Perfect Fly, Cruise Stay package!

Just returned from a flight, Mediterranean Cruise and two night stay in Rome package. (May 22-June 2) On MSC Divina.  Absolutely perfect time was had! I just want to add a few tips that I wish I knew before leaving:

     Upgrade to Fanastica.  We did not, still had a great room but would upgrade for a bigger one next time.

     As soon as you receive flight confirmation go online and reserve you seats.  We sat in 38 A/C great! Add an extra luggage on line, still expensive but cheaper on line and you'll be able to buy souvenires.

     Be sure to book shore excursions with MSC as they are well organized with great guides and you get off the ship first, very handy especially in Cannes where you are tendered. We went on tours SPE08 to Florence, CEQ03 to Nice and Eze, BCN21 in Barcelona and NAP08 in Naples.  I highly recommend all of them!

    Park your car at one of the many hotels near the Miami airport and stay the night you return.  We had a 5 hour drive home and were relived to get some sleep before embarking on the final leg of our journey. We stayed at the Clarion and had no problems at all.

     Do not bother getting to the airport in Miami until after 5:00pm as they do not open windows until then.

    You do not have much time in Palma.  We just got the hop on hop off bus right at end of terminal.

     When you get to Rome at the end, be prepared to leave the ship at about 11:00 on transport to hotel.  We stayed at Melia Rome.  Because of tour times we had booked we were unable to utilize their shuttle.  It was a 20 Euro taxi ride one way but we were dropped off exactly where we needed to be.

     Speaking of tours in Rome, Be sure to pre-book a Vatican tour for Saturday afternoon as the museums will be closed on Sunday.  We went with Viator's Skip the Line: Vatican Museums Walking Tour including Sistine Chapel, Rapheal's Rooms and St. peter's (3731 Vatican).  Then on Sunday, again through Viator, Be sure to book Colleseum and Gems of Rome Semi Private of Private Tour (7595P4).  This was the absolute BEST tour we have ever been on!!! It's run by "Once in Rome" tour group through Viator.

     On the last day, be sure to be in the lobby for transport to airport by 5:45 am.

     Have a fantastic European Vacation.