Back home last night after spending a few days in Rome followed by a few in Barcelona. Loved Rome for the history, but the constant pushy money grubbing from cab drivers, waiters, street vendors got old. Cab drivers in particular were just looking for any opportunity to scam. One waiter practically demanding a tip. What a turnoff.
We stayed at the Albergo del Senato hotel right next to the Pantheon, it was nice enough (though very noisy from street crowds) but next time I would choose some place more convenient to the metro and busses, and not have to rely on taxi$ so much to get around.
Barcelona wasn’t nearly as bad in this respect.
As for the cruise itself, we enjoyed it very much. Odyssey is a great ship to cross the ocean on. We are definitely planning more TAs and other repositioning cruises for the future.