Hi partycruiser, I'm sailing this cruise, too. Also did it last year and it was great. I hear ya about the long air flight--I'm flying out of Toronto, Canada. I have to say, though, it wasn't as bad last year as I thought it was going to be. Well, except for the part about missing the connection and spending 24 hours in JFK, but the flight itself was OK. This year I'm flying direct with Alitalia, who's been on the verge of bankrupcy and cancelled my flight last week, but I booked through Carnival so they'll get me on something else.
The only excursions I did last year was one to Pisa (not on this yr's, I don't think) and one in Funchal which was amazing. The rest just got off the ship and wandered around. Even though Carnival tells you to book early for the excursions, we didn't book until the night before the port last year and there was still lots to choose from.
I have a cruise ritual of having a "Bahama Mama" on deck at sail away. I'm travelling alone this year and would be pleased if you and your brother would like to join me for a cocktail as we leave Rome. The more the merrier if there are any others out there, too. Cate