Holland America's 10-day western Mediterranean is a port intensive cruise that takes you to eight ports and six countries (Italy, Vatican, Monaco, France, Spain, Tunisia). The ship is a wonderful way to travel the Med. HAL tries to bring you to as many ports as possible, for as long as possible each day. It succeeds! Perhaps it was too successful. We found ourselves wishing for an extra day at sea to relax, recharge and enjoy the ship. This cruise only has one sea day.

We splurged on one of those large aft balconies that wrap around the room on deck 7. We opted for a Deluxe Verandah Suite (SB) that entitled us to many extra benefits, which may have been a mistake for such a port intensive cruise. We didn't take advantage of many of the benefits (special suite guest luncheons, parties), because we were so busy in port. However, if you like to spend time on the balcony, this was an incredible luxury.

We fit 15 people on the verandah for a Cruise Critic sail away party the first night. We would enjoy a nightcap in our bathrobes and watch the sun rise some mornings. A note of warning, these balconies do not offer complete privacy. They have slanted roofs, so people on decks above can see part of your deck. We had a small problem with trash blowing down from the pool deck, but nothing major. The two sided balcony meant we always had a spot in the shade on the warm afternoons. Read more