mapleleaves

It was only a 2hr drive from Trieste to VCE. The 7am transfer was for flights between noon and 1pm. There was an 8am transfer for flights between 1 and 3pm A 9am transfer for flights after 3pm. If you're a anxious traveler and would prefer the earlier shuttle, just find a flight that departs between noon and 1 and write that on your transfer request. ( NCL doesn't have the time/staff to check.) I don't recall the transfer cost, but I'm thinking $65. That was a year and a half ago.

Are you saying a 13:15 hr flight ? or the flight departs at 13:15 ?

I took the train TO Trieste, a comfortable 2 hr ride. But I used FlixBus for the return trip since it went directly to VCE. Also 2 hrs. Both trips cost about 20E. Be aware that the Trieste train and bus stations are about a 15 minute walk from the cruise pier. It's a flat easy walk on a nice day. (we arrived to a downpour and had to wait an hour for a taxi to the ship!) What time is your flight out of VCE? NCL offered a transfer to VCE at 7am for pax with flights that left at 1pm. That was the earliest. My flight from VCE was to Madrid at 6:20am and I had been to Venice several times so I chose a hotel by the airport, Hotel Antony. The hotel shuttle picked me up at the airport, but my flight was too early the next day so I had to get a cab. The Desk asked if I wanted to share the ride and cost with another guest, and arranged that. Nice touch. Less than a 10 minute drive. The hotel restaurant was very good. The room was booked way in advance and was so reasonable that I chose a room on the top floor with a view across the water to Venice. Have a great cruise.

In past yrs, the water taxi fare included a shuttle ride up the hill to Oia. BUT before you board the shuttle, look across the bay to where there are steps leading up the hill. Last yr someone posted that at the bottom of the steps there were 2 small boats offering rides BACK to the Old Port, the tender dock. They even took reservations. If those boats are available you could avoid the entire cable car nightmare. p.s. the bus from Oia to Fira is often full, even beyond standing room. When there's no more standing room, the bus leaves and you wait for the next one. So allow wiggle room for your return. (KTEL is the bus company. They have a web site with prices/schedule)

In post #12 I included the link to Tuscany Tours and Transfers for their Florence/Pisa bus excursion. But if you just want to visit Florence, they pick up at the Livorno Piazza where the free shuttles drop off cruise pax. If I remember correctly, the dropoff/pickup point in Florence was near the train station. I considered this company but their time was too limited for the Fl/Pisa option so we went DIY by train instead. I don't know the timing of the Florenc only option. Transfer service to Florence from Livorno (shore-experience.com)

in which town ? Look down the page for " Getting around Santorini by Bus" Santorini Public Bus - Routes, Schedules, Tickets, Map (santorinidave.com)

NCL discontinued their shuttle between the pier and train station after 2022 Doubtful that it will be resurrected for 2024 but you can hope. Perhaps watch for current trip reports to see what current travelers experience (It was $25) You'll need to take the free shuttle to the Piazza then walk or take a local bus to the station,

yes, you're definitely overthinking! And keep in mind that MANY other pax from your ship will also take the train to Florence, so you won't be alone in your journey. Have you asked on your RollCall ? (here or on FB) I was fortunate that when we stopped in Livorno, NCL was still providing a $25 shuttle from the pier to the station. We weren't so lucky in Civi though. We had to take the Civi port shuttle to the port entrance, then wait for a city bus to take us to the train station. Similar to what you will experience in Livorno. But it was fine! We just followed the crowd of fellow cruisers. Once you're there, and in the middle of it, you'll realize that you worried too much.

Riva de Biasio is the water bus stop I mentioned in post #11. You really need to have a talk with your group about the transportation issues of your apt's location to make sure everyone understands and is agreeable.

Water taxis and water buses are very different. A water taxi is a beautiful speed boat providing a private/ pricey ride for up to 10 pax. A water bus is a large public boat that carries over 100 pax. But in response to your question, from P Roma you can walk 15-20 minutes to your apt, OR, take a water bus. An individual ticket to ride a water bus is 10E and is good for about 70 minutes. But if you plan on sightseeing after checking into your apt, it might be worthwhile to buy a 24 or 48 hr pass so that you can have multiple trips on the Grand Canal, including that initial trip from PRoma to your apt. The #1 bus leaves from P Roma every 10 minutes. The Riva de Biasio stop looks to be closest to your street. The bus would leave P Roma, go to Ferrovia (the train station) then to Riva de Biasio. A good resource for you: Venice Transportation and Parking | Venice for Visitors (europeforvisitors.com)

Well, if you won't change the apt location and you think they can all manage their one suitcase, I think a private water taxi from the airport would be your easiest option. It will drop you at whichever dock is closest to your apt. The cost will be around 200E,. But it's a classy and scenic way to arrive in Venice. And would eliminate a little walking. The other options from the airport are taxi at 40-45E per car and your group would need 3 cars, OR, the ATVO express bus is 10Epp. It's a large Greyhound type bus with luggage hold beneath. Both these options would drop you at Piazzale Roma; the last point of land travel in Venice, so it's where buses, taxis, cars must drop passengers But then you must get from P Roma to your apt. It will be at least a 15 minute walk. To get your bearings, go to Google Maps. Search for Piazzale Roma, then ask for walking directions to B&B Vista Sul Canal Grande (a room near the entrance of CalleZen). As for how to get to S Lucia train station, you either walk 15-20 minutes, or catch a water bus to the Ferrovia stop which is right outside the station. That ride would cost 10E unless you plan on buying 48 passes for your stay.

You indicate elderly people and possibly more luggage than they can easily manage on their own. So why not book an apt near the train station and avoid all these transportation issues?

I started with AutoEurope and found the best rate they offered was at Avis. Then I went to the Avis site and found that the AARP discount was even better, so I booked with Avis directly. So just like a hotel search, try several options to find the best deal. I also found that a VISA card from my credit union provides full insurance, so I opted out of the Avis insurance. The car had dents so I took photos and video before we left the lot.

Our cruise ended in Trieste, but we were on the Gem not the Viva. The first guests could disembark at 7am. These were pax with NCL transfers to VCE. "independent guests' could disembark at 7:30am. It's about a 15 minute walk from the cruise pier to the station. Flat, easy walk. We just had 1 carryon sized case. (Our issue was heavy rain when we got off the train in Trieste. So EVERYONE was waiting for a cab to the ship .... took an hr). So be prepared in case of rain.

In the past, RC offered a transfer to Bologna Airport or to Ravenna train station. Bologna is only 1 hr from Ravenna, as compared to 2 1/2 hr to Venice, so many European residents will prefer to use Bologna Airport. Do a search on 'Bologna' and limit your search to the Italy forum and you'll find past threads about transportation.