LasV

We just returned from the Mediterranean itinerary (June 2012) and left from Venice on a back to back cruise (15 day cruise). Out of all the other cruises we have taken this by far had the best food. (We have been on a few Carnival cruises, Princess Cruise and Royal Caribbean cruise lines) For example, the fresh pineapple tasted just like Hawaii, the meats ...my husband loved his steak! The shopping on the ship was less than desirable for me as an AVID cruise ship shopper. Mostly items you can find in typical mall and some jewelry lines from large city malls only. If this is your first time to Italy and Mediterranean and you love to shop, pay attention!...IF you see something you like, get it for you won't likely find it (at least I haven't and I live in Las Vegas) in the states. For example, my husband purchased a Byzantine jewelry piece for me and I have spent hours online and went to the local major casino's and found non it's equal...not even close. I enjoy a good negotiation for prices and believe me, don't expect much if any during your journey. I don't know if it's previous cruisers who ruined it for everyone else or what the case but, never hurts to try. ;-) I have to wonder if the water is that incredibly smooth during this time of year. It was ASTOUNDING...never seen water so incredibly smooth. Best description was picture the most luscious smooth silk you have ever seen, now drape it on your bed with a hint of ripple and no joke, that is how beautiful the water was. Later in the trip it was slightly choppy looking but appeared mostly from the wind. Only for a couple hours one evening was the first time we ever felt any sway like feeling, other than that you never knew you were on a ship so to speak. If you have kids (my sister brought her "tween" daughter) and they loved the pool. Interestingly enough, we don't have kids and really didn't see very many. In fact, tho the ship was full of people I often wondered where in the world they were! As far as smoking goes, as an American I am not used to being around it and was a bit concerned when I found out they do allow it on this ship in certain areas. Turns out there is only 2 places to smoke, the casino and on deck 12 on the port side. (PLEASE SEE COMMENT ON STATEROOM QUALITY: A MUST!)