First, a little background. This cruise was meant to be the cruise of a lifetime. It was the most expensive cruise I have ever taken, and was a great disappointment in several ways, although my friend and I had a great time.

This was my fourteenth cruise, first on Princess. I have cruised four times on Royal Caribbean, three each on HAL and Celebrity. Once each on Carnival and NCL. The chances I will sail again on Princess are slim.

Now, for the good stuff first. We took the pre-cruise package, Under the Tuscan Sun, with two nights in Milan and two nights in Florence. All arrangements were very well planned and well-handled. Not one, but two Princess reps met us at the airport in Milan! The hotel, Melia Milano, was very luxurious and not far from a Metro stop that allowed my friend and I to tour on our own the first day - we went to La Scala, the Duomo, and window shopped the Galleria area. On tour we saw Leonardo's Last Supper! The next two nights were in Florence at the Anglo-American hotel, with the world's smallest elevator! But the rooms were nice. The hotel restaurant was very expensive...one martini was nine Euros - about $14. The highlight of this tour was a lunchtime visit to an old winery, with a five course meal and wine. The countryside was lovely, the food was outstanding, and the wine was great! Read more