Homeport Guide: Rome, Italy

Benvenuto in Italia - Welcome to Italy! Civitavecchia Port is one of the largest cruise homeports in all of Europe. Its location in Western Italy makes it the perfect starting and/or ending place for Mediterranean cruises to France, Greece, Spain, and the many idyllic destinations that make up the region. Civitavecchia services many cruise lines, including Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Disney Cruise Line, Oceania, Seabourn, and others. 

The city center of Rome is 37 miles south (just a little over an hour of travel time) of Civitavecchia Port, making it an ideal place to add a few days before or after your cruise. Rome should be on every traveler’s must-see list. There are so many important historical and cultural sites to see that you could quickly fill multiple days of exploration. In addition, the city is home to two major airports, allowing for easy international access. 

If you are planning a cruise from Civitavecchia, we recommend doing your research before you begin your travels. Then, use this guide to help maximize your time in ‘The Eternal City’. Arrivederci! 

1. Fast Facts for Rome

2. How to Get Around

3. Area Hotels

4. Things to Do: Excursions in Rome

5. Member Reviews

Fast Facts  

Cruise Port Address

Civitavecchia Port:  Banchina 25, 00053, Civitavecchia, Rome, Italy

Area Airport Addresses

Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO): 00054 Fiumicino, Rome, Italy

Ciampino Airport (CIA): Via Appia Nuova, 1651, 00040, Ciampino, Rome, Italy

Climate: Meditteranean climate with cool winters and warm summers 

Fun Facts: Modern-day Rome has 280 fountains and more than 900 churches! The first-ever shopping mall was built in Rome sometime between 107 - 110 AD by Emperor Trajan.

Barcelona Cruise Port - Creuers Terminal  WTC - Terminal Sud. 08039 Barcelona, Spain  Area Airport Addresses Barcelona International Airport: El Prat de Llobregat Aeropuerto (BCN) 08820 El Prat de Llobregat  Barcelona, Spain Girona Costa-Brava Airport (GRO) Aiguaviva, s/n, 17185 Vilobí d'Onyar Girona, Spain Reus Airport (REU) Av. de Tarragona, s / n, 43204  Reus, Tarragona, Spain Climate: Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate. Expect warm summers, cool and rainy winters, and mild spring and fall seasons.  Fun Facts: Famed artist Pablo Picasso spent many years in Barcelona, studying at the School of Fine Arts. There is a Picasso museum in the Born neighborhood with over 4,000 of his works on display. There are over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants in Barcelona! FC Barcelona plays at the world’s largest football (aka soccer) stadium in all of Europe. 

Travel in the Area

• Taxi - A taxi can easily be found throughout the city. If you use a taxi, make sure it is an official cab. Taxis are typically white, with a roof sign and a visible taximeter at the front of the car. Learn more about taxis in Rome here. 
• Rome Metro - The metro system in Rome has three networks of lines and stops at major attractions throughout the city. Learn more about routes and timetables here. 
• Bus System - Rome has an extensive bus network comprising over 350 lines. Learn more on routes here. 
• Uber - Uber rideshares operate in Rome; however, they serve as a luxury service with higher fares than taxi cabs. 

Travel Between the Airports and Cruise Terminals 

Travel between Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) and Civitavecchia Port (Around 60 km, or ~1 hour): 

• Cruise line transfer - Most cruise lines operate a transfer service between the airport and the cruise terminal. Consult your travel agent or the cruise line for pricing and booking. 
• Private car transfer - Several companies operate a private transfer for a flat fee which will take you directly between the cruise port and airport. Fares start at around $120 and go up depending on the company, number of passengers, and size vehicle. We recommend this option from Get Your Guide.
• Taxi - Official taxi operators can take you between the FCO airport and the cruise terminal. There is a flat fee of 120 Euros for this method of transportation. 
• Train - Civitavecchia Port is accessible by train but will require a transfer. You will take the FL1 train from the railway terminal outside Terminal 3 at the airport. Disembark at Roma Trastevere station and change to the FL5 train to the Civitavecchia Port. This method of travel will take you about two hours and cost you 12.60 Euros per person.

Travel between Ciampino Airport and Civitavecchia Cruise Terminal (85 km or ~ about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car): 

• Cruise line transfer - Most cruise lines operate a transfer service between the airport and the cruise terminal. Prices depend on the line. Consult your travel agent or the cruise line directly for pricing and bookings. 
• Private car transfer - Several companies operate a private transfer for a flat fee which will take you directly to the cruise port.
• Taxi - Official taxi operators can take you between the airport and the cruise terminal. The cost is approximately 150 Euros. 
• Train Travel Instructions - Train travel is possible between CIA airport and the cruise terminal. It will take over an hour and a half and requires multiple stops. Learn more about routes and timing here. 

Travel between Rome City Center and Civitavecchia Cruise Terminal: 

• Civitavecchia Express - This train runs non-stop between the city center (Roma Ostiense) and the cruise terminal. The trip takes approximately an hour and costs 10 Euros per person each way. There are two departures of Civitavecchia Express daily. Learn more on this option here. 

The above transportation options still apply for those staying in a hotel pre- or post-cruise. Typically the easiest way to get between the cruise terminal and hotel is to pre-arrange transportation. We recommend this transfer from Get Your Guide. 

Area Hotels 

Near the Cruise Port

• Hotel San Georgio
• Hotel Valle Del Marta Resort
• Hotel Mediterraneo 

All Hotels Near Port

Near the Airport

• Hilton Garden Inn Rome (FCO)
• Best Western Rome Hotel (FCO)
• Hilton Rome (FCO)
• Hotel Villa Guila (CIA)
• Hotel Louis II (CIA) 

All Hotels Near FCO

All Hotels Near CIA

Rome City Center 

• Aleph Rome Hotel - Curio by Hilton
• Hotel Quirinale
• Hotel Indigo Rome - IHG Hotel
• Best Western Art Deco

Explore All Rome Hotels

Things to Do: Excursions in Rome 

Area Tours

• Rome Walking Tour
• Best of Rome 
• Hop-On & Off Bus
• Panorama of Rome

Historical & Cultural Sites

• Private Vatican Tour
• UNESCO Heritage Site of Tarquina
• Italian Renaissance Gardens Tours
• Catacombs of Castillo and San Sebastian
• Odescalchi-Orsini Castle
• Roma Fountains Tour
• Colosseum Tour
• Forum & Colosseum Walking Tour
• St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

See All Excursions from Shore Excursions Group 

Member Reviews 

We walked to the train and got off near Vatican City. Went to the Forum, the Colosseum, and Trevi Fountain. So great to see these awesome places! - islandcruiser14

So much fun...the history...the arts...the people, just amazing!!! The restaurants and the cuisine are incredible. - bkav85

Do not visit the Colosseum or Vatican without booking a tour way ahead of time! You won't get in! - Xenachris

Rome is a treasure that must be seen days before or after a cruise. We did a walking food tour with “locals” and a Tuscany wine experience. - mjf1

We disembarked in Rome. We stayed at a wonderful hotel (Marcella Royal) and booked a couple of private tours before returning home a few days later. The hotel had a beautiful rooftop garden overlooking Rome. There was a bar, and wonderful pizza and snacks. - Rosheen

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