My wife and I have a 12 day cruise planned for the summer. It leaves from Cittavechia (spelling?) We fly into Rome and wanted to get there a few days early. How difficult will it be to get a transfer to the ship the day of departure? Will the cruise line work something out with us? Should we worry about not making it on time? Any response would be appreciated. Thanks.

Trains go frequently between Rome and Cittavechia but i'm not sure how far the station there is from the boat dock. Can't be too far - taxi from station.

The port name is spelled Civitavecchia. It is about one hour from Rome by train. The train station is about a 10-15 minute walk to the port area <b>entrance</b> but your ship will probably be docked somewhat further on.

You should be able to get a taxi from the RR station to the pier where the ship is docked. I wouldn't be surprised if the cruise line offers transfers (probably all the way from Rome) however these may (or may not) be available only to those folks using the cruise line's add-on air arrangements.

Yes in a blurb i wrote last fall i had read where the cruise ships at Civitavecchia are offering a daily train right from the ship dock to Rome's San Pietro station, in the shadows of the Vatican to facilitate day trips for ship passengers - not sure whether this has started yet but if so maybe you could go one way from San Pietro station to the ship. Inquire about that.

Yes, Pal...those services have started.