We did the 12 day Mediterranean Cruise on the Island Princess which sailed from Barcelona on Oct. 1st and ended in Venice. The itinerary was great with only 2 port days.
Since this was our first time in Europe, we booked everything through Princess and it worked out great - transfers, pre-cruise hotel, shore excursions. It may have cost a bit more but it was worth the peace of mind.
We did not like the changes to the Island Princess and will not sail on her again. They took away the Universe Lounge, moved the gym down to deck 7 with no windows, and added cabins aft, taking away the ability to fully walk around the Promenade Deck.
We had a forward mini-suite on Caribe, deck 10. This had a balcony which was great and easy access to the Princess Theater and Wheelhouse.