Cruises - Shore excursions for Rome?

A group of us will be going on the NCL Epic cruise on May 13 out of Barcelona that will include a stop in Rome/Citavechia. We have from 7AM to 7PM to enjoy Rome.

I have not been back to Rome/Italy since 1985.

Can anyone recommend a tour company that will take us on a private tour of Rome for the 6 six of us? We have looked in to Viator.com and other websites.
Have not made a decision yet on which company to use. If we do the private tour, it will run nearly $200 USD per person including transfer to/from ship, entrance fees to some sites.

Or is it recommendable that we can take a shuttle to/from Rome and purchased the Hop-on-Hop-off or the unlimited public transportation pass to go see sites ourselves?

I am actually reconsidering doing the tour of Rome on our own leisurely pace.

Your input?

Thanks.

We have a group of 6, sailing on the Ruby Princess in Sept. and we have booked Rome in Limo for Lovorno, Rome and Naples. Quoted price is 400 Euros for each tour.

We have a group of 6, sailing on the Ruby Princess in Sept. and we have booked Rome in Limo for Lovorno, Rome and Naples. Quoted price is 400 Euros for each tour.

Thank you. Going to check it out.

Probably going to wing it and see Rome at my leisurely pace.

whats the ship offering?.....i would take a ship tour if it covered what i wanted to see.....we have had 2 occasions when the ship waited for us because the tour was late....a low chance, but good insurance....

Access Italy - excellent company!!! Have used them in Italy and their recommendations in Turkey, etc.

It's relatively easy to get to Rome from Civitavecchia by train (and a lot faster if there is a lot of highway traffic). Your train ticket is also good for the bus/subway in Rome.

It depends on whether anyone in the party is new to Rome--their agenda might be different then. I returned to the Vatican museums last year for the first time in 20 years. I was absolutely shocked at the degree of crowding.

Agree on the train suggestion just above. It was quick and comfortable, and a very short hike from the pier. On one trip there was a gaggle of school kids who were full of life in the best possible way.

When you book a private tour with a registered company in Italy they do not wait in line (nor do you) in places like the Vatican, etc. They also can get very close to all the sites which really helps on time and also if someone has a mobility problem. There are special places to park for the registered tour guides (I'm not saying buses).

Well, one of the guy in our party just booked us a private tour that would cost around $145/person. It is a pretty good deal so we opted for this private tour.