Celebrity's 9 night Italian Rivera and France

[NCteacherlovescruising]

51 minutes ago, marazul said:

Is this your Italy to Athens flight?  If so, Aegean airlines has a direct flight from Naples to Athens in the morning. Same price as Rome to Athens.  You might want to consider taking the ferry (or other transfer) to Naples and staying there the night before and then a hotel transfer or taxi to the airport in the morning. This is one time when you should pick a very nice, safe hotel by the port.  It would save you the time and aggravation of getting through Rome.  For example, look at these hotels:

https://www.royalgroup.it/royalcontinental/en/hotel

https://www.eurostarshotels.co.uk/eurostars-hotel-excelsior.html

You could email them and ask if they can arrange for a transfer to the airport.

 

If not in Naples, staying in Fiumicino should be good.

Oh my goodness!  I bet I didn't even think to check Naples with Aegean.  Thanks so so much!!  😘This will be so much easier for us.  I went ahead and booked the Royal Continental.  Can we bring all our luggage on the ferry?  That would be the cheapest, wouldn't it?

 

11 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

You ask a terrific question and the answer is a bit complex,  Cruise lines are businesses and are about making a profit.  Most lines (not all) use a third party to operate their shore excursion program.  The excursions are purchased from local tour companies.  Everyone makes a profit, so the third-party company marks up the cost, and then the cost is marked up even more so that the cruise line gets their cut.  That is called capitalism.  But when an excursion takes you to a leather factory, pottery factory, anything factory, various stores, etc. they are generally not doing it to be nice.  In some cases, the tour company may own part of all of the "factory" or get a very nice kick-back for bringing excursion groups to the business,  Some of us think that the term "tourist trap" is a much too mild term. 

 

So, the next question is are you going to get a good deal on a quality product at those places?  Maybe yes, maybe no.  We think the answer is generally no but you really have to look at the specific case. 

 

Hank

About what I assumed. We are still undecided on how we are getting to Florence.  Perhaps someone in our roll call will share a tour or taxi or something.  

[Hlitner]

1 minute ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

...............

 

About what I assumed. We are still undecided on how we are getting to Florence.  Perhaps someone in our roll call will share a tour or taxi or something.  

Others have addressed the Florence issue.  DW and I have often taken the train, but getting to and from the Livorno train station is always an issue!  Most cruise lines do nothing to make it easy since they want you to buy their overpriced excursions.  It is a darn shame.

 

My only friendly warning is that if you do use the train, get back to Livorno at least a couple of hours early just in case it takes a while to find a taxi back to the port.

 

Hank

[NCteacherlovescruising]

4 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Others have addressed the Florence issue.  DW and I have often taken the train, but getting to and from the Livorno train station is always an issue!  Most cruise lines do nothing to make it easy since they want you to buy their overpriced excursions.  It is a darn shame.

 

My only friendly warning is that if you do use the train, get back to Livorno at least a couple of hours early just in case it takes a while to find a taxi back to the port.

 

Hank

We are there overnight so there is no hurry back.  That's another reason I don't want to book one of their excursions. Of course, I haven't looked at the train schedule to see how late they run or how easy or difficult it would be to get a ride from the train back to the ship.

[Hlitner]

Just now, NCteacherlovescruising said:

We are there overnight so there is no hurry back.  That's another reason I don't want to book one of their excursions. Of course, I haven't looked at the train schedule to see how late they run or how easy or difficult it would be to get a ride from the train back to the ship.

Ahhh, we love overnights.  To complicate your planning, I will toss out an idea.  Have you considered spending the night in Florence?  The advantage is you can relax (that first day) without thinking about the return trip.  It also allows you to spend the entire day in Florence, go to a hotel to relax, and than head out for an evening in town and a nice dinner.  You also get the following morning to do more things in Florence before heading back to the ship.

 

DW and I first went to Florence on a port day.  We returned on several more port days and found the city enjoyable.  Than one year, while on an extended driving trip we decided to spend a few nights in Florence (at the Hotel David where they have free parking) and use it as a base for some day trips.  It was during that multi-day stay that we fell in love with Florence.  I think it was an early evening stroll along the Arno...but perhaps it was going out to dinner and walking some of the streets when they were not packed with day trippers.  

 

Hank

[NCteacherlovescruising]

9 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

Ahhh, we love overnights.  To complicate your planning, I will toss out an idea.  Have you considered spending the night in Florence?  The advantage is you can relax (that first day) without thinking about the return trip.  It also allows you to spend the entire day in Florence, go to a hotel to relax, and then head out for an evening in town and a nice dinner.  You also get the following morning to do more things in Florence before heading back to the ship.

 

 

We had considered it at one point, but frankly this plan has taken in a life of its own, getting longer and longer as plans have constantly changed. So the overnight idea has been put aside but I am very pleased with where we are. Now if dh were to bring it up again I certainly wouldn’t say no, but I don’t see that happening. 
 

9 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

DW and I first went to Florence on a port day.  We returned on several more port days and found the city enjoyable.  Than one year, while on an extended driving trip we decided to spend a few nights in Florence (at the Hotel David where they have free parking) and use it as a base for some day trips.  It was during that multi-day stay that we fell in love with Florence.  I think it was an early evening stroll along the Arno...but perhaps it was going out to dinner and walking some of the streets when they were not packed with day trippers.  

 

Hank

This is all new for us. I hope we will be able to return someday, but as of now I’d be surprised. You never know though, perhaps he will fall in love with it. 

[marazul]

1 hour ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Can we bring all our luggage on the ferry?  That would be the cheapest, wouldn't it?

Yes and yes. 

Google "ferry Amalfi to Naples" to find the schedules. It is probably way too early to book it.

[marazul]

15 hours ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Can we bring all our luggage on the ferry?  That would be the cheapest, wouldn't it?

Just a thought.  After you price the ferry tickets and add in the price of a taxi to take you from the pier to the hotel, get a quote from a transfer company for the trip.  It may cost you more, but it will be door-to-door and you will not have to deal with the suitcases.  

[NCteacherlovescruising]

Someone mentioned Joe Banana for transfer from Naples to Amalfi, with a stop at Pompeii. Looking at their website, they want a time to pick us up ant the train station. Our cruise itinerary says 6 AM docking time in Civitavecchia. A Google search shows it’s only about a mile and a half to the train station. Assuming we’re off the ship by 7:30-8 (we usually do self assist) what time do you think we could be on a train by?  I’m not sure if we will walk or take a taxi.  I see those run constantly.  9:13? 9:30?  Is that too soon?  Do we need to book ahead or day of?  

[euro cruiser]

The train station in Civitavecchia is only one mile from the port shuttle drop off point, or there is a 6 euro bus that takes you from the cruise terminal to the station.

 

There is no reason you couldn't be on a train by 8 or 8:30, without rushing off.

 

Do consider the type of train you want.  With luggage a regional train is an issue.  First, it's difficult (if not impossible) to get a seat.  Second, there is no place to store luggage so someone has to stand in the vestibule with it for an hour.  Third, the regional trains from the Lazio region (including Civitavecchia) arrive to auxiliary tracks three city blocks from the main track head where you would get the train to Naples.

 

Therefore, I strongly suggest limiting your search and spending a little more money for a seat assigned train that alleviates the issues presented by the regional trains.  There are two options.

 

One is the IC train.  This is slower and not as nice as the Frecce trains, but it has the benefit of no change in Rome.  You have your seat from Civitavecchia to Napoli Centrale.  For this train I would spend the extra money to be in first class.  It's not much more money but the seating is much better.  There's only one IC in the morning, departing Civitavecchia at 9:29 and arriving to Napoli Centrale at 12:35.  Total travel time is a little over three hours.

 

The other is the Frecce.  With this option you'd need to change trains at Termini station in Rome.  There is a Frecce from Civitavecchia at 9:21, connecting in Rome (both trains use the same track head so it's an easy transfer, unless you have a ton of luggage) and arriving to Napoli Centrale at 11:33.  Total travel time is two and a quarter hours.

[NCteacherlovescruising]

54 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

The train station in Civitavecchia is only one mile from the port shuttle drop off point, or there is a 6 euro bus that takes you from the cruise terminal to the station.

 

There is no reason you couldn't be on a train by 8 or 8:30, without rushing off.

 

Do consider the type of train you want.  With luggage a regional train is an issue.  First, it's difficult (if not impossible) to get a seat.  Second, there is no place to store luggage so someone has to stand in the vestibule with it for an hour.  Third, the regional trains from the Lazio region (including Civitavecchia) arrive to auxiliary tracks three city blocks from the main track head where you would get the train to Naples.

 

Oh my!  I wouldn’t want to deal with any of that!!

 

54 minutes ago, euro cruiser said:

Therefore, I strongly suggest limiting your search and spending a little more money for a seat assigned train that alleviates the issues presented by the regional trains.  There are two options.

 

One is the IC train.  This is slower and not as nice as the Frecce trains, but it has the benefit of no change in Rome.  You have your seat from Civitavecchia to Napoli Centrale.  For this train I would spend the extra money to be in first class.  It's not much more money but the seating is much better.  There's only one IC in the morning, departing Civitavecchia at 9:29 and arriving to Napoli Centrale at 12:35.  Total travel time is a little over three hours.

 

The other is the Frecce.  With this option you'd need to change trains at Termini station in Rome.  There is a Frecce from Civitavecchia at 9:21, connecting in Rome (both trains use the same track head so it's an easy transfer, unless you have a ton of luggage) and arriving to Napoli Centrale at 11:33.  Total travel time is two and a quarter hours.

Thanks so much!  Looks like we will get there around lunch time. Do these trains serve food?  We’re planning on going to Pompeii and then Amalfi so it will be a long time before we’d get a chance to get some food.  We will have quite a bit of luggage but nothing we can’t roll ourselves.  I would prefer the faster option if that wouldn’t be an issue, unless it would be easy to miss the second time. 

[NCteacherlovescruising]

Is this it?

 

[euro cruiser]

For your own good, please stop using a third party site like the train line.  It's very easy to use the Trenitalia site.

 

EN - Trenitalia

[NCteacherlovescruising]

3 hours ago, euro cruiser said:

For your own good, please stop using a third party site like the train line.  It's very easy to use the Trenitalia site.

 

EN - Trenitalia

Ok, thanks!  Is this the IC train you were referring to?  

[euro cruiser]

Yes, IC #501, departs Civitavecchia at 9:29 and arrives to Napoli Centrale at 12:34.

 

It makes four stops en route (at Roma Ostiense, Latina, Formia-Gaeta, and Aversa), but you do not change trains. It runs seven days each week.

[edinburgher]

On 12/28/2022 at 10:26 PM, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Will language be an issue for us or will most people speak English?    I can't imagine finding our way around when we don't know their language. 

 We have travelled to dozens of countries around the world on both cruises and land trips for many years.  Between us we have a few words of French but no other language skills.  It has never held us back.We are also mostly independent travellers who DIY almost everywhere, mostly using public transport, which, especially in Europe is found in most towns and cities.

 

You only need to internet search your planned journey online before leaving home and make notes.  I make up a document for each port call and include all relevant info on it.It is then printed off and  all taken with us.. On arrival into a port we take out with us the relevant document. 

 

There will almost always be online maps of routes/lines for buses, trams, metros, trains, ferries etc.  Once you know which mode of transport is best suited to your A to B journey, you only need google again for timetables, cost of the tickets and how to use that mode of transport. I think you will be surprised at just how much info there is to be found online, and it is much easier to research at home in your own language than it is standing in a country whose language you do not speak, trying to understand what is being said or is written on machines or notices.  And nowadays it is easier with the likes of Google Translate and other translation aids and apps for your phone.

 

We have used public transport in Europe, Asia, including Shanghai, Singapore Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan, Central and South America, the Caribbean and others, and because we already had the info we needed, managed perfectly well even pre translation aids. It does take time so tackle one port at a time before moving on to another to avoid confusion.. I think you will find that once you tackle a couple of journeys, you will have the knowledge to find others more easily and quickly.

 

One tip.  Many people will have a smattering of english even if not fluent.  However, if you really need help, look for a nearby 4 or 5 star hotel as door and reception staff in higher class hotels usually speak english, as do tour guides.  And if all else fails and you really really do need help, look for a pharmacy as pharmacists (rather than counter staff) usually speak some english.  Over the years, we twice had to ask pharmacists when we took a wrong turn, once in Chinatown Bangkok, and once in Taipei.

 

Enjoy, planning is part of the enjoyment of a trip.

Edited July 21, 2023 by edinburgher

[NCteacherlovescruising]

We have our plans set for the Celebrity cruise.  We are using nearly all Celebrity excursions, but most of that was purchased with OBC.  Input is welcome, but we would like to mostly stick with our Celebrity excursions since we booked most of them with OBC.

 

Barcelona - flying in 2 days prior, staying at H10 Catalunya Plaza Hotel. plans aren't firm, as we have not bought plane tickets yet, but we are planning on booking this excursion day two: Barcelona Explorer Full Day Tour - Spain | Spanish Trails (spanish-trails.com)  Hopefully we have time day 1 and 3 to see whatever we miss with this tour. 

 

At Sea

 

Marseille - Destination Highlight - Aix-en-Provence 

 

Villefranche-SurMer - Nice and Eze Discovery

 

Santa Margherita - Cinque Terre without lunch

 

Livorno day 1 - We are doing a private excursion with Rome in Limo: Siena, Fiorentina steak lunch, and wine tasting- hoping to get another couple to join us from our roll call, but will do it even if it's just the two of us.  https://www.romeinlimo.com/exclusive-day-trips-from-florence/siena-fiorentina-steak-lunch-and-wine-tasting-experience-from-florence.htm

Livorno day 2 - Historical Florence and Accademia Museum (this hits most of the places we wanted to visit) We decided to go with a X excursion because we had a little OBC left to offset a little bit of the cost, but quite frankly it just seemed easiest by completely avoiding the trains.

 

Overview

Discover magnificent art, historic sites, and authentic Italian cuisine as you tour the exquisite city of Florence. Kick off your adventure at the Accademia Museum, where you'll discover renowned works of art, including Michelangelo's famous statue of "David." Next, you'll head to the Cathedral Square to view the Duomo, the baptistery, and Giotto's bell tower, dating back to the 14th-Century. Other stops include the iconic Ponte Vecchio Bridge and the Church of Santa Croce (exterior visit only).

Highlights

• Admire an array of classic artistic masterpieces at the Accademia Museum.
• Gaze out over the magnificent Arno River from the spectacular Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone arch bridge.
• Savor an authentic Florentine lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy free time to explore the city.

 

At sea

 

Naples - Capri on your own -This is $84 each. I'm sure we could do it cheaper without X.  Here's the description:

Spend a day on the popular island of Capri, which teems with tourists during the summer. From pier side in Naples, you will walk to the nearby marina to board a boat for your scenic 50-minute cruise through Naples Bay to the Island of Capri. On the southern edge of the Gulf of Naples lies the island of Capri, often called the ‘Island of Dreams.’ Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius found peace and beauty here, as have the many celebrities who have visited the island. When you see Capri's impressive cliffs and brightly coloured villas, you will understand the island's universal appeal. Upon arrival at Capri pier, Marina Grande, your escort will point out the main sights to visit in Capri and you’ll have approximately 5 hours to explore this delightful town on your own.

 

Rome - Head to Albergo del Senato where we are spending 5 nights.  When we get off the train in Rome from Civi, will there be taxis there waiting for people or do we need to prearrange something? We plan to explore Rome most days, and plan a day trip probably in the middle to break it up.  Still working on the plans here, as some of you have suggested we not use a small, independent tour guide.  We want to see all the major cites here (Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, Capitoline Museum, Pantheon, Trevi fountain, Spanish steps, the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, (climb St. Peters?), and Castle Sant'Angelo.  Am I missing anything?  I recall someone mentioning a shopping area for high quality leather goods, but I can't find my notes on that.  Is this doable in the 4 days we will have or should we not do a day trip to Tuscany?

 

From Rome, we head to the Hotel Residence in Amalfi for 3 nights, before heading back to Naples to catch our flight to Athens.  We plan to see Pompeii between Rome and Amalfi.  Joe Banana seems to be our likely choice, as they will pick us up at the train station in Naples, take us to Pompeii and then to our hotel in Amalfi.  Thanks to those of you that suggested this!  I think at one point I was confused, as our plans continually changed.  I think my biggest confusion stemmed from we had planned to do the Amalfi Coast first, then head to Rome, but Albergo del Senato didn't have availability those nights, which required another change in plans.  The upside, I think it will actually makes things a bit easier since we won't have to change trains in Rome.  While some things are still up in the air, all the pieces are starting to come together.  Some just a little slower than others.

[NCteacherlovescruising]

On 7/21/2023 at 10:19 AM, edinburgher said:

 We have travelled to dozens of countries around the world on both cruises and land trips for many years.  Between us we have a few words of French but no other language skills.  It has never held us back.We are also mostly independent travellers who DIY almost everywhere, mostly using public transport, which, especially in Europe is found in most towns and cities.

 

You only need to internet search your planned journey online before leaving home and make notes.  I make up a document for each port call and include all relevant info on it.It is then printed off and  all taken with us.. On arrival into a port we take out with us the relevant document. 

 

I have a binder with everything and plan to bring it with me.

 

On 7/21/2023 at 10:19 AM, edinburgher said:

There will almost always be online maps of routes/lines for buses, trams, metros, trains, ferries etc.  Once you know which mode of transport is best suited to your A to B journey, you only need google again for timetables, cost of the tickets and how to use that mode of transport. I think you will be surprised at just how much info there is to be found online, and it is much easier to research at home in your own language than it is standing in a country whose language you do not speak, trying to understand what is being said or is written on machines or notices.  And nowadays it is easier with the likes of Google Translate and other translation aids and apps for your phone.

 

We have used public transport in Europe, Asia, including Shanghai, Singapore Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan, Central and South America, the Caribbean and others, and because we already had the info we needed, managed perfectly well even pre translation aids. It does take time so tackle one port at a time before moving on to another to avoid confusion.. I think you will find that once you tackle a couple of journeys, you will have the knowledge to find others more easily and quickly.

 

One tip.  Many people will have a smattering of english even if not fluent.  However, if you really need help, look for a nearby 4 or 5 star hotel as door and reception staff in higher class hotels usually speak english, as do tour guides.  And if all else fails and you really really do need help, look for a pharmacy as pharmacists (rather than counter staff) usually speak some english.  Over the years, we twice had to ask pharmacists when we took a wrong turn, once in Chinatown Bangkok, and once in Taipei.

 

Enjoy, planning is part of the enjoyment of a trip.

Thank you!  I am enjoying the planning process.  I am very thankful that dh finally sat down with me today to discuss the two days in Livorno.  I had several possible options so it was nice to get his input so we could make final plans for that port.

[marazul]

45 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Barcelona - flying in 2 days prior, staying at H10 Catalunya Plaza Hotel. plans aren't firm, as we have not bought plane tickets yet, but we are planning on booking this excursion day two: Barcelona Explorer Full Day Tour - Spain | Spanish Trails (spanish-trails.com)  Hopefully we have time day 1 and 3 to see whatever we miss with this tour. 

Your hotel is on Plaza Catalunya, a short walk back to Passeig de Gracia.  Get tickets to visit Casa Batllo, one of Gaudis masterpieces.  You would have seen it from the outside on your tour.  Also, three blocks up is La Pedrera, another Gaudi master work.  It has the "Star Wars storm trooper" chimneys on the rooftop.  You can get tickets beforehand or just stand in line to buy them there.  There are really high end shops on the Passeig, like Loewe which has outstanding leather goods.

https://www.casabatllo.es/en/

https://www.lapedrera.com/en

 

 

46 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Head to Albergo del Senato where we are spending 5 nights.  When we get off the train in Rome from Civi, will there be taxis there waiting for people or do we need to prearrange something?

You could also book a transfer from ship to hotel with https://www.romecabs.com/transferservice/civitavecchia/

It will save you a lot of time.

 

46 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

he Vatican and Sistine Chapel,

Make sure you pre-book a tour directly with the Vatican Museums.  Otherwise the line to get them at the door is horrendous.

https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home

 

Enjoy!

[NCteacherlovescruising]

1 hour ago, marazul said:

Your hotel is on Plaza Catalunya, a short walk back to Passeig de Gracia.  Get tickets to visit Casa Batllo, one of Gaudis masterpieces.  You would have seen it from the outside on your tour.  Also, three blocks up is La Pedrera, another Gaudi master work.  It has the "Star Wars storm trooper" chimneys on the rooftop.  You can get tickets beforehand or just stand in line to buy them there.  There are really high end shops on the Passeig, like Loewe which has outstanding leather goods.

https://www.casabatllo.es/en/

https://www.lapedrera.com/en

 

 

You could also book a transfer from ship to hotel with https://www.romecabs.com/transferservice/civitavecchia/

It will save you a lot of time.

 

Make sure you pre-book a tour directly with the Vatican Museums.  Otherwise the line to get them at the door is horrendous.

https://tickets.museivaticani.va/home

 

Enjoy!

Thanks so much!!  How much time would we save using the private transfer from the port to our hotel in Rome verses using the bus and taxi?  

Edited July 23, 2023 by NCteacherlovescruising

[marazul]

2 hours ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Thanks so much!!  How much time would we save using the private transfer from the port to our hotel in Rome verses using the bus and taxi?  

One to two hours. The car will be waiting for you next to the ship when you disembark and drive you straight to the hotel. No waiting for buses and trains. No hassle dealing with luggage and buying tickets. The hotel will keep your luggage at the front desk until your room is ready. That leaves you free to start sightseeing right away.  In your case, you can simply go to the Pantheon right in front to the hotel and then to Piazza Navona. Think about it.

[NCteacherlovescruising]

1 hour ago, marazul said:

One to two hours. The car will be waiting for you next to the ship when you disembark and drive you straight to the hotel. No waiting for buses and trains. No hassle dealing with luggage and buying tickets. The hotel will keep your luggage at the front desk until your room is ready. That leaves you free to start sightseeing right away.  In your case, you can simply go to the Pantheon right in front to the hotel and then to Piazza Navona. Think about it.

Piazza Novana is what I forgot the name of!    The transfer from the ship to our hotel would be at least €160.  I will have to figure out the cost of everything else to see how it would compare to see if it’s worth it. I do appreciate all your help! 🙂

[marazul]

35 minutes ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Piazza Novana is what I forgot the name of!    The transfer from the ship to our hotel would be at least €160.  I will have to figure out the cost of everything else to see how it would compare to see if it’s worth it. I do appreciate all your help! 🙂

The Piazza Navona is a 5 minute walk from the hotel.

[edinburgher]

On 7/18/2023 at 2:58 AM, NCteacherlovescruising said:

We had considered it at one point, but frankly this plan has taken in a life of its own, getting longer and longer as plans have constantly changed. So the overnight idea has been put aside but I am very pleased with where we are. Now if dh were to bring it up again I certainly wouldn’t say no, but I don’t see that happening. 

A word of caution re overnighting in Florence.

 

We had intended to do exactly that and had a  hotel booking, but unfortunately a rail strike was in place for the second day, our" return to ship" day.  The Tourist Offices in Florence and Livorno were able to give us info on returning to Livorno by a combination of train and bus but it was going to take longer than we wanted and we expected them to be very busy so we reluctantly decided to cancel.

 

If you plan to overnight, be sure to book accommodation which is cancellable with a refund and keep a close watch on the websites which detail proposed rail strikes.  They don't always go ahead, but sometimes they do.

 

 

[cruisemom42]

6 hours ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

Piazza Novana is what I forgot the name of!    The transfer from the ship to our hotel would be at least €160.  I will have to figure out the cost of everything else to see how it would compare to see if it’s worth it. I do appreciate all your help! 🙂

 

You can get a shared private shuttle for 80-90 euros for both of you if this is an option you're interested in. You'd share a minivan (which picks up in front of the ship) with no more than 5-6 others.

[NCteacherlovescruising]

4 hours ago, edinburgher said:

A word of caution re overnighting in Florence.

 

We had intended to do exactly that and had a  hotel booking, but unfortunately a rail strike was in place for the second day, our" return to ship" day.  The Tourist Offices in Florence and Livorno were able to give us info on returning to Livorno by a combination of train and bus but it was going to take longer than we wanted and we expected them to be very busy so we reluctantly decided to cancel.

 

If you plan to overnight, be sure to book accommodation which is cancellable with a refund and keep a close watch on the websites which detail proposed rail strikes.  They don't always go ahead, but sometimes they do.

 

 

We are not overnighting in Florence, but accommodations we have booked are refundable up to so many days prior. I appreciate your advice though. Thank you!  
 

4 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

You can get a shared private shuttle for 80-90 euros for both of you if this is an option you're interested in. You'd share a minivan (which picks up in front of the ship) with no more than 5-6 others.

I like this option. It sounds like it would be faster and no need to find a way to our hotel from the train station. Are they just there or do we book this ahead of time?