We were 1st time cruisers from australia-unlike most of those on board-but widely travelled. We began our holiday with 3 days in Naples. We arrived in Rome and headed straight for the Stazione Termini and took a pre booked eurostar to Naples. We stayed at a wonderful hotel overlooking the port - Hotel Jolly. The taxi cost 30 euros but it was worth it at the time after 24 hrs of travelling but we later discovered the bus goes straight back to the station for a couple of euro. We booked a tour to the Isle of Capri one day and the Amalfi Coast via Herculaneum, by train and bus the other day. We kept Vesuvius and Pompei for the cruise shore excursion. After the cruise we extended our holiday with a week in Malta. I did extensive research on the net before coming and the reviews here were particularly helpful.

Rome to Civitavecchia: by train - difficult with heavy bags but a lot of other cruisers did it the same way. met another 2 couples in same compartment so agreed to share a taxi to the ship and it worked well Embarkation: incredibly smooth and fast - I think because I did everything online.

We were thrilled with our cabin on Main deck. I get see sick easily so were advised to have a cabin midship and low. This was very good for one night in particular! The bathroom was a little squeezy but otherwise there is plenty of room. Read more