Mljstr

France is the only country that i have struggled with people talking english, its not that they cant its just the fact they dont want to. 
Was in a resteraunt and menu was in french, asked for a little help as somethings i didnt understand, i was told in english that no one spoke english. After a little bit of a wait i asked again for assistance and was told the same and if i didnt understand menu just to leave. So i finished my beer i hadnt paid for and left. The chance of free beer was a good enough reason to leave and grab a pizza from next door lol 

We are doing a 12 night Mediterranean from Rome to Rome  (Civitavecchia) in October with stops in Naples, Sicily, Malta,Barcelona 2night, Mallorca, Sete, Nice and Marseille. We're going to Rome one day early and staying two nights after as my husband is of your mindset-if we pay for airfare we want to get the most out of the trip. However, we booked last February through AIR2SEA and our rates were actually very good. This is our third European cruise (second on RCCL) and we trust the cruise lines to get us there and take care of us if there is a problem and we are staying in the cruise line pre and post hotels so our transportation to and from ship is included. We are probably paying more than other hotels but the lack of worry is worth it to us. We just have to show up where they tell us and all is taken care of. As a newbie or an oldie (like us) you may want to consider that option.
I agree language should not be a problem as almost everyone speaks English. The only place I got a cold shoulder was in the Paris airport (of course). ?
 
 

Good news!   The girls will come around- they just have to be “teenagery” for a while. 
A day in Miami ain’t a bad thing!  

Along those lines, twenty years ago we were on our second cruise-11 night Hawaii- and the ship was teeming with passengers much older than we were (50). Many had walkers or scooters or canes or assistants. On one of the formal nights   I was mortified I had forgotten my matching shoes and my husband made everything all right when he said, “ Don’t worry about it. Most of these people will be impressed you can walk unassisted.”  LOL

Along those lines, twenty years ago we were on our second cruise-11 night Hawaii- and the ship was teeming with passengers much older than we were (50). Many had walkers or scooters or canes or assistants. On one of the formal nights   I was mortified I had forgotten my matching shoes and my husband made everything all right when he said, “ Don’t worry about it. Most of these people will be impressed you can walk unassisted.”  LOL

Along those lines, twenty years ago we were on our second cruise-11 night Hawaii- and the ship was teeming with passengers much older than we were (50). Many had walkers or scooters or canes or assistants. On one of the formal nights   I was mortified I had forgotten my matching shoes and my husband made everything all right when he said, “ Don’t worry about it. Most of these people will be impressed you can walk unassisted.”  LOL

Along those lines, twenty years ago we were on our second cruise-11 night Hawaii- and the ship was teeming with passengers much older than we were (50). Many had walkers or scooters or canes or assistants. On one of the formal nights   I was mortified I had forgotten my matching shoes and my husband made everything all right when he said, “ Don’t worry about it. Most of these people will be impressed you can walk unassisted.”  LOL

I will never forget my first snorkeling experience. I had gone with a sorority sister (alumnae, we were not kids) and in Mexico, thought it would be fun. We got on the excursion boat, they gave us instructions and me in my anxiety filled mind about swimming freely and alone in the open ocean with all sorts of sea monsters and no one to drag my lifeless body to safety once I couldn’t breath took over. I went over the process over and over and over. My sister was laughing at me. Once it was time to get out of the boat, I was the last person and in tears. I wouldn’t get fully in the water. To this day, my sister mimicks the tour guide; “Senorita, you must let go of the laaaadder! You must let go of the ladder!!” So I did... then, “Senorita, you must let go of the rope!” Oh, the agony! I let go, began swimming, crying, hyperventilating and swallowing water. Then, it all clicked together and I was 100% fine. It was super easy, didn’t die, and actually loved it. So yes, the toughest part is getting over it and realizing it is easy. I am usually pretty darn well put together and don’t lose it, so for that to happen, it was really scary. I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. Go for it, you will love it! 

Great advice from Twangster. 
We are in our early 70’s and don’t go for all the bells and whistles of the new ships unless we are traveling with our grandchildren. Personally  we love the Radiance Class ships having sailed on The Radiance, Serenade and booked on our third Jewel for 12 night Mediterranean. They're large enough but not overwhelming.
Maybe your TA can direct you to an itinerany on one of these beautiful ships from the early 2000’s. I know the Jewel has been refurbished. Not sure about the others