Must... resist... the urge to defend myself... Ok, I can't. I understand your skepticism. I like to think of myself as NOT gullible. I believe my co-worker only because I saw the pictures they took in the hospital AND I've met his girlfriend. But whatever!
I vote for the Mediterranean cruise, by the way. Italy is fabulous.

And no, my opinion on Italy isn't just from watching the Travel Channel. I've actually been there myself.