From Civitavecchia to Rome

[bellemere]

On our eighth day of the cruise we will dock at Civitavecchia. Does Cunard provide transportation into Rome if you are not taking one of their excursions? Is it free?

[Bell Boy]

Contact the onboard Tours office. They often arrange transport into Rome for a half day of 'doing your own thing in Rome', However ,nothing is free there is a charge for this.

[Joline21]

It is very easy to catch the train into Rome. It is a 10 min walk from the Port Gates, you turn right. You are allowed to walk to the Port Gates but keep your eyes out for passing traffic (not too much). It takes about 15 minutes.The trains are frequent, clean, fast and very reliable. You get out at the St. Peter's stop and you can see the dome of St. Peter's Cathedral, so its easy to find your way there first. If you have a map (easy to get one locally if you don't) you can get around Rome on foot quite easily. Of course, buses, taxis and the metro are available too. Coming back (we had a return ticket) is easy. We just walked onto the right platform - trains come up on lit up signs above - and a train came within 15/20 minutes and we were back to the Port in no time. Hope this helps.

[Waihekean]

Highly recommended here on CC over the years is Rome Cabs. Just google them and follow directions on their website. They have an entry for Cruisers.

Have used them several times and they are punctual and provide a very good service.

If you share a van with some other cruisers of your roll call then the cost is not much at all and it is so convenient to be picked up from the ship.

 

Alternatively is to take an disembark excursion from the ship (if Cunard provides it). This is very handy if you can not get into hotel till after 2pm. Then you might get to do two major sightsees (like Colosseum and St.Peters Basillica) while your suitcases stay on the bus.

[bellemere]

Thanks for the possible ways to get to Rome. We are stopping here midway of the cruise so it is to Rome and then back to the port.

[Bell Boy]

If you do intend to take the train into Rome (or anywhere in Italy) do make sure you VALIDATE your ticket BEFORE you board the train . You'll see a yellow machine on the platform which will stamp the date of travel on the ticket .

 

Beware of the train inspectors who occasionally board the trains to catch out tourists... so expect a fine. Same when using a bus (yellow validating machines on a bus);)

[Jim Avery]

We second the RomeCabs way. Clean vehicles, english speaking guides. I would add that we have used RC and they can incorporate a tour of Rome at a not too bad price. They have all the permits so literally park on the steps at places like the Fountain of Trevi, Pantheon, etc. Also, if you wish to do a Vatican tour, they connected us to a wonderful woman guide who goes in unmarked doors and past the guards (who all call her Mama) to skip all the lines. Very well worth the money in our opinion and we have used them numerous times. :D

[bellemere]

If you are not using the ship's excursions, when can you get off the ship if you are using the trains or Rome Cabs to get to Rome?

[maggiemou]

Cunard usually do a trip into Rome, it is called "on your own". You pay around $ 50 for the ride into Rome from Civitavecchia. There will be a local escort/ guide onboard the bus and they hand out maps and give you information on Rome. They pick you up a few hours later to return you to the ship.

It is a good way to go and you know for sure you will get back if traffic is bad the ship will wait. Miss the train and the ship sails without you.

Have a good day there . We saw the Pope doing his weekly audience last time we were on a Cunard " On your Own "took us into Rome.

Edited July 17, 2016 by maggiemou