Will a 10:20 am flight out of FCO Rome be okay after cruise?

[swdke]

Come October, will be taking a Royal Caribbean cruise out of Rome.  Ship claims to return to Port at 5 am.  I do realize that we won't disembark at that time, and I understand it can't be certain as to when we'll be able to depart.  

 

Looking at a flight that departs Rome FCO at 10:20 am.  Is that too early?

 

Appreciate advice and information.

Thanks!

[Hlitner]

We have caught a 10:50 with no problems.  But you are going to get different opinions on an early flight.  Having spent a lot of time in Italy (on both self-driving land trips and numerous cruises) we would be OK with 10:20...   But we would certainly plan on doing self-disembarkation (where you carry off your own luggage) and would want to arrange for a private transfer (you might be able to get 1 or 2 other couples to join you...by posting on the CC Roll Call for your cruise).  Ideally you would want to meet your transfer driver around 6:15 - 6:30am which should get you to FCO by 7:30.  But most of the transfer companies do charge a premium for very early transfers so you might want to shop around for the best transfer service.  Our own preference is to use Rome Cabs (RomeCabs.com) who have always proven reliable.   Others here on CC have also had very good experiences using Rome In Limo (romeinlimo.com).  Either of these companies will have a driver waiting (they will have a sign with your name) at the pier.   One good thing is that there are generally no formalities when you get off the ship at Civitavecchia.  Once the ship is cleared (usually about 20 min after the gang plank is in place) it is just a matter of getting off the ship (with your luggage) and finding your driver.  In the past we have never had to deal with any kind of Passport control or Customs at this port.

 

The drive between the Port and FCO is relatively painless and mostly on high speed highways.  It is usually advisable to be at FCO about 3 hours before an International Flight, which we have always found is more then enough time.

[CruiserBruce]

There are many discussions here on the topic, with 10:30 being the earliest recommended flight time for flights direct to the US. If there is any possibility for you to make the flight, you need to arrange for private transportation and be early off the ship.

 

The first problem you should be concerned with is what is your plan B if the flight gets moved 30 minutes earlier? This happens with some regularity.