We left from Barcelona on Sunday.  Embarkation was a breeze.  The Gem is a very nice boat, very comfortable beds. Luckily, we had a day at sea on monday which we enjoyed relaxing by the pool  Went to Malta on Monday.  Itis beautiul early in the morning when the sun is coming up.  The island itself is beautiful and very clean.  We got a cab for 2 hours for 60 euros.  Well worth it. We went to the presidential garden, a glass factory and then on to Mdina-a beautiful city within a fort-very well maintained.  Then we went to Valleta and walked around.  Very nice city-clean and the food is reasonable. We went to a church I think St. John's that was beautiful inside.  Many knights tombs wre in there.Then we walked back to the ship from there.The next three days we hired a drive from yourtourinitaly.com.  That was the best move we made!!! The first 2 days we had Aldo.  He speaks very good English, is most knowlegable of his country and extremely pleasant to be around.  We left the port of Naples and drove to Sorrento.  Walked around there for awhile, had a cappacno, and then on to Positano, a beautiful town overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  Shopped for awhile and then drove up to the top of the mountain to a  wonderful Italian retaurant that served lunch family style with wine.  Wonderful desserts and of course,Limoncello.  Then of to Pompeii.  Aldo  arranged for us to have ourown personal guide there for 2 hours.  well worth it.  Just an amazing place.  The next day we met Aldo at 7:30 and off we were to Rome.  We got to the Coliseum before any of the tour busses and the big crowds.  Aldo made sure we saw as much of Rome as we possibly could.We ate lunch at his favorite pizza place.  Very good, very thin pizza.  Als had some garlic bread that was to die for.  I think having a private driver is the only way to go.  We saw so much more of Rome than you could possibly see on a tour bus.  It may be a little pricey but well worth it!!  The next day we had a different.  driver.  He was good, also.  Went to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and then on to Florence.  Another beautiful cfity.   Saw  the swatue of David-absolutely breath taking.  The next day we went to Cannes.  We had hoped to get a cab but there were none around. Didn't realize it would be so hard to get a cab.  Took a trolley tour.  Just okay.  Should have  planned. this port better.                             The ship itself was nice enough.  The food in the main dining room was adequate, some nights there were no choices we lik ed and .  Ate at La Cucina twice.  It was good with good service.  Le Bisto is amust well worth the$15 cover charge!!!outstanding food, marvelous desser.. Also ate at the Blue Lagoon a couple of times.  It is on the 8th floor  far away from the maddening crowd at the buffet.  Good burgers dogs and fish and chips.  Didn't care much for the buffet.  Too crowded and food was  cold.  Enjoyed all the shows except the comedian/illusionist.  Second City was hysterical.  Enjoyed the casino.  It was just a most memorable week  Wish we were still there.ts