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We prefer to dine early at a two top.  Never had a problem.  The ding room usually fills up about an hour after it opens. If you're new to O you'll be surprised to find most two tops are in spacious areas with window views.  Exact opposite from some lines who squeeze you into a corner.

I carry a couple of the european adapters.  Most plug in chargers will say 120/220 or something like that. Same goes for usb chargers though most ships have dedicated outlets for those.

You've got time to stuff the piggy bank and book a PH.  You won't regret it.  The shower is probably three times as large.  Other advantages of course but we loved the shower. 

Sirena is like new in every way.  I highly recommend the PH  cabin.  No bath tub but the best shower I've ever had on a cruise.  O is a quiet understated elegance.  No photographer, no art auctions,  no sales pitch to get you to spend on board.  We prefer a table for two and O excels there also.  Mass market lines crowd tables for two into the worst locations.  O puts them along the windows with plenty of space.  I never saw a line at the front desk and it was always easy to leave the ship even in tender ports.  We enjoyed jazz and classical music in the various lounges more than we did the shows. It's not for everyone but I suspect you'll be spoiled as I am.

Oops. Should have said debt laden instead of debt strapped.  I don't even know what that means.

I expect some of the debt strapped holding companies (NCL?) may have to sell off some of their small lines.  We could even end up with the same number of ships under fewer parent companies.  I just hope it doesn't turn into a race to the bottom like airline mergers. Everyone says "It's not like it used to be" but most of the luxury lines have held on to their identity after being sold to the big guys.

Thanks for posting the photos.  Recent PH on Sirena was the first cruise where I didn't need an extension cord.  The suite was like new in every way.  Also loved the shower.

Thanks J, seems obvious but I had not done it.  Many O tours look like transportation with free time that could be done by taxi.  At least that gives me some locations to visit.  BTW Venice is our favorite start or stop point.  When we need a break from the crowds we look for a restaurant with an inner courtyard.  Some nice spots just a short walk from San Marco square.

Thanks rayjames7.  I signed up for this cruise for all the ports I've never visited.  I'm beginning to think no one has visited them.  Crotone, Ancona and Bari aren't even listed in most med cruise books.  Internet searches haven't yielded much either.  I haven't looked at ship's tours but I do have the 3 olife tours so I may use them at some of the obscure ports.   

riffatsea, thanks for the comment on Bari.  Looks like Anacona may be the port for Umbria. 

wait list was for any PH.  Confirmed in 8038 very near midship. Loved Riviera now looking forward to my first R class ship.

Love to cruise the Med.  When looking for my fourth visit I found "Inspiring Italy"  with a number of ports we've never visited.  I was disappointed to find it was wait listed.  We deposited $1500 for a spot on the list and started making alternate plans.  Some previous threads on wait lists didn't sound promising.  I now have a confirmed PH1 on Sirena for September 2, 2019.  Now I have to research some rather obscure ports. Among he ports new to us are Bari, Umbria, Crotone and Portoferraio.  We always cruise for the ports so no sea days works for us, but I will be looking for a few DIY leisure days near the port. 

Concierges might be my favorite perk. If ANYTHING is not right they can take care of it. A good concierge can be a life saver if you have a problem. They have also handled a few "off the wall" requests. Be sure to make them your first line of defense for anything you need.

I've been in 10004 with smooth sailing in the med. No issues at all. It looks like it could be under the bridge but not really. If you look up from the balcony you can see the back of the bridge overhang. I could see some obstruction to 10002 and some have complained about it. I suppose rough seas could change my opinion but I couldn't see a reason to pay extra to move closer to midship.

Did anyone notice op has been 3 star for several years and has over 100 nights on HAL. Must have been in steerage to only make 3 stars after 100 nights.

Welcome to the meet and greet. You're an idiot if you signed up for a HAL excursion instead of booking your own.

O uses Hotel Majestic in Barcelona. About 5 blocks from Las Ramblas which is about right for me since I don't like crowds. The Hotel has a nice rooftop bar/sandwich area. The entire staff spoke excellent English and service was very good. The location is high end so finding an economical restaurant might be tough. I would stay there again.

advice for the op. Learn the names of all your sister ships and hang out here. Read everything that interests you. I promise every question you have will be asked and answered before you ever need to post again. Worked like a charm for me.

On Riviera sailng toward Palermo. I haven't done the rusty bolt search that some of you do but I would say she is spotless. What would you hope for in dry dock?

I only realized this in hindsight. Most of my above and beyond tip money has gone to those who established a personal rapport with me during the cruise.

You shouldn't need to go to the front desk for anything. The concierge will handle just about anything including problem resolution. If you ask, the future cruise agent will meet you in the (very quiet) lounge to book your next cruise. I had one off the wall request and the concierge made a few phone calls and made it happen. He said we hate to say "no" That's quit a perk for me.

I noticed one handsome gray haired gentleman appears in the brochures with different women so I assume wife-swapping is big on O.:eek:

I once had AC trouble. I called the concierge instead of maintenance. The concierge came to the room and checked the controls then called for me. The problem was resolved promptly and the concierge followed up to make sure we were satisfied. Way better than I expected. A good concierge can make things happen. Don't hesitate to ask for anything you need

I can't advise on which cruise line to take but Venice precruise is about as good as it gets and cruise brochures feature Santorini for a reason. I don't think you can take a bad picture there. Are you locked in to August? Athens and Greek isles can be extremely hot.

I noticed OP has cruised Princess. Try searching CC for Princess vs HAL. I think the consensus is they are similar. Perhaps a more "apples to apples" comparison instead of "apples to pears" a someone said.