This was my second time for this tour (but new to my 3 companions) and it's really a great intro to the Western Med. I hardly think we had time to sit or sleep, we were so busy. We did have a Meet & Mingle on day of departure (thank you RCCL!!) but it was small, too quiet - too formal setting. We did Cruise Air for the first time; I was not happy that in order to go a day early or stay a day longer it would have cost a small fortune in charges. But, we did get excellent flights, they were on time, and I cannot complain. We had wanted some time in Barcelona and were lucky to arrive at 8:25a day of departure. RCCL was at the airport to meet us, and was kind enough to take our luggage right then even though we were not going on the transfer. This is not a guaranteed option, so we were pleased. I do lots of research on this site, and first time I took this same cruise I used all private guides, and everything was perfect. This time I did not get responses to have others join us (4 vs 8 in the 8 psgr Mercedes or VW vans make a difference because you pay the same price for the whole package). I had hoped to find others to join us once we were on board ship, but that was not to happen (you'll see a note about dining). Dining: The food was very good (not 5* but you have to realize how many people are being fed); service (Laarni and Samiyra)was outstanding - truly patient with us. Choices were varied, 6-8 choices for appetizers, same for entrees, and 4-8 dessert choices. Note: we really waste too much food by ordering more than one choice - please be considerate. My only complaint was that we were 4 and asked to sit at table for 8 so we could hear about others' experiences, or maybe find others to take our tours. RCCL gave us a table for 6; the other 2 people showed the second night and we never saw them again. The dining room looked to have LOTS of smaller tables, and you really felt a little isolated. In the mornings, RCCL has started an Express Breakfast, which is truly amazing! It's a set meal (bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, OJ, Coffee or ?) with open seating. They escort you to a seat, and our first time, I do believe they sat my plate down as I sat in the chair - whew! But it was great because we were in a hurry. Some days we did the regular dining for breakfast, and it was quite nice also. There are a lot of options on board for food, mostly free. I am pleased to say the coffee is an improvement for earlier years, and the Ben and Jerry's ice cream is great. Promenade and Entertainment: I did not like the Promenade decor, or the darkness of it. I thought it quite strange on a ship. The shops were ok, although be sure you bring what you need because they don't have much in the sundries or other items. I have had problems getting on the internet (using ship computers) in the past, and this was no exception. Don't waste your time. It's not inexpensive and takes too much time. A few in my party did use the hot tubs at night and said it was wonderful. During the sea day, finding a lounge chair on deck was tough - it's sad that there isn't some RCCL help when people leave a towel or something on a chair and then disappear for hours and others don't have an opportunity. Get out early if you want a chair. Cabin: We were on more of a budget this time, and having remembered how little time you have in the cabins, we opted for an inside cabin. Space was not a problem; the beds are most uncomfortable. (I was on Splendour last October and their beds were lovely!) We had no problems with the shower or facilities. We were slightly aft, but it was very smooth, no problems at all. NOTE: Cabin service was OUTSTANDING! Steffen must have replaced glasses or towels several times a day - best ever had. Tours/Private Guides: For 4 of us the ship tours would have been a little expensive; I also did not want to spend time waiting for my number to board, or have to walk the longer distances to sites because the buses cannot get close enough (roads are very small, everywhere, and traffic is unreal!!). I felt the fees were less than ship tours, including tip, even though it was expensive for just 4 people. I do all my cruise research on this site, and as soon as I knew we were going, I contacted the same companies I used last time (4 yrs ago). I cannot recommend them more highly-they were flexible with us, gave us personalized service, on time, very proud of their countries and their history. All of our guides spoke English, and were extremely well-versed on the history and sights. Through Barcelona tourism, I secured Marie Montcourt (Mariemontcourt@fastmail.fm) - she gave us a 4 hr tour that was fantastic, ending with a great tapas lunch and dropping us at the ship. You just can't pass up seeing the beauty of Barcelona and the Gaudi architecture. In Nice we used RevelationTours@aol.com for Monaco, Eze and LaTurbie. For Livorno and Civitavecchia we used www.limoinrome.com. Livorno was with Daniele, and we did the tower in Pisa and so much of Florence (sad that the best Museums are closed on Monday, but it was still wonderful - Daniele was super, and we ate at a wonderful Italian restaurant). Rome (inc the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St Peter's) was with wonderful Marcello (a 7th generation Roman you must know!). Naples (Pompeii, Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano) was a favorite, again with driveamalfi@hotmail.com. This time we had Salvatore Lucibello, terrific. A wonderful note: I asked to go to the same place for lunch as recommended by our driver 4 yrs ago - and would you believe that driver (Adriano) came in with a small group while we were there! We had another wonderful meal at the Ristorante San Giovanni in Pontone. In Sicily (Palermo), we decided to take it easy and browse the town and market. It is an easy 2 minute walk from the ship. It is also very easy to get lost, few people care to speak English. I would not go back. I didn't speak to anyone who did take tours so they may have seen or done more away from Palermo. Others in my group went to the Market and said it was great.