We arrived Venice 20 Oct, stayed at the Marriott near the airport. Took the ALILUGUNA to St Marks or bus to Piazza Roma. No negatives at all re the hotel, except that next time will stay in city. Took VIATOUR guided tours 21 ( (Walking tour of Venice, plus guided canal ride), 22 (tour of Murano, Burano, Torcello) Oct, always very satisfied.
Boarded ship 23 Oct, embarkation was fine, and relatively quick. Ship is very clean, and well maintained. We stayed on thru NY, so got to know many staff members. Marrianne and her partner, our room stewards were very efficient. We tipped them every friday. We always use the soda plan, so glad they still have that. First leg with excursions was Split (Historic walking tour), Corfu (Scenic Island and Flavors-Bella Vista and Distillery), Santorini ( Charming Oia Village-sunset and shopping), Mykonos (Scenic views-Taverna restaurant and church), Crete (Pottery and Vineyards-pottery and distillery), and back to Venice. All tours were enjoyable, tho we felt the time in Santorini was less than adequate. The view is the thing here, but arrived @ 4, left at 10PM. We ate at Orchid Garden, and Tequila as well as Grand Pacific and Magenta. All good meals, staff friendly, efficient.
Back to Venice, took monorail to P Roma. Found out later there was a free NCL shuttle. Massive amount of shopping 30 Oct around Rialto. Reboard was done smoothly, tho we cut it close, arriving back at 3:30. They announced a 2 for 1 deal at the specialties for all lattitudes members, and We made use of it, eating at Orchid 3x, Tequila 2x, Cagney's 3x. I like Orchid the best, Grace Salva M'D, runs it like a top. Had multiple entrees every night. My wife likes Cggney's, extra $ well worth the attention and better food. Then went to Malaga (Marbella and Banus), Cadiz (Stroll), Lisbon (Scenic), and Azores (passed on excursions, walked around town). Re Malaga, more time should have been given to shop in Marbella, and less in $$$$ Banus. The Cadiz stroll was fine for us, but lots of folks could not do the walking. I like this tour the best. Had time to shop, saw the fish market, awesome!!! Tho Azores needs to work at more interesting tours.
9574: Adequate storage, ok for 2, no more. No signs of wear. No sight restrictions from balcony.