We have taken Princess' 12day Grand Mediterranean route twice from Venice to Barcelona with 8 stops in Athens, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Istanbul, Mykonos, Naples (Pompeii), Rome, Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Monte Carlo or Marseille. So 10 cities in 12 days. First trip we took ship shore excursions. Second trip with new companions we saved countless dollars using taxis, trains, buses, subway. We did extensive research on cruise critic and some super people left bread crumbs in each stop to follow. You can buy tickets to the Vatican and Istanbul sites online in advance that allow you to skip the lines and walk in. That cost over a thousand dollars via the cruise line. I agree NCL is a downer food wise and service wise. You are better with the other two and Princess.

First trip bought air through cruise line. Second time direct with airline. More itinerary choices direct. Only advantage is if you are red eyeing in straight to the boat they guarantee you next stop protection if plane delayed. We did that first time. Second time we came a day early and stayed at hotel 1 night on both ends.

This cruise is a real bucket list checker and you will need another vacation afterwards..........but you see nearly all of Southern Europe in one unpacking of your suitcase. We are doing it again within the next two years.