Rome Cruises via Civitavecchia
Cruise from Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome, as a departure port, or choose an itinerary that includes this destination
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The port of Civitavecchia is one of the largest in Italy and is, of course, a destination of MSC Cruises in the Mediterranean.
Civitavecchia enjoys a millenary history due to its coves along the coast, which offered a perfect shelter for vessels, making it a natural port long before cruise ships sailed the seas, and in fact the port was known to the Romans as Centumcellae.
During your holiday in Civitavecchia you can easily visit its centre on foot. Amongst the most important monuments to visit are the Forte Michelangelo, built by Bramante in the 16th century, the ancient walls of the old port, where there is a fountain in travertine marble by Vanvitelli, and the Rock, an inexpugnable fortress that has been looming over the city and port for over a thousand years.
In Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Civitavecchia’s main square, one can admire the majestic baroque cathedral dedicated to St. Francis, built at the end of the 18th century on a smaller church which could no longer host a rapidly growing community.
Piazza Leandra, set in the historic centre, is a typical Italian piazza with a fountain in the centre, dedicated to Leandro, an elderly seaman of the Middle Ages who convinced his fellow citizens to settle on the Mediterranean coast in spite of the incursions by Saracen pirates.
There are a host of bars and restaurants for a taste of seafood cuisine, from poached baby octopus to fried rocket to stuffed squid or the pizza alla civitavecchiese with anchovies and garlic. The Taurine Baths, of the even more ancient Etruscan period, are a grand archaeological site just a few kilometres outside the city, a site that we recommend to the cruiser with a passion for ancient history.
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How to reach Civitavecchia cruise port
Where do MSC Cruises’ ships dock in Rome?
MSC Cruises’ ships dock at the Rome Cruise Terminal (RCT) in Civitavecchia port when stopping in Rome. Rome’s cruise port and terminal is located in the coastal port town of Civitavecchia, which is around 74 kilometres north-west of Rome.
How do I reach the car park at Civitavecchia cruise port?
The car park at Civitavecchia port is located in front of the Rome Cruise Terminal (RCT). You will find it on your right as you enter the port area, before reaching the cruise terminal itself. When you approach the centre of Civitavecchia, follow signs to the ‘centro’ until you see signs to ‘porto imbarchi.’ Follow the directions and once you enter the port from Varco Vespucci (the only vehicle access gate available) continue to dock 25 following the internal signs.
PORT MOBILITY S.p.A
CIVITAVECCHIA - SHUTTLE Parking
Address: Località Prato del Turco, 00053 Civitavecchia
Tel. +39 0766366566
E-mail: portoperations@portmobility.it
Website: www.civitavecchia.portmobility.it
- Free shuttle service
- MSC Parking is bookable online up to 48 hours before your cruise departure. Bookings after the 48 hour deadline can be made directly with MSC Parking, and the same reduced rates will be applied when presenting your cruise travel documents
| VEHICLE | DAYS | RATES |
|---|---|---|
| Car/Suv/VAN/Camper | 6 | € 80 |
| Car/Suv/VAN/Camper | 8 | € 110 |
| Car/Suv/VAN/Camper | 11 | € 130 |
| Car/Suv/VAN/Camper | 12 | € 144 |
| Car/Suv/VAN/Camper | 15 | € 165 |
How do I get to the cruise port in Civitavecchia from the train station?
Civitavecchia’s rail station is located around two and a half kilometres south-east of the cruise terminal, just south of the town centre. You can also travel by taxi, which should take around ten minutes, depending on traffic, or a local shuttle bus, which takes around 15 minutes. The shuttle bus leaves every 20-25 minutes and costs €6 per person/per way.
How do I get from Rome Airport to the cruise port?
The main international airport in Rome is Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, which is located approximately 71 kilometres south-east of the Rome Cruise Terminal (RCT) in Civitavecchia and approximately 30 kilometres west of Rome. The easiest way to reach the cruise port from Fiumicino Airport is to request an MSC Cruises transfer service by calling the MSC Cruises call centre. Alternatively, you can use a taxi, which should take around one hour (depending on traffic), but could cost over €100.
There is also the option to use public transport. Firstly, take a train from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini, the main rail station in Rome. From there, it’s possible to get another train to Civitavecchia. From Civitavecchia, take a local shuttle bus that will transport you directly to the cruise terminal.
If driving, take the A91 road out of Fiumicino Airport towards Rome and follow the signs to Civitavecchia. Exit onto the E80 road northwards until you see the exit for Civitavecchia and signs to ‘porto imbarchi’. You will then be directed to the cruise port and the terminal for MSC Cruises.
What is the weather like in Rome?
Rome has a typical Mediterranean climate (much like Civitavecchia), with hot, sunny summers and cool, rainy winters. The hottest months in Rome are typically July and August, which have average daily high temperatures of 31°C. These also tend to be the driest months in Rome, with just two days of rainfall per month on average. Meanwhile, the coldest months in Rome are typically December and January, with daily high temperatures averaging between 12-13°C. The wettest month in Rome is typically November, which sees an average of nine days of rainfall.
Is Rome expensive?
Cost-wise, Rome is broadly similar to many other popular tourist destinations in Europe. However, it can easily be enjoyed on a more limited budget, and there are many free things to do in the city. One of the best things to do in Rome is simply to walk around and explore at your own leisure, taking in the stunning architecture and historic sights like the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. There are also many gardens, parks and hills to walk up which offer superb views, such as Aventine Hill and Villa Borghese. When it comes to eating, you can easily find great pizza and pasta (as well as wine and beer) at reasonable prices if you move a little out of the most popular areas for tourists.
Is there a beach in Rome?
As Rome is located around 30 minutes from the coast, there are no beaches within the city itself. However, the cruise terminal for MSC Cruises is located in Civitavecchia, which is on the coast and offers plenty of beaches nearby that are great for relaxing on. One of the most popular is Santa Marinella, only a short train ride away from the town. Slightly further away is Santa Severa, featuring a historic castle at its southern end.
For those who don’t want to venture too far from the cruise terminal, Il Pirgo can be found within Civitavecchia and has lots of amenities, including beachside bars and restaurants. However, if you’re willing to travel a little further to find a great beach, head to Lido di Ostia – considered to be one of the best beaches near Rome – which can be found in the ancient port town of Ostia.
