6 amazing cruises from Rome

Rome sits just south of bustling Civitavecchia Port, which offers transport to beautiful port cities around the Mediterranean. You can book a cruise from Rome to other Italian cities or go island hopping in Greece. Longer voyages explore cities in Croatia, Turkey, Spain and even France.

These cruise lines are known for offering excellent hospitality and a range of itineraries that’ll whisk you away on a vacation to some of Europe’s most enchanting ports.

Our favorite cruises from Rome

Best cruise lines departing from Rome

Whether you’ve got a hankering for countries in the Mediterranean or just want to explore Europe’s coast, cruises from Rome tend to be sun-drenched and rich in history. The best way to find the perfect cruise from Rome is to pinpoint where you’d like to go.

Best for cruises from Rome to Greece: Celebrity

Along with an itinerary that focuses solely on the islands of Greece, Celebrity Cruises also offers routes that stop at Israel, Croatia and Montenegro along the way. Celebrity Cruises emphasizes in-depth cultural experiences, both on board and off, with shore excursions including a visit to Minoan ruins (Santorini), a guided tour of the Acropolis (Athens), and a journey to the birthplace of Apollo (Mykonos).

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Price ($-$$$):

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Best for Mediterranean cruises from Rome: Costa

If you're looking for authentic Côte d'Azur touches and European-style service, opt for Costa Cruises. This Italian cruise company was founded in 1854, mainly to transport olive oils and textiles.

Its Mediterranean cruises can take you to cities like La Spezia, Savona, Marseille and Barcelona. If you've got more days to spare, you could visit the Middle East — Salalah in Oman, Doha in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Price ($-$$$):

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Best for cruises from Rome to Barcelona: Oceania

Whether you want to disembark in Barcelona or simply explore the city for a day docked at the port, Oceania is known for its luxury service and gourmet onboard dining. Take culinary and dance lessons while sailing through bright blue seas, or relax in a spacious cabin — Oceania has the largest veranda staterooms at sea. Explore glamorous places like Monte Carlo, Saint-Tropez and Ibiza along the way.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Cheque

Price ($-$$$):

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Best for cheap cruises from Rome: MSC

Founded in Naples, Italy, MSC Cruises offers 100+ options for cheap cruises from Italy around the Mediterranean. The price is right without any compromises on quality — MSC ships are known for being clean and have won sustainability awards for ships that use less fuel. On board, you'll find sophisticated dining, a Balinese spa and live theater to keep you entertained.

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card

Price ($-$$$):

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Best for cruises from Rome to Dubrovnik: Norwegian

Croatia sits perched on the banks of the Adriatic sea, and the southern town of Dubrovnik is known for its old town neighborhood, surrounded by tall stone walls. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will swing you around the southern tip of Italy and up to Grecian ports like Santorini and Mykonos before dropping anchor at Dubrovnik. These trips are great for couples and families looking to set foot in the city that Lord Byron dubbed 'the pearl of the Adriatic.'

• Room service included
• No free alcohol
• Food included

• No price matching
• Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Discover Card

Price ($-$$$):

Book now

Which cruise lines leave from Rome?

Cruise lines that offer cruises from Rome include:

Which cruise lines from Rome travel to the US?

The following cruise lines typically offer cruises from Rome to the US — or, “transatlantic” in cruising lingo:

• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises

When is the best time to cruise from Rome?

The best times to cruise from Rome are from May to June and September to October, when the weather is beautiful and the crowds are manageable. Cruise fares during this shoulder season are decent — not super-discounted, but lowered from the wild spike of summer demand.

Peak season.

The busiest and most expensive season to cruise from Rome is from July to August, when families take summer vacations to the Mediterranean and cruise lines amp up prices. Tourists from around the world flock during these months, so popular tourist attractions will likely have long lines. Still, if it’s steamy weather you’re after, temperatures hover around 80 °F in the region, which might be right for folks who want to simply lie on the beach.

Off season.

You’ll likely find the lowest fares on cruises from Rome through January and February, along with cheaper flights and accommodations. But keep in mind that winter storms may make travel a little more unpredictable.

November and December also tend to have low prices on cruises from Rome, as long as you avoid the holidays.

Getting to the port for your cruise from Rome

Cruises from Rome actually depart from Civitavecchia Port, which is about 45-50 miles — depending on your route — northeast of central Rome. By taxi or train, it takes about 90 minutes to traverse.

If you’re flying into one of Rome’s two key airports — Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport or Ciampino-G. B. Pastine International Airport — you can take a train to Rome’s city center, followed by another train ride to the Civitavecchia train station. From there, walk or take a bus to Largo della Place, the main entry of Civitavecchia Port. A free shuttle service can transport you from Largo della Place to your cruise terminal.

Bottom line

After filling up on spaghetti in Rome, take a cruise to further tantalize your taste buds and satiate your sightseeing appetite. But before you book your cruise from Rome, check to see if you can save money on your fare.