Carnival Legend - Rome

[Joanne G.]

8 hours ago, firefly333 said:

. . . . .  Saying you will be in rome anyway, you should see something of rome sounds easy but the tours do add complications. Buses? I really hope not to have to learn the buses and streets there, but seems it cant be avoided. Every step I take requires something else to learn or do. . . 

 

. . . . Rome seems a lot to tackle when I'm solo. 

@firefly333, I fully understand.  I am a senior citizen, and I sailed solo last year on a Pride cruise that ended in Rome.  As everyone recommends, I felt I should do more in Rome before flying home, so I booked a couple extra nights.  There were challenges!  For one thing, it was extremely hot in mid-September.  

 

I thought I would do the HOHO bus, but the crowds were so massive where I would have picked it up near my hotel (near the Colosseum) that people were waiting for two or three buses before being able to get on.   So I gave up and walked everywhere.  My main goal was the Borghese Gallery, as I had a pre-booked ticket for it.   That was a hike!  But on the way I came across the impressive Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and I took time to visit it.  Parts were free to enter, but I paid a small fee for a tour with an English-speaking guide to see areas not open to the general public.

 

I too was intimidated in figuring out buses and the subway, or even where to get taxis, so I depended on my feet and GPS on my phone. I can't emphasize enough important GPS was for finding my way around.   I am fortunate that I can walk all day, as long as I have the right shoes and take a break every now and then to sit. For someone with mobility issues, Rome would be even more of a challenge.  

 

Despite the challenges, for me it was worth it.  I am doing it again this coming September on a Celebrity cruise that ends in Rome.   I wish you all the best on your time in Rome.  Regarding if it will be dark when your tour ends at 6:00 pm, it's easy to Google what time sunset is on the day you will be there.   When traveling solo, I always check sunset time, because in most places, I do not want to be out after dark.

 

Rome is a lot to tackle for a first-time visitor, but the planning efforts before your visit are important in order to have as enjoyable visit as possible.  I hope you have a wonderful time.  

 

Edited July 6 by Joanne G.

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, Joanne G. said:

@firefly333, I fully understand.  I am a senior citizen, and I sailed solo last year on a Pride cruise that ended in Rome.  As everyone recommends, I felt I should do more in Rome before flying home, so I booked a couple extra nights.  There were challenges!  For one thing, it was extremely hot in mid-September.  

 

I thought I would do the HOHO bus, but the crowds were so massive where I would have picked it up near my hotel (near the Colosseum) that people were waiting for two or three buses before being able to get on.   So I gave up and walked everywhere.  My main goal was the Borghese Gallery, as I had a pre-booked ticket for it.   That was a hike!  But on the way I came across the impressive Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and I took time to visit it.  Parts were free to enter, but I paid a small fee for a tour with an English-speaking guide to see areas not open to the general public.

 

I too was intimidated in figuring out buses and the subway, or even where to get taxis, so I depended on my feet and GPS on my phone. I can't emphasize enough important GPS was for finding my way around.   I am fortunate that I can walk all day, as long as I have the right shoes and take a break every now and then to sit. For someone with mobility issues, Rome would be even more of a challenge.  

 

Despite the challenges, for me it was worth it.  I am doing it again this coming September on a Celebrity cruise that ends in Rome.   I wish you all the best on your time in Rome.  Regarding if it will be dark when your tour ends at 6:00 pm, it's easy to Google what time sunset is on the day you will be there.   When traveling solo, I always check sunset time, because in most places, I do not want to be out after dark.

 

Rome is a lot to tackle for a first-time visitor, but the planning efforts before your visit are important in order to have as enjoyable visit as possible.  I hope you have a wonderful time.  

 

Lol I still have a tracfone. I dont use gps which is why I'm worried. I just gave up my landline when I moved a few weeks ago. I use wifi and map stuff out beforehand. Take screenshots of the directions and write them down on paper.

 

It does look like the vatican is 30 to 45 minutes away on my hotel map but if I walk I'm not going to want to spend 3 hours in the sisteen chappel looking at displays and Vatican museums. Lol I'll be hungry too. I dont know if I'm allowed to bring some food bars in to eat while I'm there. I dont know much of anything.

 

Just giving up my landline was a big deal, first time I'm on a cell phone only. People are yelling at me for not answering lol. And havent set up messages. So yea this is going to be hard to catch buses and do stuff. Meet at meeting points. Worse comes to worse if no uber than taxi? Tuesday I need to get to that place mentioned above before 9 am. Says near the train station. I choose a hotel where it says i could walk to most things but now have 2 vatican type things scheduled.

 

It's just way more than I originally planned on taking on. The TA left from port Canaveral where I just moved near by, so I jumped on it. Then next leg went to 2 ports in greece so I jumped on that too, then people said if you are in rome see rome, so now I'm adding it. I'm Irish I'd love to see Ireland, rome wasnt on my list. Lol. 

[jimbo5544]

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

Lol I still have a tracfone. I dont use gps which is why I'm worried. I just gave up my landline when I moved a few weeks ago. I use wifi and map stuff out beforehand. Take screenshots of the directions and write them down on paper.

 

It does look like the vatican is 30 to 45 minutes away on my hotel map but if I walk I'm not going to want to spend 3 hours in the sisteen chappel looking at displays and Vatican museums. Lol I'll be hungry too. I dont know if I'm allowed to bring some food bars in to eat while I'm there. I dont know much of anything.

 

Just giving up my landline was a big deal, first time I'm on a cell phone only. People are yelling at me for not answering lol. And havent set up messages. So yea this is going to be hard to catch buses and do stuff. Meet at meeting points. Worse comes to worse if no uber than taxi? Tuesday I need to get to that place mentioned above before 9 am. Says near the train station. I choose a hotel where it says i could walk to most things but now have 2 vatican type things scheduled.

 

It's just way more than I originally planned on taking on. The TA left from port Canaveral where I just moved near by, so I jumped on it. Then next leg went to 2 ports in greece so I jumped on that too, then people said if you are in rome see rome, so now I'm adding it. I'm Irish I'd love to see Ireland, rome wasnt on my list. Lol. 

You will be fine.  A trip of a lifetime.  If you want more assistance let us know, we can map it out.

[Haljo1935]

4 hours ago, Joanne G. said:

When I there at the end of my Pride cruise last September, you couldn't get close enough to the fountain to toss coins in if you wanted to.  I have no idea if it is ever not mobbed.  Maybe 6:00 am on a January morning?? 

 

Looks empty in the first picture . . . but it isn't!

 

That first picture sure does make it look empty and you could get a picture. This is what we saw - you'd have thought Bieber was making an appearance, lol. This was Oct 28, so well past "season." If I get to go back, I'll try Jan 6am.

 

Edited July 6 by Haljo1935

[Haljo1935]

1 hour ago, jimbo5544 said:

You will be fine.  A trip of a lifetime.  If you want more assistance let us know, we can map it out.

@firefly333 you will be fine - any planning you do before will just be a plus.

We really found the HOHO maps helpful even on days that we didn't use a HOHO. We marked our hotel on it, then we were able to see attractions and the HOHO stops to help us get our bearings.

[maryann2]

3 hours ago, firefly333 said:

Lol I still have a tracfone. I dont use gps which is why I'm worried. I just gave up my landline when I moved a few weeks ago. I use wifi and map stuff out beforehand. Take screenshots of the directions and write them down on paper.

 

It does look like the vatican is 30 to 45 minutes away on my hotel map but if I walk I'm not going to want to spend 3 hours in the sisteen chappel looking at displays and Vatican museums. Lol I'll be hungry too. I dont know if I'm allowed to bring some food bars in to eat while I'm there. I dont know much of anything.

 

Just giving up my landline was a big deal, first time I'm on a cell phone only. People are yelling at me for not answering lol. And havent set up messages. So yea this is going to be hard to catch buses and do stuff. Meet at meeting points. Worse comes to worse if no uber than taxi? Tuesday I need to get to that place mentioned above before 9 am. Says near the train station. I choose a hotel where it says i could walk to most things but now have 2 vatican type things scheduled.

 

It's just way more than I originally planned on taking on. The TA left from port Canaveral where I just moved near by, so I jumped on it. Then next leg went to 2 ports in greece so I jumped on that too, then people said if you are in rome see rome, so now I'm adding it. I'm Irish I'd love to see Ireland, rome wasnt on my list. Lol. 

In the old days Carnival had the new ships TAs all leaving from Rome so I have stayed there many times.

When I was solo I often stayed in convents so that could be another option for you. Usually 11pm curfew.

 

https://www.casailrosarioroma.it/index.php/en/house/house-il-rosario

 

Try not to do too much and plan to return.

Sometimes there are religious celebrations at the Vatican in October so more pilgrims (Sainthoods etc) so bear that in mind. July and August is too hot.  

 

[firefly333]

33 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

@firefly333 you will be fine - any planning you do before will just be a plus.

We really found the HOHO maps helpful even on days that we didn't use a HOHO. We marked our hotel on it, then we were able to see attractions and the HOHO stops to help us get our bearings.

I dont even know where to start. So I need to get the address of my hotel albergo santa chiara hotel and put it into google. Tuesday and Thursday I think I might need a bus, but idk. 

 

I have to be to that first stop, that you or someone suggested I see, tour starts from there. Says it's near the train station. Ends at st John's I need to get back at the hotel. Is it walkable? 

 

From the hotel need to be here before 9 am tiesday. How do I start to find my way around?

 

Via Santa Cliara 21, Rome. RM,186 Italy is this the address to put into google of HOHO

 

Meeting point

Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy

 

Start time

9:00 AM

 

Google worked lol 19 minutes by bus

Edited July 6 by firefly333

[firefly333]

46 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

@firefly333 you will be fine - any planning you do before will just be a plus.

We really found the HOHO maps helpful even on days that we didn't use a HOHO. We marked our hotel on it, then we were able to see attractions and the HOHO stops to help us get our bearings.

How did you buy your HOHO pass. I just need transportation tuesday and thursday. Did you buy daily pass as a excursion or how did you use HOHO. Lol as in where do I start to plan how to get to the 2 start points. Via via and back to hotel. 

[Haljo1935]

32 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

How did you buy your HOHO pass. I just need transportation tuesday and thursday. Did you buy daily pass as a excursion or how did you use HOHO. Lol as in where do I start to plan how to get to the 2 start points. Via via and back to hotel. 

I pre-purchased the HOHO ticket, did 3 days and used some of the free stuff that came w/it, so it was a good deal. We still walked A LOT and took a bus twice, used the HOHO like it was a bus. I'll find the link for where I bought it, just give me a bit to get back at my computer. I knew you probably won't have texting, but the HOHO sent us texts in advance of service interruptions which helped us plan each day.

[Haljo1935]

11 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

I pre-purchased the HOHO ticket, did 3 days and used some of the free stuff that came w/it, so it was a good deal. We still walked A LOT and took a bus twice, used the HOHO like it was a bus. I'll find the link for where I bought it, just give me a bit to get back at my computer. I knew you probably won't have texting, but the HOHO sent us texts in advance of service interruptions which helped us plan each day.

@firefly333 I had the link on my phone: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/rome/rome-tour-tickets-and-passes

You would be looking at the 48 hour "essential"

We enjoyed the nighttime tour that was included - it was beautiful and gave us a good preview of what was in store.

Even if you don't use them, their maps are great  mark your hotel then see where your tour & anything you might be interested in is. You'll also see where the HOHO stops are.

[firefly333]

32 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

@firefly333 I had the link on my phone: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/rome/rome-tour-tickets-and-passes

You would be looking at the 48 hour "essential"

We enjoyed the nighttime tour that was included - it was beautiful and gave us a good preview of what was in store.

Even if you don't use them, their maps are great  mark your hotel then see where your tour & anything you might be interested in is. You'll also see where the HOHO stops are.

Interesting. Free wifi which I'd use. I saw it as a excursion but not this site. I need it 2 days but not 2 days in a row. Thanks. 

 

I hate doing these maps and stuff. Its like pulled teeth. That's why I cruise so I dont have to do the planning. Just choose excursions at ports. The free wifi at least i could track on google maps.

 

I do have a 2.5 hour walking tour Wednesday starts at 3:30 which to me runs kinda late. I wanted to see the parthenon and tivoli and it ends at a interesting bldg, the name escapes me. Might be similar to your nigntime tour. It goes to places I can walk to from my hotel but it's a small group and I assume includes tickets to get in. I did want to see the parthenon. Says small group up to 25 and we will walk to all 3 places. I figured cant hurt to have a tour guide. That one easy to get to. 

 

Thanks for the link. Arm twisted I'm determined to figure this out and make it work. 

[Haljo1935]

55 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

...Thanks for the link. Arm twisted I'm determined to figure this out and make it work. 

You WILL do it - and you'll have a great time.

 

Horrible Pic cuz we were driving by, but here's the Colosseum from our night tour.

[RedRaider1985]

We’re on the Legend leaving Rome on 27 August this year. I’m booking excursions including Athens Higjlights by Olympic Traveller recommended by Rick Steve’s. It’s a small group tour (less than18), but apparently my wife and I are the only ones booked and they need at least 8.  If you haven’t booked an excursion in Athens, perhaps check out the Athens Highlights tour at http://www.olympictraveller.com/

 

[BlerkOne]

If your phone has GPS and can use apps, GPSMyCity can be used offline by downloading your stuff in advance. I tried it some on our last cruise and it works.

[jimbo5544]

6 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I dont even know where to start. So I need to get the address of my hotel albergo santa chiara hotel and put it into google. Tuesday and Thursday I think I might need a bus, but idk. 

 

I have to be to that first stop, that you or someone suggested I see, tour starts from there. Says it's near the train station. Ends at st John's I need to get back at the hotel. Is it walkable? 

 

From the hotel need to be here before 9 am tiesday. How do I start to find my way around?

 

Via Santa Cliara 21, Rome. RM,186 Italy is this the address to put into google of HOHO

 

Meeting point

Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, P.za di Santa Maria Maggiore, 00100 Roma RM, Italy

 

Start time

9:00 AM

 

Google worked lol 19 minutes by bus

I walked this route

 

[jimbo5544]

For some of the med, Joe. Bananas has a bunch of tours (ROme not among my favorites tho) and Viator has a bunch of options also.

Edited July 7 by jimbo5544

[sasandy]

On 7/5/2024 at 7:05 AM, firefly333 said:

I choose albergo santa chiara, 9.4 exceptional reviews. A know a lot on the hotel thread stay also stay at esmeraldo also walkable 9.2 on reviews. Refundable, ac airport transfer, breaakfast comfy beds on reviews. The area where the poster above stayed is closer to the trains and a few reviews said the neighborhood seems a little worse. I only have 2 tours last 2 days of my stay. 2 days to look around unless I change my mind and add something else. There are supposed to be lots of eating places near tivoli. 

 

I sprung for this hotel to be within walking distance. Once and done for me I suspect. I've been taking care of parents for over 20 years and I got older lol during that time. If I were a couple or younger I could do those 7 hour tours and push more. When my parents were alive I used the excuse I didnt want to cruise far from home so I could get back faster. I also booked my first Panama transit next year, hitting both now that I dont have responsibilities for others. I'm no spring chicken. Choose close over lower prices. I'm already omg what this is turning into planning wise. Too complicated.

 

Vatican looks like 20 minutes or so walk. Sisteen chappel says 9 miles of exhibits. I think I just have tickets to get in, skip the line. The day before my flight, maybe not good planning. I said to myself give myself some time and Vatican closed Wednesday so Thursday. My sisteen chappel ticket is non refundable.  I didnt want to pay big dollars I'm already over 5k total. It just keeps adding up. I'll do a big escorted tour in athens. Idk where else. Some mountain they are talking about I need a excursion or climb one port. I picked this TA because it leaves out of PC 7 miles from the condo where I moved .. and then decided to fly home into miami. Bright rail train to orlando runs 24/7, maybe a hotel in miami then train next day. I'm going to be beat after a long flight. As I said costs keep adding up up up. And it's more complicated. If you end in rome you should stay and see it people said to me. You can see where my hotel is on this.

 

• Pantheon 2 min walk
• Piazza Navona 5 min walk
• Trevi Fountain 9 min walk

We also chose Albergo Santa Chiara as our hotel based on ratings, reviews and location. We plan to walk to everything except our early morning Vatican tour. We love history and ruins so we will walk to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and a few other places on the way. We plan to go to Trevi Fountain the morning of our cruise very early in the morning. We have a golf cart tour (office is 2 min. walk) to see Appian Way and catacombs. We will go to Piazza Navonna if all the construction and plywood is done by the end of September. We will go to a couple churches to see sculptures by Bernini and Michelangelo. We will also spend a day to take the fast train to Venice.

[sasandy]

4 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

You WILL do it - and you'll have a great time.

 

Horrible Pic cuz we were driving by, but here's the Colosseum from our night tour.

If we don't go to Piazza Navonna I would like to take the HOHO night tour to see things lit up.

[Haljo1935]

3 hours ago, sasandy said:

If we don't go to Piazza Navonna I would like to take the HOHO night tour to see things lit up.

It was really pretty. The driver asked if we wanted the top on the bus (double decker) open or closed. We all said "open!!" and he rolled it back. We sat up top and my DH spent most of the trip standing up taking pictures. We were very glad we did it and since it came with our HOHO ticket, we considered it a pleasant bonus.

The one we did doesn't stop anywhere - it started and ended in Termini. 

Edited July 7 by Haljo1935

[behappy11]

9 hours ago, sasandy said:

We also chose Albergo Santa Chiara as our hotel based on ratings, reviews and location. We plan to walk to everything except our early morning Vatican tour. We love history and ruins so we will walk to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and a few other places on the way. We plan to go to Trevi Fountain the morning of our cruise very early in the morning. We have a golf cart tour (office is 2 min. walk) to see Appian Way and catacombs. We will go to Piazza Navonna if all the construction and plywood is done by the end of September. We will go to a couple churches to see sculptures by Bernini and Michelangelo. We will also spend a day to take the fast train to Venice.

Hi…if you haven’t booked your train ticket yet, you may want to check out flights. We usually take the train between the two because we stop in Florence for a few days, but this time we found a cheap flight that works and it’s only an hour. 

[mfs2k]

On 7/5/2024 at 8:05 AM, firefly333 said:

I choose albergo santa chiara, 9.4 exceptional reviews. A know a lot on the hotel thread stay also stay at esmeraldo also walkable 9.2 on reviews. Refundable, ac airport transfer, breaakfast comfy beds on reviews. The area where the poster above stayed is closer to the trains and a few reviews said the neighborhood seems a little worse. I only have 2 tours last 2 days of my stay. 2 days to look around unless I change my mind and add something else. There are supposed to be lots of eating places near tivoli. 

 

I sprung for this hotel to be within walking distance. Once and done for me I suspect. I've been taking care of parents for over 20 years and I got older lol during that time. If I were a couple or younger I could do those 7 hour tours and push more. When my parents were alive I used the excuse I didnt want to cruise far from home so I could get back faster. I also booked my first Panama transit next year, hitting both now that I dont have responsibilities for others. I'm no spring chicken. Choose close over lower prices. I'm already omg what this is turning into planning wise. Too complicated.

 

Vatican looks like 20 minutes or so walk. Sisteen chappel says 9 miles of exhibits. I think I just have tickets to get in, skip the line. The day before my flight, maybe not good planning. I said to myself give myself some time and Vatican closed Wednesday so Thursday. My sisteen chappel ticket is non refundable.  I didnt want to pay big dollars I'm already over 5k total. It just keeps adding up. I'll do a big escorted tour in athens. Idk where else. Some mountain they are talking about I need a excursion or climb one port. I picked this TA because it leaves out of PC 7 miles from the condo where I moved .. and then decided to fly home into miami. Bright rail train to orlando runs 24/7, maybe a hotel in miami then train next day. I'm going to be beat after a long flight. As I said costs keep adding up up up. And it's more complicated. If you end in rome you should stay and see it people said to me. You can see where my hotel is on this.

 

• Pantheon 2 min walk
• Piazza Navona 5 min walk
• Trevi Fountain 9 min walk

 

I'm staying close to the same area.  Staying at NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali on Via di Santa Eufemia.  Seems to be close to everything

 

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, mfs2k said:

 

I'm staying close to the same area.  Staying at NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali on Via di Santa Eufemia.  Seems to be close to everything

 

It could be a 30 minute walk or so to some Vatican stuff I scheduled. I better get walking. I'm here just moved to florida coast and its soooooo hot. Just taking the elevator here to the top floor I'm sweating lol. I dont think the elevator counts as exercise. I'm going to have to get in shape to walk 30 minutes and then do a excursion on my feet, and walk home. 

 

I assume we arent on the same ship though. Looks like it's much cooler in rome than florida in the summer.

[ninjacat123]

@firefly333 we did the Pride 10 day cruise out of Civitavecchia and spent 3 days before in Rome last October. I wrote a LiVE that you might have fun reading and maybe get some info. Have fun it’s an awesome cruise and trip!!

in my signature:

LIVE Italy Land trip then 10 days on Pride, Oct 18-29 to Greece, Turkey, Sicily and more Italy with ninjacat123!

[firefly333]

4 hours ago, ninjacat123 said:

@firefly333 we did the Pride 10 day cruise out of Civitavecchia and spent 3 days before in Rome last October. I wrote a LiVE that you might have fun reading and maybe get some info. Have fun it’s an awesome cruise and trip!!

in my signature:

LIVE Italy Land trip then 10 days on Pride, Oct 18-29 to Greece, Turkey, Sicily and more Italy with ninjacat123!

I might have read it but might read it again. I'm on a similar 10 day but havent done anything yet about the ports. But they sound similar. I don't think any excursions are showing yet for my ports. Its 1 am so I'll bookmark it, but I'd like to review it when the port stuff opens.

 

Mine isnt until next may. I wish the excursion stuff was open so I could start thinking about that too.

Edited July 9 by firefly333

[firefly333]

4 hours ago, ninjacat123 said:

@firefly333 we did the Pride 10 day cruise out of Civitavecchia and spent 3 days before in Rome last October. I wrote a LiVE that you might have fun reading and maybe get some info. Have fun it’s an awesome cruise and trip!!

in my signature:

LIVE Italy Land trip then 10 days on Pride, Oct 18-29 to Greece, Turkey, Sicily and more Italy with ninjacat123!

I tried to edit but typed too slow. I think similar ports. I see carnival you paid about $1k you said for flights. Air2sea was $1090 if I flew home within 48 hours but jumped to $1510 if I waited. I'm waiting because I'm staying longer in rome, and wasnt paying $1510. So I booked direct to miami on air europa. They have a flight to orlando but has 2 plane changes, madrid and JFK. I didnt want to risk 2 plane changes so at extra cost overall im flying to miami. Orlando also isnt a international hub I'm told by my TA. He suggested miami. One plane change and I get in sooner. Its booked so dont need criticism of my choice lol some already jumped on me for my choice.

 

I also yesterday booked brightline train from miami to orlando, also not refundable. Sounds fun. Premium includes lot and lots of food and drinks, alcoholic drinks. I was surprised myself. No wonder they arent turning a profit lol. Florida has to fund the next station in tampa, then cocoa after that. The cocoa station will be closer but not soon enough to help me. I'll have to shuttle from orlando airport to near PC. But we do have similar ports. I'll read it thru later. My flight will add a extra night in miami. Its booked so people telling me how they would have booked to orlando instead no help. Not paying $1510 for air2sea either. But I havent planned anything for my ports for the 10 day. Thanks .. I'll read thru yours when im awake.