Ahoy there Laura and welcome to planDisney. Last summer we flew to Rome and enjoyed a couple of days exploring the ancient ruins and culture before heading to Civitavecchia to board the Disney Dream for an 11-Night Mediterranean voyage. It was amazing! I am not sure which port you embark from but if it is Civitavecchia then I recommend you fly in early and do those tours before your cruise or stay late and do them after. If you embark from Barcelona and have one day in Rome then here are some thoughts.
There is so much to see inside Vatican City and the Colosseum. While you can combine the Sistine Chapel, St. Peters Basilica, and the Colosseum on the Port Adventure Best of Rome - Adult Only Departure (CV40) it will not be enough time to truly experience these magnificent structures because you have a 90-minute drive (minimum) each direction from the port. However, I like this tour the best if you want Disney to plan it as it takes you up close inside the Colosseum. If you were to use private guides or tours then you could sign up for Rome On Your Own (CV01) as a means of Disney transportation to Rome and then use private transportation or buses to the destinations of your choice (as we did). The Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain are must-see attractions so a carefully choreographed Rome itinerary would get you all the sights. Remember, when you travel around on your own but have arranged transportation through Disney Port Adventures, you must meet at the rendezvous point for your transport back to the cruise ship, or the ship may leave without you. Yikes!
Pompeii was unbelievable and I could have spent many more hours there. Depending on what you want (hiking, wine tasting, etc.) and whether you need to see other cities along the Amalfi Coast there are a lot of excellent choices. We visited Pompeii, Sorrento, and Capri. This was a lot in one day as we spent about an hour in Capri which was enough for some beautiful photos. I recommend you look at the itineraries for these excursions:
Tied into the Pompeii visit is a stop in a cameo factory. I thought this was amazing and the artisans are true masters of a time lost art.
planDisney Pro Tip: Be sure to try and book your excursions on the very first day you can because they sell out quickly. Some of the excursions I listed may not be available during your cruise and new ones may become available. It all depends on the arrangement that Disney Port Adventures makes with third-party providers.
Laura, you will love this cruise. The food, the views, and the history will be core memories for you and your husband. Please feel free to
write me back directly with any follow-up questions.
Enjoy making many Magical Memories on the High Seas.
~Jason