So We have only taken one other cruise and it was to the Caribbean aboard Royal. This was to the mediterranean (Spain, Italy, Greece, Malta).
The Good: The ship was wonderful - clean and modern. We had a balcony room and we surprised at how spacious the bathroom was.
The itinerary was phenominal even if the ports themselves weren't very attractive (its a big ship and that is limiting - so I get it).
Probably need to be booked - don't attempt on own due to limited transportation
So loved this port and how the turks treated us. Carpet demo was fascinating but keep your mouth shut or you'll face the hard sell.
nice - small and quick but an easy stop
Loved it - walked on our own and rented a car and saw a ton of the island. A highlight of the cruise
Darn French President was in town - missed most everything as we were in traffic for an hour and a half. Also you can't get close to the monuments like you can in Rome - If choosing between the two - choose Rome
Wish they spent more time here - so much more to see.
Avoid the Red Hop On Hop Off bus - they stranded us for an hour and a half. That said - make sure to visit Mdina - stunning !
Absolutely loved Rome - so much to see but so little time. The concierge was very helpful with assisting us in finding train travel info as all the excursions were already booked up. If you are going on your own - you don't have to get tickets ahead. You can get to the collesium and buy a tour to skip the line for this, the Paletine Hill, and the forum right outside. Then if you hurry you can also see the Trevi and the Pantheon. Much more than this and you may not make it back in time.
Went a few days before - you see much more than the cruise excursion which is really just a drive by of the great sites.