CathyG
Wish we were going. The Royal Princess should be an interesting addition to the fleet. I have sailed that Grand Med route twice: once on Emerald (08) and the other on Ruby (12)(both times starting in Venice). It is a great itinerary to see it all in one trip. It is not a sand gravity trip. Not sure what you are expecting, but it is like an action packed version of the Amazing Race plus History/Religion during the day and a great dinner and place to unwind/crash. Til the next morning! Only 2 at sea days out of 12.
The first time we did canned shore excursions from the boat, the second time (with different kids in tow) we did 95% on our own using every form of transportation - Trains, Buses, Taxis, Walking, Boats --- Saved a bundle on attractions - saw more - ate/drank where we wanted in each town -- but you will get a workout and there is some fear of the unknown/never did this in each stop. We spent more than a few moments staring at maps looking for things in each city (especially Rome) - but we found it all. A GPS with stuff pre-programmed would have helped.
Some lady on cruise critic seemed to have already answered every question I put into Google - like how do I get from X to Y. Or is it posssible to cram this + that & another thing and still get back to the boat. What's the quickest/cheapest way to Z?
I made little index cards for each stop. Amazing how the tips off the net were 99% true.
Glad to answer any questions via PM.
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