Is the sea rough today?
'Agitato' — a-ji-TA-to. The 'g' before 'i' is soft, like the 's' in 'measure'. Stress on the third syllable.
Ask the ticket office or check the port notice board before boarding if you are worried about seasickness or if crossings might be cancelled. Very important for routes to small islands.
'Agitato' means rough or choppy — literally agitated. It is the standard term for rough sea conditions in Italian weather and maritime bulletins. The sea is described using a scale: 'calmo' (calm), 'poco mosso' (slightly rough), 'mosso' (moderate), 'agitato' (rough), 'molto agitato' (very rough).
C'è mareggiata prevista?
Is rough sea forecast?
'Mareggiata' is a storm swell — more severe than 'agitato'.
La traversata è sicura?
Is the crossing safe?
Direct safety question.
Ho paura del mal di mare.
I'm afraid of seasickness.
Express concern and the staff may suggest medication.
Italian maritime weather is reported using the Beaufort scale and the official Meteo Mare bulletins. The Port Authority (Capitaneria di Porto) issues navigation alerts. Crossings to the Aeolian Islands and Pontine Islands are often suspended in autumn and winter.