Rome Cruises

Pick out your must sees and you’ll find yourself, possibly with a gelato in hand, exploring some of the world’s most famous monuments. If Rome’s hustle and bustle doesn’t appeal, there’s also the option to explore Italy’s great lakes, spend time on the coast or dig into one of the world’s best preserved Roman cities  - all within an hour’s drive of Rome’s cruise port.

History & culture

Often referred to as an open air museum, Rome’s ancient city is impressive to say the least. The ancient Parthenon, the towering Colosseum and the compelling Vatican City all hold historic riches few capital cities can match. Beyond the ancient ruins, Rome’s museums and galleries curate works by Rome’s celebrated sculptors, artists and photographers. And, on the walls of warehouses, factories, flats and Metro Stations, vibrant murals brighten up otherwise dull spots. Get swept up in the myths and legends of the gladiator battles in the Colosseum or immerse yourself in contemporary art at MAXXI.

Food & drink

Rome’s cruise port is a haven for foodies. Whether you stay in Civitavecchia or travel into the capital, expect to eat - and eat well. The simplest pizza, made with hand-stretched dough, glistening with peppery olive oil, slicked with alla marinara and perfectly placed pearls of buffalo mozzarella, will burst with flavour. Rome’s signature dish, a Carbonara, controversially is served without cream. And ‘throw away’ cuts, including offal, make it into hearty Roman feasts changed little by time. Try a bit of everything with antipasti or scour the markets for ingredients to whip up a real taste of Italy when you sail home.

Santa Marinella

Dubbed ‘The pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea’, Santa Marinella is a coastal town worth exploring. Just 20 minutes south of Civitavecchia, the sandy beach is the star attraction for some. Though the seafood restaurants, working fishing harbour and quiet streets have a serene allure that Rome can’t match.

Ostia - Ostia Antica

There’s no better place in Italy to wander among archeological ruins than Ostia. This modern, coastal town was considered by the Romans to be their first colony and Ostia has played an important part in Rome’s history over the centuries. The main attraction is Ostia Antica, a Roman city that’s extraordinarily well preserved. Wander through homes, shops, warehouses, a Roman theatre, temples and the Ostia Synagogue for a real glimpse into Roman life.

Lake Bracciano

Swap the bustling streets of Rome for the laid back shores of Lake Bracciano. Lungolago sits on the south-west shore of the lake and is less than an hour’s drive from Civitavecchia. Explore the beach, muse over which lakeside restaurant to dine in or take to the water. Windsurfing, swimming and boating are all popular activities on this shimmering volcanic lake.

• Port of Civitavecchia

The Colosseum

A cruise to Rome gives you the chance to explore one of the world’s most famous monuments - The Colosseum. Commissioned by Titus Flavius Vespasian in 70 AD, the imposing amphitheatre hosted gladiator games, fights, simulated hunts and battles to entertain the 50,000 strong crowds that gathered here. The ancient ruins of the amphitheatre still stand today, hosting exhibitions and shows across the year.

The Sistine Chapel

It’s worth making the journey from Rome’s cruise port to Rome for the Sistine Chapel alone.  Michelangelo’s most famous works, his ceiling frescoes, draw thousands of eyes towards these celebrated ceilings every day. But do take time to admire the walls too. Works by Pinturicchio, Botticelli, Signorelli, Ghirlandaio and Perugino adorn the walls and are often overlooked.

Testaccio Market

There’s no better place to sample a taste of Rome than the Testaccio Market. Around 100 stalls sell their wares to local residents, which includes everything from bread and fish to homewares and haircuts. Watch Rome’s everyday life play out or pick up a very Roman sandwich filled with tripe and kidneys (other fillings are available!).

Discover all the tips to make the most of your visit on our Rome city guide!

Currency considerations

The official currency in Rome is the Euro (EUR). Major credit cards are accepted across the city, but most businesses, especially smaller shops, cafes and stalls prefer cash. ATMs are easy to find, but it is worth carrying EUR for convenience and to avoid any potential credit card fees for foreign transactions.

Customs / traditions to be aware of 

In Rome, tipping isn’t expected, but it is welcomed. Expect to tip 10% for good service, and always use cash. In the city’s religious sites, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and legs (shorts for both sexes must reach the knee or below).

Making the most use of short durations in port

If you only have one day in port on your Rome cruise, the easiest way to tick off the top sights is to buy a ticket for the hop on, hop off bus tours. With stops at the Colosseum, Vatican, Spanish Steps and more, you’ll get a fantastic overview of Rome for the price of the bus fare - and freedom to choose how long you spend at each stop.

Transport

Rome’s public transport system isn’t always the most efficient way to get to the central attractions. Skip the small metro and tram network and travel by bus. Roads are prone to congestion and, if time is in short supply, it may be quicker to hire an electric bike to see the city.

• Royal Caribbean cruises
• NCL Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• P&O Cruises
• Cunard Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line

• Mediterranean cruises
• Spain cruises
• Italian cruises

• How far is Rome’s airport from its cruise port?

Rome's airport is approx 70km from its cruise port. The journey takes up to 1 hour by car and can take over 2 hours by train. Some fly-cruises may include a shuttle transfer from Rome’s airport to its cruise port. 

• Where do cruise ships dock for holidays to Rome?

For holidays to Rome, cruise ships dock in the port of Civitavecchia. A small harbour town, Civitavecchia is around 80km from Rome. Though many people hop on an excursion to Rome, there are sights in Civitavecchia to see if you’ve visited Rome before - or want to skip the train or bus journey. 

• Does Civitavecchia have a beach?

Yes, Civitavecchia does have a beach. Spiaggia il pirgo is a soft sand beach just a short walk south of Civitavecchia cruise port. North of the port (a 15 minute drive away) La Frasca is a 6km stretch of reef famous for its rock pools and fishing history.

• How long do cruises stop in Rome?

Most cruises stop in Rome for just one day. The time in port varies from cruise to cruise but a minimum stay would be around 8 - 10 hours. Docking at the port of Civitavecchia, the journey to Rome takes 1hr 20 mins by train or by car.