For perspective, we are an American couple in our 50's. We booked this cruise for the itinerary of almost all places we had never been to before. We are now "empty-nesters" so this was a chance for us to travel off season and enjoy each others company.
We chose to embark on the late side to enjoy some more time in Barcelona. After maybe a 10 minute cab ride from the Duquesa Suites we were at the port where we found embarkation to be quick and efficient. As non-EU resdidents, our passports were held for the cruise and returned to us the morning of disembarkation. Also, Costa's terminal in Barcelona is beautiful, lots of natural light. Coming back, disembarkation was very well organized, but since we were disembarking at the same time as everyone else there were some lines.
Operationally, the cruise was excellent. Always punctual, and the ship is kept very clean. The decor is "loud", but we liked it. Especially liked all the sculptures in the main atrium of the ship.
Rear facing balcony with good storage space. Everything in good working order and cabin was kept immaculately clean.
In Marseille, we took a taxi to Aix-en-Provence. Pricy at €60, but we didn't want to waste time going into Marseille to catch a bus or train. We spent a lot of time in the Saturday market looking at the food and handicrafts, and my wife bought some clothes. We had wine and appetizers at Vintrepide, which we just stumbled upon and thoroughly enjoyed. Wandered around the rest of the town before catching a taxi back to the port. Great day with great weather!
Sadly, our ship excursion for wine and truffles from Savona was cancelled.
So, we spent the day on our own. Saw the small Sistine chapel and the fortress. There is an exercise group that meets at the fortress on Sunday mornings, so we saw lots of people in red shirts exercising and running around the fort. Walked through the waterfront fair (children oriented) and made our way to a restaurant called Luna. Thoroughly enjoyed it there. The owners liked practicing their English with us, and made a custom pasta dish when we had a "gee wouldn't it be nice if..." request.
So, Savona was nice enough, but I don't think there is more to see there.
We both loved Malta. We just walked around on our own and found it very scenic and charming--and quite different from other places in the region. We took the Barrakka lift up to the city from the port (5 minute walk, 1 Euro) and loved the view from the canon battery when you first reach the top. We then went on the 1 hour (English only) tour of Casa Rocca Piccolo which was very nice, and good to see the interior of a mansion still in use. St John's co-Cathedral was mobbed with people, it's beautiful, but was too crowded to enjoy. We walked around quite a bit, enjoying every step, and then stopped for some Rabbit Spaghetti (Malta specialty) at Luciano's which was recommended by an English couple we were chatting with.