We are a family of 5 with 3 daughters, 19,17,and 4. We wanted to travel to Europe but figured it was a better value and easier route to go on a cruise since we have a 4 year old. That way we could unpack and set up a routine, including valuable pool time and a familiar bed for this 9 port cruise.
My husband and I had sailed in the Caribbean with Constellation previously and even though it is an older ship we enjoyed our past cruise and have nothing to complain about concerning the ship - though somewhat dated, it is kept clean and maintained adequately.
Our whole family just loved this cruise! Being able to get to all those ports in Europe was just an incredible experience and we loved this itinerary since we got to see so much of the Meditteranean and a taste of the Adriatic. Our servers, room steward and staff around the ship was friendly and helpful. The cruise director, Alexandro, was hilarious, the singers around the ship were great, the guest performers, Vox Fortura, were excellent, and the ship singers and dancers on the main stage were great as well. They even did a matinee show during the day at sea which was well done - slightly strange storylline our 4 year old couldn't follow, but she liked the stage performance.
Great! Walls are thin and when you go out on the veranda a certain point everyone can see you but the views are spectacular and there is lots of space for lounging or eating.
Pull out beds are basically a single cot size and a full size bed. Lots of storage!
Go to Cassis - possible to do on your own if you're fit to walk to/from train station in Cassis. See above for details.
We wanted to maximize our time in port so did not go to Florence or Pisa. Highly recommend Portovenere for the day via ferry.
It's hard to see Rome in a few hours. Hire a private guide to get the most bang for your buck. See above for details. We prebooked Colisseum entrance which is absolutely necessary - book early to get the earliest time. We went at 2 PM and it was so hot it was hard to enjoy.
Gorgeous port - wake up early to watch the ship sail in. Old city is lovely, take stairs up to fortress early in the morning for fantastic view.
Walked through Diocletian's palace, did not do museum - but would have if our kids weren't with us. Not a whole lot to do here but it is a shorter stay and at the end of the trip so didn't need a full day experience.
Beautiful city, highly recommend staying a few days after the cruise. See above for details.