We flew into Rome the day of the cruise, had pre-arranged a private taxi transfer to Civitavecchia (RomeCabs - excellent service btw).
Embarkation was quick and easy, less than 20 minutes.
Note: if you want to change into bathing suit/evening clothes, etc, keep a carry on with such items with you, as luggage is delivered to the stateroom up to 9pm. We were told it would be delivered within the hour and were waiting. When we happened to leave the room, we noticed the luggage in the hall,but it was not within an hour.
GS 1552 - portside; very close to forward elevators. Was apprehensive about booking re; noise, but really not an issue (elevators were not that close to the room)Deck 10 - just below the Solarium/hot tubs. Again, apprehensive about the noise, however, there was only a bit of noise (chair shuffling in the evening, but brief and not that disruptive). No problem during the day in terms of noise.Bathroom - good size, two sinks, bathtub/shower. Would have preferred glass door, not shower curtain.Also, no electrical outlets in the bathroom, had to dry hair in bar area/vanithy near bed.Great balcony, with a lounger and two chairs/table.TV - the interactive system was being upgraded so was not available for use (used to view statments, book excursions, room service etc).The PA system sucked, could not hear any announcements, had to open the door to hear them.