Our full trip summary can be found at http://rayandtraci.blogspot.com/

We took the trip to visit some amazing destinations. While we didn't get to go to Egypt, the substitute port of Istanbul was a worthy substitute. Istanbul may not have the pyramids, but it is the most interesting city I have ever visited. The only complaint I have about the port was that in January, the temperature was 32 degrees for our visit. The ship started in Barcelona where it was 34 degrees on the morning of the sailing so we were prepared for cold weather. Since the Jade spent much of its time in the northern part of the region, temperature limited much of the outdoor use of the ship (perhaps that is why it was so much cheaper to travel in January).

The selection of ports was the reason we booked the Jade's voyage. I would strongly suggest you use a private company for the Rome tour - limoinrome.com was our service, and they were great. Whether you go with a 440 Euro plan for 2 tourists or get a small group together (we had 7, making the price 75 Euros each) - you see more, get to go at your own pace, and save money. We did NCL tours for everything else (Malta we just walked off the ship). Even without Egypt, the NCL ports get 5 stars. I know everyone was disappointed about not getting to Cairo (although as it turns out, no one in their right mind would have made a different decision). Istanbul is not a consolation prize - it is destination that I felt was the highlight of the tour. Read more