Civitavecchia-Rome (Italy)

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

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Civitavecchia-Rome cruise port

Region
Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time
2024-12-09 12:52

min: 43 °F (6 °C) / max: 55 °F (13 °C) 53°F
11.6°C
Wind: 150°/ 3.3 m/s  Gust: 3.7 m/sWind: 150°/ 3.3 m/s  Gust: 3.7 m/sLight breeze
3.3 m/s
Min / Max Temperature55 °F / 13 °C
43 °F / 7 °C
  Port Map

Port Civitavecchia-Rome cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Civitavecchia-Rome, Italy. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

DayShipArrivalDeparture
21 November, 2023
Tuesday
Oceania Cruises Cruises cruise lineOceania Nautica07:0020:00
23 November, 2023
Thursday
Princess Cruises Cruises cruise lineIsland Princess18:00
30 November, 2023
Thursday
Viking Cruises Cruises cruise lineViking Neptune

Port Civitavecchia is the passenger (ferry and cruise) and cargo port of Rome City - Italy's capital and largest city. Civitavecchia is approx 80 km / 50 mi northwest of Rome. The arriving cruise tourists can reach Rome's main train stations as well as Fiumicino Airport (40-50-min drive distance from the seaport).

Port Civitavecchia (locode ITCVV) has a total of 5 cruise terminals (combined area ~120,000 m2 / 1,29 million ft2 / 0,05 mi2) with 7 berths/quays (total length 3,2 km / 9850 ft in piers), and 5 cruise-dedicated large parking lots.

Civitavecchia ("Terminal Venezia Passeggeri" in Italian) is the world's 10th busiest cruise port (2,2+ million passengers annually) and a major Mediterranean homeport/turnaround port for roundtrip itineraries. The world's top-10 cruise ports by annual passenger volumes (stats 2023) are in Florida USA (Port Canaveral/Orlando, Miami, Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale), Mexico (Cozumel), Bahamas (Nassau), China (Shanghai), Spain (Barcelona), Bahamas (Out Islands), and Texas USA (Galveston).

The Port's cruise shipping business annually generates ~EUR 92 million in direct revenue and expenditure, with an economic impact/contribution to the Lazio region of EUR 400+ million, including EUR 200M+ in expenditure by the visiting cruise tourists (passengers and crew). This business also supports 1700+ local jobs (direct and indirect).

Due to its proximity to Rome City, Civitavecchia is the main cruise port for transit passengers (~1,6 million) in addition to turnaround passengers (~1 million), to a total of 2,6+ million cruisers annually. The Port's max daily passenger capacity is 40,000. Due to its vicinity to Fiumicino Airport, Civitavecchia is also the principal Italian homeport for major cruise line companies. Each year, around 1 million passengers start and finish their cruise in Civitavecchia.

Roma Cruise Terminal's busiest day so far was on July 16, 2016, when it hosted 10 ships.

The Civitavecchia-Rome train distance is 61 km / 38 mi (or ~50 minutes travel time). Annually, Port Civitavecchia handles 2000+ passenger ship calls (by both ferries and cruise vessels) and ~2 million travelers, ranking it Europe's 3rd busiest and the Mediterranean's largest. The city has population around 60,000 and covers an area of approx 72 km2 / 28 mi2.

The founding of Civitavecchia is set around 889 AD when the first inhabitants established Civitasvetula (old/ancient town) which was later changed into Civitavecchia. The Roman Emperor Trajan founded Port Civitavecchia (as Centumcellae) in the 2nd century. Due to its position, the city was prone to incursions by pirates and in 1508, Pope Julius II commissioned the building of a fortress for protection. Both Michelangelo and Bramante contributed to the design of Forte Michelangelo (1537-completed), which can still be visited today.

By the 17th century, following the embellishments carried out by its rulers over the years, Civitavecchia could boast of being one of the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. Unfortunately, most of the city's historical buildings and port were destroyed by the Allied aerial bombardments in 1943 (during WW2/1939-45).

The town of Civitavecchia and the surrounding towns and villages have a lot to offer to the visiting tourists, including the following Roman and medieval archaeological sites.

  • The old hospital in Piazza Calamata, the fountain of Benedict XIV and the old city (around Piazza Saffi), which houses the Chapel of the Knights of St John.
  • Forte Michelangelo (1535-completed) and its Bell Tower were designed by Michelangelo. The fortress is built on the remains of Roman army barracks.
  • The Cathedral of St Francis (17th-century built by Francesco Navona)
  • The Archeological Museum houses a large collection of Roman and Etruscan artifacts.
  • Piazza Leandra has frescoes from the school of Raffaello Sanzio.
  • Terme Taurine (open-air museum) was built on the site of Emperor Trajan's villa and baths.
  • Finconcella's hot baths are from the Roman times and are still in use today.
  • The Market is a must-see, with its surrounding taverns, coffee shops, and eateries offering foods made from local produce.
  • Sant' Agostino beach is approx 15 km / 10 mi from Civitavecchia.

Civitavecchia has 108 hotels and B&Bs/Bed & Breakfast, as well as a number of good restaurants and pizzerias.

At ~20 min drive distance from the town tourists can visit the Etruscan necropolis of Cerveteri and Tarquina (known for its medieval towers, necropolis and the Etruscan museum). In Santa Severa bathers can visit the medieval castle. Bracciano (lake district) and Orsini-Odescalchi (castle and military aviation museum) are also worth visiting.

North of Civitavecchia you may visit the hilltop towns of Tolfa famous for one of Europe's major street artists' festival (Tolfarte) and its Butteri (cowboys) and Alumiere, famous for its palio (horse races), during which the town's districts compete in a series of donkey races. Other places of interest include Bomarzo with its Garden of Monsters (Giardino dei Monstri) and Civita Bagnorego (dying city). The historical papal city of Viterbo is an hour's ride from the cruise port. Ostia Anticha is one of the very best preserved Roman cities. Another place of interest is Sutri, with its mithreaum, a unique underground temple from the times of the Etruscans, later adopted by the Romans and then converted into a Christian Church.

 

On June 25, 2023, the Port had a 6-ship day and handled 31000+ cruise tourists. The vessels were Costa Fortuna, MSC Seashore, Norwegian Breakaway (NCL), Oceania Vista, Odyssey of the Seas (RCI-Royal Caribbean) and Viking Sea (Viking OCEAN).

Cruise itineraries to and from Civitavecchia-Rome

Itineraries out of Civitavecchia usually visit destinations (ports and islands) in the Adriatic Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The most visited ports are in Croatia (Dubrovnik, Korcula, Split), Montenegro (Kotor), Slovenia (Koper), Albania (Durres), also in Greece/Greek Islands, Italy (also on Sicily Island), Malta (Valletta), Turkey.

Holy Land cruises visit ports in Israel (Ashdod, Haifa), Greece (Piraeus-Athens), Egypt (Alexandria, Port Said) and also Turkey (Istanbul).

The most commonly operated are 7-day one-way itineraries from Rome to Barcelona (Western Med), to Athens and to Istanbul (Eastern Med). Many voyages to Barcelona include stops at French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) ports - Antibes, Bandol, Cannes, Cassis, Marseille, Sanary-sur-Mer, St Raphael, St Tropez, Toulon, Villefranche-sur-Mer (Nice),Monte Carlo (Monaco).

Most one-way "around Italy" itineraries from Rome end in Genoa. However, there are also Around Italy roundtrips from Rome (between 14-17-days long, depending on itinerary/call ports).

Most roundtrips from Civitavecchia are 7-8-day long Adriatic itineraries visiting Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Albania, Greece, and often Italy's Bari, Ravenna or Ancona on (the way back).

Seasonal ship relocation voyages (RepositionCruises.com) offer Transatlantic crossings between Rome and Florida USA, Caribbean island countries, or South America (Santos Brazil, Buenos Aires Argentina). Suez Canal transition voyages link to ports in Asia and even Australia (Brisbane QLD, Sydney NSW).

Civitavecchia-Rome cruise terminal

Officially named "Roma Cruise Terminal", the facility was opened in 2007, and in the period 2007-2018 handled around 23 million cruise ship tourists. The Port currently has 5 cruise terminals (7 berths total) and can accommodate vessels with max draft 13,5 m / 44 ft.

The Port's cruise docks are Quay 10 (Terminal 10), Quay 11, Quay 12 South (Terminal Bramante/12S), Quay 12 North (Terminal Amerigo Vespucci, and Terminal 12 B North), Quay 13 South, Quay 13 North, and Quay 25 South (Terminal 25S). For homeporting are used 4 terminals (10, Bramante/12S, 25S, and Amerigo Vespucci/the newest).

The company Roma Cruise Terminal SRL (jointly owned by Costa Crociere, MSC and Royal Caribbean) is responsible for the Port's cruise shipping operations. The terminal operator is currently ranked Europe's 3rd-largest and the world's 7th-largest in terms of annual passenger numbers and cruise ship calls.

Next cruise port map shows where ships dock in Civitavecchia and popular tourist attractions/sites located in close proximity.

The Port is used by ferries, cargo ships and cruise vessels. The distance between the Port Civitavecchia and Rome's international airports is almost 50 km (30 mi) or 50 minutes travel time (airport to the pier). Taxis cost ~EUR 160.

To go to Civitavecchia, most foreign cruisers first fly to Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino (airport) from where travel by train to Civitavecchia (for ship embarkation). Travel time is ~1,5 hours. From the rail station to the cruise port is approx 1 km (0,6 mi). However, the distance is easily walkable (along the pebbled beach).

At the Port's entrance, there are available three large car parks. Free bus shuttles serve both ferry- and cruise passengers. Be careful, as different shuttles go to different terminals.

In 2022 was inaugurated a new cruise terminal providing services to smaller-sized/luxury boutique cruise ships that increasingly use Civitavecchia as a homeport.

(NEW) "12 B North" Amerigo Vespucci Cruise Terminal

In November 2016, Port Civitavecchia started the construction of a new cruise terminal which was completed and inaugurated in 2018. The modern building (sized 10,000 m2 / 107,650 ft2) is able to handle ~4500 passengers and ~9000 pieces of luggage at a time.

Civitavecchia's main cruise terminal (Amerigo Vespucci) has capacity to handle the largest cruise vessels. The Terminal's passenger and luggage control facilities are at the ground floor. A crew room (also in the building's Atrium) facilitates the ships' crew reception process. Proceeding from the Atrium to the first floor, passengers reach the check-in area with 60 counters that can be doubled to 120 ports. Close to 90 monitors in the check-in area keep passengers updated on their check-in status as well as their itinerary and other useful information. There are also a VIP lounge, Cruise Bar and a large terrace. Ship boarding is via glass-enclosed passenger bridges.

A unique feature of the new cruise terminal Amerigo Vespucci is a small museum space housing Roman and Etruscan artifacts. The pieces are loaned by the Port's Harbour Master and the Superintendent for Fine Arts and Culture for Roma Metropolitana, Viterbo and Southern Etruria region as a standing testimony of Civitavecchia's historical status as the Port of Rome and the rich history of Italy's Lazio region.

The EUR 20 million project included building two terminals - the bigger "12 B North" and the smaller "Terminal 12". The building has a 280 m2 (3000 ft2) baggage claim area, a 410 m2 (4400 ft2) waiting area, large bus parking, taxi drop-off and pick-up area. On the ground floor are the passenger and luggage facilities (check-in with 60 counters and around 90 LED monitors for updated information / including on current itineraries). In the Atrium are located crew room and VIP lounge.

At Amerigo Vespucci Terminal, passengers can avail themselves of a free guidebook (published by Roma Cruise Terminal) with 12 recommended walks around Civitavecchia.

 

"Rome Cruise Terminal" (RCT)

Terminal's address is "Civitavecchia, Molo Vespucci, Civitavecchia Italy 00053".

The Port's biggest parts serve container carriers/cargo ships and ferries. Cruise ships dock at piers Traianea (11), Antemurale Colombo (12,12B,13A, 13B) and Commerciale (25).

To the cruise port, take the Argo buses leaving from downtown/Largo della Pace (aka Porta di Citta). From the bus stop, you can reach the cruise piers (for embarkation) through the Port-provided free shuttle service.

Civitavecchia cruise port schedule has itineraries planned throughout the whole year.

  • UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - ITVCE
  • supported by excellent road, rail and air infrastructure
  • deep channel water and berths
  • sheltered harbor area
  • access unrestricted by tides
  • capability to accommodate 12 vessels at a time

Port Civitavecchia provides berthed cruise vessels with shore-power/electricity supply which reduces significantly the levels of emissions, noise and vibration. The "cold ironing" (shoreside power) is provided to ships docking at Tagliamento Quay (at berths 107-108 and 109-110).

The cruise port is accessible the whole year round - 24/7, 365 days a week.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Civitavecchia early in the morning (between 5 and 9 am) and depart in the evening (normally by 8 pm). Some ships may also stay overnight in Civitavecchia.

How to reach the cruise quays and terminals?

By air

Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci) is approx 60 km / 27 mi away from Civitavecchia. Once one arrives at the airport, reaching the Port is very easy.

By train

Catch the direct train service from the airport to Ostiense (around 15 minutes) and then from Ostiense the train to Civitavecchia (allow 50 minutes of train travel).

From Rome City: There are two services (every hour) linking Rome with Civitavecchia. All the major train stations in Rome (Termini, Ostiense, Tiburtina, Tuscolana, Trastevere, San Pietro) are directly linked with Civitavecchia. Tickets and train schedules are available online on the Trenitalia website. There is a good service to major cities in Italy either directly or through Roma Termini.

Either from the train station at Civitavecchia, it is very easy to reach the port on foot (a distance of around 500 m / 1640 ft) or by taxi to the entrance of the port areas or via a shuttle bus service from the train, station (cost Euro 6.00 per person).

Disembarking passengers can book their transport with the cruise ships or else use the public taxis available on the quay. Roma Cruise Terminal also provides a free shuttle service to the coach terminus outside the port. There is a service to the train station at EUR 6 per person. Passengers can also book private taxis. Civitavecchia also has seven car parks providing a park and cruise service with a shuttle service to/from the cruise quays.

By bus

The bus stop closest to the port is the one located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. This bus stop is around 100 m from the south entrance of the port. The bus stop in Via XVI Settembre and at Porta Tarquina are around 200 m / 650 ft from the north entrance of the port.

The regional bus service is operated by Compagnia Trasporti Lazio (Co.Tra.L.). The bus terminus for these services is located in piazza Vittorio Emanuele near the south entrance of the port. A free shuttle service is available to transport passengers to their ship from Largo della Pace, the bus terminus located at the exit of the port.

By car

Allow 40 minutes of travel time. There are parking areas situated inside or close to the port area. Most parking operators offer a shuttle service to/from the cruise ship.

The coordinates (Google Map) for quay 10 (the entrance to the cruise quays 10 (Terminal 10) ,11, 12 South (Terminal Bramante), 12 North (Terminal Amerigo Vespucci), 13 South and 13 North are 42°05'22.5"N 11°47'11.1"E.

The coordinates to quay 25 South (Terminal 25 South) are 42.104594777583486, 11.774188023105662

By taxi

One can catch a taxi from the taxi stand at the airport.

Taxi services can be booked by phoning +39 (0) 766 26121 from the taxi stand at the Prot from the train station. Taxis are also available from the cruise quays.

Civitavecchia-Rome tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

Civitavecchia is a great place to spend some time. As this is the port of Rome, most of the passengers rush to see the capital city with its Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel and the Spanish Steps, but Civitavecchia has a lot to show too. It is among the most fascinating culturally cities in Europe. You can learn a lot about the Italian life and history. Among the interestins places are the old hospital, the fountain of Benedict XIV, the walls of the old city and quaint squares. Also you can visit:

  • Forte Michelangelo: fortress dating since the 16th century. Pope Julius II commissioned it and in 1535 Giulano Leno finished it. Michelangelo designed the center tower. The walls of the fortress are thick over 6 meters and it is built on Roman barracks’ remains.
  • The Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi: built on 17th Century church by Francesco Navona, an architect. The Cathedral of Cathedral of San Francesco d’Assisi is impressive with stained glass frescos and windows designed in Neoclassical-Baroque style.
  • Civitavecchia Beach: this small beach has yellow sand (mixed with rocks) and is located opposite the railway station, just steps away from the seafront promenade.
  • La Scaglia Necropolis (6th-5th centuries BC): take a look at the underground works in a chilling atmosphere.
  • Civitavecchia’s Archaelogical Museum: the building was property of Pope Clemente XIII. It was made for the garrison of the pope and dates from the 18th century. There is Roman and Estrucan artifacts exhibition.
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