We had a great time, and if you can afford it, we highly recommend the garden villas. We were traveling with our 23 and 27 year old daughters, we all work, and we are all introverts and prefer our own company to the company of strangers. We do not cruise to meet people, we cruise to be with each other. The villas afford that. Private pool, private sun deck, private hot tub, a treadmill and an exercise bike -- we didn't have to go into the crowds. We ordered our wonderful meals either in the garden or our dining room most of the time -- I think we went out to eat twice. Maxi the butler is amazing. So friendly and helpful. We had the best week ever. Venice is fun! We came 2 days early so that we could enjoy Venice before the cruise and could get rid of our jet lag before the cruise. ( Hilton Venice is wonderful!!) Took water taxi to the ship.

Embarkation -- crowded and long lines so come early and get on the ship and relax. Debarkation - a breeze!!!! Took NCL's transportation to airport = bus. Very comfortable and they got us there 3 hours in advance of our flight, no stress!

Spa-- there are 3 women in our group and we love the spa. We were a little disappointed in the Gem's spa....things to know. 1) The massage -- great treatments but....they have no dressing room, shower, robe process. You check in, change in the treatment room, then if you want to relax you must go back to your room - -through the crowds. Not very zen. They have a WONDERFUL relaxation area with heated chairs, showers, hot tubs etc that you will see on the spa tour, but you have to buy a pass to use this area that is 99$ a day and you CAN'T buy a 1 day pass you must buy a week long pass here. SO, if you can afford it, but that. We felt that we would have liked to have spent time after our massage in the spa area on the day of the massage but didn't have that option. Great treatments - -just not great before and after service like our spas at home. Read more