Naples Advice

Traffic in Naples can be bad at times, so that may impact your planning. For that reason, I'd go to the place you fartherest away and work back to the port. If things go badly with traffic, you will have the option of skipping some things in order to make it back in time. Also, while the itenerary may say you will have twelve hours, it usually winds up being somewhat less due to arrival problems, port red tape for the ship, and ect. Give yourself extra time to make it back to the ship -- we've seen people running along the pier as the ship was departing in several ports, and one of them was Naples.

If by San Martino you mean the religious complex rather than the neighborhood, I think you're planning to do too much in three hours. There's a lot to see in and around the monastery, and I wouldn't want to pay for the driver's time while I was exploring the area. Unfortunately, I can't tell you how to get back down to the city center from that elevated location without summoning another taxi. (I did check CityMapper.) I walked both ways; I definitely don't recommend that approach to someone with only a day in the city.

I can't comment on the waterfront walk because it's one of the many things on my list I didn't have time for despite spending 7 nights in Naples. I assume it's relatively flat down near the water, which is more than can be said for many parts of Naples.

Yes, I was referring to the religious complex. I’m trying to figure out how to see a little bit of the coastline and get to see one of the panoramic views of Naples, in addition to walking around the historic area. It may be easier just to take the funicular and walk up to the castle and take it back down, and just forget about the coastline tour. I’m thinking that, like you said, I may be trying to fit too much into one day.

You might want to look at the hop on/off bus.

https://www.city-sightseeing.it/naples/

Here's a different perspective. If you haven't been to Pompeii, I would recommend getting a taxi or driver to take you to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples where you could spend hours wandering the exhibits. Then you can just wander the streets around the museum. It's fascinating and gives you a good look at what I call "real" Naples.

I agree Pompeii would be too far ford a day trip but perhaps you could consider Herculaneum? I just went there and loved it. I had been to Pompeii years ago and actually liked Herculaneum better. More importantly for you, it is much closer and less crowded. Another thing to consider is Casserta. It's a lovely palace with scenic gardens.

We have considered Herculaneum for a half day and then hopefully we would have time to see a little bit of the city. My wife’s knees are not the best, so that might keep the walking to a reasonable level. Another thing we are thinking about is one of the Fiat car tours of the city. Looks like a lot of fun. It’s a very difficult decision!

hey hey jpmullin1
what time is your ship in port and what's the earliest you get off ship and have to be back on, if need be take a taxi to meeting place and back to ship early before departure.
we did a day trip years ago on the train rome to naples and back. many people don't care to see naples but there is a lot to see, you make your own decision. we had a great time, even if gritty, garbage around, take a roam around or better yet do a tour. here's a few sites to check out with food, history, neighborhood living. read what's included. we've done a couple tours and have loved them with a local guide.
streaty.com
check which tour suits you, shared or private. going to the markets are fun, taste the street food out there. if private, email/message them what you would like to see.
withlocals.com/naples italy
off the beaten track in naples: materdei tour, pick your guide. enjoy what they offer for "family life" history, food. walking thru a street market, a citizen living above drops down rope with basket, euros and grocery list. owner does her shopping and when done moves the pully up back to her with her stuff. that's what you call "door to door" service, so funny and great to watch. lots of shops have many christmas nativity scenes
getyourguide.com/naples italy
so many different tours to look at and what suits your fancy, check them out. we have used them a few times without issues. they are a 3rd party seller.
airbnb.com/experiences/naples italy
different history, politics, areas, folklore. learn a lot about this busy and crowded city, so so worth it to see for yourself not what some that haven't been here and say it's not worth it. just like many say about milan, so much history there along as a fashion capital and great food.
you can register with cruisecritic.com click boards, then find your ship and read posts or post one yourself. we did that for few cruises and posted for private taxi tours in whichever city to share cost. no more than 4 up to 6 people, find a private taxi, email them what you hope to see or have them give you options, get cost and share of the board. we planned a meet and great day before cruise at restaurant to introduce ourselves, had lunch or dinner, boarded ship next day and did a sailaway together on top/roof ship with wine.

we never had issues with finding other cruisers to share. taxi waiting at port for us with name and off we went. they know the time ship departs, get you back in time and sometimes time for a cocktail in city center near port, fun way to travel and see up close and personal.
where else is your cruise going? have a great time and enjoy
aloha