About the Port
Civitavecchia has served as Rome's principal seaport since the 2nd century AD, when the port was established under Emperor Trajan. Today it remains the main maritime gateway to the Italian capital, situated about 70 kilometers along the coast and connected to Fiumicino airport some 62 kilometers away. The town itself offers a compact harbor and historic fortifications worth a brief look for those with time before or after transfers.
Most travelers move directly onward to Rome, where centuries of history unfold across the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, alongside the ruins, piazzas, and Renaissance and Baroque landmarks that define the Eternal City. Some itineraries also point toward Tarquinia, an Etruscan site less visited but rich in archaeological interest. Given the distance to Rome, a shuttle or organized transfer from the port is the practical way to reach the capital's center.
Planning time ashore or a longer stay? Read our full Rome travel guide.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Rome .
Tour Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Reach Rome via shuttle or organized transfer (about 70 km, roughly 90 minutes), then queue for Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling and Raphael's rooms; book timed-entry tickets well ahead to skip the worst lines.
Stand Inside St. Peter's Basilica
The world's largest church anchors Vatican City, with Bernini's colonnaded piazza and Michelangelo's dome climb offering sweeping views over Rome for those with extra time.
Wander Civitavecchia's Old Harbor
Before or after the Rome transfer, stroll the compact waterfront and Forte Michelangelo, a 16th-century fortress guarding the port—an easy way to fill a spare hour without leaving town.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Rome
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8, 2026 | Emerald Yachts | Emerald Sakara | 7 | $8,660 | |
| Aug 8, 2026 | Princess | Sun Princess | 7 | $1,979 | |
| Aug 9, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Odyssey of the Seas | 7 | $2,228 | |
| Aug 9, 2026 | Silversea | Silver Ray | 6 | $5,460 | |
| Aug 9, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Legend of the Seas | 7 | $4,063 | |
| Aug 9, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Epic | 7 | $1,229 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Explora Journeys | Explora I | 7 | $5,000 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Brilliance of the Seas | 7 | $1,574 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Virgin Voyages | Scarlet Lady | 12 | $3,660 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Viva | 9 | $1,299 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Explora Journeys | Explora I | 14 | $10,880 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Constellation | 11 | $2,650 | |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Oceania | Oceania Nautica | 10 | $6,299 | |
| Aug 11, 2026 | Regent | Seven Seas Splendor | 12 | $14,299 | |
| Aug 14, 2026 | Crystal | Crystal Serenity | 32 | $22,300 | |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Equinox | 10 | $2,032 | |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Odyssey of the Seas | 7 | $2,264 | |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian Gem | 7 | $1,149 | |
| Aug 16, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Legend of the Seas | 7 | $2,510 | |
| Aug 17, 2026 | Royal Caribbean | Brilliance of the Seas | 7 | $1,706 |
Showing the next 20 of 2873 upcoming departures. Browse them all in cruise search → or call 800-528-9300 for today's best pricing.