I had the chance to book a 12 day Venice Mediterranean cruise on the Brilliance of the Seas. There were 3 of us, myself, my Oldest Alex who is active military and my 16 year old son. Let me tell you how it all started. By the way I forgot to tell you that 1 week before my cruise my house was struck by lightning, the master and garage were completely damaged and we had to move the master bedroom to the living room temporarily (but that's another story), fortunately, my husband was not going with us so he stayed behind to take care of the mess. On July 17th we left to Orlando Intl Airport for a supposed 7:AM flight with Delta. When we get there, they tell us the flight has been changed to 9:00 AM. I checked by luggage and the attendant told me that they would deliver the luggage to Iberia Airlines when we get to JFK. (big mistake). We leave Orlando @ 10:00 AM. and arrive @ Kennedy where my oldest was waiting for us. By the time we get to Iberia check-in it was about 2:00. We check in and I ask the attendant if my luggage had arrived @ the Iberia site and they said yes. Our flight was for 7:00 PM. This plane was huge and packed to the limit. The seats were uncomfortable and the stewardesses was even worse. I'll never fly Iberia again if I can help it. We get to Madrid in just enough time to catch a connecting to Barcelona which is about another hour. We get to Barcelona airport and it was a madhouse!!!. When we get our luggage, my oldest got his 2 and my four luggage were missing!!. I almost had a coronary. I go to the desk and they punch in my tickets and they find that 2 of luggage was still at Kennedy and the other 2 they did not know. All I wanted to do was get to my hotel, take a shower and relax. I had nothing to wear. We take a cab (smaller than a civic where 2 pieces of luggage almost didn't fit.) to our hotel (I don't remember the name b/c it also was a big disappointment) I booked a 4 star near Las Ramblas and this hotel would be a 2 star in the U.S. Please be careful when booking european hotels, their standards are not the same as ours. The staff was rude, the elevator was so small only 2 or 3 people could fit in and the bathrooms were awful. I was able to get my 2 pieces of luggage that same night. After many calls to the airport and my travel insurance (which cost me an arm and a leg) they found my other 2 pieces and was told I would get them by thursday night (the cruise was leaving the next day Friday). So here I am in a very happy mood and can really enjoy Barcelona, my son and I go out to Las Ramblas which is a hub of activity at night. It was very nice however, everything was so expensive!!!. I was not impressed at all. When we get to the hotel my luggage was not there!!! it was about midnight. I called the airport and was told that if I wanted to get the luggage on time I would have to go get it myself. So Friday, the day of the cruise I take a cab @ 7:AM to the airport which cost me 40 euros, walk everywhere and I finally find my luggage, I take another cab and get back around 11:AM. We get to the Brilliance of the Seas and it looks magnificent!!!, the checking process was so smooth!!! I was suppose to be upgraded but was told the ship was sold out, no empty rooms at all. We were in the ship in less than 1/2 hour. Our room was ready and we were able to go in and relax. That night there was hardly any activity b/c people were tired. I had decided to get into Barcelona 2 days before the cruise and boy was I glad b/c there were many people on that ship that arrived that same day of the cruise and there luggage was lost. The ship was clean but you can tell that it was getting old!!!. It is small compared to other RC ships I have been on. The people were mostly in there late 30's, 40's. I did not see alot of 20 somethings. I guess b/c this cruise is not cheap. Our port stops were Naples, Rome, Venice, Florence, Corfu, Croatia, Rome, Monaco. What I can tell you is that the all the excursions we took were from Royal Caribbean, my son and I did alot a research and we definitely wanted to see the Colosseum in Rome, Pompeii. The excursions were fantastic, they included lunch. We had lunch in Sorrento in a 5 star hotel where we were greeted with champagne, the food was fantastic, however they serve everyone with wine so my youngest had to remind them that he needed to drink water. Monaco was beautiful, one thing that would always amaze was the scenery, what a beauty it is. In Venice we went to the island of Murano and took a Gondola ride, what fun!!!!. We staid 2 days in Venice and were able to see it @ night. The only things I bought in Europe was Linen, everything is so expensive. I bought perfume in Monaco and when I wear it everyone ask me where did I get it. The only disappointment was Corfu, it was so dirty!!!. The shows were fantastic and the food was good, not as good as Voyager or Freedom of the seas. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The weather was in the middle 80's and low 90's but there was also a wonderful breeze. You have to try Lemoncello. I know that after a disappointing start once I got on the cruise everything was wonderful. The view from the balcony was excellent especially when you are coming into Venice what a sight to see!!!!. My son won the Poker Tournament on the ship and got a trophy and $3,000. He was so happy, after that he won another grand so he made out very well!!!. I would definitely recommend you take a cruise to europe. I am definitely going back probably in 3 years and with Royal Caribbean. I really enjoyed the time I spend with my son and I am happy to say that my house is back in order, it did take 4 months, but like I said, that is another story. My next cruise is a family cruise on the Liberty of the Seas and an 8 day cruise next year on the Carnival Miracle, (I hope I like it b/c I have been spoiled by Royal Caribbean). If you want more detailed info on the cruise or the excursions I took, please do not hesitate to e-mail me, I'd be happy to help.

Advice: do alot of research. and splurge on the excursions, they are worth it!!!. thanks