was bad and the entrees were more miss than hit. Buffet food in the Windjammer was typical, but somewhat better than anticipated. We dined one evening at Portofinos which was a pleasant change of pace with only one thumb down in our group. Johnny Rockets for lunch on the day at sea was a good choice too. The different ports of call were a wonderful new adventure each day. Villefranche is an exceedingly lovely port. Ten of our group toured Monaco and Nice on a ship tour...(enjoyable, but most of the shops were closed on Sunday). My wife and I walked around town on our own and then took a short train trip and a bus ride up to the little medieval town of Eze. Most of the shops were open there. My wife bought perfume in the perfumeries, and we took a glorious luncheon on the terrace of the Chateau Eze with panoramic views on the mediterranean below. This was a pricey but definite highlight. Civitavecchia is not a pretty port...big and industrial. We went separate ways here with two staying on board for the day, five taking the ship all-day tour of the highlights of Rome, two taking an intensive ship tour of the Vatican, and three of us hiring a private driver (Rome Cabs) on a seven hour tour of the countryside. We visited Lake Bracciano and toured the castle where Tom and Katie Cruise were recently wed, the medieval town of Anguillara, and had a serene and satisfying lunch in the tiny hilltop town of Ceri. Be aware that on Mondays most of the museums are closed and adjust your itinerary accordingly.) Everyone had a great day. Ours was leisurely as opposed to the fast pace of Rome. Naples is big city port and an eye-opener to wake up to. We had prebooked two minivans (six in each) for an all-day tour of the Amalfi coast and a private tour of Pompeii. We booked through Benvenuto Limos. Our drivers/guides were fantastic. The traffic was unbelievable, but the drivers new every turn. The Amalfi coastline is incomparable. Positano is tony with high class shopping and very scenic. We had lunch high atop a hill above Positano. It was a "Italian Mama", set menu restaurant with an endless antipasta followed by multiple pastas, dessert, wine and lemoncello. Pompeii is awe-inspiring and extensive. Our two hour private tour with a fabulous guide, Vincenzo, only served to wet our appetite for a future visit. Everyone had a most memorable day. Malta was a surprise...what a beautiful port with its blend of European and North African ambience. The seven young people went on a sailing/snorkeling trip. Unfortunately, there were not enough snorkels, but they had a grand time swimming and jumping off the boat into the refreshing sea. One in our group took the handicraft tour to Medina which she found disappointing. Three of us went on the ship tour to the Blue Grotto and to a picturesque fishing village with brightly painted fishing boats. We also had time to jump in the Mediterranean for a quick swim. The tour bus broke down while we were at the grotto, but it was replaced rather quickly while we enjoyed a couple of beers in a local tavern. Some in the group were upset, but we have found it best to roll with the punches and make the best of any given situation. Do not miss being on deck when pulling out of this port. It was mesmerizing from our aft balcony! Palma de Majorca is yet another pretty port. The island itself is very scenic, mountainous and upscale. Some of the boys took the mountain biking tour (not for the uninitiated) and then went into town on their own. The rest of us took the ship "Orange and Olive Tastings" tour which was most pleasant, touring a lovely monastery, and hilltop towns with a delightful light lunch in an old olive oil mill, plus time for shopping. Self disembarkation could not have been simpler. We rolled our luggage off the ship before 7 a.m., Taxis were waiting. It's less than a half hour to the airport. Cabs run between 30 and 50 euros depending upon the number of people and the amount of luggage. Our return flight left at 9:45 which wasn't a problem in spite of the crowds at the airport. We connected in Madrid on the flight home. Be aware that changing terminals in Madrid is time consuming (a half hour commute). One bag didn't come through with all the others, but was returned in two day's time. In the end, we returned tired, but happy with lifelong memories. No cruise or vacation is ever perfect, and there are always factors over which one has no control...weather, airline delays, lost luggage etc. We were most fortunate to have perfect weather all week long (some days were actually cool) and smooth seas (I only felt a light roll one evening). Ultimately, a trip is what you make of it.