We began our vacation in Rome staying at the Grand Hotel Palatino near the Colosseum. The reception people spoke good English and were very helpful. We took two tours each by Walks of Italy and City Wonders (Dark Rome) - which were excellent. We anticipated that the NCL cruise tour folks would be able to tell us SOMETHING about the tours they would offer and what they would encompass, so pestered them with questions several times. They really could tell us nothing before we arrived at the hotel and met our tour guide on Aug 9! By then, we had booked the other tours to occupy our time until the cruisetour started.
Take water - buy a bottle and refill it from the many fountains and water sources around Rome. We had no issues with the water from these fountains and saved big money by refilling. August is especially hot - we had temps in the 100s while there.
Beware of pickpockets where-ever you may be. At a rural setting, with few people around us out at Ostia Antica (site well worth seeing, offered by City Wonders), a wallet disappeared with train ticket and money inside. You should always make a police report as soon as possible. We didn't - and found out when we got home that his SS card was in that wallet. The police report is helpful and sometimes required when reporting theft of a SS card to Federal Trade Commission, the three credit bureaus, Social Security and the IRS. Only take what you need and don't carry a lot of baggage with you. Keep wallets in the front pocket, but even then someone can reach in. Check the on-line videos for pickpocket avoidance and safety precautions.
Cabin was nice but the rounded bed made it difficult to negotiate the pathway to the balcony and door. Shower and toilet were well arranged with a sink outside that area. Ice was available daily. Room steward Mark was very helpful.
Boarding at Civitavecchia was a dream. We were among the first in line, our room was ready when we boarded. At the most, it took 10 minutes even though we had been seated in the back of the bus coming from our hotel in Rome. Later passengers had longer wait times, I am sure. Unlike those who boarded in Barcelona, we were able to leave our baggage in our room and not drag it with us while we went to lunch. Those people were not allowed to go to their rooms until 1:30 ish.