Western Med Cruise: Rome to Rome

Civitavecchia port on the Holland America Eurodam

I cruised the Western Med this time. The people in the above photo look great, but I don't happen to know them. Having traveled solo on three cruises, I end up photographing a bunch of people I don't know but that's okay. Meeting new people is what it is all about. And even if I don't meet them, I end up with some great photos.

My first post from this cruise will deviate from both gargoyles and graffiti. It is about the port of Civitavecchia and the start of my cruise. It was a seven day itinerary on the Holland America Eurodam. I traveled with her last year and loved the ship so much; I decided to sail her again. We sailed to Palermo, Tunis, Barcelona, Monte Carlo and La Spezia, the gateway to Santa Margarita Ligure and Portofino. 

The port of Civitavecchia lies a distance from both Rome and the Fiumicino airport. Cost of a private transfer from the airport to the port: 130 euros with Rome Cabs. Talk about a first class operation! Stefano the owner makes it so easy to book and takes the worry out of getting from the airport to downtown Rome or the port. The driver was waiting for me at the designated location (from a video on their site) with a sign with my full name on it. We went directly to my hotel San Giorgio in Civitavecchia. The driver spoke little English but she smiled and drove well. I was thoroughly pleased with their service. In 2008, I used a different company and it was total bedlam when we arrived. The driver was nowhere to be found and we had no idea where to go. I highly recommend Rome Cabs, and so does TripAdvisor. More information on their services can be found on their website here.

Here is me arriving in my room, which I loved .... 10th floor forward, room 10004. It is about twice the size of other oceanview rooms. I cannot say enough good things about this room, 256 sq. ft. and great for the Med, which is like a big bathtub this time of year (spring.)

me on the Holland America Eurodam

view from the Holland America Eurodam at the port of Civitavecchia

The view from the port is not that great. It is a very industrial port. I prefer Barcelona for the view and the convenience, but Italy is such a wonderful country to visit. Next we are off to Palermo. Ciao!