We've done a couple Euro cruises. Biggest tip is to check out cruisecritic.com. It's the calgarypuck of cruising. Get detailed advice on all the ports of call, etc. I would second not booking excursions through the ship, but rather either go on your own or book a private tour. Either way you'll save $$ and see more (either by yourself or in a smaller group is way faster, no 1/2 hour bathroom breaks).
Also, if you're doing Pisa/Florence, so to Pisa first so you can go up to the top of the leaning tower, as the tickets sell out. Get a ticket to go up as soon as you arrive, tour the church, then go up. Then catch the train to Florence.
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