More about Naples
Why go to Naples?
Accessing the city center as well as other points of interest including Pompeii, Positano and Capri is a cinch
While not much worse than other European cities, you should always be on guard against pickpockets and muggers
There's lots of history and culture in this unique and well-positioned port town
Naples Cruise Port Facilities?
Galleria del Mare/Stazione Marittima is the distinctive 1930's port building that was extensively refurbished and reopened in 2012. As well as functioning as the terminal building, it also contains 52 shops.
Good to Know?
Naples owns a bad reputation for pickpockets and muggers. In fact, it is no worse than many European cities, but there are less-safe areas. When exploring the Santa Lucia district or shopping on Via Toledo, you should exercise normal care -- do not put your camera down, leave your handbag open or flash your Rolex and you will be fine. The Centro Storico (historic center) is more bohemian and less predictable. As this is where you find the National Archaeological Museum, it should not be avoided, but stick to the main streets.
Beware of street vendors selling seemingly expensive goods (handbags, DVD's, cellphones) for knock-down prices on white sheets laid out on the pavement. You might get a bargain price on your faux Gucci goods, but you and the vendor may be arrested if the police swoop. Buying from these unlicensed vendors is illegal. Usually, they work in teams with a lookout, and the moment the police arrive, everything is swept up in the white sheet, and the vendors leg it.
Getting Around?
On Foot: Naples is famous for its lack of traffic lights and its macho style of motoring. The best way to get around is on foot, but be careful when crossing roads. Cars tend to drive around you rather than stop at crossings (which are marked in white on the road). Fortunately, much of the center of Naples has been pedestrianized since the early 2000's.
By Taxi: Plenty of taxis line up at the port, but make sure you negotiate the price or insist that the meter is running before setting off. Reliable local companies include: Radio Taxi Free (+39 081 5515151), Radio Taxi La Partenope (+39 081 0101), Radio Taxi Cotana (+39 081 5707070), Radio Taxi Napoli (+39 081 5564444) and Consortaxi (+39 081 202020).
By Public Transit: A new Metro system will make a huge difference when it is completed, but every time excavators have moved in, a new important archaeological site has been found, which stops the work. It should be functioning by 2014.
Beyond the city limits, public transportation in the form of trains and hydrofoils is convenient and efficient. You can be in Rome by train in 75 minutes. The hydrofoil is a quick way to reach the islands of Capri and Ischia or the charming seaside city of Sorrento. To book, call +39 081 497 22 22/38.
If you're venturing beyond the city, though, Naples is one of those places where it really pays to take your ship's shore excursion, just for ease of transportation if nothing else. Car hire is not recommended because of the behavior of other drivers in Naples, and the farther you get along the delightful Amalfi coast, the slower, steeper and more winding the roads get.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The currency is the euro; for the latest exchange rate, visit www.xe.com and www.oanda.com.
There are plenty of ATM machines and exchange bureaus, both at the port and in town. Via Santa Brigita, which begins just above Castel Nuovo, has a lot of banks with cash machines.
If you are visiting Pompeii, you'll find ATM's very close to the ticket office. On a hot day, you'll definitely want euros on hand for a gelato, a bottle of water or a refreshing lemon granita.
Language?
Italian is the primary language spoken; English is neither widely spoken nor easily understood, except in major tourist areas. If you want to know whether the person you're speaking to will converse in English ask, "Parliamo Inglese?" It's always appreciated if you ask.
Where You're Docked?
Most ships berth at Stazione Marittima, which is centrally located just below Castel Nuovo and ideal if you plan to take the hydrofoil to Capri, Ischia or Sorrento. You can walk right into town from there and be at Piazza del Plebiscito in a few minutes.
On busy days, ships also dock at Molo Pisacane to the east of Stazione Marittima, and shuttle buses are available to transfer passengers to Galleria del Mare inside the Stazione Marittima.
