Short flight with BA to HR and then shuttle to the Crowne Plaza was where it all began. The night at the Crowne Plaza was an added unexpected luxury with breakfast included. A short Taxi ride early next morning to Terminal 5 to catch BA 2hr. 20 mins flight to Rome. Met by RCI Reps. which is always reassuring, & then a speedy coach transfer to the Ship. Check-in was extremely efficient & in no time we were on board and in our GS. We were truly in a comfort zone where the highest standards were maintained. Our steward Vanessa, was so obliging & she maintained RCI's high standards throughout the 12 nights. A late lunch in the Windjammer followed by the mandatory drill. A quick change and then off for drinks in the Concierge Lounge. Our host was Luca ably assisted by Joseph & David who took such good care of us throughout the whole cruise. Our meal that evening was in Portofino where we took advantage of the 2 for 1 offer from our value booklet (being Diamond+ members). This was an exquisite culinary experience to be repeated. First Port was Naples - horrendous traffic so not for the faint hearted but we believe a pedestrian tunnel is being constructed. Easy to take a ferry over to Capri - which leaves very close to the Ship. A day's cruising & then Piraeus - just a short walk & we caught a red bus, a hop on and off service to Athens. An inexpensive short journey to see the Acropolis etc. Really worth doing. Next day Kusadasi - a taxi up to Ephesus and Mary's House - an exciting & emotional experience. Then of course, the shops where you really can pick up a bargain but you must negotiate! Rhodes next day, a firm favourite of ours. The old City does not change - full of history & bargains for the shopper. Day at Sea - the Ice Show (we have seen quite a few) but this was spectacular, The Big Top. Not to be missed. Next day Ashdod for Jerusalem. Taking a ship's tour is a must - quite expensive but well worth the cost. This was our 4th visit & the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Memorial could not be missed. Very highly recommended. The visit to the Western (or Wailing) Wall was badly timed coinciding with "school out". However, this was still an emotional experience. Finally, the half hour stop at a Jewellery Outlet could have been missed - everything was so expensive coupled with exhaustion after all the walking. Haifa next - we stayed on board but many took advantage of the further tours. Next day cruising & then lastly a short visit to Chania in Crete. Took the shuttle in but found very little of interest - in future would give it a miss. After a 4th day of cruising we were back to Civitavecchia. Having read various Reviews about this particular Cruise on Mariner, we wish to put the record straight - the Ship was absolutely spotless & choice & quality of the food on offer was excellent. This cruise was a magical experience - which you know cannot last! Disembarkation was fast & efficient - straight onto a coach with the luggage & off to the airport. BA flights to HR & then shuttle up to Newcastle. Would certainly like to do this one again!!