We got to Venice three days early- (the Bucintoro Hotel is wonderful)! You need 3 days to really see and experience Venice (and to take care of the jet lag). We took the vaparetto to the Spirit- so easy. Check in for the cruise was busy but pretty simple- give your baggage to them and it's the start of being pampered. We booked some of the tours with the ship- most of them were excellent and informative. The Izmir port excursion was a little irritating. We didn't see some of the ruins because of a leather factory fashion show. But,the other ports had great excursions- I loved Rome, crowded but beautiful. Don't be afraid to use private companies for excursions- we had some great private tours in Istanbul-which is beautiful and Athens and try the motorcycle sidecar tour in Barcelona!
The Spirit has a lot of things to do, relax on deck in the quiet zone, tan and mingle out by the pool or party in the Beer Garden. We met a lot of great people on the ship and in the Bingo matches (I was only 2 numbers away from the free trip that was given out as a prize)!
Our room was spotless, I love the balcony room! Water pressure in the shower was great- Plenty of room to put your luggage. The staff on the Spirit works so hard to take care of you and the ship- do they ever sleep? I really appreciate the Washy-washy-happy-happy staff at the entrances to the eating areas- thank you.
our cabin was excellent- middle of the ship, balcony, nobody across from us, quiet neighbors, close to the elevators. The closet space was fine. The only complaint I have is the air conditioner blew in your face in bed all the time. We had to deflect the air flow on one side so we could sleep.