Having been to Rome for "day-trips" on previous cruises, we wanted to spend a few days and nights in the Eternal City. We made independent reservations at the Rome Cavalieri (our review of the hotel can be found on TripAdvisor at http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187791-d190138-r115456134-Rome_Cavalieri_Waldorf_Astoria_Hotels_Resorts-Rome_Lazio.html). 
We had pre-ordered tickets (from the on-line Vatican ticket site) to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. I highly recommend this versus booking with an agency or buying your ticket when you arrive. (With our pre-order in hand, we bypassed a very long line of people waiting to purchase their tickets.) It took us 2.5 hours to complete our visit, which was hot and crowded. (There were many cruise passengers on ship tours.) 
Since we had very little sleep since leaving the US the day before, we ate dinner at a small pizzeria and returned to our hotel for a great night's rest. 
The next day we visited the Pantheon (one of my favorites), the Spanish Steps (nice for pictures, but a bit out of the way), the Trevi Fountain (very crowded but a must see), the "Wedding Cake" (the National Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, good but I wouldn't go out of my way to see it) and the Piazza Navona (a must see, especially in the evening). 
One of the most pleasant, out of the ordinary sites we visited was the Basilica of San Clemente, which is just east of the Colosseum area. The unassuming church exterior encompasses three levels of building, each of which you can tour - the main floor Basilica (from the 1100s), an excavated area beneath it containing a fourth century basilica, and an excavated area beneath which is the ruins of the home of a Roman nobleman destroyed in the Great Fire of 64AD. The Basilica is a bit difficult to find but well worth the visit. 
After a brief afternoon respite at our hotel (including a nice, cool swim), we went back into the city and had dinner outside at the "Night and Day" Bar Ristorante located in the Pantheon Piazza. 
Before returning to the hotel for the night, we spent some time in the Piazza Navona, just as dusk we settling in. The piazza is lively in the evening. If you're looking for a place for dinner, a drink or some people watching, this is where you want to be. 


Rome (Civitavecchia)

If you've seen tourism posters of "Greek Islands" that show a view from high up down to the sea, over a blue, round roof atop whitewashed buildings, you've probably seen a view from Santorini. 
Santorini is part of a large volcanic caldera, in which your ship drops anchor. From the sea, there are only four ways to reach the main city of Thira, which is 400 meters above the dock: ship's excursion tour bus (board at a different location), walk up, ride a donkey up, or take a cable car. 
After waiting in the cable car line for approximately 30 minutes, we arrived at Thira and made our way to the local bus stop, about 10 minutes away. We then took the local public bus to Oia, from which the previously mentioned "Greek Islands" view can be found. The bus was crowded, with some people standing, and took about 25 minutes to get to Oia. At times, the view from the bus can be incredible. The cost of the cable car was 4E each person each direction. The cost of the public bus from Thira to Oia was 1.6E each person each direction. 
Oia is basically a tourist trap with a great view and plenty of small shops, restaurants and bars overlooking the sea. If you go to Santorini, you must go to Oia. 
On a previous visit to Santorini, we had rented a car and driven around the island. I encourage you to do this if you have the time. It's an island - you can't get lost. 


Santorini

Note: The night before arriving at Athens, Celebrity sent a short note to each cabin that included the statements “Recently, strikes and protests have been taking place in Greece, primarily in Athens” and “While in Athens, we recommend that you remain alert to your surroundings and be aware of the potential for spontaneous demonstrations, and avoid large gatherings.” We arrived the first day after three days and nights of strikes and protests. There were no demonstrations or strikes scheduled for our day in port. 
My wife was a bit under the weather on this port day, so I ventured into Athens on my own, via taxi at a cost of 22E including tip. I spent over an hour on the Acropolis and some time at the forum area below. These are great areas for photographers. Entry fee to the Acropolis is 12E each. 
However, one of the highlights of the entire trip was a visit to the new Acropolis Museum. This is a modern, well designed and informative museum! (Unfortunately, no pictures or video allowed inside.) If you like ruins, and the Acropolis in general, the museum is an absolute must see. Allow at least an hour for your visit. Entry fee is 5E per person. 
On my way to Syntagma Square, I visited Hadrian's gate and a temple behind it. Interesting area if you have the time, but don't worry if you don't have the time to visit it. 
Here's where the day gets interesting. I then walked to Syntagma Square. Most of the videos that you've seen of riots in Athens were made here. My nose started to burn, then my eyes, about two blocks from the Square. It was from tear gas left over from the previous night's riots! It bothered me a few more times during the twenty minutes I was in the Square. 
While I was taking video in front of the Parliament building, a Greek TV interviewer and cameraman came up to interview me! At that point I realized that I was the only person in front of the Parliament building. The interview lasted only 30 seconds and they seemed to lose interest when I told them that the tear gas was bothering me. Afterward, I wondered if they were filming an "everything is back to normal" message. 
After a bit more touring, I took the train back to Piraeus. (I boarded at the Monistiraki station just outside the ancient forum area. Trains leave this station in two directions. Make sure you’re on the train platform whose destination is clearly marked as Piraeus.) When the train arrives in Piraeus, the easiest way back to the ship terminal is to exit the train station and proceed directly to the dock area across the street (but don’t enter the dock areas, stay outside the fence along the main road.) Then walk for 25 minutes with the water always to your right until you reach the ship terminal, which is on the other side of the port. It’s a safe walk, easy to do. The cost of the train was 1.6E from Athens to Piraeus. 
Athens can be a hot, dry city. Plan your day well, drink plenty of water, and wear comfortable shoes. 


Athens (Piraeus)

What an incredible city to visit! While Celebrity provides a shuttle between the dock and the Grand Bazaar ($10 each for the day), we used a taxi (10E, which was way too much) and the modern public tram from the dock to the "Old City" tourist area (cost of 1.75TL each from Old City to dock). 
In the Old City, we visited the Topkapi Palace, Haga Sophia (AyaSofia), Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. 
My favorite was the Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofia Muzesi). This former Christian basilica is now a museum. It’s not a “museum” in the traditional sense and the interior retains centuries old wall decorations and paintings. Do not miss this site. Entry fee was 20TL each. 
At the Topkapi Palace, we visited the Chamber of Ancient Relics where we saw the staff that Moses used to split the Red Sea, sword of David (of Goliath fame), arm and a piece of the skull of St John the Baptist, and relics of the Prophet Muhammad. In the nearby Chamber of Treasury was an incredible collection of jewels and artifacts. Also worth walking to was the Baghdad Pavilion. The cost of entry to the Topkapi Palace was 20TL each. 
The Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque was interesting, but not as compelling as I had expected. Each person is required to cover their legs and shoulders. We prepared for this by wearing long pants (me) and Capri pants (my wife). However, if you arrive wearing shorts or a top that exposes your shoulders, you will be provided with a cloth wrap to cover yourself. You’ll also be required to remove your shoes before entering, with a plastic bag available to carry your shoes in. There is no entry fee. 
The Basilica Cistern, located underground with an entrance across the street from the Hagia Sophia, made for a short, cool respite from the heat of the day. Worth a 30 minute visit. Entry fee was 10TL. 
We entered the Grand Bazaar twice, once getting lost on our exit. The Bazaar is overwhelming to the senses, which may make it a less desirable shopping experience than you expect. In general, we found better bargains at the small shops and vendors in the area outside the Bazaar. Overall, worth a visit, but you may not want to spend all day inside. 
Last stop was at the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, located on the edge of the Hippodrome. Very interesting if you have the time. Entry fee was 10TL each. 
By the way, the cruise up the Dardenelles from the Aegean Sea into Istanbul makes for some great near shore sightseeing. Make sure you’re up on deck for at least some portion of the multi-hour transit. 


Istanbul

The main attraction at this port isn't Kusadasi itself. Rather, the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are the highlight of the area. 
We used the services of Ephesus Shuttle to visit the Ephesus area. My review of their excellent service can be found on TripAdvisor.com at http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297972-d1916582-r115553038-Ephesus_Shuttle_Tour-Kusadasi_Turkish_Aegean_Coast.html#REVIEWS 
First we visited the House of the Virgin Mary. It's believed that this is the house that Mary lived out her life after the death of Jesus Christ. She was watched over by St. John, who brought her here and who lived in nearby Ephesus. This site is very well maintained and worth a visit if you’re religious. Note that while the foundation and some footer stones on one side of the house are original, most of the house is rebuilt over the centuries. Entry fee was 13TL each. 
Ephesus has some of the best, most well preserved ruins I've ever seen. In particular, the Terrace Houses are a must see. The entrance fee to the Ephesus Archaeological Site is 20TL each, while the Terrace Houses (inside of the Archaeological Area) are optional at an additional fee of 15TL each. 
Our last stop was at the St. John Basilica, where many believe St. John (one of Christ’s Apostles) is buried. While interesting, it paled in comparison to the other sites we saw that day. Entrance fee was 5TL each. This seems like a great area for exploration. We found Turkish people to be among the friendliest anywhere. 


Kusadasi

We found Mykonos to be the least interesting of the ports on our cruise, although we stayed in the town and didn't venture out to other parts of the island. Visitors to beaches and areas outside the town seemed impressed. 
Two of the most interesting aspects of Mykonos are the many twisted, narrow streets that run through the city and the windmills, which can easily be reached on foot. 
The dock is within sight of the town but could make for a difficult and dangerous walk (due to traffic). Celebrity ran a shuttle service from the dock to the north edge of town. The fee was $10 each passenger for the entire day. 


Mykonos

Due to an overcrowded port day in Naples, our ship was redirected to the port of Salerno.  This was a pleasant surprise since we'd visited Naples on three previous occasions.

We took the local boat service (Travlemar) from the port of Salerno to Positano.  Positano is a very picturesque village that rises from sea level up into the surrounding ravine.  I highly recommend taking a walk up from the main beach area to the southern SITA bus stop for some great pictures.  Along the way we passed several small shops, restaurants and bars.

From Positano we took the local boat service to Amalfi.  We didn't find Amalfi to be as pretty or as interesting as Positano, but the surrounding area is quite incredible.  We then traveled by boat back to Salerno.  The total cost for boat tickets was 25E each. 

Our day of travel lasted about 7 hours over the two ports.

Naples

Best feature of the AquaClass cabins is access to Blu Restaurant.  Cabin is on starboard side of ship, which was preferable for this itinerary.  Standard size but with upgraded towels and bath products.  Nearly directly under walking area between Solarium and outdoor pool so some noise on rare occasions i.e., kids running one evening.  Overhang from deck above offers nice shade.  Centrally located, high up for good view and lesser motion sensation.  Couch uncomfortable to sit on.  Two reclining chairs plus slightly larger, higher table which is better for eating on the balcony.  Free bottled water and teas provided daily.  Not much bathroom counter space.  Shower design on Solstice class ships is among the best at sea.  Good but not great storage space for multiple week cruise.

Although there are times when we want to cruise on other lines and ship classes, no other ship designs are as good as the Solstice class ships.We realized halfway through the cruise that Blu offers very few entrees with potatoes, which was a nice change of pace and saved us a few calories each night.

Celebrity Equinox Review

A Memorable Experience On an Excellent Ship

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