Last minute trip, feeling overwhelmed - please help!

To start with I would stay in the Termini area. Termini is hub of Rome's transportation system. Hotel Sonya or Aberdeen. Convenient to the train station when you come in from the airport and the train to the port. The hotel will hold your luggage till your room is ready. You can easily see the Colosseum and Forum because they are together and the Spanish steps are simply a walk by later in the day. You are an hour from port via train so you might have some time the next morning.

Rome is actually a good hour or so trip from the Port. I think maybe two by train. So I don't know how much time it would take to see such a large city like Rome. There will be gelato and shops and restaurants on every corner. The cruise ships are really good at showing you different tours for the other two area's. Also Rick Steve's has a port guide book of those area's just for people like you that want the freedom to see things on your own, without tours with the cruise ship. It would be better if you could get to Rome a few days early or stay a few days longer.

Thanks Frank, that's what we were thinking. Hotel Aberdeen looks like a great spot!

Thanks Judy, we did purchase Rick's Mediterranean Cruise Ports book - perhaps that's one reason why I feel overwhelmed! We will pour over it, but like to hear about personal experiences and recommendations, too.

Heather,

I'd also suggest staying in the Termini area, and recommend the same hotels that Frank mentioned. That area is very convenient for transportation, both for sightseeing as well as getting to the port. The Colosseum is easily reached via the Colosseo Metro station (2 stops from Termini on the "B" line) and the Spanish Steps are easily reached via the Spagna Metro station (3 stops from Termini on the "A" line). You could perhaps take the Metro to the Colosseum & Forum, walk to the Spanish Steps and then return to Termini from the stop there (distance between them is about 2.5 kM).

You may find it helpful to have a look at the excellent Ron In Rome website for information on getting to the port.

That evening, take a walk around to see the monuments lit up. The Spanish Steps are being restored, so I don't know how much fun that will be.

There are lots of restaurants a street or so away from Piazza Navona, Cul de Sac is one of my favorites - or just follow your nose.

In Napoli, see the Archeological Museum and walk through the old city - Via dei Tribunali is one of the main streets. Walk along the bay, lots of restaurant choices there, to.

I have nothing on Messina, I only go there for transportation to the other islands.

I would add my $.02 worth of opinion that Hotel Aberdeen is great. Have stayed there twice. Convenient to the station and a great place to stay. You can see all Rome sights you mentioned in one day and evening, as they are near each other. In Naples, the archeological museum is a must. We also enjoyed a stroll down Spaca Napoli, the very narrow street splitting Naples in two, but I'd be especially careful to safeguard my valuables there, as the street is narrow and very crowded.

Thank you Ken, the Metro info is very helpful - and I will be sure to check out the Ron in Rome website.

Zoe, thanks for all the great tips - I really appreciate them!

Patricia, thank you for your suggestions! I'm SO excited about the museum and the Spaca Napoli sounds like a neat thing to do.