I travelled with a large group of 68 but my small group of family and friends consisted of 16 women ranging in age from 25-52 with one 14 yr old. We arrived on the ship just in time for the muster drill. Talk about cutting it close. This was my fourth cruise, first with RCCL. Overall, I would give it an 8 out of 10. Three of our balcony cabins were on the 6th deck and the carpet smelled very musty. Down the hall in front of one of our inside cabins, the carpet smelled even worst. Dining service was OK to say the least. Their lunch selections definitely needs improvement. Coming back from one of 8 hour tours a couple of us couldn't find anything on the buffet worth eating. Everyone does not eat pork or hot dogs. I settled for a salad. The Carmen Dining Room on Deck Three had an odor as well. Service at our early seating was mediocre. Some of our tables were always finished at least 45 minutes before we were. Not sure what that was about. Sometimes we got all of our appetizers, sometimes we didn't. I think there was a conspiracy going on b/c twice I asked for a baked potato but didn't received it. LOL. Maybe they were trying to tell me something. Entertain was OK. The first show wasn't that great at all. Ice show were two nights in a row and once you saw it the first night there was no need to see it again. Yet, there was very little else to do. Activities needs improvement. Sunday, our little group took the train to Monaco. All the shops were closed but it was a delight to see the town.

Monday and Tuesday I arranged private tours with Rome in Limo for two vans for Florence/Pisa and Rome. WOW. What an incredible time we had. I recommend these folks highly. They showed us some many things I couldn't begin to list them all. They were very accommodating. Took us to two nice restaurants for lunch and even a stop for ice cream. My daughter has 400 pictures if that's any indication. I definitely helped the Italian economy along in the shopping area they took us to. Wednesday we decided to strike out on our own in Naples. We came across a very friendly older Italian gentlemen who took the 8 of us under his wing. He took us on the bus to the top of the mountain for the most amazing view and a stop at a local cameo store. We would have never felt comfortable doing this on own as we were warned to be careful of our possessions and surroundings. He also took us to a restaurant for lunch, a taste of limoncello and wine. Thursday was Palermo and we basically just wandered the streets for a little shopping and came back on board. Friday was the day at sea thank goodness b/c I was exhausted. This was truly a cruise of a lifetime in that I don't know when I'll ever get the chance to go back to these place and especially with the family I travelled with; e.g. sister, daughter, three nieces and a great niece and friends. Although my niece and one of my daughter's friend's luggage was lost for the first three days and it rained 70% of the time, overall I'd say we had a great time. We stayed at the Hotel Catalonia Ramblas in Barcelona for one night after the cruise. Great bathrooms, hard beds. Ventured out to Las Ramblas to see the sights then hopped the tour bus to see the City. A must see is LaSagrada Familia. WOW. What a church!!!! I put it right up there with St. Peter's Basilica.