Hi all

our cruise docks 4AM in Civitavecchia and I am thinking of booking a flight out of Rome at 9:55AM. Is this enough time? The next flight is 2:15PM.

If I took the later flight, would I be able to stay on the ship until 9:00 or so?

Thanks - as always!

Are you kidding ???? 2:15 could be tight. And you will need to reserve a car to take you directly to the airport from the port. You may dock at 4 but when can you get off?

I thought that since I had an early flight, I would be off by 5:30 or so --one hour to the airport and time left over!

I have never been on a cruise before but I do not know the particulars. I assume that earlier flights get off first. Yes?

In foreign countries, it takes time for the ship to clear immigration and customs. In Italy, who knows how long it takes!

First off are the passengers that bought something from the ship, maybe a transfer to the airport, or a tour if they stay in the cruise's hotel.

There is a lot of logistics, and if a big boat - which most are - a lot of people. The first couple of hours are spent off loading and organizing the luggage. It may dock at 4 but the doors do not open at 4:30 and they do not want everyone rushing the door. They will establish a priority for departure. All of the people who are using the ship's transfer will get off first and "independent travelers" -- those not using the combine air package -- have a tendency to be pushed to the back.

A few days before the end of the cruise you will be assigned a departure number or generally a color that controls your departure time. You can negotiate but the ship can be little sticky on this point. You luggage is a controlling factor. Unless you are doing all carryon (which we do) you will set out your luggage the night before and claim on the dock in the AM. Then to the port entrance via shuttle with a few lines. At the port entrance find your reserve car and it can be confusing especially if more than one ship if off loading.

And the Rome airport is not known for its efficiencies. If taking a directly flight back to the states you will need the 3 hr lead time. If a domestic flight then 2 hrs is fine.

You should make the 2:15 with an hour or so pad if everything works well.

Generally the cruise line will advise the earliest departure that they would recommend. It is not a bad guideline.