My husband and I took the 12 day Grand Mediterranean cruise on the Emerald Princess leaving from Venice on June 29th. It is a gorgeous ship and the entertainment was the best we've ever seen on any cruise yet. A super hotel to stay at before the cruise for 2 days is the Antiche Figure in Venice right on the Grand Canal and not too far from the cruise terminal in Venice. You'll need to take a water taxi if you are over 50 years old and need to carry luggage. Try and share with another couple from the hotel to the ship and it will cut your cost to 40 euros from 80. The bridges will kill you to carry your luggage up and down all of those steps in the heat! We know because we took the ACTO bus from the Venice airport and from Piazza Roma we had to carry our luggage in the heat up and down many steps to the hotel. It was a nightmare, so be prepared.

Our cabin on the Emerald was R 705 and it was near the elevator and was a bit noisy. Our stateroom had a balcony which was nice and being on the Riviera deck, we were only one flight of stairs from the buffet above and the terrace pool was very close by,too (adult only pool). The food was very good and the chef had many specialties in the Anytime Dining , which we chose. You could eat in Da Vinci, or Michelangelos, the Caribe Buffet, Pizza Bar, Hamburger Grill or Room Service for breakfast on your balcony. That was the only way to dine for us and we hardly ever had to wait more than 5 minutes for dinner with Anytime Dining. The Crown Grill was superb ($25 extra) but well worth the extra fee. Sabatini's was outstanding and only $20 extra). The choices of places to eat were very good, especially Sabatini's Italian 6 course meal! Outstanding, and we have been on many cruises. Also the laundromat was close by our cabin. ( 6 quarters each machine)

My husband developed pneumonia shortly after boarding the ship. The medical staff of 2 doctors and 4 nurses took x-rays, did blood tests, and quickly had a diagnosis of a lung infection. They immediately put him on iv steroids, as well as many other meds, and he only missed one port of call. They were most efficient and professional. He did recover well and it didn't spoil the entire trip. Be sure that you have good medical trip insurance to cover these emergencies because you never know. Read more