Shore Excursions on cruise from Rome.

Have you checked their website? My parents are on the same ship leaving tomorrow and I looked on the website with them, the tours are described pretty thoroughly along with the cost. If you've already done so then maybe others will be able to help.

You'll probably get a better response if you go to a cruising website such as CruiseCritic. They have forums for the different cruise ports.

Sig, From Messina take the Train to Toarmina. Station is about a 10min walk. To get to the bus/train station once off the ship go left. Walk till you see the big "Martini" sign on one of the buildings. Go past the gas/petrol station. When you get to Messina Martime building turn right and walk 150meters-turn left and station will be on right. The inter city bus takes about 11/2hr-the train about 1/2hr.. The bus will take you to the Taormina parking lot and a free shuttle will take you the 2 or 3 min ride to the city. If you take the train you will arrive at the Taormina Giardini station. From there you will take a inter city bus to the Toarmina parking lot. Also right above Toarmina is a town called Caslemola.....beautiful view!!!

Your question is so broad and general that it is impossible to answer within the limited space provide. But briefly On almost all of our cruises the first place we hit is the TI and book local tours. Generally great tours at very reasonable prices. However, we will have done our homework for that port and will have some idea of what is available through the TI. If it is the first time at that port and a major city like Barcelona or Athens we will use the hop on/off bus to get a overview of the city with the limited time available.