Tag Archives: Rome

How to Plan a Mediterranean Cruise: What I Wish Every First-Time Cruiser Knew

September 8, 2026 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

A Mediterranean cruise sounds almost too good to be true.

Wake up in a different country. Have breakfast overlooking the sea. Spend the day exploring ancient ruins, wandering cobblestone streets, eating incredible food, and then return to your ship for dinner.

And the next morning?

You do it all over again somewhere completely different.

But if you’ve never taken a Mediterranean cruise before, planning one can feel overwhelming.

Which itinerary should you choose?
How many days do you need?
Should you arrive early?
Do you need an excursion in every port?
How do you get from the cruise port into the city?
And perhaps the biggest question…

How do you see everything without coming home exhausted?

After spending time in Rome before our Mediterranean cruise and sailing through several incredible ports, I’ve learned that there are a few things I wish every first-time Mediterranean cruiser knew before booking.

1. Don’t choose the cruise based only on the ship

This is probably the biggest difference between a Caribbean cruise and a Mediterranean cruise.

In the Caribbean, the ship and the ports are both part of the vacation.

In the Mediterranean, the itinerary matters enormously.

You may fall in love with a beautiful ship, but if the itinerary has ports that don’t interest you—or doesn’t give you enough time in the places you really want to see—you may regret the decision.

When you’re comparing Mediterranean cruises, look beyond the ship.

Ask:

Which cities does it visit?
How long is the ship in each port?
Are there multiple sea days?
Does it visit places you’ve always wanted to see?
How far is the actual cruise port from the city?
Is the itinerary rushed or does it give you enough time to explore?

A cruise that visits Rome, Florence, Barcelona, and the French Riviera may sound like it checks every box.

But remember: the cruise port isn’t always the city.

And that brings me to the next thing I wish every first time cruiser knew.

2. A “port day” doesn’t necessarily mean a day in the city

This one catches a lot of first-time cruisers off guard.

Your itinerary might say Livorno, but you’re probably dreaming about Florence.

Your itinerary might say Civitavecchia, but you’re really going to Rome.

Those aren’t the same thing.

Sometimes you’ll need a train, private transfer, taxi, or organized excursion to actually reach the place you want to see.

That means you need to factor transportation time into your plans.

A port day isn’t necessarily:

8:00 AM – Arrive in Florence 6:00 PM – Leave Florence

It could actually be:

8:00 AM – Ship arrives in Livorno
9:00 AM – Get off ship
10:30 AM – Arrive in Florence
4:00 PM – Leave Florence
5:30 PM – Return to ship

That makes a huge difference when you’re deciding what you can realistically see.

3. Don’t try to see EVERYTHING

This is the hardest one for me because I’m the person who wants to see everything.

It’s the Mediterranean!

How can you possibly choose between the Colosseum, Vatican, Amalfi Coast, Florence, Pisa, Monaco, Marseille, Barcelona and all the incredible little towns in between?

You can’t.

And trying to do it all can turn your dream vacation into a marathon.

Instead, decide what your must-do experiences are.

Maybe Rome is the place where you want a full day of sightseeing.

Maybe in France you just want to wander, eat lunch and enjoy the scenery.

Maybe you’re willing to spend a little more for a private guide in one port because there’s something you’ve always dreamed of seeing.

That’s okay.

You don’t have to maximize every single port.

Sometimes the best travel memories come from slowing down enough to actually enjoy where you are.

4. Consider arriving before your cruise

If your cruise departs from Rome, Barcelona, Athens, Venice, or another major European city, I strongly recommend considering arriving at least one day early.

And honestly?

For some itineraries, I’d consider two days.

Flights get delayed.

Bags get lost.

Transportation doesn’t always go according to plan.

And the last thing you want is to be sitting on a plane watching the clock while your cruise ship is waiting for you to arrive.

Arriving early also gives you the chance to experience the departure city.

For us, spending time in Rome before the cruise meant we weren’t trying to cram the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, the Forum and the Trevi Fountain into one frantic cruise day.

We could actually enjoy Rome.

And that extra time can make a huge difference.

5. Don’t book an excursion in every port

Yes, excursions are convenient.

But you don’t necessarily need one every single day.

Some ports are easy to explore independently.

Others are much more complicated.

And some destinations are worth paying for a guide because of the history and logistics involved.

My general rule?

Know what kind of port you’re dealing with before deciding how to explore it.

For major bucket-list destinations, I often recommend looking at private tours or small-group excursions.

For easier ports, you may be perfectly happy exploring on your own.

And sometimes the best plan is simply getting off the ship and seeing where the day takes you.

6. Private transportation can be worth every penny

This is one of those things that can feel expensive when you’re booking the trip.

Then the day comes.

You’re standing in a crowded port, trying to figure out transportation, watching the clock and wondering if you’re going to make it back to the ship.

Suddenly, that private driver doesn’t seem quite so expensive.

For certain ports—especially ones where the cruise port is far from the destination you actually want to visit—a private transfer can make the day dramatically easier.

You aren’t just paying for a car.

You’re paying for:

Time. Convenience. Peace of mind.

And on a cruise, those things are valuable.

Private cars waiting for cruisers in Livorno

7. Build your days around what matters most to YOU

One mistake first-time cruisers make is trying to follow someone else’s perfect Mediterranean itinerary.

Don’t.

Maybe you love history.

Maybe you’re all about food and wine.

Maybe you want beautiful scenery and charming villages.

Maybe you’re traveling with your mom and want a slower pace.

Maybe you’re traveling with friends and want to spend the day laughing over a long lunch.

There is no single “right” way to experience the Mediterranean.

The best itinerary is the one that matches your travel style.

8. Give yourself more time than you think you need

European travel involves walking.

A LOT of walking.

Cobblestones.

Stairs.

Museums.

Churches.

Train stations.

Ports.

And somehow the gelato shop is always another half-mile away.

😂

Build some breathing room into your plans.

You don’t have to schedule every minute.

And if you’re traveling with multiple generations, definitely think about how much walking and standing your itinerary requires.

A private driver or guided tour isn’t just a luxury—it can sometimes make the difference between everyone having a wonderful day and everyone being completely exhausted.

9. Think about your cabin carefully

You’re going to hear a lot of opinions about cabins.

Inside vs. balcony.

Midship vs. aft.

Lower deck vs. higher deck.

And yes, those choices matter.

But there’s another question you should ask yourself:

How much time will you actually spend in your cabin?

If you’re planning to be off the ship exploring every day, you may prioritize location and budget differently than someone who plans to spend afternoons relaxing on their balcony.

And if you’re someone who has discovered that you really enjoy having extra space and a quieter, more elevated cruise experience…

Well, that’s a whole different conversation. You can find that conversation here.

😉

10. Don’t forget that you’re still on a cruise

This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget.

You’re not checking into a hotel in every city.

You’re unpacking once and waking up somewhere new every morning.

That’s one of the best things about cruising.

You don’t have to drag your suitcase through Rome, Florence, France and Spain.

Your hotel comes with you.

But it also means you need to keep an eye on the clock.

The ship will leave without you.

If you’re exploring independently, know exactly when you need to be back onboard.

And remember that “all aboard” isn’t the same thing as “the ship leaves.”

Give yourself a cushion.

Your future self will thank you.

11. Plan for the unexpected

Not every port day will go exactly as planned.

Weather can change.

Tours can run late.

Transportation can be delayed.

A museum can unexpectedly close.

And sometimes you’ll simply wake up and realize you are tired and don’t want to follow the plan you made six months ago.

That’s okay.

Leave a little flexibility in your trip.

The Mediterranean isn’t going anywhere.

You don’t have to experience every single thing in one trip.

French Riviera from the Jardin Exotic n Eze Village

12. And finally… don’t try to do this alone

This is where a travel advisor can make a huge difference.

Planning a Mediterranean cruise isn’t just about finding a cruise.

It’s about matching the right itinerary, ship, cabin, excursions, transfers, pre-cruise hotel and flights to the people actually taking the trip.

And there are a lot of moving pieces.

That’s exactly the kind of trip I love helping people plan.

Because you shouldn’t have to spend hours researching every port, comparing every itinerary and trying to figure out whether a cruise excursion will actually get you where you want to go.

You should be able to look at your vacation and think:

“I can’t wait.”

Not:

“I hope I planned this right.”

If a Mediterranean cruise is on your travel wish list…

Let’s talk about it.

Whether you’re dreaming about Italy, Greece, Spain, France—or a little bit of all of them—I’d love to help you figure out what itinerary makes the most sense for you.

And if you’ve never cruised before, don’t worry.

You don’t have to know what you’re doing before you reach out. That’s what I’m here for.

Your job is to dream about where you want to go.

I’ll help you figure out how to get there.

cruise, Italy, Memory Keeping

How We Spent Our 2 Days in Rome — And Why I Planned It This Way

August 31, 2026 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

We had 48 hours in Rome.

That sounds like plenty of time… until you start looking at everything you want to see.

The Vatican. St. Peter’s Basilica. The Colosseum. The Roman Forum. The Trevi Fountain. And then, because I wanted to experience something a little different, an underground tour that took us beneath the streets of Rome into a hidden world of ancient water systems and history.

So the challenge wasn’t simply:

“What can we see in two days?”

It was:

“How can we see the most important things without spending our entire 48 hours rushing from one crowded attraction to another?”

That is where the planning really mattered.

I Didn’t Plan Rome as a Checklist

When I plan travel for my clients, one of the first things I look at isn’t how many attractions can we fit in?

It’s how do these experiences fit together geographically, logistically and emotionally?

Rome is one of those cities where you can technically see a lot in a short amount of time—but if you aren’t careful, you’ll spend half your day waiting in lines, navigating crowds and trying to figure out where you’re supposed to be next.

With only two days, I wanted our major sightseeing experiences to feel intentional.

So I divided our time into experiences where having a private guide would add real value and experiences where a smaller specialty tour made more sense.

That distinction made a huge difference.

Day One: Vatican City & St. Peter’s Basilica

We started with the Vatican.

This was one of the experiences where I knew I wanted a private guide.

Why?

Because the Vatican isn’t just a place where you walk through rooms and look at beautiful things.

There is so much history, symbolism and context that you can easily miss if you’re simply following the crowd and reading signs along the way.

Having our own guide meant we could ask questions, slow down when something caught our attention and actually understand what we were looking at.

And then there was St. Peter’s Basilica.

The scale of it is difficult to appreciate until you’re standing inside.

This was another reason I didn’t want to simply rush through the Vatican as part of a giant group tour.

When you have limited time, I don’t necessarily think you need to do everything privately.

I think you need to be strategic about where private guiding adds the most value.

For us, the Vatican was one of those places.

We also came off an overnight flight early that morning. We were tired, jet-lagged, but could not waste a day. Having a private tour was much easier on our jet-lagged minds on the first day.

Day Two: Ancient Rome

Day two was all about Ancient Rome.

We visited the Colosseum and Roman Forum, two places that were absolute must-sees for me.

Again, this is where having a guide can completely change the experience.

You can certainly walk through the Colosseum and Forum on your own.

But when someone can explain what you’re actually looking at, how the spaces were used and what life was like here, the ruins become more than just beautiful photographs.

And that’s something I think is worth paying for when your time is limited.

We weren’t trying to spend three days wandering around Rome hoping we’d stumble upon the important things.

We had 48 hours.

I wanted to understand what we were seeing.

And Of Course…Trevi

No trip to Rome feels complete without seeing the Trevi Fountain.

This was one of those stops that didn’t require a private guide.

We didn’t need someone to explain how to look at a fountain.

We just needed time to stand there and take it in.

And yes, we threw the coins.

Because sometimes the touristy things are touristy for a reason.

Then We Went Underground

For our next experience, I deliberately chose something completely different.

We went beneath the streets of Rome and discovered a completely different side of the city—one that most visitors don’t see simply by walking from one famous landmark to another.

This is one of my favorite things about planning travel.

Sometimes the experiences you remember most aren’t the ones that were at the top of every “10 Things to Do in Rome” list.

Instead of another large attraction with crowds of people, we did a smaller underground tour.

They’re the experiences that make you stop and think:

“Wait…this is underneath Rome?”

And because this was a smaller tour, it felt completely different from the Vatican experience.

That was intentional.

I didn’t want two days of large crowds and major attractions.

I wanted contrast.

So Why Did I Choose Private Guides?

This is probably the biggest takeaway from our two days in Rome.

I didn’t choose private guides because I think every travel experience needs to be private.

I chose them because we had limited time and there were certain places where the added expertise was worth the investment.

For us:

Private guide → Vatican & St. Peter’s

I wanted history, context, flexibility and the ability to ask questions.

Private guide → Colosseum & Roman Forum

I wanted the ancient ruins to actually come alive rather than simply walking through them.

Smaller specialty tour → Underground Rome

I wanted a more intimate experience that was completely different from the major attractions.

Self-guided sightseeing → Trevi Fountain

Because sometimes you don’t need a guide. You just need to be there.

The Real Luxury Wasn’t Seeing Everything

It was not wasting our time.

That’s the part of travel planning that isn’t always obvious when you’re looking at an itinerary online.

You can find a list of every attraction in Rome in about 30 seconds.

But figuring out:

What needs advance planning
Where a private guide is worth the money
Which experiences work better in a small group
How to group attractions geographically
How much time to realistically allow
When to build in breathing room
And what you can skip without feeling like you “missed Rome”

…that’s where a travel advisor can make a difference.

We had only 48 hours.

We didn’t see everything.

And that was okay.

We saw the places that mattered most to us, experienced them in a way that felt meaningful, and still had moments where we could simply wander, look around and enjoy being in Rome.

Because a great itinerary isn’t the one where you check the most boxes.

It’s the one where you come home feeling like you actually experienced the place.

And if you’re planning a trip to Rome and trying to figure out how to make limited time work, that’s exactly the kind of planning I love helping with.

You tell me what you want to experience. I’ll help you figure out how to make it all fit.

cruise, Featured, Italy, Memory Keeping

Our Mediterranean Cruise: The Trip I Didn’t Know I Needed

August 17, 2026 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Sometimes you take a trip because you’ve been dreaming about it for years.

And sometimes you take a trip and come home realizing you didn’t even know how much you needed it.

That was this trip.

It started as a trip to take a couple that had never been to Europe. Then another couple joined. It was planned for 3 couples. Then the original couple backed out. Reorganized again. I had to take into account that my husband and I were doing some things we had already done multiple times and create some new experiences for us. Our friends had done some, but not most. It was a long time ago, so they were up for anything.

We recently spent 7 nights cruising the Mediterranean aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, sailing from Rome to Barcelona. We traveled through Italy and France, ate an unreasonable amount of incredible food, drank plenty of wine, walked approximately a million steps, explored ancient cities and medieval villages, climbed a volcano, wandered through Florence, and somehow still managed to come home exhausted and already planning the next trip.

And as a travel advisor, this trip was something else, too.

It was research.

It was firsthand experience.

It was a chance to test the things I recommend to clients and figure out what I would—and wouldn’t—do again.

Most importantly, it reminded me why I love helping people plan travel in the first place.

We Didn’t Just Take a Cruise. We Planned an Experience.

One of the things I love about cruising the Mediterranean is that the ship is really only part of the vacation.

The ports are the adventure. Those are my favorite parts. Seeing all those magnificent places.

And when you have limited time in each port, how you spend those hours matters.

For this trip, we decided that we didn’t want to simply get off the ship, walk around for a couple of hours, grab lunch and get back on board. We also didn’t want to just do the ship-planned excursions this trip. Those can be perfect depending on circumstances, but for this trip and with our Haven priority privileges, it was better to plan independently.

We wanted to experience each destination.

That meant doing something a little different in almost every port.

We booked private guides and drivers for most of our experiences, while also choosing a few activities that allowed us to explore independently.

And that mix turned out to be one of my favorite things about the trip.

Some days were highly structured.

Other days were completely ours.

There were days when someone was waiting for us at the port with a plan that we were fully involved in creating and days when we simply wandered down a street in Florence because something looked interesting.

That balance is exactly what I want for my clients.

Starting in Rome

Our adventure began in Rome, where we had the opportunity to explore some of the city’s most iconic sights for 2 days before embarking the ship.

We had private experiences at the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Both booked via Get Your Guide.

Having a knowledgeable guide made such a difference. These are places where it is very easy to look at something beautiful or historic without really understanding what you’re seeing.

A good guide changes that.

Instead of simply seeing the Colosseum, you understand what happened there.

Instead of walking through the Vatican and trying to absorb everything yourself, someone can point out the details you would have missed.

We also did something completely different: we went underground.

Beneath the Trevi Fountain is an ancient underground archaeological site, and exploring it was one of those experiences that reminded me why I love looking beyond the obvious tourist attractions.

Everyone knows the Trevi Fountain.

But how many people know what’s underneath it?

Those are the experiences I love finding. This was something I had never done and now would highly recommend it.

Sailing in the Haven

We also stayed in The Haven aboard Norwegian Epic.

And yes, it was wonderful.

But what I really wanted to discover was whether the experience was actually worth the additional cost.

The answer?

For the right traveler, I absolutely think it can be.

The priority embarkation, the additional space and privacy, the Haven amenities, the concierge and butler service, and simply having a quieter place to retreat to after a busy day in port all contributed to the experience.

But here’s the important part:

I don’t think everyone needs The Haven.

That’s something I tell clients all the time.

Travel isn’t about spending the most money possible.

It’s about figuring out where spending more will actually make your particular vacation better. In the case of a Mediterranean Cruise, it was highly valuable to just be able to get on and off the ship when we were ready in just a few minutes. This was especially helpful with private tours lined up.

That’s one of the things I enjoy most about my job—helping people decide where to splurge and where they can save.

Salerno: Ravello and Amalfi

When we arrived in Salerno, we had a private driver, Roberto, take us into the Amalfi Coast.

Roberto was wonderful! I booked the tour through a company based in Naples called Taxi Mister Cab Driver. Roberto was the luck of the draw and I’m so glad we got him, but from what I have seen, all the drivers are fantastic. We met a few in the course of our day when our plans overlapped and the OG driver, Ciro, sang us back to Amalfi on a boat!

We visited Ravello and Amalfi, enjoying the scenery along the way rather than trying to cram as many stops as possible into the day.

The Amalfi Coast is one of those places where the journey is part of the experience.

The roads wind along the cliffs, the views seem to get more ridiculous around every corner, and eventually you realize that you’re spending half your time saying, “Look at that!”

Having a private driver meant we could enjoy the day without worrying about navigating those roads ourselves. Definitely important for the Amalfi Coast. Driving there is no small feat.

It also gave us flexibility.

And when you’re visiting somewhere like the Amalfi Coast from a cruise ship, flexibility is valuable.

Sicily: Mount Etna and Taormina

Our day in Catania was another highlight.

We met our guide, Chiara, and headed toward Mount Etna. I found Chiara on Tours By Locals, a new to me site that has become a favorite.

Yes, we climbed a volcano during our cruise vacation.

Because apparently we don’t know how to sit still.

From Mount Etna, we continued on to Taormina, where we visited the Greek Theatre and explored the town. Chiara lives in Taormina, she knew everyone wandering the streets and even got us a little taste of Ricotta cream that goes into the famous Sicilian Canoli.

And then there was the food.

We ate arancini, because you can’t go to Sicily and not eat arancini. Chiara recommended a fabulous restaurant and it did not disappoint.

Taormina was one of those places that made me immediately understand why people fall in love with Sicily.

The combination of history, scenery, food and that unmistakable Italian atmosphere is hard to beat.

Florence: One of My Favorite Days

Our Livorno port day may have been one of my favorite days of the entire trip. I do love Florence!

We had a private driver (booked via Viator) take us from the port to Florence, where we met our guide for a private three-hour tour. This guide was also booked on Tours By Locals and he was wonderful.

We explored the Baptistery, Duomo, crypt and Duomo Museum before heading to the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David.

And then we did something important.

We stopped touring.

We had lunch.

We wandered.

We crossed the Ponte Vecchio.

We found a wine window.

We shopped for leather bags.

And we ended the afternoon with an affogato before our driver picked us up and took us back to the ship.

That day was a perfect example of why I believe travel shouldn’t always be about checking things off a list.

Yes, we saw some incredible sights.

But some of my favorite memories came from the time in between them.

The wine window.

The shopping.

The affogato.

The conversations.

The wandering.

Those are the things you remember.

Villefranche and Èze

In Villefranche, we decided to visit Èze Village.

Instead of taking the taxi offered at the port, we used Bolt, which ended up being significantly less expensive than the taxi quote we received.

We explored the Exotic Garden, wandered through the village and did some shopping before returning to Villefranche for lunch and more exploring.

It was another reminder that sometimes a little research can save you money without sacrificing the experience.

And yes, I notice these things.

It’s part of what makes me a travel advisor.

I’m always thinking:

Is there a better way to do this?

Is this worth the money?

Would I recommend this to a client?

What would I do differently next time?

Marseille

Our day in Marseille was another example of how much you can fit into a cruise port day without making yourself completely miserable.

We took a taxi to the Old Port and hopped on the Petit Train up to Notre-Dame de la Garde.

After taking in the views, we headed back down and spent some time enjoying coffee and wine before lunch.

We also had a wonderful wine tasting experience, which was one of those unexpected highlights that made the day feel less like a checklist and more like an actual vacation.

Because sometimes the best part of travel isn’t the famous landmark.

Sometimes it’s sitting down over a glass of wine with someone who loves what they do and hearing their stories.

And Then There Was Barcelona

When the cruise ended in Barcelona, we weren’t quite ready for the trip to be over.

We had a private transfer to our hotel in the Gothic Quarter booked through Welcome Pickups and spent time exploring the city.

We had tapas for lunch and later toured Casa Milà and the Sagrada Família with our private guide, Jaume. This tour was a Get Your Guide find and Jaume (Jamie) was fantastic. He was a former architect, so perfect to tell us all about Gaudi’s masterpieces.

Barcelona was the perfect place to end the trip.

And, honestly, I think adding a night or two before or after a Mediterranean cruise is not something just worth considering, it is a must.

You’ve already traveled all that way.

Why rush straight to the airport?

What I Took Away From This Trip

After spending ten nights experiencing this itinerary firsthand, I came home with a notebook full of ideas.

Things I loved.

Things I’d change.

Things I’d absolutely recommend.

Things I’d tell clients not to waste money on.

And probably most importantly, a much better understanding of what makes a Mediterranean cruise work so well for different types of travelers.

Because there isn’t one perfect way to do it.

A couple celebrating an anniversary may want something completely different from a group of friends celebrating a milestone birthday.

A first-time cruiser may need more structure.

An experienced traveler may want more freedom.

Some people will want The Haven.

Others would rather spend that money on private tours and incredible meals.

Some will want to see every possible landmark.

Others will want a long lunch and a glass of wine.

And that’s exactly why I don’t believe travel planning should be one-size-fits-all.

So… Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely.

Would I plan it exactly the same way?

Maybe not.

And that’s the beauty of having the experience.

Now I know more.

I know which splurges I’d repeat.

I know where I would save money.

I know which tours were worth it.

I know where I’d build in more free time.

I know which ports I’d approach differently.

And I can take everything I learned and use it when helping my clients plan their own Mediterranean adventures.

That’s the part of being a travel advisor that I love.

I’m not interested in simply taking an order that says, “We want a Mediterranean cruise.”

I want to know why you’re going.

Who you’re traveling with.

What matters to you.

What you want to experience.

Where you’re willing to splurge.

Where you don’t care.

And then I want to help you build the trip around those things.

Because sometimes you already know exactly where you want to go.

And sometimes you just know you need a vacation.

That’s where I come in.

I’m the person who plans the trip you didn’t know you needed.

And after this trip, I have a whole lot more Mediterranean ideas to share.

Stay tuned. We’re just getting started.

And be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram, where lots of reels and photos of the trip will be posted.

cruise, Memory Keeping

Cruise Port: Civitavecchia

April 23, 2026 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

Gateway to the Eternal City: Exploring Civitavecchia Cruise Port

For many Mediterranean itineraries, the port of Civitavecchia is more than just another stop—it’s the grand entrance to one of the most iconic destinations in the world: Rome. Located about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Rome, this bustling port blends rich history, seaside charm, and modern cruise convenience, making it a memorable starting point (or highlight) of any voyage.

First Impressions: A Working Port with History

Civitavecchia is one of Italy’s cruise hubs, welcoming ships from major lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises. While it is primarily an industrial port, don’t let that fool you—there’s a deep history here waiting to be uncovered.

The port was originally developed under the Roman Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century, and remnants of that ancient past still shape the harbor today. As your ship docks, you’ll notice the impressive Forte Michelangelo, a Renaissance fortress partially attributed to Michelangelo. It’s a striking welcome and a reminder of the layers of history beneath your feet.

Getting to Rome: What You Need to Know

Most travelers pass through Civitavecchia en route to Rome—and for good reason. The Eternal City is packed with bucket-list sights like the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain.

There are several ways to get there:

Train: The most popular and budget-friendly option. A shuttle from the port brings you to the station, and trains run frequently to Rome (about 60–90 minutes).

Private Transfer or Cruise Excursion: Ideal if you want an stress-free, guided experience.

Taxi: Convenient but more expensive—best for small groups.

Travel Tip: Always allow extra time when returning to the ship—Rome’s traffic is unpredictable, and cruise ships won’t wait.

Staying Local: Discovering Civitavecchia

If you’ve already visited Rome or prefer a slower pace, Civitavecchia itself offers a charming alternative. On our last cruise, we opted to skip Rome and stay in Civitavecchia for 2 nights before our cruise.

We stayed at Hotel de la Ville and walked all over town. We even walked to the ship, although I don’t recommend that in the summer heat!

Seaside Promenade: Take a stroll along the waterfront for beautiful Mediterranean views.

Local Markets & Cafés: Enjoy authentic Italian espresso, fresh seafood, and gelato without the crowds of Rome.

Terme Taurine: Just outside town, these ancient Roman baths offer a glimpse into the region’s past and a relaxing escape.

The town has a laid-back, authentic feel—perfect for travelers looking to soak in local culture rather than rush through major landmarks.

A Strategic Embarkation Port

Civitavecchia is also a major embarkation and disembarkation point for Mediterranean cruises. If your journey begins here, consider arriving a day or two early to explore Rome more fully. Flying into Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport makes transfers relatively easy, with options ranging from trains to private drivers.

Final Thoughts

Civitavecchia may not have the instant glamour of Rome, but it plays an essential role in the Mediterranean cruise experience. Whether you’re stepping ashore eager to explore ancient ruins or choosing to linger by the sea, this port offers both a gateway to history and a destination in its own right.

I can highly recommend the restaurant Sora Maria for a wonderful meal al fresco.

For travelers, it’s a reminder that sometimes the journey begins before you even reach the main attraction—and in Civitavecchia, that beginning is steeped in history, culture, and coastal Italian charm.

Visit my NCL site to start looking into your own Mediterranean getaway!

https://www.ncl.com?insider=mmrq1-barbara-ryan

Hotel Reviews, Italy

Review: Hotel Modigliani Rome

February 12, 2019 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

This was our second time staying at Hotel Modigliani in Rome, we stayed 16 years ago and I didn’t even look at anything else when planning this trip. Modigliani is in a great location, a quiet street just off Piazza Barberini and just a few minutes walk to the top of the Spanish Steps and the Borghese Gardens with incredible views of the eternal city.

City buses and the Metro are nearby, but the whole city is walkable. We walked back from the Vatican after our tour stopping for lunch, walking through Piazza Navona and a few other spots along the way.

The Modigliani is a small boutique hotel with just over 20 rooms. Each a little different. The hotel is owned by artists and you will see the artwork displayed throughout the hotel.

We had booked a small room in the hotel and a garden apartment, literally called the apartment, for my parents and the kids. The apartment was basically 2 rooms next to each other across a small courtyard. One room with a double sized bed and the other had a double and a single.

They offer a lovely breakfast buffet each morning which can be included in your stay if you choose. The breakfast room is pictured below, set up for breakfast and how it looks for the rest of the day.

The staff was phenomenal. Always with a smile at all hours. They were able to arrange cabs for us to get to our tour meeting points each day and recommend restaurants in the area. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this lovely little hotel and will certainly stay here again if I find myself in Rome again.

Italy

Italia Series Part 1 The Eternal City

September 1, 2018 Barbara Ryan Leave a comment

This is the first of a series of posts about our recent family trip to Italy.

This trip was a long time in the planning. My parents were born and raised in Italy and have been wanting to take their grandkids there for years. We wanted to wait until they were old enough to appreciate what they would be seeing. We were all set to travel last summer and 2 weeks before the trip we had to cancel everything because my father was ill and needed surgery. He came through nicely and the trip was rescheduled to this summer.

We flew out Sunday August 5th from Montreal on a direct flight with Air Canada. Landing in Rome we were met by a driver for our transfer to our hotel.

We stayed in the same boutique hotel we stayed in 16 years ago and it was still as lovely as ever. Hotel Modigliani is just off Piazza Barberini next to Via Veneto and not far from Trinita Dei Monti, the top of the Spanish Steps. It’s a great, quiet location, walkable to everywhere really, but beware there is a bit of a hill since it’s halfway up the hill to the Spanish Steps climb up to the Borghese Gardens.

Hotel Modigliani is small, just 23 rooms. We had a small room with a small balcony and even smaller bathroom. My parents and the boys had a great setup off the garden in what the hotel calls The Apartment. A double bedded room and a separate room with a double bed and a twin bed for the boys. There is a breakfast room downstairs, which is included if you choose that option. The lobby lounge offers English newspapers and the staff all spoke English very well. The hotel arranged the airport pickup and would call taxis for us if needed. Since we were six, getting 2 taxis was easier when we all traveled together.

We spent three nights in Rome. I had scheduled us to take a tour of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday morning and then the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on Wednesday morning. These tours were great. The guides were fabulous, Agnese at the Colosseum and Angela at the Vatican. Both were art historians so had a lot of details about everything we were seeing. With both tours, finding the meeting point was simple and everything was organized. The ground operator for the tours was City Wonders. It was brutally hot both days, but especially walking around the ruins of the Roman Forum and climbing Palatine Hill.

fullsizeoutput_2065 — Set up for Wednesday morning’s Papal Audience

In between those scheduled tours, we wandered the city and saw the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Trajan’s Column, the Spanish Steps, Trinita Dei Monti, the Borghese Gardens, the Pantheon, enjoyed our new favorite restaurant/bar La Bottte on Via Sistina, first gelato and real Italian pizzas for the boys, and countless walks along the streets of Rome.

Around the corner from our hotel on Via Sistina which leads straight up to the top of the Spanish Steps was a little gem of a place my husband and I stumbled into looking for a drink and a break from walking in the heat. We returned for dinner with everyone and really enjoyed the atmosphere and friendly and amusing staff at this small establishment.

Fun Fact: In Italy it is the law that food must be served when alcoholic drinks are ordered. So tasty snacks always accompany any drinks in a bar.

Calamri fried to perfection

gnocchi

Tris of classic Roman pastas

Making a classic Roman dish, A l’amtriciana

View from the Palatine Hill down to the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine

The journey continues onto Florence…

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Summer 2019 Itineraries

March 30, 2018 Barbara Ryan 1 Comment

In summer 2019, Disney Cruise Line will sail on new itineraries to seven new ports in Europe, including a first-ever round-trip cruise from Rome and first-time visits to destinations in Sweden, France, Spain, Denmark and Northern Ireland. Disney Cruise Line will take Guests on a grand tour of Europe with visits to the Mediterranean in early summer and northern Europe in late summer. Plus, adventures continue with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, including new cruise lengths aboard the Disney Fantasy.

Also in the summer of 2019, Disney Cruise Line Guests can enrich their experience by combining a cruise with a package from Adventures by Disney®.

New in 2019, Adventures by Disney will offer a pre-cruise guided experience in Rome. These 3-night Short Escapes, also offered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Barcelona, allow families to experience memorable icons in ways that few can, such as a private, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Plus, activities like ziplining, flamenco dancing and preparing local cuisine immerse families in the culture of the region.

And, you can also enhance select European sailings with an Adventures by Disney package during the cruise. Adventure Guides lead travelers to experience the best of each port, helping them unlock the wonders of the destination through immersive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. In addition, you will enjoy exclusive receptions onboard and have access to concierge service from these dedicated guides throughout the voyage.

These Adventures by Disney offerings are open for booking. A Vancouver Short Escape will open for booking later this year.