In general, from previous experience on the Grand Princess, we found the ship to be somewhat disappointing. The ports of call, however, were great, starting in Civitavecchia, and traveling to Florence, Cannes, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Casablanca, Cadiz, Lisbon, Vigo, Le Havre, and Southampton.

The Princess-arranged pre-cruise extension in Rome at Hotel Cicerone was very nice. Clean hotel, clean rooms, helpful English-speaking staff, and centrally located to just about everything. They also have an in-room safe, for storing valuables. The breakfast buffet at the hotel was quite nice, but not fancy. Still, better than trying to find a restaurant for breakfast in Rome. Princess had local agents in the hotel daily to answer questions and help with transfers. They were also great for local information.

Once onboard, we found the cabin to be clean and bright, although the bathroom had a slight odor that campers would be familiar with. It lasted a couple of days, then disappeared. We did note that the food quality and service has deteriorated, both in the buffet and in the Da Vinci and Michelangelo dining rooms. Our waiter in the Da Vinci dining room the first night repeatedly picked up the water pitcher with his thumb over the lip of the pitcher, submerged in the water. After that, we only ate in the Michelangelo. This is an unpleasant and unsanitary but not-uncommon staff training issue. Read more