A first-class, wonderful trip of a life-time.

savaryhazell: Our October 2016 Jewel of the Seas itinerary did include Kusadasi, the port for Ephesus, Turkey, but the Kusadasi tourist stops and shops were concerned that due to incidents in Istanbul, that the Kusadasi stop might be cancelled.  We would have liked to stop at Istanbul also, but that was not an option with RCCL. We would definitely consider returning to Istanbul as a stop, or to stay for a few days and then finish on a cruise as we did several years ago, when the world was a lot different.

jkpeccerillo: We flew non-stop from Toronto to Rome.  8.5 hours at a very attractive cost in economy class where we were treated like first class on domestic US flights with good food and all the electronic amenities.  The return trip had 1 layover of just under 2 hours in Amsterdam. Our only return trip 'complaint' was that the electronic entertainment was so rich, the food so good, the included drinks so regular that we did not sleep on the way to Toronto, so we were a little tired on the 5 hour drive home:-) .  The flight became an extension of our wonderful Rome visit and excellent Mediterranean cruise on Jewel of the Seas.  We did use a travel agent, AAA to purchase the KLM/Alitalia airfare tickets, and also to book our hotel and tours in Rome, but we booked the cruise and cruise excursions directly with RCCL. Since we saved over $500 per airfare ticket, our 5 hour drive and $50 for gas and tolls we felt was a bargain.  Indoor Toronto Airport parking at $192 USD was pretty much a break even for 17 days of Airport parking in Ohio.