Before A Cruise

We have done four cruises out of Rome and most recently last year. First do a little searching on this site mostly under Civitavecchia and you will dozens of detailed responses. In my opinion the easiest and simplest way in the train. Roughly three to four an hour from Rome depending on time of day. Depending on train 45 minutes to 1:15 and between 8 and 12 Euros. And then walk about half mile to the port entrance and a shuttle to your ship. We always come in a couple days to a week early and stay near Termini just of the convenience to the train station. It does help if you do not have excess amount of luggage. For the two of us we get by with three carryon size bags - two backpack style and one rolling.

If you return to Rome after the cruise buy a round trip open seating, second class ticket, in Rome so you do not have to deal with the massive ticket office line when the cruise ship docks.

Thank you for your reply. The idea of the round trip ticket from Rome and the return after the cruise is helpful. We will go back into the main train station and then to Naples and on to Sorrento for those extra days. Do you have any other suggestions that might make these transfers easier? This is the only part of the trip that makes me a little nervous. We always travel very light so luggage won't be a problem.

Thanks.

Ignore the prior reference, it has misleading information if not just plain wrong in a couple of spots. It is generic at best and not specific to your question.

It is easy to do and lots of people do. You will have plenty of company with a steady flow of folks headed to the port entrance. Probably have to walk to the port entrance both ways. There is a 1.10E shuttle bus but we always find the line long since it is a mini-bus with limited capacity. The return is much worse especially if more than one ship in port. Unless you have a need to return to Rome early, we find it more relaxing to be off the towards the end AND do not put out any luggage the night before. We simply walk off at our convenience.

Thanks for the help. We have never taken a cruise before so this is a first. One reason we haven't is that we don't like being herded. We plan to do our own shore excursions. I have books and maps about each port and am working on using public transportation. Any help you can offer?

We have been on seven European cruises and have never been herded yet. The anti-cruise crowd like to paint a picture of herded cattle but we prefer to think of cruising as a night train with much better accommodations and a very economical way to see a lot of Europe. It is our observation that a significant percentage of not a majority of cruise passengers are independent travelers like yourself.

I just put a lengthy response to Lise, under Day Excursions which should answer some of your questions and concerns. Contact me privately if you like.