Help at cruise ship dock in Rome

I hope you will consider taking a private taxi/transfer service instead of trying to use the trains. It will be difficult enough to get to the train station in Civitavecchia because you have to take the port shuttle to the port entrance, then get a taxi or a city bus to get to the train station. I'm also guessing that you will need to transfer trains; I don't think there are any direct trains to Florence. There are a lot of taxi options you could research. I got a good price for a transfer to Rome after our cruise on Royal Caribbean from Civitavecchia Cab Service - contact them on their website to get a quote to see if they go to Florence.

Since "...neither of us are able to lift our luggage..." consider a private car service although that will be expensive. Just google "car services in civitavecchia") and see what comes up. We have used Rome Cabs for other trips and have always been pleased. It is a definitely private car service and not a cab company. Go to romecabs.com and see what you think. We usually send an email and they answer us with a quote within 24 hours. You do have to pay cash (Euros) and the end of the journey but not in advance.TC

Do not consider train travel unless you can handle all of your luggage independently, on and off the train.

I would seriously reconsider packing lightly so that you can handle your bags. That's really the only way it will work on trains. You'll be in a vulnerable position if you cannot handle your luggage (there are always scam artists/thieves around who will want to "help you" in a way that you don't expect).

Most people over pack when they travel, so I urge you to reconsider your packing & pack only what you can carry, especially if you plan to travel via train.

You may ask the Webmaster to move your post to the Italy Forum since you posted it on the Spain forum

I'd like to thank everyone so much for your responses . We will definately hire a car and driver.