Girr

As already mentioned, go to the port call thread for Italy and you'll find these issued discussed in detail. Also, don't forget to check your roll call. I'd avoid NCL recommended hotels as they're always way outside "centro". If there's just two of you to get into Rome from FCO just grab a taxi with a set fare of 50 euros. It's really easy as you just walk out the door and the taxi stand is "right there". With a car service you need to find your driver, and then walk down to the other end of all the terminals to get the car in the parking garage. This will also run you more than a taxi. There's also an express train, but by the time you pay for two fares plus than a taxi from Termini to your hotel the savings aren't significant. The port forum for Italy has a separate thread for just Rome hotels. I personally always start with one of the major hotels booking sites (Booking, Expedia, Hotels, etc.) and start a search using Rome Historical District. You'll find better rates near Termini or the Vatican, but I can't recommend either district. Vatican is just too far out and Termini just a little too seedy - however, I've stayed in both districts. Now, if a person was only in Rome for a day and the Vatican was the primary location of tour it does make sense near the Vatican. I don't want to panic you, but you need to get your hotel rooms booked now - it books up fast and you're behind the curve. Also, booking directly with the hotel vice the booking sites may save you a little money. To get to the port the train is cheapest (not easiest) and the most expensive is private car service (easiest). The train is not for everyone. Years ago, I never thought of any other option than the train. At 4.80 euros it was a no brainer even with the hassle of pickpockets, no assigned seating, lack of luggage storage, no elevators, the long walk involved, etc. Now if I'm travelling with someone (check out your roll call) I prebook a private car service, or if travelling alone I take one of the shared shuttle services like www.sharedshuttle.it for abut 40 euros which picks me up at my hotel and takes me directly to the ship.

I travel with a "gumpy" and liquid soap isn't "real soap". Ask your room steward for bar soap - I didn't think it still existed onboard, but several bars of L'Occitane verbena soap were promptly delivered to the cabin.

As already responded give the transfer company your flight number, and with their experience they’ll know when to be there. Most companies will request you to download WhatsApp (if you don’t already have), and communicate with you via this method on days of transport. I normally contact them upon landing and we keep track of each other until pick up. This is also helpful for pickup to/from cruise port or daily excursions.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/10/world/europe/italy-taxi-lobby-tourism.html I have a different take on availability of taxis in Rome (and Florence) based on June and July of last year. Getting a taxi was difficult. The larger taxi stands did have cars, but could entail a long wait. The less frequented stands often never had a taxi. In calling for a taxi often the call (or app) was placed on hold, and never picked up. Two booked in advanced Ubers never showed. As you’ll see from the attached article there’s a shortage. With the exception of getting to the port there are good work around with public transportation or being within walking distance.

If you’re not in a rush I’d book around 8:30ish. This gives you time to have breakfast, and the initial rush/crowd will have dissipated. Also, just about every hotel will allow you to drop off your luggage early. When you come back later in the day they’ll complete check-in.

If you can't get one of the forward 2BR, I'd go with one of the cabins on deck 17. I've found the noise in the hallways on deck 16 worse than occasionally chairs being moved around on 17. Plus, I've also experienced small children running around their cabin above me on deck 17, so my preferred location is deck 17. Just stay away from a cabin near the doorway into the Heaven - the door is heavy and if people just let it go it SLAMS shut. You won't hear in in the main bedroom, but guest in the second bedroom will definitely hear it.

I think you'll find the majority here are really not fans of Civitavecchia - especially when Rome is so close. However, I can understand why you're thinking about it after traveling a long day with a family. Things to consider: 1. Trains from FCO do not run directly to Civitavecchia. You have to take the train to Rome, and then transfer to another train heading to Civitavecchia. You can transfer at Ostiense which will save you dealing with Termini, but it's still a transfer. If you haven't read thru all the threads you need to inform yourself about steps, non-reserved seats, pickpockets, lack of luggage storage, etc. Civitavecchia finally has one or two elevators, but everyone is trying to use so it can be another pain. The major issue (at least for me) is there is no assistance with luggage - it's up to you and your family to get it on/off. Travelling with older teens makes this easier; however, toddlers add to the strain. 2. If you're going out the day before the cruise there's really no reason to purchase the shuttle to the ship. If you're hotel isn't near the train station having to go back to the train station to get the shuttle isn't in your best interest (especially if you have to get a taxi). If you do stay near the port there is a free shuttle available which is relatively easy to reach, When booking your hotel see if they can arrange a taxi (although it can be a challenge to find a larger taxi). 3. Civitavecchia is a rather "average" port city. You might want to check out Ostia. It will also come with transportation headaches, but it's (IMO) a much better option. 4. Taking the train post cruise into Rome. Keep in mind, the day you go out to Civitavecchia passengers are spread out over time (probably 8 am to 1 pm). That can't be said post cruise. Check out how many ships are in port that day and do the math. Several thousand people (with a lot of luggage) all rushing to get into Rome isn't a pretty picture. As already mentioned, standing room only is a very real thing - plus there's no guarantee you and your family will be standing together. Add in summer heat, you can't see family members, luggage, etc. -- well it can be stressful. 5. I know private transport can be expensive, but please price it out and consider all the variables in making your decision.

Have you thought about contacting the companies directly and asking if they can arrange transportation or recommend a company? Getting a taxi at the port for that many people is pretty "iffy".

Absolutely agree. However try exchanging that $2 bill in Europe for euros or pounds.

While recent news reports reported some $2 bills may be worth a lot more than their face value, outside of the US it’s very hard to use them. (Even in the states I’ve had had people assume they were fake.). In tipping with $2 bills or $1 coins, especially on cruises outside the US, you may cause the crew members more work than you realize in trying to convert them to a currency they can use.

I did the Rome to Rome via Barcelona last year. Yes, a lot of the platinum perks slots were booked up on the Rome to Barcelona leg; however, if there's a sea day everything will open up again on the Barcelona to Rome leg. (As BirdsTravels mentioned Barcelona is the primary embarkation port for NCL.) Quite a few of us ended up being able to get signed up on the first leg, but I do know some had to wait until after Barcelona. Once on board don't delay signing up (if you're in the Haven the concierge will sign you up). While I did enjoy the behind-the-scenes tour enjoyable I was very disappointed in the Wines Around the World. I don't know if it was because this cruise has limited sea days, but they must have crammed all the Platinum members into one session. Way too many people, and no controls (checks) on who was there.

Due to extreme traffic issues large buses have been banned from the Amalfi Coast - thus the cruise lines have drastically reduced tour options for Sorrento and Amalfi if not even totally removed them. So, for the most part, you're limited to smaller, private tour companies which provide tours in smaller 15 passenger buses/vans. Traffic in this area is BAD. I know last year I ended up doing an NCL excursion (ugh) just to Sorrento, and we were 50 minutes behind schedule before we even got to Sorrento! Do ships wait for non-cruise affiliated excursions - No. There may be exceptions, but it isn't the norm. Last year many NCL excursion were running late in this area due to traffic so some may say they got back late and the ship waited however it was for the NCL excursions they waited, and they just got lucky. I'm not familiar with Shipmate Cruise so I cannot comment on their services. There are several major well known travel companies in the area which "guarantee" getting you back to the cruise ship (now is that Naples or your next port?). I'd recommend going over to the Port of Call Board and check out Italy Ports where you'll see this topic often discussed.

1 bottle of spring water has been replaced by 1 box of water. As already mentioned, I too have the butler bring us a pitcher of water every morning and I fill my bottle up to carry with me throughout the day. They will keep the pitcher full. Also, I've never found a bartender who won't refill my bottle. Or a quick stop by the buffet is another option. (You can refill from the beverage area - just remember do not fill your bottle directly from the dispenser - pour from a clean cup.)

Embarking at Civitavecchia is a breeze-Haven or not. On all but one NCL cruise from there we’ve left from a pier way down the row. As you arrive the porters take your bags and you go to security (it’s the same security for everyone-not just Haven). There’s one long counter for checking in, and Haven is to the far right. Clearly marked “Haven”. Once past check in there are Haven food/beverage and a few chairs but I’ve never had the time to use-normally taken directly onboard (however I also do not arrive until 12:30 or later). As mentioned above for out TA this last December we used the new terminal (we did not in July). The new one had a few more steps involved as we had to drop bags off at the far end, then thru security, before heading up the escalator. At the top of the escalator Haven passengers went a different direction. Prior to this no separate Haven lines. I believe we only used the new terminal as were the only ship embarking that day. No matter what once you get to your ship it’s a breeze-it’s just the trip from Rome which can lead to anxiety. 😏

Generally, I'm in the camp of arriving a day early; however, for Civitavecchia I feel a little different. As you already pointed out it's not that hard catching up with a ship at Naples, and it sounds like you plan on visiting after the cruise. Using my last cruise out of Civitavecchia (1 Dec) our plane was scheduled to arrive at 11:45 AM, ship scheduled departure of 5:00 PM, and an on-board NLT 3:00 PM. Plane landed on time, called our driver while on-board and he said he'd meet us at 1:00. We were in the car on our way around 1:15 (we actually had to wait on the driver about ten minutes). We arrived at port just after 2:00 PM. I'll be honest there weren't too many people in check-in. 😁 However, we were not the last! Probably the easiest check-in I've ever had. I will admit to having a few twinges of anxiety, plus I downloaded train schedules to both Naples and Florences (next two ports) for a plan B. BUT! 1 Dec was an unscheduled train strike leaving people scrambling to get to the port (this includes people who came in a day or two early!). I was really thankful I'd prebooked private transportation to the port. Things to be considered. 1. Are you planning on going directly to Rome after the cruise? If so, defer picking up the rental until after Rome. Parking is non-existent and expensive. 2. In Europe I've found one-way rentals are my best bet. There's no sense in paying for a car and parking for a car sitting in a car park. Plus, while I'm becoming less fond of train travel sometimes it's just so easy to get to the next city (i.e., Rome to Florence) using a train. I like staying in Rome, train to Florence, and then picking up car to drive after a few days in Florence to see the sights outside of Florence. 3. Why double back to Rome? You'll find airports in all the larger cities, and multi-leg flights can be the same (if not less) in price than round-trip. 4. Car insurance. I'm not sure how it works for Canada, but I know a lot of American car insurance companies do not cover car rentals in Italy. Nor do credit cards offer the normal coverage. Research to find out what you'll need. 5. Don't be too alarmed after you've been home about six months to get notified of a ZTL, speeding, whatever ticket. It just seems to come with driving in Italy. 😁😒

I fully understand, only in my case it’s two old curmudgeons (70 and 84). When they’re “done” they are DONE — just head on back. Some things never change. 😏

Avis representative was sitting at the port last July. As I didn’t use them I don’t know if cars were on site or if they took you to car.

Maybe I missed it, but I don’t see anything in this thread about sea conditions. About three days before docking on my last TA there was a major storm brewing around Florida. Captain turned up the engines to get us into port; however we had to wait outside the harbor to get ships pushed out when we arrived head of schedule. Luckily the cruise ships in port got out on-time or even early. We were told if we hadn’t gotten in when we did, and the other ships hadn’t left all would have remained where they were until the next day. There’s a lot of variables in pushing off.

Of the two tours I’d arranged thru Ephesus Shuttle I opened the first to my roll call. All agreed up front on the itinerary. Alas, as we left Ephesus the guide did ask if we’d like to see a rug factory. Yep, one couple chimed in with an emphatic “Yes”. Needless to say my next visit was just immediate family. It’s been years and I know prices have gone up for tours, but it seems the difference for four people wasn’t much more than 16 per person.

Have you asked on the Port of Call (Europe/Other Med) about this port? It’s been years since my last visit, but I used Ephesus Shuttle on two occasions and was very impressed with the tour and guide. They worked with me to see what I wanted to see and excluded what I didn’t want (turkey rug factory). For the price I recommend a private tour.

My experience using Livorno as an example. Italy Tours (www.italytours.eu) will pick you up at your ship and at the end of the tour return you to the ship. You can arrange a tour just for your group or look to join one of their larger tours. My tours have been in mini vans to larger 15 seaters. There’s a couple of options, but for the most part they recommend a guide and will obtained scheduled entry tickets. I’ve never had a problem with the company, and you’ll find a whole thread on them in this forum. Shore Excursions requires you to take the shuttle from the port into the city. (Shuttle is six or seven euros each and you can pay by credit card or euros.) At Piazza M you’ll find their large tour buses. Once bus fills up it leaves. As I’ve not used them I don’t know how many buses they offer daily and what, if any services they offer beyond transportation.

The best way would probably be a rental car, but driving in Italy isn't for everyone. Public transportation for your trip is possible, but complicated. Airport to Siena: 1. Private car service or taxi. I've never used any of them, but a quick online search found several companies providing service starting around 190 euros. 2. Bus or train requires you going into Florence and from there connecting via bus or train at Santa Maria Novella station. Keep in mind when using the train you will have to handle/transfer all your luggage - can be a pain if you travel "heavy". Siena to Civitavecchia: 1. Again, I did a quick search and did manage to find a private car service but it starts at 475 euros. 2. Bus or train are options but will require anywhere from 1 to 3 changes for connections. Each change of train will require you getting your luggage on/off train and to the next platform (may or may not have elevator). If you're adventurous and can handle your luggage bus and/or trains are the best economical option. Go to google map (or apple) and put in each starting and end point and select the train option (this also provides bus info). It will give you a breakout of the steps involved. For example from Siena to Civitavecchia with an early morning start you could start on the bus, then transfer to train at the Grossi F.S. Google maps will provide bus/train numbers, numbers of stops, time, etc. On the other hand, if traipsing between trains dragging luggage doesn't sound like fun check out a one-way rental from the airport to Civitavecchia. If you haven't driven in Italy prior you do need to read up on Italy's driving restricted zones, where you can park in Siena, and obtain an international driver's license. Also, it never hurts to call your hotel in Siena and see if they have any recommendations!

The other option is a good deal. Just keep in mind you’ll need to wait in line to buy the port shuttle ticket then wait at Piazza M for that bus to fill up. You can end up wasting time. Have you checked out your cruises Roll Call? Often there’s others looking to share a taxi to Pisa’s train station.

Avis was right at the port last year for my two cruises with NCL. Also, as mentioned you need to research ZTLs and parking locations in Florence. Driving in Italy requires an international drivers license which can be easily obtained thru AAA or online. If you’re not comfortable with driving in Italy another option is NCL does offer a bus transfer (under excursions) directly to Florence which gives you around 5 hours in the city. It’s not cheap (around $150 each), but may be the less stressful option.

Based on my two NCL cruises last year (July & Dec), no there isn’t a shuttle to the train station. The city offers the shuttle (I don’t remember exact charge but seems it was 6 or 7 euros-good for length of stay). You can pay by credit card or euros. Expect a long line to buy your tickets as they couldn’t be purchased before getting dock side. Shuttle in turn takes you to central point where several non-cruise affiliated tour companies operate. Drop off point is about 1.5 miles to train station. If you’re only in port one day you waste (IMO) a lot of time getting to/from train station. There will be taxis ship side, but it’s difficult to get a taxi to only the train station. This port is one where using the NCL sponsored excursion directly to Florence is not a bad option.