We are a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 teenage kids. We the adults have been on a total of 3 cruises before 2 Carnivals and one Norwegian. So, we are not first time cruisers. This was quite different than going on Carnival to the Caribbean as the passenger were really from all over the world, so lots of different cultures, languages to cater to ,tough most everything was announced in English. We were actually planning to go to Hawaii, when we found this cruise to Europe for a bit less, so we completely change our plan and choose this Mediterranean cruise. So, we started in Barcelona on the July 11th sailing, we did arrive early in the morning in Barcelona, so we went straight to the port to drop off our luggage and then back to visit Barcelona a bit before we embark . We had lunch on La Rambla, the main street in all Barcelona, where all the entertainment is at, street vendors, and performers as well as scammers and pickpocket. Watch out for the card game scammers. We had plenty of time to eat lunch leisurely, drink some Sangria, then start heading back to the port for embarkation, the weather was great. The embarkation process took about an hour which was pretty normal, the only thing I didn't quite understood, is they kept our passports until the day before we got to Rome. We had to go retrieve them at one of the bar onboard. We got onboard about 2:30PM; we took a stroll around the ship, and then went to check out our rooms. We had 2 rooms, one balcony (9668), one inside view (9627). The rooms, are pretty similar in size as what we experience with Carnival on the conquest, you do have a hairdryer, but no iron. We really enjoy the balcony for the sunset or sunrise depending which direction we were going. Since we turn when we go around Sicily, we had the sunset up to Malta, then sunrise after. I'm not sure if it's because we drop our luggage off early in the morning , but by 5:00PM , we still did not have them, so I went to inquire, and was able to get them from the room steward. We left Barcelona as scheduled 7:00PM; we went to eat at the Garden cafe (Buffet) that night. They had quite a wide array of choices pizzas, pasta, Indian food, sushi California roll, large salad bar, and many other choices. The next day was at sea, so we took time to find the fitness center, it is located at the starboard side, on the Conquest it is right at the front, and I though that was much better view as you use all the cardio equipment. Also around 6 PM it got quite busy and we had to wait for cardio equipment to be available. The spa is right next door, I did not use the spa so I wouldn't be able to comment. My kids are too old to participate in any of the kids activities. We did not prebooked any shore excursions via Norwegian. In Malta, we just took a hop on/hop off style tour of Valetta and Mdena, it was 15 euros per person, and you get the earphones, with commentary in multiple languages. At the end they drop you in downtown, and another bus comes every 15 minutes I think that will take you back to the port. We tought for the amount of time available, this was the best we could do, as you leave back at 3PM sharp. That evening we decided to try the French restaurant which was really good. In Naples, we had already prebooked ticket on the hydrofoil via SNAV to Capri island.We did not do anything at all in Naples, or Pompei.Honestly, Capri was maybe a bit expensive, but the views and sight were worth it. I believe we spend 15 euros for the hydrofoil per person, then once in Capri we took a little boat tour of the Island with a stop at the blue grotto for another total of 25 Euros per person. Considering this is an Island this was the best way to see it all, it was wonderful. We then went to Anacapri via Taxi or bus, to get on some chair lift ride(8 euros) that take you all the way to the top of the Island for the most breathtaking views. This was for us the best part of this all trip, I wish we could have spend more time there. We left back on the hydrofoil at 5:10 Pm, and made it back to the GEM around 6PM. We went to the Magenta that night, overall if you go to the restaurant that require an extra fee, all were pretty good except the Mexican one for us, as were are originally from Texas, so, it just didn't impress us. For Rome, we had prebooked a guided tour with Aldo Monti from yourtourinitaly.com.He was great, he was there on time 7:45AM sharp,he took us in an airconditioned Mercedes van from the pier via the country side to first stop the Coliseum,Roman Forum where he had prereserved our tickets, so no line. He then took us to the Pantheon, Trevi fountain , Spanish steps, and piazza Navona. He also took us to Campo Fiori where there was a market, with affordable souvenirs, and fresh fruits, great figs. We then ate at some restaurant he recommended, we ate for a very reasonable price, very good pizzas and gnocchi and bruschetta. The restaurant was nothing very fancy, but the food was a lot less and much better than what we ate in Capri, about half the price we paid in Capri. After lunch we headed toward the Vatican and visited the Sistine Chapel, once again Aldo had send me a link to prebuy the ticket for a specific time, so no line. I definitely would recommend his services, he was honest, and we definitely were able to do a lot more than we could have done on our own. We paid for the 4 of us what we would have paid through Norwegian for one of us on a bus tour not a private tour, and keep in mind his price is the same for up to I think 6 people. He also does pick up in Naples to Pompeii or Sorrento , I think, and Livorno to Florence. For us we tought, we couldn't do another full day, after Rome. So, in Livorno we just took a bus to Pisa. In Cannes, we just took the little train tour of the Croisette as we had to be back by 2PM. Overall, we enjoy the cruise, I would just have to say that it was hard to communicate with our room steward, we would just popup in the room on a regular basis. Also we fell that the food at the restaurant was a bit repetitive after a couple days, especially if you do not try any of the restaurant that require a cover charge. The pools were a bit crowded, if you did not show up early in the morning to get you seat, it was hard later in the day to get one, especially for 4.