Glad to see you got home. Coach is painful once you've been spoiled tho! Mi familia split at BRU--one flew out a few days ago in biz and the other 2 went via AMS few days and back thru DTW/SFO in biz yesterday.
Where did you cruise and what were your faves? Which line?
Were you in Ostia? I'd like to know about that hotel, too. There are some B&Bs there and some have shuttle. DL Team Leader there used to have one, but I think he sold it. I'll see if I can get the info. Here's his rental place in Sicily:
B&B Bed and Breakfast Siracusa by the sea steps to the beach La Terrazza sul Mare Avola, B&B The Terrace by the Sea in Siracusa exactly in Avola province of Siracusa, in Sicily (Italy) - Bed & Breakfast Sicily by the sea B&B sea, Italy.
I'm pretty stoked about this one. It looks awesome.

Next time, consider options with LCC. Eu has lots of them. Fam flew US/AMS, then RYanair to Rome for less that $50 each (bags incld)