We spent 3 days at the Renaissence Barcelona prior to departure not only to see that wonderful colorful city but to ensure that we would board completely relaxed. This great hotel takes you to the front door of the Gem for only 10 Euros. The welcome staff was so efficient and polite that it seemed they knew us forever. They greet you with a glass of champagne , swipe your room card and your on board at 1 pm . We slipped the key card into our room on the 5th floor and were pleasantly surprised with a super comfortable King size bed , flat screen with Fox news, and a huge 3 x 5 picture window and a bathroom so clean you could eat off the floor . After a quick hello to " Coma " our room steward , we are off to explore this magnificent freestyle ocean liner . The Theater was huge and resembled something you would find on Broadway and the entertainers were top quality . The pool had a giant slide and the water was blue. It wasn't even 1:30 and the chairs were filling up. By the way ,the free dining immediately offered up / Spanish/ Indian/ Mexican/ Chinese/ German/ Arabic , I could go on + on they had every meal possible including Sushi . Not hungry but ready for dessert ? -how about 15 kinds of ice cream ? The casino was also very nice but it took the entire 7 days for us to win our money back. Listen up folks ! If you do take this wonderful cruise you must take the tours . At first we were sceptical and they were a little expensive but now that we are home and have stories to tell about Malta castles and churches,the ruins of Pompeii with mumified people , the leaning tower of Pisa that is in such great condition , it looks like they built it yesterday , the delicious ice cold Gellato in downtown Roma , the collosium , the Trevi Fountain ( we threw in a couple of coins )the powerful feeling of standing in Vatican square which is its own country , the easy subway system , and who will ever forget seeing the lovely Grace Kelly's picture on every corner of Monaco or St Nicolas church where she got married to Prince Rainer and is buried there alongside him , the coffee at the Cafe de Paris and winning a few bucks in their casino and taking our pictures next to the Ferrari's and Mesarati's parked just in front, dozens of them . WOW ! THANK YOU , Capt Jules for your private world of non stop fun .