I called my husband on day 21 and requested that he pick me up at Port Everglades with an empty car. My mom and I live in Ft. Lauderale so we left with 2 suitcases and returned with 8. The trip over to Athens was tremendously stressful with my 80 year-old mother in tow. We left Miami with a connection in Toronto for London. My plane was delayed in MIa by 20 minutes; I had a 1 an 1/2 hour to catch the next plane. Do not connect in Toronto from US. It is a tremendous airport and we had to go through security and customs. Long story short, after running and huffing and puffing we got on the plane. The plane was about to take off and a very official lady with a walkie talkie said I couldn't get on. I looked at her and said I will miss my cruise and if you don't let me on I will have a heart attack. Anyways... We landed in London. Heathrow is not an easy airport either. Many people on the ship had similar stories of delays and lost suitcases. We arrived in Athens one day early as planned. Stayed at the Grande Bretagne and ate at restau reccommended near the square. Next morning went to the market and bought many spices at good prices,a little ouzo for the cabin. All ports were wonderful;can't detail them all. Weather was great. I was worried about Iskenderun,but it turned out to be a welcome adventure. I did a lot of research before the trip on each port. I do like to eat the local food. I did not eat much of the ship food ,only when I had to.

Passengers of all sorts-a lot of old people. Good for them they are still traveling. Even many handicap people. The crew always smiling and friendly. The officers also personable. The German head chef had a great sense of humor and I enjoyed his demonstrations. The days at sea a bit boring. They should have music by the pool even if it is just a guitar player. Hey ask Justin Miller!!!!!!!The sea was calm on the transatlantic part. I enjoyed eating alfresco at the back of the ship.The entertaiment was for the most part the 70-80 age bracket and the singers had 4 shows that they repeated. I caught up on my sleep and enjoyed stress free days. I shopped in every port; but, I do enjoy it. I was adventurous and in ports did take local trains and buses. I never felt unsafe. This is my tenth med cruise will I go again? for sure. I will eat in different restaurants talk to different people and have a different experience. Will I travel on Holland America ? Of course. I pick my trips by the itineraries. They have great ones.