Bagger

We will be arriving in Naples by cruise ship. We would like to visit both Pompeii and Sorrento during the ten hours that the ship is in port, but don't want to take the ship's tours. What is the best way to do this? We were considering taking a ferry from the dock at Naples to Sorrento, then the train to Pompeii for three or four hours. Then back to Sorrento to spend a couple of hours, then back to Naples by ferry boat. We thought it might be easier than fooling around getting to Naples train station and taking the train from Naples. Any thoughts? Heard about a lot of pickpockets, etc. at Naples train station. Thanks for any tips.

PalQ

Excellent plan, subject to boat connections at times you want. The train station in Naples is a seedy area - looks rough may not be unsafe but isn't inspiring.

Jean

A bit rushed, I think, but possible. The only problem I see is that ferries are occasionally cancelled when the water is rough. Also, ferries are not as frequent as the Circumvesuviana train, so you might have some wait time in the morning.

I think I'd do a circle rather than backtrack to Sorrento. I.e., taxi to train station (really not a problem), train to Pompei, train to Sorrento, ferry to Naples.

kybourbon

The fastest way would be to take a taxi/tram/bus to the Naples train station (about 10 minutes) and catch the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii Scavi station (30 minutes). After touring Pompeii catch the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento (another 30 minutes). You can either train back to Naples or take a ferry. The ferries/hydrofoils don't seem to run as often as the trains.

mermaid_

I agree with Jean and kybourbon--it makes no sense to go to Sorrento, leave Sorrento, then go back to Sorrento, squeezing Pompeii in between! Go to Sorrento, enjoy a good lunch there (there's no good place to eat in Pompeii) and then take the train directly from Sorrento to Pompeii. It's not as much fun as the ferry, to tell you the truth, but you won't need to worry about the rough seas cancellations that sometimes occur, as Jean mentioned. Pompeii you could spend hours in so you will be tired campers by the time you get back to your ship! Oh, at the Naples train station, just use common sense, keep alert to your surroundings, and hold your totes or purses close to you and you'll be fine.