We Took A Cruise To Rome. Well Not Exactly...A Race Against the Clock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2024
- Welcome aboard the Norwegian Viva as we set our sights on Rome! Well, not exactly... In reality, our ship docked over 50 miles away, which translates to over an hour and a half of driving or a bus, walk and train ride. It's not uncommon for cruise lines to give ports more convenient-sounding names, sometimes even exaggerating their proximity by up to 4 hours!
While there's no port closer to Rome, there's a hidden truth the cruise lines don't readily disclose: there's a significant extra cost and quite a lengthy journey involved if you wish to explore the actual destination the port is named after.
But fear not, can we still uncover the wonders of Rome with limited time in port without committing to a shore excursion? Join us on this race against the clock as we aim to visit all the major landmarks while ensuring we don't miss our ship's departure. And stay tuned for some surprising ways we managed to save money along the way!
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00:00 Intro - Our ship docked over 50 miles away from Rome
01:23 Breafkast
03:40 Planning a day in Rome from Civitavecchia
05:40 How to get from Civitavecchia Cruise Terminal to Rome
08:21 Visiting the Vatican
10:15 Castel de Sant'angelo
11:35 Fontana del Moro
12:35 The Pantheon
14:18 Trevi Fountain
15:39 Tips to stay safe in Rome
17:00 The Colosseum
17:34 Train to Civitavecchia and free port shuttle
19:40 How Much Did we Spend in Rome?
21:50 Dinner in the Haven
26:00 Summary
Just for information - we are fully aware that this is the only port for Rome. We just want people to be aware at how far away it is. Cruise lines make no effort to inform people that ports can be absolutely miles away - and you will need to travel for hours and pay extra money. They don’t provide any form of complimentary transportation to the port that was advertised. We made the video to highlight this and how you can save an absolute fortune! Also the tour we replicated cost £171 or $208 per person and did not include admission to anything. It was purely a guided coach ride from the ship to Rome then a walking tour with a free portion of gelato.
David and Ben, you guys are absolutely correct. We have experienced this multiple times, especially with the Norwegian cruise line.
I love it when the cruise ships call in Rotterdam only for the tourists to go to Amsterdam.
They normally have the port city in parentheses, if I'm not sure I use google maps and verify distances.
NCL, et al. They simply take advantage of a dumbed-down travel community.
@@lisagardner903these guys have been doing this for years they know exactly what they are talking about,just informing other people what is really happening
Love you guys. You’ve made what could’ve been an unbearable two years so much easier with your videos. I’m still receiving chemotherapy. Had my 37th recently, and when I’m feeling really rubbish, I put on one of your videos. I’m in my room recovering from treatment much of the time, but with you guys I get to travel the world. This is what you are doing, so thank you. Did I tell you I love you guys😂❤❤
I just started watching them and enjoying it immensely. I, too, am receiving treatment and this is the only way to travel and still stay safe. Hope you are feeling ok today. ❤ Kathleen
@@georgebuscay8511Kathleen, they are amazing. I’ve been watching for 18 months and honestly they’ve made the post treatment horridness easier. Good luck with treatment. It is hard but we will do it 💪 xxx
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Really hope you feel better soon ❤
@@georgebuscay8511thanks so much for watching, wishing you all the best ❤
@@Cruisewiththis Sunday I will be on royal caribbean oasis
I know that you obviously don't share all of your life online with us and there will be bits which aren't always plain sailing ;) but you guys seem to have a really enjoyable life, working together and seeing the world, being in good humour, etc. Your videos are nice to watch for that alone.
5 hours seems like a ridiculously short time in a port. Especially when the city is so far away from the port.
Our cruise originated and finished in Rome/Civ. We were so glad that we also made sure to book a few days in Rome at the end. There are a number of reasons we always book the excursions through the cruise line. Yes, I know that they are more expensive than booking on your own, but, for us it is worth it. First, we pay in Canadian funds as opposed to the American and the exchange rate fluctuates lately anywhere from 20-30%, second it is already paid for, the knowledge that the ship will wait for us if we are delayed through no fault of our own, third we are usually in ports/places we haven’t been before and tend to get lost, also the guides are so knowledgeable. For us doing it the way we do is like another insurance.
I’ve been an independent traveler all my life who is comfortable in foreign places, I’ve never taken tours, but since I started cruising I realize lots of fellow passengers don’t feel the same, for them excursions are worth it. Also many passengers are elderly and cannot walk 20,000+ steps.
A lot of people take the excursions because you won't be left behind if you're back late.
@@bookon999 On a Disney Wonder Panama Canal Cruise, the ship waited over 45 Min for my Disney Mazatlán tour's return.
A lot of the Haven looks much like most of Viking Ocean facilities, regular fare. But the very best Viking feature : no children under the age of 18!
Thank you for a lovely tour ,Ben and David. I'll never be able to cruise bc of physical disability but, every time I see your videos , I feel like I'm right there with you .
I was even stressed the minute you stepped off the ship. I was so afraid it might fall apart and you'd miss the ship. But, it went so smoothly and you saw so much. 🎉 Kathleen
Rome is like that, 40 minutes away from the port is nerve wracking! Even though it's more expensive I did the ship tour (Royal Caribbean) and would pay it again (though I don't usually get the excursions for most ports). Rome is a magical city. Lots of cities have history, but Rome IS its history.
When you have 8-9hrs in port you should ignore the fear the cruiselines use to discourage private travel over their short expensive options. Most cities have decent transport options
My husband and I are independent travelers too. I research like crazy before we go anywhere and we save a ton of money. You both did a great job and after all those steps you can have a giant gelato!
I really loved this episode guys! Loved the honesty and the race into Rome was fun. Just goes to show with a bit of planning you can get a more affordable experience. So sorry the Haven wasn’t all you expected, I know this was a special trip, so I hope the itinerary and Rome made up for it.
Your honesty is what sets you apart. Well done.
Just back from a Celebrity cruise with a Rome stop. We knew it was far away with tons we wanted to see and experience. We splurged on a private driver and tour guide. Never stood in line, got into everything we wanted to see and had an amazing sit down pasta meal. Worth every penny❤!
As Canadians we are used to everything being a bit of a drive so 45 min into Rome was not a biggie but researching every port of call is a must for planning. Love your videos and still giggling over the Tom Cruise comments😂❤
I just found this channel. I find Ben hilarious with his facial expressions and edgy jokes, he really cracks me up. I think he would be the sort of guy that could cheer anyone up if they were feeling down.
They certainly cheered me up! Most of my souvenirs from the cruise we disembarked recently were great but a dose of Covid was most assuredly not!
This is a great idea! Planned our own shore excursions and saved a lot of money this summer while cruising with NCL, definitely recommend this over shore excursions.
One tip is to plan your train/transport so that if you miss your train or it gets cancelled, there's at least 1 or more trains that makes it back before all aboard time!
Yes, great tip!
Wow, you guys totally rocked that Rome `excursion`! I really don`t understand the thinking (or lack thereof) behind moving all the outdoor furniture during dinner time of what`s supposed to be a superior restaurant! Also as a mum of two and grandma of three kids ten and under I`m mindblown by how inconsiderate some parents are! Firstly, reign in your kids, and secondly, you`re not the only people on the ship!!! I hope you can enjoy the rest of the cruise and knowing you two, you`ll have a good time anyway! Love from Vancouver Island Canada.
OMGee.. I just madly ADORE you both! Ben, you freaking delight my soul with your funny verbal cleverness and puns 😆 And David, your personality shines so bright and it's so endearing.. ☺️ just love love love you both! 🥰🛳️💕
Yay, thank you!
They do that for places like London but dock in Dover or Southampton, or better still a city without a dock, Paris, a good 4 hours from the port of Le Harvre . If you don't know your geography you can be in for a BIG surprise.
What a wonderful idea...showing what a DIY tour entails...I have done Rome once on a cruise precovid...it was July and extremely hot...I have to say, it was wonderful having the bus drop you off at the site and pick you up with the AC running...I opted to do ancient Rome and the Catacombs...the drive to Rome was beautiful, fields and fields of sunflowers...In Rome, I was struck by how tightly packed everything was..the massive coliseum totally surrounded by buildings, the Forum wedged inbetween pre and post WWII structures and the graffiti...I love history and historical structures and I found the graffiti very disturbing...then we moved away from the central area out to the catacombs, space and fresh air wonderful and extremely interesting...I vaguely remember a lunch of baked chicken and then the ride back to the ship...exhausted from the heat...note to self, visit Rome in the Fall next time...another port we visited that required a long bus ride was Livorno, for Florence and for that matter Marseille for Aux en Provence...loved your video...😊
This was very interesting, informative and entertaining, guys! As a Roman history nerd I always love going to Rome. For the time you had available you touched on all the right places. I’ll spend a week or ten days exploring Rome and never get enough.
David I'm with you there's nothing worse than bad coffee.
I actually don' t really care if I ever cruise but your posts are really entertaining.
We did a similar thing David, during a 5 hrs on your own, however instead of the sites (we were going to stay there for a few days after the cruise) we did a foodie tour. Pizza, Porchette Sandwich, pastries, you name it...we had a blast. We took the excursion from Celebrity which was a bus into Rome, 5 hrs on our own (dropped us off at Vatican) and then bus back home. Worked out perfect as far as timing.
Hi guys, so not only did you save a huge amount of money doing it your way but you clever pair got more excursion pictures done. Another excellent vlog. I'm learning so much from you both. Thank you. ❤❤
I was so fortunate to take a trip to Rome in 2017. I went by myself and had a rental apartment for three weeks. It was the best vacation I ever had in my whole life!!! ❤😍👍🤩
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
It is the most amazing city. I just love history
You two are my absolute favorite cruise channel. I just love your content ❤
Most ships if not all dock at Civitavechia. we took the train 2 blocks away from the pier, to Rome, dropped us at Vatican City.
You cant tour anything at the vatican in such a tight time. Nothing
@@paulgerrard9227 I agree, and many make the mistake that St Peter's Basilica is the Vatican, it is in Vatican City, the Vatican Museum is behind the Basilica. If you want to see Rome, you probably need a week there. I go every year ( except the Covid years) and always see and learn something new.
B & D, if you think that is bad, the port for Firenze and Pisa is further than that. However, the bus ride is quite lovely and well worth it. You can see the marble still in the ground.
And Warnemunda is called "Berlin".
It’s great that you’re talking about this. They often label Le Havre as Paris and Southampton as London, when they’re nowhere near each other! I don’t mind visiting Le Havre, but be honest!
Yep. Lots to do near Le Harve.
And sometimes the port and the city are both nowhere near the cruise excursion destination eg LaHavre and a wine district. My other issue with excusions is many are described as a day trip and its 4.5hrs or haldf day is barelt two hours. Often at high cost. Ripoff for time and valuebreally
That Tom Cruise joke 17:56 had me snort laughing. 😂😂
Fantastic job with Rome!!! When parents allow bad behavior it ruins the meal for everyone and is very rude. Love your videos!!
I was in Rome in January and we had bought tickets to Naples for a day trip from our hotel in Rome. The night before when I asked the hotel concierge about timing for getting a taxi or Uber to the train station and he let us know there was a countrywide train transport strike. So we didn’t get to Naples and Pompeii. We were traveling in the winter and every wasn’t crowded at all, the weather was cool but gorgeous and prices were lower.
We prefer to pick a few things in the city we’re visiting and the rest of the time we just walked around finding some of the most unique and beautiful little streets and amazing buildings, homes and sights. And it’s such a relaxing and laid back way to see new places. And Ben is right, Italy had a ton of scammers. Watch some TH-cam video about the scamming. Another great video guys. 🥰
They often call my home port Orlando but it’s actually about 40 minutes to Orlando from Port Canaveral.
I applaud your efforts to talk about how to get from the port into main cities. I would love to see more video on how folks can do their own excursions/pre& post trip-with this kind of information.
Please do more videos like this! I’m going on a European cruise next year and this was very helpful!! Love you guys!!
I just love watching you guys, honest, and really informative. You also make me chuckle with your antics, fun and puns. We have been caught on cruises were the ports were away from the real destination. It’s really annoying, funnily enough we were on the Norwegian jewel when this happened. They kept changing port times on us as well. When we arrived at Picton in New Zealand the changed time saw us off the ship at 9:30 and had to be back on at 2 o’clock which didn’t leave a whole lot of time travelling out to the wine region (it turned into the amazing race around wineries!! ) I will definitely be checking time allocated at ports in future and how long it takes to get to the sights! Can’t wait to visit Rome one day 😁😁
Me and my partner went to Rome 5 years ago for our first holiday aboard and it was amazing ❤ we keep saying it was one of our favourite holidays that we have done yet! Italy has a special place in my heart ❤
You guys are just awesome... you are so friendly and funny that everyone has to fall in love with your personalities. Looking forward to your next reviews...
What a wonderfully informative video. I'm amazed you stayed on time especially with doing all the informational talking to us. Thanks so much.
We were in Rome just 2 weeks ago after a Mediterranean cruise. Hope you guys enjoyed yourself. We did. Keep up the good work.
Absolutely wonderful video guys! The wife and I went to Rome for thr first of four stops of our honeymoon several years ago and it was so fun to see everything again that's in our Google photos but see you two enjoy it!!! Absolutely one of the best travel channels on TH-cam hands down period end full stop.
This is how informational videos should be done! Thank you!
Hello Ben and David from Ontario Canada.Absolutly love your channel and your sense of humor and that you actually take your time and show us everything from the food to the room and entertainment.Well done fellas.
You two are simply delightful, thank you for sharing your adventures, big hugs.❤😊
The closest port to Rome is in Civitavecchia ! Paris is 2.5 hours from the port. Dover is the closest port to London. Not all of these cities are on the coast!🥰🥰
Yeah we are fully aware of that. Cruise lines should make it much clearer that ports are far away and will require lots of travel and money. It’s not ok to call Le Harve, Paris, Southampton, London or Civitavecchia Rome because they are not. Often cruise lines don’t even label the actual port.
@@Cruisewith In all cruise i went like MSC it was clearly sad Civitavecchia and not Rome..maybe Norwegian is different ,still did not yet travel with them
Such great safety tips!! I’ll share those with my family for sure!!
Fantastic video guys. Very informative and enjoyable.
Hi David and Ben, after my first cruise to Norway this year, I've been enjoying your youtube content, you are both brill. Thanks for the content and hints and tips 👌
What a lovely informative blog - Thankyou
I loved your tour of Rome! I hope to visit there one day. Thank you for showing us around! 🤗❤️
Great advice. Truly enjoyed this one.
Very educational video! Thank you!
Well that just reinforces why I travel independently instead of excurisions. I also see more and prefer the small stops along the way. You just see more and at your pace.
Bernie in Sydney
You guys are wizards and hit this excursion out of the ballpark. My goodness one tenth of the price for Rome. That is awesome!
Excellent episode, really like the “plan your own adventure “ approach. Practical and useful information on how to plan an excursion for less money.
Hey Ben and David, thanks for all the content you put out, it is very helpful and has given us many good ideas on cruising. I know how much work is involved in producing TH-cam videos and your content is excellent. Thanks
Thomas
Another great video!! ❤. Thank you so much. Brought back some wonderful memories of a previous trip to Italy. Sitting outside at a little cafe in a beautiful Piazza enjoying suppli or fried artichokes and just people watching, taking in the atmosphere and relaxing.
Another wonderful video team. I loved seeing all the different spots you were able to get to in that short window of time
Your videos bring me so much joy! This brought back so many memories of the cruise my husband and I took departing from that port. We flew in a day early from the US and explored the city. It was beautiful.
We are so glad we could bring some joy!
I loved this video. Great tips on laying out your tour. Congratulations on a great money-saving day in Rome! Looking forward to your next video.
The first cruise I did had the same port and excursion itinerary. I can still remember our guide and her many, many reminders of where to return for the coach back to the ship. Been on that same route since but never again did the Rome run.
Great video - especially the tour of Rome! We are leaving from Rome next September for a 28 day cruise. We have been to Rome several times on land trips so, even though we plan on flying in several days before the cruise, we will be doing some trips outside of Rome then taking the train to Civitavecchia. Thanks for explaining the transfer options for getting to port!
This is absolutely my favorite vlogg out of all the vloggs you've done!
Loved this video as is brought back all the memories of our time in Rome! Keep doing what you do guys, you are the best!!
What a wonderful video. Really enjoyed it!
So luv your honesty ❤️
Brilliant idea guys! This may be my favorite video to date!
Loved your video of Rome. You both are so informative and look forward to your travels. ❤️
Love your intrepid spirit. This was a fun adventure. Thanks for sharing.
It’s important to understand where ports are located in relationship to the destination cities
Love you both!! Great video and lots of great tips!
Well done on cobbling together your own Rome tour. For the one's who would find it challenging, it's great you "walked us" through the planning. I guess the only "X" factor would be the trains to and from Rome. Other than that it appears to be the best way to do it on your own terms and you get your steps in. 11 miles!!!!
We stayed in Citavecchia overnight before a cruise and loved it there. Wonderful restaurant that fed us when everything else was closed for the night with a wonderful host. The owne.r was great and so friendly
Thank you for the video!
Fantastic guys! Great money saving content, we need more videos like this ❤
Hi love Rome, on a recent trip to Norway with MSC we went to Olden took an early tender off the ship walked up the pier where we paid for a tour to the Sky lift. We boarded a bus to the lift went to the lift up the mountain and then after a quick look round walked the 3ks to the top, it just was so beautiful , we then made our way slowly down examining all the bits we had missed before descending and catching the bus back to the ship. We had far longer than the ship excursion on top at half the price also no hassle at all. In the afternoon after a picnic lunch we walked to a local waterfall did more than the ship walk again saving £40 It was a lovely day out. Yes I do book ship excursions especially for long distances our next one is to the valley of the kings in Egypt. We did a trip to Rome with MSC a few years ago, it was Rome on your own where we were dropped of by bus did our own thing then got the bus back it cost forty odd pound each, not cheap but ok.
Awesome video, so much information and tips for Rome. I would love to see other videos like this at different destinations.
YAY Sunday, Ben and David's day
Good job, guys!
Awesome video, thank you
I am so glad I found your vlogs. Happy Birthday Ben!!!
Thank you!
We did this excursion in July while traveling on RC. After watching this we will never do it any other way. Thank you!
I actually love you two. Much love from Australia! Keep up the great work!!!
Thank you for a great video.
Great video. So informative 👍👍
Absolutely fantastic video guys. 10 out of 10! Well done. 👐
Yall I am crying laughing at the fountain scene!!!! I must have watched that bit ten times hahaha
You are hitting all of my favorite places in Roma! Stayed at hotel across from Pantheon last time. Very convenient pre-cruise location.
Happy shnoozing!! You all are just too darned cute!!
Great video and thx for filming the tour from port to Rome and return.🎉
Our pleasure!
I just started watching your content recently and I love how you share your experience. I adore the money saving alternative shown in this video!!
Welcome!! Thank you for watching
You guys are soooo fun!
You guys are just so sweet and funny, as well as informative!
Very creative video! Very well done.
Very informative! Thank you, I enjoyed the running clock 😂
This video was very informative. It is true that you can save money by doing then tours on your own or with a private company. Lately I have done the excursions with the cruise line to avoid being left behind in case something happens and I cannot get to the ship in time. Rome is beautiful, but a very exhausting city if you want to see everything. Last year my Rome excursion was 9 hours! At the end I felt completely worn out. It was very hot and we walked a lot. We got to visit 11 important places with a fantastic tour guide. Planning on doing some tours on my own in my next cruise to Europe.
I love your information about you cruises. My husband and I will be cruising to Hawaii on Princess in April from San Francisco. Really looking forward to this trip. Thanks for keeping everyone updated
I have just discovered your videos, and I'm hooked. You are lovely to watch, and your cruise tips are fantastic. I just can't get enough. Thank you.
Welcome aboard!
When we cruised Yacht Club, they had a piano player and people were always hanging out there. I think the snacks and drinks helped a lot.