Venice to Rome 12 nights (23NOV to 5Dec2017) back-to-back Rome to Fort Lauderdale 17 nights (5Dec-22Dec2017). To enjoy a long cruise, you must prepare how you wish to spend the many sea days (here included 8 transatlantic sea days). While there was a multitude of activities that I did not do, I participated many activities offered by the fabulous team under the direction of Sammie Baker, our Cruise Director. I was never bored as I had brought my own crochet projects, attended every performance of the Cast Dancers and Singers, and my favourite guest performer, Diane Cousins, took dance lessons by Sarah and Dillon, did arts & crafts with Brendan (Cast Dancer from New Zealand), watched the Culinary Competition and Galley Tour, watched the Virtual Bridge Tour Presentation, and most worthwhile, attended the nine Astronomy Enrichment Lectures presented by Dr. Rhodri Evans. I loved the majority of my breakfasts and lunches in the Deck 9 Buffet, unfortunately my dinners in the Club Restaurant were inconsistent and I did have several sub-par dinners. Service was generally good. We took a few very good shore excursions, but we mainly explored on our own, and took taxis and public transportation. We were in Naples twice, and we're very surprised that Princess did not offer an excursion to Caserta Palace, which is a must see heritage site rivalling Versailles (and only 35 km north of Naples). One minor complaint: I did not enjoy my foot mud bath and massage because she spent the whole 45 minutes trying to up sell products so it was not relaxing at all.

Deck 3 Cabin 3015 mid-ship. Had abundant closets and shelves for two women. Love seat sofa very convenient. Vanity desk with chair. Mini-fridge. Twin beds felt narrower than normal. Porthole was not obstructed (OV is porthole). We were very happy to be on Deck 3, in winter (Dec) in Mediterranean had 4 days of rough seas (Captain ordered porthole closed). Those in higher decks felt the waves more. We missed 3 Mediterranean ports due to storms. Once we sailed out of the Mediterranean, got to Tenerife, and into the transatlantic crossing, it was very smooth sailing, and every day was sunny and warm towards Fort Lauderdale.