Our cruise on the Carnival Freedom began in Civitavecchia (for Rome) on March 14, 2007 after three lovely days in Rome. We flew into Rome early so that we could recover from jet lag and explore the city at leisure. Since we have been to Rome before, we focused on places we had missed or had really enjoyed. It is important to stay in a hotel that is in or close to the historical center. This time we stayed in the Prati District (Vatican area) and we have previously stayed in the Spanish Steps area, from both areas we walked to all major attractions.

We traveled into Rome by the "Leonardo Express" train which can be reached from the second level of the airport above the arrival area. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth or the newsstand near the tracks. The cost is 12 Euro per person (one way).

On embarkation day, we took the train from the Rome Termini station into Civitavecchia at a cost of 6 Euro per person. Tickets can be purchased on line from Trenitalia.com and printed out at the station on arrival, or purchased directly at the train station. Make sure you validate (just before you ride) any transportation tickets you receive at the yellow boxes located everywhere. A short walk from the train station in Civi and a free shuttle from the port entrance brought us to the ship. Read more