What a marvelous place.  We arrived three days prior to embarkation and, obviously, didn't have enough time to see everything.  We did visit some highlights,... Vatican City, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and etc., so didn't go away disappointed.  Don't miss the free walking tour that starts each evening from the Spanish Steps (www.newromefreetour.com).  We had an easy pace and very knowledgeable tour guide.

We stayed at the Relais dei Papi, a small hotel near the Vatican.  It extraordinarily neat and clean (recent renovations ?), economical, with first-rate helpful and English speaking staff.  We didn't go wrong with any of their eating suggestions, directions, and help for getting a taxi or etc.  A very good breakfast was included each morning and the coffee/tea/espresso/hot chocolate and juice/water machines were always available in the breakfast area.  There always seemed to be snacks available, too.

We used Rome Cabs for our transfer from the FCO airport to our hotel.  These guys are great!!  Our driver was waiting for us at the meeting point (just like they show in their video), helped us to the Mercedes sedan, and got us right to the front door of our hotel.  As confusing as the streets of Rome can be, our driver was very knowledgeable.  One comment/warning; beware of any other limousine company with a look-alike name, and even other drivers at the meeting point holding a placard with your name.  This is Stefano Costantini's company: Rome Cabs (romecabs.com).

We took a train from Rome to the port at Civitavecchia but avoided the crowds, hassles, and hazards of the Termini Station (Rome's grand central station).  Instead we caught the train at the Roma S. Pietro station which is near the Vatican City and close to our hotel.  This is a small station that was very easy, convenient, and economical for us.

Rome (Civitavecchia)

Livorno (Pisa/Florence):

This was a great port of call and, like Rome, there certainly isn't enough time to see it all.  We booked a private excursion through Rome Cabs, the same company we used for our transfer from the FCO airport to our hotel in Rome.  Our guide/driver was very informative and, as the mini-van could get us right to the various attractions, required very little walking.  We went to the Field of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower, stopped at Piazzale Michelangelo (Michelangelo Square) for a panoramic view of Florence, visited the Accademia Museum, Signoria Square, saw the "old bridge" (Ponte Vecchio), as well as a number of marvelous cathedrals and other sights. On the way back to the ship our driver/guide even stopped at a grocery store so we could pick up a few things.  As noted in my comments about Rome, this is Rome Cabs (romecabs.com), Stefano Costantini's company.  Beware of any other limousine/tour company with a look-alike name; the service and value might not be as great as the REAL Rome Cabs.

Florence (Livorno)

Barcelona is another marvelous place that cannot be appreciated in just a short, one-day visit.  We did take the hop-on/hop-off bus tour which was most enjoyable.  The recorded narration was understandable and keyed or timed to correctly describe whatever we were near or passing at the time.  There were three separate loops (we only rode on parts of two of the loops) which made it quite easy to see a lot of Barcelona in a short period of time.

Barcelona

This was our last stop, the port of debarkation.  Although we have enjoyed the hop-on/hop-off water taxi on previous visits to Ft. Lauderdale, this trip was just dinner with a friend and a layover for our flight the next morning.  The Ramada Inn Cruiseport is a nice and convenient facility although, with our early flight, we missed the breakfast that was included with the room.

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)

The seventh-level, forward-facing, Ocean View staterooms (Category 7?), are probably ones to be avoided. When docking or undocking the mechanical noise and vibration is horrible.  It is unbelievably loud and probably rates a significant score on the Richter Scale, making it difficult to carry on a conversation or even hear the television.  It is at the level of the helipad, so the next level up may provide a better view (but when you're at-sea, it probably doesn't make much difference).  At least it was quiet after we were docked in port or while we are at sea.  Wish we had known about the noise in advance.

The closets don't seem to be as deep as we had on a previous cruise, we had to tuck the clothes we had hanging in order to close the door.  Drawer space is limited, but not a problem when also using the suitcases stored under the bed.

The location is at the forward end of the ship so, with respect to traffic and hallway noise, it is nice and quiet.  The slanting, forward-facing window makes the cabin larger (or seem larger).  It had two chairs but would have been nice if there was a couch and a bigger table to play cards and etc.  There certainly is enough room for different furniture.

Toulon, France (our 3rd port, but not listed in the drop-down selections for a review):

Not happy about the $25 that the cruise ship charged us for the bus to get to and from the pier/dock.Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal (our 6th port, but not listed in the drop-down selections for a review):

This was the only port of call on this cruise where we took a shore excursion offered through the ship.

Celebrity Equinox Review

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Ocean View 7

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