Questions on Med Cruise

[djc287]

Hi cruisers! We will be at the Citavecchia port (Rome) in May on the Dream! We don't want to go into Rome because the days seem way too long for our kids, plus the added transportation. I thought of just doing a food tour at the port which looks fun (and yummy) but it seems like therei sn't very much to do in Citavecchia. Are there any hidden treasures or gems that aren't Rome, that would be fun and easily doable for young kids?

 

[Travel60]

Citavecchia is just a port in the middle of nowhere. Quite a ways from Rome. I'd plan on making it an onboard day - enjoy the ship.

 

[Pens Fan]

In Civitavecchia? No. We made the mistake of leaving Rome a day early so we could stay there the night before our cruise. There really is nothing to do and frankly the town isn't anything special or picturesque. I'd never do that again. I know you said Rome was too far away, but it really is amazing. We used a car service (Rome in Limo - great service and tours!!!) and it only took an hour or so to get to the port from our hotel near the Pantheon, so just keep that in mind.

Still, if you don't think your kids are up to Rome, there is a small waterfront area in Civitavechhia. If I recall it was very rocky, but I do remember walking around down there and there being a few families enjoying the area. It might be worth an hour or so to enjoy the sun and views of the water. There also was a string of restaurants that overlooked the water, though most appeared to be very overpriced. We did have dinner at one of them and while the view was nice, the food was forgettable and expensive.

 

[tidefan]

You can take the train easily into Rome and back from Civitavecchia.

 

[anricat]

I don't remember it being super duper far, but I could be misremembering. The train ride was really fun and maybe something your kids will actually enjoy. They can crash out on the way back. Honestly, I wouldn't miss the chance to be in Rome for a day and I've been there twice for multiple days each time. I think everyone should see the Coliseum!

 

[auntlynne]

 

[braysmommy]

You can take the train easily into Rome and back from Civitavecchia.

This is what we did when my son was 8. Booked skip the line colosseum tickets, saw Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain and walked by Vatican. Back with time to spare.

 

[PsylockeSmythe]

I don't remember it being super duper far, but I could be misremembering.

If I remember correctly, the port is roughly 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Rome. So while not super far, the trip there and back takes eats up 3 to 4 hours out of a 9-hour day. So that leaves you with anywhere from 5 to 6 hours to explore Rome. (Our cruise in 2018, docked at 7am and back on board was at 4pm). Which was one of the reasons we didn't go into Rome and took a half day excursion to visit a local farm for lunch and a stop in a small town for ice cream.

Psy

 

[anricat]

If I remember correctly, the port is roughly 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Rome. So while not super far, the trip there and back takes eats up 3 to 4 hours out of a 9-hour day. So that leaves you with anywhere from 5 to 6 hours to explore Rome. (Our cruise in 2018, docked at 7am and back on board was at 4pm). Which was one of the reasons we didn't go into Rome and took a half day excursion to visit a local farm for lunch and a stop in a small town for ice cream.

Psy

I just checked the timetables and it looks like there's a standard train that's 90 minutes and an express that's 45 minutes. The express train costs more, but 45 minutes is not really that long.