RCI Excursions advice

[Poolbouy]

We are going to arrive in Civitavecchia on the Liberty of the Seas in September at the same time as two other cruise ships with potentially 9,500 thousand other passengers. We were planning on getting the train from Civitavecchia to Rome but we’re now having second thoughts as we’re concerned at the train station there will be long queues for tickets, the train and standing room only both ways! There will be five of us travelling, two 70yr olds (reasonable fit) two 40+yr olds and a 13yrd old. Will it be advisable to book one of the RCI own excursions?

[Zigggypup]

Back in 2009 when we did a Med cruise we hooked up with a few couples that we met on Cruise Critic. We hired a private guide with a large Mercedes mini-van. He was great and knew his stuff. We went all over Rome and had a great time. You might want to look into hiring a private guide. It was well worth the money. and it was much nicer being with a few couples compared to a large bus with an itinerary. We made up our itinerary as we went along.

 

Adam

[Rufferto]

Last year we had booked our rail tickets online. We saved a lot of time this way. I think the site was raileurope.com (don’t remember exactly). Check the schedules. When we were there in June of last year, there was a local train and an express train available to take in the morning. The local train left earlier than the express. Even though the local had a longer travel time, it still arrived earlier than the express.

We took the local on the way into Rome, but booked an express first class for the way back. If you use the local, do not expect to be able to sit together on the train. We found seats in the same car but not together for our group of 4. The train station is about a 10 minute walk from the pier. Going back to the port from Rome we had no problems. We used the express with assigned seats for that.

We also got our tickets for the Coliseum and the Vatican online as well. This allowed us to skip lines.

If you are worried about finding a seat, see if you can buy tickets with assigned seats as opposed to general boarding. The drawback here is that you might be stuck with less time in Rome because you booked a later train. Check the schedules for yourself and let us know.

[Merion_Mom]

Back in 2009 when we did a Med cruise we hooked up with a few couples that we met on Cruise Critic. We hired a private guide with a large Mercedes mini-van. He was great and knew his stuff. We went all over Rome and had a great time. You might want to look into hiring a private guide. It was well worth the money. and it was much nicer being with a few couples compared to a large bus with an itinerary. We made up our itinerary as we went along.

 

Adam

 

Excellent idea. I heartily endorse it. :)

[BillOh]

We are going to arrive in Civitavecchia on the Liberty of the Seas in September at the same time as two other cruise ships with potentially 9,500 thousand other passengers. We were planning on getting the train from Civitavecchia to Rome but we’re now having second thoughts as we’re concerned at the train station there will be long queues for tickets, the train and standing room only both ways! There will be five of us travelling, two 70yr olds (reasonable fit) two 40+yr olds and a 13yrd old. Will it be advisable to book one of the RCI own excursions?

 

I was going to avoid answering this question since I have to Med Experience, but a few of the other replies got me to thinking, are you part of the roll call group for your cruise? If so, others wanting to do the same thing may have already planned out something or have experience to relate. I tend to go RC my first time in a port.

[lakelorain]

We booked RCI's Imperial Rome and thought it was exceptional. Our guide was an Archaeologist working for the Vatican. She was extremely knowledgeable and was very enthusiastic. However, the tour was 10.5 hours and most of it was walking. I highly recommend it but be sure to get in shape first.

[Zigggypup]

Excellent idea. I heartily endorse it. :)

 

It was the best way to see Rome. With the large groups, they are always on a schedule. We were just a few couples and were able to have a lot of flexibility in planning the day. It was a great experience.

 

We used Romeinlimo.com

 

Back in 2009 it was 175 Euro's a couple and well worth it. One thing I do remember, it was a long day. We were shot by the time we got back to the ship.

[celebrity]

We booked Rome in Limo for our Sept cruise. It is worth penny to me to see as much as I can.

Who knows when I will return?

[Ashland]

It was the best way to see Rome. With the large groups, they are always on a schedule. We were just a few couples and were able to have a lot of flexibility in planning the day. It was a great experience.

 

We used Romeinlimo.com

 

Back in 2009 it was 175 Euro's a couple and well worth it. One thing I do remember, it was a long day. We were shot by the time we got back to the ship.

We also used RIL for our 2010 Rome visit...just the two of us and driver. We also booked a private tour & guide for the Vatican with RIL..This was an amazing way to see as much as possible during our one day port stop.

[NYeyez]

Another vote for Romeinlimo!!