We hope you will find some helpful hints here on how to do this cruise yourself - no ship's tours or transfers. We arrived at the Rome airport two days prior to the cruise, and followed the signs to the train. Buy the train tickets to Termini station at a kiosk in the train station (14euros ). Be sure you board the train marked Leonardo express - not the one marked Ostia. From termini (Rome's central train station) we walked to our hotel (Hotel Diocleziano.) After two scorching hot but splendid days in Rome, we walked back to Termini and took the train to Civitavecchia (4.5 euros, buy at ticket machine.)

Upon arrival at Civitavecchia, turn right out of the station (there are a lot of stairs to climb up and down at this station). After 10-15 minutes, you will see the gate to the port on your left. Just inside the gate to the left is the bus stop for the free port shuttle. Board the bus marked with your ship's name.

Boarding was fast (at 1400.) Room was ready, lunch being served (more about the "buffet" later.) Read more