The single most important preparation you can do before going ashore is writing down your all-aboard time. Not the sailing time — the all-aboard time, which is typically 30–60 minutes earlier. This is your hard deadline. Everything else is calculated backwards from here.
For a Naples city day, aim to be back near the terminal at least 60–90 minutes before all-aboard. The city centre is close to the ship, but waterfront traffic on busy multi-ship days can be slower than expected.
For Pompeii, a well-organised excursion will have return timing built in. If you are travelling independently, allow at least 45–60 minutes transit time from the site back to Naples plus your 60–90 minute buffer. Traffic on the approaches to Naples can add significantly to this on busy days.
For the Amalfi Coast, the road is narrow and single-file in many sections. Journey times back to Naples in late afternoon can be substantially longer than the outward journey. Build at least 90 minutes of contingency beyond your calculated transit time. This is not excessive caution — it is realistic planning for a frequently congested road.
For Capri, confirm the last hydrofoil that allows you to reach the ship before all-aboard. Missing a hydrofoil on Capri means waiting for the next one, which may make you late — or miss the ship. Sea conditions can also reduce ferry frequency without warning.
Highlights
- Naples city: aim back 60–90 minutes before all-aboard
- Pompeii: allow 45–60 minutes transit plus return buffer
- Amalfi Coast: allow 90 minutes+ beyond calculated transit time
- Capri: confirm last viable hydrofoil before committing to the island day
Tips
- Write your all-aboard time on a card and keep it with you all day
- All-aboard time is earlier than the published sailing time — use the all-aboard time
- For the Amalfi Coast, ask your operator how they manage return timing — it should be a prepared answer
- Independent Capri travellers: confirm the ferry schedule before you leave the mainland