We chose this 14 day cruise as a combination of early in the summer so not too hot, the Mediterranean because it is relatively calm, the ports of call (Naples, Istanbul, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Mykonos, Athens, Santorini, Crete, etc.), and because of recommendations of friends that love Princess Cruises. We were very pleased with the ship, the crew and the overall experience. We had a cabin / double bed with a small couch and spent many evenings on the balcony watching the sunset. We ate both in the Horizon Court and in the formal, open-seating dining. I felt there was always a variety of excellent dishes and a changing menu. The different music in the Piazza and gatherings were well done, but sometimes crowded. We used Princess for the transfers from the airport to the ship and back and it was well organized and worth it.

We did a lot of excursions using the Princess (Pompeii, Ephesus, Crete, Athens), arranged our own in Istanbul, and did our own walking tours of Naples, Kusadasi, Mykonos, and Palermo). I thought the Princess' ones were fine. Our tour of the Acropolis/Parthenon was very early in the morning so we missed the crowds and it was cool. Santorini was my favorite Island; I found the views at the volcanic caldera to be especially breathtaking. The highest recommendation for Princess cruises and the Royal Princess is "Would you do it all again?" and I can write Yes, we are! We will be doing the 28 day Royal Princess tour of the Eastern Mediterranean in 2017!