We flew from Manchester via Amsterdam to Rome Fiumicino on Fri, 24th Aug and arrived at 10:30 pm to stay overnight at the Hilton Rome Airport Hotel that is 'attached' to the airport. It is badly signposted so head for terminals 2 & 3 and up from the arrivals level and find the covered walkway near the car parks, and then follow what seems an endless tunnel to the hotel. However, the hotel was great for a 1 night stay and the staff extremely helpful and friendly.
Saturday, August 25th - Civitavecchia
We ate a leisurely breakfast and awaited our private transfer to Civitavecchia. At 15 mins before the scheduled time our driver arrived in a very nice black Mercedes limo. Off we went at 11 am in extremely comfortable surroundings to Civitavecchia. After approximately 45 mins we arrived at the port and our driver dropped us next to the terminal building where we left our bags and entered the terminal. After completing the health questionnaire, with no lines, check in was completed and we were on the ship within 10 mins at just after 12 pm.
Great storage, now with flat screen TV. Adequate bathroom, great shower with circular doors, not a curtain. Full sized sofa, the room only slept 2. Near quieter forward elevators and handy for Cafe Promenade, Schooner Bar, Savoy Theatre and Lotus Lounge. Better to use these and go up to deck 11, walk along the deck to WJ than go to rear centrum elevators as these are always busy.
Very noisy when anchors being lowered when not arriving at a dock and a port where you tender ashore e.g. Cannes.
Can feel the forward bow thrusters, but as these are only used early morning when docking or when departing from a port in the evening, not a problem
Good view forward and long way back to aft as only the 5th balcony cabin from the front on deck 6.
Possible feeling of more motion as cabin not located midships. But as on a lower deck, motion negligible.