Can anyone tell me if there is an official site for the Colosium that sells pre purchased tickets which will help us avoid the lines. I know the Vatican has an official site and sells tickets directly for their tours and I would like the same for the Colosium if possible to avoid dealing with tourism sites.

I don't know if this will help you but, we have been twice and purchased the tickets at the gate with almost no wait. Very different than the vatican. There are some tour guides that also stand outside of the colosium and try to sell you guided tours. Just get your tickets when you get there as the wait is truly minimal.

Thank you! sounds good to me and a lot easier. If you can help me with the next question I would appreciate it. Being that you have been there twice and my guess is, to the Vatican, what is the best way to pre purchasing those tickets? Right now we have a request in to the Vatican directly who told us to try back by email next month when we are closer to our sail date. This ticket is for a guided tour but does it allow you to skip the lines??? Also,Is there another facility on line that you would recommend over the Vatican that one could choose and skip the guide and be assured to walk in?? Any advice would be appreciated!!!

kmathi- I will second the "short line" comment at the Colosseum. We went early (on a Sunday) and there was no line and we walked right in. I wouldn't be too concerned with getting tix if you can get there early.

As for the Vatican we went there too and while the line looks really long, it moves amazingly fast. We go into the line at the "opening" between the columns in the square and were inside about 15 minutes later (the line wrapped from the entrance, around the side of the square and along the columns.

There are plenty of tour guides out there trying to sell you tours and many claim to be able to get you in without waiting, but I'm not sure its worth the money. But you could tell the guide that you'll pay him only after he gets you past the lines if you don't believe them.

If you want to see the museum its a fee getting inside St Peters itself did not cost anything.

Thank you Jim....very helpful. reading both these responses have us thinking we should just relax and "wing" it when we get there.

That's what we did, and it all worked out. Have a great cruise!

Jim's response is exactly what I would have added. We are going back to the Vatican in September with our cruise. Got the same response on our tour of the catacombs. Your comment of "Relax" and go with the flow is a great way to look at it When in Rome You will not have any problems getting through.
If you want to go through the gardens and the museum there are several resources for tours but, the Vatican will give you the best price and get you through as thoroughly as a tour. If you go to viator dot com you will see some of the tours available. It will let you know what you might want to see at the Vatican and then let the Vatican take you through the tour. Again, to Jim's point lines if they do exist are so quick to move. Have Fun