Alternatves to Rome - ex Citivecchia

We were in Rome two years ago, and loved it. We didn't find anyone harassing us in the street, however on the first night did encounter a protest. We were only there for about two days and say the Colosseum, Forum, and the Vatican. We're thinking of going back instead of going to Paris to see the other sights in Rome.

It's not a bad idea to check out other areas of Italy. When we went, we were there for a wedding which was on the eastern Adriatic side of Italy. I think the area is called the Le Marche region. When we drove into town, it was like taking a step back in time.

For one day, I'd give Rome another try and stay in a more parklike/residential area of the city. For instance, we had a great stay in the Parioli district one year. Hopefully others will chime in with suggestions.

Did you see the sistine chapel in 1989? If the answer is yes... Note that The number of trains departing from Civitavecchia is still high! TTake one and avoid the time needed to pick a rental car, park out of the ZTL, walk to the sites etc.

I hope you feel enough confident at least to pass through Rome's Termini station. If you were ripped off in 1989 you'll be ripped off in 2021. More, Rome in August is delightfully uncrowded, but it's even dirtier than usual.

Just like acne, physical harassment disappears with age.

My favorite neighborhood in Rome in Trastevere, it’s hip. I would sleep there and there’s plenty of good food options that are authentic. Be prepared to eat what the chef made and don’t expect a menu. Rick’s Steves refers to this area as “very bohemian like”.

That's a common problem with cruise ships- being so far from the target city. All you can do is find a suitable mode of transportation and just go with it.

And to be perfectly honest, I absolutely hated my first visit to Rome too. It was years before I went back, and then only because my husband was going on business and wanted me with him. But I'm so glad I did, because I had a wonderful time. Hopefully you will too.

Are there any ship excursions that interest you? Normally I avoid them, but on day trips an hour or more away from the port, I like the security of knowing they'll get me back to the ship.

Are you on Cruise Critic? There may be private, small group tours being organized by others on your ship's Roll Call.

Yes we are not overnighting - this is a mid cruise stop.

@Dario - yes did the sistine chapel, st peters, coliseum, forum trevi fountain - we were probably there a week. Oh I'm confident everywhere (did Western Sichuan solo in 2019) - just always stuck in my head as one of the most annoying places I'd been to.

@CJean Luckily the next cruise stop is Naples - so if we miss the ship its not a big deal to pick it up again the next day! I haven't seen any private tours being organized for this roll call - but its a long way out - not until August 2022 - Ive only just started believing that the cruise may actually happen for us. The day trips a bit blah TBH - they do offer a coach transfer to Rome and then "rome on your own" - but of course that means you spend even longer in the traffic rather than taking the train. If we go that route we'll probably take the train and our passports and deal with missing the boat if it happens.