Ahoy there, Samuel!
Welcome aboard planDisney, where we believe adventure is out there—and you, my friend, are heading straight for it aboard
the beautiful Fantasy! A 5-night Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona in July? Talk about a dream that’s Fantasmic in every way!
Now, let’s take a peek at what you can expect when your day in la bella Roma arrives. As always, keep in mind that everything here is based on my experience and the current itinerary—but your
Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will be your magic mirror onboard. It will display your confirmed Port Adventure times and detailed instructions once you set sail.
Your ship is currently scheduled to dock in Civitavecchia (Rome) at 7:00 AM, and all Guests must be back onboard by 7:00 PM. Since the “
Rome on Your Own” Port Adventure lasts about 10 hours, it’s definitely a full day of exploration worthy of a spot in your Book of Adventures.
Once you check your Navigator app onboard, it will let you know where and when to meet for your Port Adventure. For example, it may tell you to meet at 6:30 AM in
Enchanted Garden (fitting, right?). Once gathered, a friendly Cast Member will escort your group off the ship and introduce you to your tour escort—kind of like your own Fairy Godparent of logistics. From there, you’ll board your motorcoach for a 90-minute scenic drive to the Eternal City. Depending on traffic and pixie-powered luck, you’ll likely arrive in Rome around 9:30 to 10:00 AM.
Your tour escort will give you the lowdown on where and when to meet for the return trip, and then—boom!—you’re off to explore Rome at your own pace. This Port Adventure often includes an optional hop-on/hop-off bus ticket (at an additional cost), which can be a great way to see key landmarks without walking from Agrabah to Arendelle. You’ll have about six hours in the city, so I recommend choosing 2–3 “must-sees” and leaving room for a leisurely lunch. After all, this is Italy—we’re talking real gelato, fresh pasta, and pizza that would make Remy himself weep with joy.
Keep in mind that popular sites like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City can be busy, so a bit of planning and prioritizing goes a long way. Be mindful of time so you’re back at the designated pick-up spot with some cushion—you don’t want to be sprinting through Rome like Hercules trying to save Meg!
Now, since this is a longer adventure, here’s a little tip: if you’re scheduled for Main Dining, consider
making a reservation at Palo that evening for around 8:30 PM. Not only will it give you flexibility if you're back closer to dinner time (likely between 5:30 and 6:00 PM), but it's a wonderful way to unwind after a full day of Roman roaming. My wife and I love their steak—it’s Beast-approved! You can also chat with your Dining Team the night before to let them know your plans; they’re usually super accommodating and might offer other suggestions.
Samuel, I hope this helps you feel more confident as you count down the days until your grand Mediterranean voyage. With Disney magic at sea and ancient wonder on land, this Port Adventure is the perfect blend of history and happily ever after.
Sea ya real soon as May brings sunshine, magical ports, and maybe a Mickey bar or two,
Dustin