[Flabbibulin]

My wife and I did a 10 or 12 day (can't recall exact) around the Mediterranean three years ago (including stops in Rome and Venice) and it was a fantastic trip. I disagree with the notion that it is boring for younger people- even days at sea, which we had two. We were in our late 20s and met plenty of other people. Even developed a close friendship with a couple from Australia that we still keep in contact with- and are hopefully going to visit very soon.

Mind me asking what cruise line you are going with? Either way, you are picking a good time to go as there will undoubtedly be much fewer kids at that time of the year (if that is indeed a desired thing for you).

A couple quick suggestions- try and get into the eat when you want group and not have a set dinner time. Or at the very least, get in the later dinner. 6pm is way too early to get back to the ship and get ready. Want the option of eating at 8pm or so European style.

Also, try not to fit in too much in your port of calls. Most of them (rome in particular) are a good hour away from the port, and takes up a good chunk or your day. Imo, paid excursions are not necessary and overpriced. Figuring things out for yourself is half the fun. As far as Rome, go straight to the train station when you arrive in the AM. The line can be long if it is a large cruise ship. This may be the one thing you pay the cruise line for (just to get to and from Rome tough). The port into Venice is walkable- about 20 minutes or so anyway.

Mind me asking what other stops you are making. Will think of more tips and post later, as I'm sure there will be many similarities with your cruise and ours.

edit: Oh, possibly the most important thing- unless you want to eat with strangers, get assigned a private table for dinners. Even if you are assigned a shared table at the beginning, the maitre d will almost always accommodate your request for a private table. And I think all "eat when you want" placements are private tables.