Fly into Rome from London same day as cruise?

[kimmi5207]

As am experienced cruiser (9) I can't believe I'm about to ask this but here goes.....

 

I am taking the NCL epic out of Rome in mid May on a Wed. Prior to that I will spend a few days in Paris and London. (I've been to London once for 3 days in December alone, this time my 21 year old son wants to go prior to our cruise).

 

The cruise departs at 7pm on Wednesday. It is a 2 1/2 direct flight from London, and of course a 1-1/2 hour drive to the port after going thru customs and picking up luggage.

 

I am considering flying into Rome Early Wednesday morning and taking private transport to the port.

 

Is that too risky?

 

I have always flown in a day ahead of time for all other cruises I've taken although for ones within driving distance (an hour away) I have left that same morning.

 

Thoughts regarding the risk since it's such a shirt flight from London to Rome? I've seen some tours/connections for the cruise that have advertised 1:30 as the latest arrival time into the airport for a cruise leaving that evening.

 

Other option of course is to fly in the night before and hopefully the hotel in London will hold our luggage all day after checkout while we continue to tour the city.

 

Thanks for your advise.

[navybankerteacher]

Why do you think you "...have always flown in a day ahead of time..."?

 

What is different about this cruise that makes you less risk averse?

[alibabacruisers]

I would arrive the day before the cruise as too many things could go wrong and you don't want to start your cruise on the wrong foot.

[kimmi5207]

I've just seen some postings of people arriving on early morning flights as the departures are quite late. There are even excursions/tours centered around it (pick up at airport, 3 hour city tour, and then on to port. Also there being a lack of connecting flights reduces the chance for issues.

 

Having said that, I'm risking a lot of money if something goes wrong.....and anything is possible. I guess I will probably continue to play it safe and do as I always do and arrive the night before.

 

Thanks

[busmech]

Do the day before. A lot of things can happen, not just in england or italy. I went from london to spain and flights were mess up because france traffic controllers were on a slow down. A lot can happen, give yourself time.And rome is not a bad place to spend a day or 2.

[kimmi5207]

Thinks. I will play it safe. I just read a story about a family that arrived 6 hours late on the day of boarding-an hour before the cutoff for boarding the cruise. Of course they were traveling from the U.S. but no need to cause myself unnecessary stress.

 

We are spending 2 days post cruise in Rome but I'm sure we can find something to do that morning before heading to port. Or we may just rest and sleep in that morning. Thanks again