We bought train tickets for Civitavecchia, the port about 80 km from downtown Rome. We'd sort of planned on getting on the 10:12 train which would've taken just about an hour. These trains leave from the far end of Rome's Main Terminal. It requires a good fifteen minutes hike from where the main trains leave. Knowing this, we left our hotel early. We also ended up arriving early, even before the 9:42, the slower train. It was easier to get on the more leisurely alternative and we did.
Travelling through the countryside was interesting. I mostly remember listening to an Italian guy giving travel tips to visiting French ladies in English. A passenger with a medical problem apparently caused a bit of a delay and both trains may have been a few minutes late to Civitavecchia. Rather than waiting for a bus, we followed others rolling their bags toward the port. We'd read that it wasn't too far. It may not be, but was the way we seemed to go.
We got on the free shuttle which brought us to the MS Westerdam ship. Check in was easy. How easy to become part of the hedonistic set! Our inside room on Deck 6 was changed at the last minute to an unobstructed room on Deck 1. It seems fine. We learned the particulars of the ship by exploring it. I think the rear SeaView pool area is nicer than the midship Lido pool. We'd arranged for late seating for dining. Oh, we will fall into the routine of a three-course dinner with ease.
I love this lifestyle. I'm glad we've got 24 nights on this particular trip and another 42 nights in the fall.
