Our First Day Aboard the MSC Cruise Around the Mediterranean Sea

Embarking on our first cruise ever, my husband and I jetted off on a 6-hour flight from New York to Rome, all to celebrate my birthday in style aboard the MSC Cruise. After landing in Rome, we wasted no time diving into the adventure.

Our first order of business: navigating the Italian transit system. From the airport, we hopped on the Trenitalia train to Roma Termini, enjoying a swift 30-minute ride that set us back $14-$17 USD for two tickets. Arriving at Termini, we opted for the convenience of an Uber ride to The Hyatt – Tribune Hotel, where we luxuriated for two unforgettable nights in the heart of Rome. (Stay tuned for more on that in a later post!)

As departure day dawned, we bid farewell to Rome and headed to the Molo Angioino, the port from which our MSC Cruise awaited. A quick Uber ride from our hotel took us to Roma Termini, where we snagged two tickets on Italia Rail for a smooth $65 USD, enjoying the scenic hour-long journey.

Arriving at Napoli Central Station, we deftly navigated our way through the bustling crowds to the metro, hopping on the subway to Piazza Garibaldi for a mere $1-$4 USD and a quick 10-minute ride.

Pro tip: If you haven’t bought your metro tickets in advance, brace yourself for a short wait in line, but fear not – card and Apple Pay options are available for hassle-free entry.

Finally reaching the port, we made our way through the underground access to Molo Angioino, easily spotting the cruise terminal where check-in awaited.

After breezing through the check-in process and undergoing standard security procedures, we found ourselves at the entrance of the ship, eagerly awaiting the mandatory emergency drill. Seizing the opportunity, I stole a quick cat nap to recharge for the adventure ahead.

The safety drill passed without a hitch, paving the way for our exploration of the ship and a delightful onboard lunch. Engaging with fellow passengers, I gleaned valuable insights and tips, enriching our cruise experience.

With newfound recommendations in mind, we retreated to our cabin for a brief respite before indulging in a sumptuous dinner onboard. The evening unfolded with further exploration of the ship’s amenities and shops, culminating in a cozy retreat to our cabin as we prepared for the adventures awaiting us on the morrow.

Our first day on the cruise was a whirlwind of excitement and discovery, setting the stage for countless unforgettable moments to come. Stay tuned as we share tales from our first port of call in Livorno and Florence, Italy. The adventure has only just begun!