MSC Cruises
European-flavoured family cruising at scale, with Mediterranean and Caribbean coverage year-round.
Departure ports
Cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia)
Start your Mediterranean cruise with a few days in Rome, then sail from its port at Civitavecchia.
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Cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia) with Travelisto
Civitavecchia is Rome's cruise port, about an hour from the city by train or road. It is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean and a natural place to start a cruise, because few cities make a better pre-cruise stay than Rome. A couple of nights among the Colosseum, the Vatican and the piazzas, then a short transfer to the ship, is hard to beat.
The choice of lines is wide. MSC Cruises sails from here for much of the year with family-friendly ships, while Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and NCL Norwegian offer big-ship premium and contemporary cruising. Smaller ships are well represented too, from Viking Ocean Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Windstar to luxury lines such as Seabourn, Silversea and Explora Journeys.
Seven nights is the most common length, usually exploring the western Mediterranean: Naples for Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Malta, the south of France and Barcelona. Other itineraries head east to Greece, Croatia and Turkey, and longer voyages of 10 to 21 nights combine both halves of the Mediterranean.
The main season runs from spring to autumn, with May, June, September and October offering warm weather and fewer crowds than midsummer, and some lines sail in winter too. Civitavecchia is a working port rather than a resort, so we recommend staying in Rome before you sail. We can arrange flights, hotels and transfers to fit your sailing.
Our Cruise Experts Love
Lines we recommend
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
MSC Cruises
Viking Ocean Cruises
Adults-only ocean cruising with destination focus, included excursions and Wi-Fi.
Princess Cruises
Mid-premium cruising with destination-strong itineraries — Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean.
Celebrity Cruises
Modern premium cruising with stylish ships, world-class dining and global itineraries.
Windstar Cruises
180–342-guest sailing yachts and motor yachts — small-ship ocean cruising, casual luxury.
Oceania Cruises
The finest cuisine at sea, smaller premium ships and country-intensive itineraries.
Which line suits you?
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| MSC Cruises | Families who want a lively, modern ship and good value. |
| Celebrity Cruises | Couples who want a stylish ship with strong dining. |
| Princess Cruises | Travellers who want a classic, premium feel on a big ship. |
| Viking Ocean Cruises | Adults who want a calm, smaller ship with an excursion in every port. |
| Windstar Cruises | Travellers who want a small ship that reaches quieter harbours. |
| Oceania Cruises | Food lovers who want a refined, mid-size ship and long port days. |
Where you can go from Civitavecchia
- Western Mediterranean
- Naples for Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, the south of France and Barcelona.
- Malta and Sicily
- Valletta’s dramatic harbour and Sicily’s Baroque towns and Mount Etna.
- Greece and the Adriatic
- Eastern sailings to Croatia, the Greek Islands and Turkey.
- Longer voyages
- Ten to 21-night itineraries combining both halves of the Mediterranean, or reaching Spain and Portugal.
Making the most of Rome
Two or three nights in Rome before you sail is ideal: time for the Colosseum and the Forum, the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s, and long evenings in Trastevere. Allow plenty of time for the transfer to Civitavecchia on embarkation day.
If you are flying home after the cruise, most ships arrive early in the morning, so you can still fly the same day. We can arrange hotels, flights and transfers to fit.
FAQ
Cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia): your questions answered
How far is Civitavecchia from Rome?
About an hour by road or train, depending on traffic and where you are staying. We can arrange a private or shared transfer from your Rome hotel or the airport to the ship.
Where do cruises from Civitavecchia go?
Most explore the western Mediterranean, calling at Naples, Sicily, Malta, the south of France and Barcelona. Others sail east to Greece, Croatia and Turkey, and longer voyages combine both.
Should I stay in Rome before my cruise?
We recommend it. Arriving a day or two early protects you against flight delays and gives you time for the Colosseum, the Vatican and the old city. Civitavecchia itself is a working port with little to keep you.
When is the best time to cruise from Rome?
May, June, September and October are ideal, with warm weather and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy. A few lines sail through the winter, when it is cooler and quieter.
Too many options? We'll narrow it down
Tell a Travel Designer where you want to go, when, and what kind of ship suits you. Three honest recommendations, same business day.