Hutchinj

Absolutely the best review I have ever read on CC. Your descriptions were so personable and the excellent photos made me feel like being there. Such a treat to read and I know will be a big help to us when we take the reverse of this cruise (Venice to Barcelona), 18 - 30 Sep 2016.

Our first trip to Europe so we're pulling out all the stops! After saving money and frequent flier miles for years, we finally have enough to make our dream "bucket list" trip a reality. Fly to Rome, spend 2 nights there, then train to Venice for 3 nights, board the Spirit for 12 fabulous days, then one night in Barcelona before flying home.

Looks to me like mid-late September weather was just about perfect in the Mediterranean for your cruise. I was considering changing our cruise dates to 30 Sep - 12 Oct but worried weather might be wetter and colder. Thoughts?

Thanks!

Thanks so much for the replies. Looking forward to our aft suite on the Spirit even more. Now the hard part... waiting for our cruise date!

I've been struggling with the same question (aft suite or penthouse suite) and finally bit the bullet yesterday and booked aft suite 9210 on the Sep 18 2016 Med cruise from Venice to Barcelona.

I *sure* hope that was the right decision as I've read pros and cons. The two YouTube videos I've seen of these suites is enticing, and there are only 3 such suites on the ship (not counting the ultra-pricey owner's suites).

The aft suite balconies are very narrow but wide for a panoramic view. I'm hopeful that the engines down below don't cause too much noise or vibration while at sea. Maneuvering in port I could understand.

These aft suites are also directly below the rock slide on the pool deck above, but hopeful that we'll have fewer noisy kids and pool activity on a mid-Sep cruise, being the crusty old curmudgeon that I am. :)

This will be our first trip to Europe and a life long dream to cruise the Med so wanted to make it extra special for my special girl on our 46th anniv.