ollienbertsmum

It is true. You are kicked off the ship so early that you have the whole day ahead of you. Go back to central Rome and see some more of the sights that you have missed (and there will be many). You will probably want to be able to drop off your bags at your hotel so you will need to be central. Maybe there is a bag store in the train station, I did not need to use it so I cannot recall. I just want to remind you that you have a huge amount of time in Rome - more than those of us who have only ever visited on a day trip from Civitavecchia. I am longing to one day eat a pizza in Rome at dusk when the day trippers have gone. I am retiring in 21 days time so things like tthat are on the cards. 🙂

As has been pointed out, you do not get directly from train to ship. We had a shuttle booked, maybe if you stay overnight by the time you return you will be too late for the shuttle. However you will have time to look for a taxi/bus. You won’t have any stress about the ship leaving without you so you can eat drink and make merry and take advantage of an overnight. I have been on multiple western med cruises and never had one.

Look you are going on your first cruise. You will have a great time. It is, in my opinion, a mistake to bid on any upgrade when you are already happy with your cabin allocation. .. but you did. Don't give it another thought. Pack your sunscreen and just enjoy your cruise.

We spent the day walking around Livorno on one of our trips. We did get the shuttle in though. Not sure what was near the port, but a very walkable town. Saying that, I think if I had the luxury of overnighting in Livorno, I would be more likely to want to visit Florence and have time to enjoy an early supper after the crowds had gone. There are regular trains back to the ship.

Cruisemom you voiced my thoughts. We did a wander around the old town and saw some rather smart high fashion shoes. We saw some veg and fresh fish shops. The streets were not however accessible. The last med cruise we went to had to miss Naples due to bad weather. Many passengers, including us, had to cancel tours to the Amalfi Coast. We got a ‘shopping day’ in Civitavecchia instead. Most of us were gutted. Sorrento would be a better shopping option in my opinion. Try getting there by train/ferry/bus tour.

We have done this a couple of times. We have taken the public bus from outside the port, walked in the old town, swam in the beach and walked back to the ship. When we did it in July it was hotttt. At least you see the ship all the way. It was easier when we did the same cruise in OCtober.

I have not been on a cruise from Barcelona since 2018, however the taxi cost from central BCN to the port on my last 7 cruises has been under $20. We were a couple, if you have a larger party the taxi fare would be greater. Hotels are central and worth the taxi fare to the port. WE have boarded and watched people walking to the port, probably to save money - fuffff I would not be doing that walk to save about $5

I live in the area and have been to Granada several times. I would be cautious about DIY from Malaga even in a hire car. If only public transport were better. Yes it is possible, but for me risks such as breakdown/getting lost/unknown delays would make me avoid DIY for this tour. The other consideration is of course where your next stop is. If the next port is Valencia or Cadiz then consider it. If you are going to Palma or Ibiza then catching up with the ship might be harder (In my opinion anyway).