Sunday, Sept 6 Rome to Civitavecchia

To the northwest of Rome is the main cruise port of Civitavecchia. I had prevooked tickets on the Internet for the 10:30 train. This train was going through Rome to northern Italy up the coast. Our seats were entangled with an Italian family. Grandma, papa, mom, dad, two small boys under five and I believe an uncle. Jerry got squished between the window and the large uncle. I sat with grandma, grandpa, and boy's mother. They were short one seat, so one boy, with U.S. There was sitting on a lap playing his electronic device. None could speak English, but I showed the grandmother my ticket, and she had the daughter look up how many stops  until we got off. Anytime a train in Italy is going through a smaller stop you need your luggage down, and ready at the car doors. What is interesting is rapid trains, used I think by workers, have no assigned seats. These are usually regional trains. But long distance trains have assigned cars and seats. Anyway two stops later, and about 1 hour, we hopped off the train. Used Rick Steves book directions on how to go to the port. Worked well, got down to the port entrance and waited for the shuttle bus to our ship. While we were waiting, another couple in line were telling of their experience on the train the day before. On the same train we were on this day, they were on with another couple. One person staying down by the doors with the luggage. At a stop, two young men jumped up from their seats grabbed the woman's purse, pulled her over, and ran off through the brush with her purse. The friends husband ran after them but could not locate the purse. Her wallet was in the purse! Thank god we took the guide books wear a money belt under your clothes, to heart. I guess the cruise ship said this happens at least once a week on that train. So sad as they could not board without passports. The Canadian embassy will replace the passport in about three days, as they had copies.
We got over to the shop about noon, checked our luggage, and went on board for lunch. Watched cast off at 5:30pm, then went to the dinning room for 6 pm seating. Went to the Theater in the bow of the boat to watch an Contor(spelling?), someone that can bend all kinds odd ways.