Rome to Sorrento and back to Rome

the train is not that bad. If you keep an eye out and are cautious you'll be fine on the train. I've never been bothered and I go several times a year. Just don't give others the opportunity to steal from you. Wear a money belt, secure your belongings and pay attention to your surroundings. The train is the fastest way to and from Sorrento.

Donna

It's not a "dangerous" trip, people do it all day, everyday. You just don't want to let your guard down. Just make yourself aware of who is around you and keep your personal belongings close. Stow your bags on the train where you can see them and watch them while you are in the station. Cable locking them together or to the luggage rack will help. Don't accept help from anyone (and don't ask for it either, because you won't get it). Also don't wear an expensive purse, watch, or jewelry. A Rolex is a definite "no-no". The train is a better way to get to Rome than by bus. It will take far less time.

However, I would not feel comfortable traveling from Sorrento to Rome on the same day that my cruise leaves. What if there is a transit strike that day or you miss your train? There are a multitude of things that could delay you and keep you from making your departure. It would be better if you got to Rome the day before your departure and stayed the night there.

What are your thoughts on renting a car outside of Rome, driving to Sorrento and driving back to Citavecchia?

You can also take the ferry from Sorrento to Naples which is about a 30 minute ride and far more enjoyable than the train.

You then have maybe a 10 minute cab ride to the train station.

The train took us over an hour from Sorrento to Naples.

I wouldn't rent a car. It's too easy and cheap to take the train.

Donna

In Scott's defense I will say I've gotten the ol' shoulder shrug more that a few times in Italy (AND France, AND...no, mostly Italy LOL!). I'm just better prepared for the inevitability now! That's why there's so much wine in Italy ;-) I do love Italy, though, and the people.

If you're prepared for the rest of Europe's 'security threats' (pickpockets, etc.), then this won't be any different. Always be vigilant. Assuming you have a 'decent' amount of luggage...

A point of clarification. When I said "don't ask for help, because you won't get it", I am speaking of the personnel on the trains and in the train stations. If it's not in their "job description" set down by their union, then they won't do it. It's simply not their job.

I brought a dog back with me on my last trip to Italy and had a Hell of a time getting through the Bologna train station. With my luggage and dog carrier in tow, I asked for assistance in getting to the proper platform. It requires going underground through a tunnel to get to the platforms. They had a guy who escorted me to the elevator, operated it for me, and led me through the tunnel (leaving me in his dust). And, when I finally got through to the other end of the tunnel (huffing and puffing and swearing), he was waiting for me at the elevator at the opposite end. I had asked for assistance or at least a luggage cart (non-existent) and was denied.

Sig, I'm sure you've heard that "you could step outside your house and get hit by a car". But that doesn't keep you from going outside your house. Just follow Rick's book and you shouldn't have any problems. Keep your eyes moving and don't follow any strangers that come up to you with any free advice. Remember it's crafty pickpockets not your local mass murderers. They're only interested in your cash and not to get caught so they can use your money, not you. Wear a money belt with all your valuables ( cash, credit cards, ID and passport ). And remember to always make copies and keep them in the hotel room's safe. We took a bus to Florence, because one of our family members was freaking out traveling on the train. Well that was a BIG mistake, I'll never do again. Waste of money and time.

PS; If ever not sure, find a uniform with a badge. And always, always begin with a greeting " bonjurno senore or senorina, parla inglese " it gets you a long way. Unless they're arresting a pickpocket at that time and your bothering them ( just kidding ). And don't you have to be back at the boat around 5:00-6:00 pm, your taking a big risk not making it back to the boat and that stress might keep you from enjoying Sorrento. Don't they have an excursion from the ship? It might be your best bet.

Thanks for everyones feedback. Not too afraid to take the train, but my wife does not travel light. I will have to be hauling suitcases, try to figure out where I am going, worry about thieves. And I have heard about transit strikes, this being a big concern. I don't want to be stuck in Sorrento and have to rely on busses or trains that may go on strike and prevent me from getting back for my cruise. I thought that if I was able to rent a car, this may solve several issues. But now I find out that car rental returns may be closed on Sundays at the port. All these issues make planning a little tough.

take the train-- rental car going into Roma is madness.

I agree with Scott's suggestion to get to Roma the day before your cruise leaves. The random train/transit strike can mess up plans or at the least cause a huge amount of anxiety