donnae_b

Our parents will be traveling to Rome to embark on a twelve day cruise with Princess in May - the cruise line does not offer any embarkation excursions. We are thinking they could tip the shuttle driver to drive by the Colosseum and Forum have you ever done this?

flight comes in about 11:30AM
ship leaves at 6PM

Thank you,

Sassafrass

It is a shame to be so close to Rome and not see anything there. If at all possible, why not arrive in Rome a day or two earlier so they can enjoy it? Perhaps they are experienced cruisers and this is how they want to do it, or they can't go earlier, but it is just so much nicer to arrive a day or two early. I always worry about the flights being late, etc. Also, it is much nicer to rest a bit after such a long flight, so you start the cruise rested.

Assuming they are arriving at Fiumicino and embarking from Civitavecchia, it is not a matter of the driver simply driving by the Colosseum. It is quite out of their way for a driver to go into the city. Google Map of Rome and you will see what I mean.

That being said, if all works perfectly, if their flight arrives on time, it doesn't take too long for them to get luggage and clear customs, and there are no traffic delays, they would probably have a couple of hours for a drive into the city.

Just a wild guess here, but I would think the cost of going into the city would at least double the cost of going straight to the port, and if they wanted the driver to drive around a bit, it would be even more.

Seriously, try to talk them into changing their flight so they can have some time in Rome.

ParrotMom

It is possible that at the airport they can buy a ride directly to the port..I also think that Princess will offer tours of Rome FROM the ship back to the airport. Yes, it is a shame not to spend two or more days in Rome, we just did. We were fortunate to meet up with other cruisers on www.cruisecritic.com and arranged with them for pick up at our hotel to go to the ship. Rome is a magical city not to be missed, we are older and t his was a return and found that for us getting around by taxi was fairly affordable.. The trip two years ago we saw the Colusseum, Forum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Stairs and this year we added the Plaza Navaronne...

qwovadis

Might look careful at a map of that area.

Assuming you are flying into FCO(Fiumicino) you will
be like 20 miles and lots of traffic in the wrong direction
so odds are great you will not be able to "tip the driver"
to do this.

Usually best for me to book a nite or 2 B4 after the cruise
for Rome.Just booked on www.hotwire.com for $69 the
Sheraton South Roma they have a shuttle to/from the airport
and shuttle to town 3 euro a great place to be.You can
hop a regional train to the port from Ostiense there what
I usually do.

Happy Planning,

qwovadis

www.zelitlimousine.com or similar.

might do something privately but would cost a lot

be rushed and not ideal...

boom_boom

If possible pay the change fee and arrive a day early, hire a guide through some outfit such as Context Tours and get at least an overview of a wonderful city!