We went through an agency. But L.A was having trouble getting Visas and the person we went through got it back in a week and a half. It seems strange that all the agencies that I called said it wouls take at least a month,if they could get it at all! We live in L.A. Just one of the red flags that are raised.
We are going on a 33 day cruise and don't want to fly to Rome to be denied boarding the cruise. Thanks to all for the info. If anyone that has one that came from Houston this year PLEASE let me know. i might just drive to the consulate next week and show them what I have.