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Venice and Cruise Ships: A Delicate Balance

Last month, a 2,500-passenger ship entered the Venetian Lagoon — the first since the pandemic began — reanimating the debate on the negative effects of mass tourism.

By Anna Momigliano

In early June, the MSC Orchestra, a 2,500-passenger cruise ship, entered the Venetian Lagoon at dawn, sailing through St. Mark’s Basin, past the Doge’s Palace and the still-quiet St. Mark’s Square. It continued its journey through the Giudecca Canal and then docked on Venice ’s main island.

It was the first time a cruise ship had entered the lagoon since the pandemic hit Italy in February 2020.

In a place that is heavily dependent on tourism , and where cruise travel contributes about 3 percent of the local gross domestic product, many in Venice welcomed the ship.

But others did not. Among the latter were 2,000 protesters who met the MSC Orchestra when it sailed on its reverse route two days later. Some were on small boats on the Giudecca Canal; others chanted anti-cruise slogans from the waterfront.

“I hope we made some of the passengers wonder if what they were doing is wrong and think about the social and environmental impact of their vacation,” said Jane da Mosto, a biologist and activist who took part in the protest on a small boat.

The pandemic has put Venice ’s legendary international tourism influx on hold for more than a year. In doing so, it has sparked an animated debate on how mass tourism has negatively affected both the lagoon’s environment and Venice’s character. In this debate, cruise ships have become a metonym for overtourism.

The pandemic hiatus has given the city — which is celebrating its 1,600th birthday this year — a chance to reflect on how tourism’s exponential growth has eroded its social fabric, driving non-touristy businesses and residents out. In the past four decades the city’s historical center (what most Americans mean when they say “Venice”) has lost half of its residents, now down to 50,000.

“The situation is dramatic, there are no houses,” said Maria Fiano, 46, a high school teacher who runs OCIO, an organization that monitors Venice’s housing. According to her estimates , 42 percent of beds in the center are rented to tourists, which landlords find more profitable, leaving many locals struggling to find a place.

But not every tourist has the same cost-benefit ratio. While day trippers — including many of those who are cruise passengers — amount to 73 percent of visitors, they contribute only 18 percent of the tourism economy. The proportion is inverted for people who spend at least one night at a hotel; they represent 14 percent of visitors, but 48 percent of the business.

In March, the local government of Veneto, Venice’s region, approved a plan vowing to curb hit-and-run visitors and attract more slow-paced ones. They also hope to wean Venice off its over-dependency on tourism, creating new places of employment, including a hydrogen plant, a project still in its embryonic phase, and a recently launched accelerator for renewable energy businesses. “It’s the first time that local authorities formally recognized that mass tourism cannot go on like this forever and that depopulation is a serious problem,” said Fabio Moretti, the dean of Venice’s Academy of Fine Arts, which was involved in the plan along with other academic institutions and the Boston Consulting Group.

‘An act of violence against the city’

The presence of large ships in the lagoon, especially those in the immediate vicinity of Venice’s most precious sites, has raised eyebrows at UNESCO and sparked protests by residents since 2012. They argue that mammoth, fuel-guzzling ships are physically incompatible both with Venice, a two-square-mile island, and the lagoon that surrounds it. (A 2019 study published in Nature asserted that the wakes created by large vessels induced the erosion of the shoreline and, through the “continuous resuspension of sediment in the area,” could redistribute industrial pollutants already present in the lagoon.)

It’s not so much the number of visitors they bring overall — only 7 percent of the 27 million tourists who visited Venice in 2019 were cruise passengers, according to a recent study by the Boston Consulting Group — but the fact that they bring thousands of them all at once, overcrowding the city’s historical center while contributing little to its economy.

On average each cruise passenger injects about 200 euros into Venice’s economy, according to the same study, but most of that money goes to port taxes and other services, such as laundry and refueling, rather than city-center businesses like restaurants and museums.

“I’ve never interacted much with cruise tourists, they are rarely seen in places like mine,” said Andrea Degnato, 37, who manages a wine bar called Cantina Arnaldi.

Indeed, because they are often in too much of a hurry to linger in a wine bar, cruise visitors are seen as the opposite of the kind of tourists who would make Venice tourism more sustainable.

“People are unloaded here as a sack of potatoes, they hang around, thousands of them, just a couple of hours, buy a slice of pizza and go back,” said Silvia Jop, 37, a Venetian who works in cinema and cultural events. “If you add this to environmental damages, it’s an act of violence against the city.”

But she also acknowledges that cruises provide work to thousands of people, such as cleaners and porters, although most of them tend to be from the nearby mainland. “Their right to have a source of employment must be respected,” Ms. Jop said.

‘Like having an elephant in a china store’

For centuries, the Venetian Lagoon protected Venice. Built on a cluster of islands, the city could not be attacked from land, and the lagoon’s hard-to-navigate shallow waters and muddy seabed discouraged invaders from sea, who risked getting stranded. Thanks to this inaccessibility, Venice maintained its status as a maritime power throughout most of the Middle Ages.

But today Venice can be reached on cruise ships weighing up to 95,000 tons, docking directly in the heart of the old city.

“It’s like having an elephant in a china store,” said Diego Calaon, a scholar of ancient topography at Venice’s Ca’ Foscari University. He noted that, in its heyday in the late Middle Ages, Venice had a policy of preventing large vessels from docking on its shores, noting that they were much, much smaller than modern cruise ships.

Stretching 30 miles across the Adriatic and shielded from the open sea by two narrow islands, the lagoon is a shallow body of salt water , often less than 5 feet deep, crisscrossed by deeper trenches created by erosion or dug by man. It is only through these canals that vessels of a considerable size can navigate — and, even so, with difficulty: In 2019 a cargo ship was stranded in the eastern part of the lagoon, near Chioggia.

Venice’s historical center, a fish-shaped island in the middle of the lagoon, is skirted by one of its deepest canals, the Canale della Giudecca, where cruise ships currently pass, docking in the island’s main port, the Marittima. But this route is narrow, and dangerously close to the city. In another incident in 2019, a cruise ship lost control and crashed into a dock , injuring at least four people.

“We see only two solutions. Either these huge ships are kept out of the lagoon altogether, or the industry adapts to our environment and sends smaller ships,” said Tommaso Cacciari, a spokesman for the No Big Ships Committee , a grass-roots organization that since 2012 has been fighting the presence of cruise ships in the lagoon.

A new home for ‘the monster’?

On paper, cruise ships are already banned from Venice, if not from the lagoon entirely. In 2012 Italy’s Parliament approved a bill that banned ships over 40,000 tons from parts of the lagoon close to Venice’s main island. But the same law also says that the ban will be applicable only after a viable alternative route is found. Almost a decade later, authorities still haven’t found that alternative.

“We are kept in a limbo,” said Francesco Galietti, the national director for Italy of the Cruise Lines International Association. He added that as soon as the Italian government finds a solution, the industry is ready to comply with whichever alternative route is chosen. “Any solution that makes sense would work for us. The only thing we care about is keeping Venice as a home port for the Eastern Mediterranean.”

But anti-cruise activists argue that it’s unfair that the current law is conditional on finding a new port: “It’s like having a monster knocking on your door and, rather than chasing him away, you worry about finding a new home for the monster before forcing him to leave,” said Ms. da Mosto, the activist.

There are two main proposals: rerouting vessels toward Marghera, the lagoon’s main commercial port on the mainland, or building a port outside of the lagoon.

The problem with Marghera, said a representative of Venice’s Port Authority, is that “it’s a commercial port for containers, it’s not built for passengers.” Also, since Marghera is inside the lagoon, critics say that rerouting cruise ships there will do little to contain environmental damages.

As for building another port altogether: On April 1, Italy’s government approved the allocation of funds for a feasibility study for such a project. But the process of developing the plans for the project alone is expected to last until mid 2022, the Port Authority said, leaving little hope that a new port would provide a solution in the short or even medium term.

Halting cruise traffic until a new port is ready would take an economic toll. Before the pandemic, the cruise industry employed, directly and indirectly, 4,200 people in the area, according to the Port Authority, and brought revenues of 280 million euro (over $332 million), although most of that money does not go to Venice’s historical center.

In the meantime, UNESCO is getting impatient. Last month the agency released a report urging Italy’s government to prioritize “the option of banning large ships from the Lagoon altogether” and to set a time frame to “temporarily reroute ships” toward Marghera or elsewhere.

The agency also announced on the same day that it is considering adding Venice to its list of endangered World Heritage sites. “The recommendations for inscription on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger are not sanctions but alerts to find solutions,” a representative for the agency said in an email statement, mentioning “mass tourism, especially with the presence of cruise ships” as one of the organization’s concerns.

But several government officials, speaking anonymously because Italy’s factitious coalition government is divided on the topic, said they’re feeling pressured by UNESCO and, more broadly, by the negative publicity Venice received when cruise ships returned after the pandemic. Recent protests have brought the attention of the international media on the issue, and Venice is hosting a G20 summit between July 8 and 11.

The summit will provide an opportunity for a hiatus. Authorities have issued a temporary halt on large cruise ships until at least July 18, citing a combination of security measures ahead of the summit and the upcoming Festa del Redentore, the annual festival celebrating the end of the plague that devastated the island in 1576.

Sources in the Italian government say progressives in the coalition are trying to push an extension on the temporary halt until the Marghera port is at least partially ready and hope the international attention brought by UNESCO’s rebuke and by the upcoming summit will help them put pressure on the issue. “We’re feeling the eyes of the world pointed at us,” said one official.

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Good or bad? The truth about the cruise ships in Venice, Italy

Protests against cruise ships in Venice made it to the world’s largest and most reputable news networks many times between 2010 and 2020.

The relationship between Venice, the Venetians, and the cruise ships docking in Venice is a very sensitive subject, so it is critical to analyze and break it down in order to understand it better.

As one might expect, when it comes to Cruise Ships or “Grandi Navi” (literally “Big Ships”), Venetians are divided into two groups: those in favour of Big Ships and those opposed to Big Ships entering the Venetian Lagoon.

Both groups have reasons to justify their positions, so we’ll stick to listing facts as the best way to discuss this difficult issue.

When it comes to cruise ships in Venice, size matters

In most cases, the disparity in size between the ships and Venice creates the most direct and strong impression on onlookers.

Is this perception based on facts? Are cruise ships truly too big in comparison to Venice?

The size of Venice and its Lagoon, and the number of inhabitants

A few things to know to understand the (tiny) size of Venice:

• The total area of Venice is slightly less than 8km2, roughly twice the size of Central Park in New York.
• The Saint Mark’s Bell Tower, Venice’s tallest building, stands 99 meters tall.
• The majority of buildings in Venice are under 20 meters tall.
• The lagoon in which Venice is located has an average depth of around 1.2 m.
• Venice has a population of fewer than 50.000 inhabitants.

The size of cruise ships

Here’s some information to understand the size of modern cruise ships:

• Since the first purpose-built cruise ship in 1970, ship sizes have steadily increased.
• The first cruise ship, named “Song of Norway,” was built in 1970. It was 188m long, 24m wide, weighed 18.000t, and could accommodate 1.100 people.
• The “Harmony of the Seas,” built in 2016, is 362.15 meters long, 66 meters wide, and 70 meters tall, with a draught of 9.3 meters, a gross tonnage of 226.963 tons, and a capacity of over 9,000 people. The gross tonnage has increased by more than 1300 percent compared to the “Song of Norway,” or 500 percent compared to the Titanic.
• 38 of the 47 new cruise ships scheduled to be built by 2021 will weigh more than 100,000 tons.

A first decree, in 2013, prohibited ships with a gross tonnage above 96.000t from passing through the Saint Mark’s Basin.

If you’re wondering how big a ship of 96.000t could be, consider the MSC Magnifica. This ship measures 294 meters in length, 32 meters in width, has an 8-meter draft, can carry up to 4.600 passengers,… and is just under the 96.000 tons limit!

Finally, in 2021, the Italian Government passed a new decree that prohibited ships above 25.000 tons to pass right in front of Saint Mark’s in Venice.

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While the size of cruise ships is immediately apparent to our senses, their impact on the local environment cannot be seen with the naked eye but can be measured.

The city of Venice is currently not compliant with EU directives regarding the location and number of air quality control centres. There should be more air quality control centres in Venice than there currently are.

Nonetheless, the data available already provides an idea of the impact and effects of pollution caused by large ships.

Venice background pollution

Consider two important facts to understand many Venetians’ confusios about Venice’s extremely poor air quality:

• The entire surface of Venice is inaccessible to cars, making it the world’s largest pedestrian city.
• Venice is the Italian leader in ecological mobility due to its public vs. private transportation ratio: a much higher percentage of people use public transportation compared to the rest of Italy, reducing each individual’s environmental footprint.

Nonetheless, the background pollution in Venice’s air is higher than it should be. The main contributors are public transportation boats and sightseeing boats known as “granturismo”: water transportation regulations are far laxer than those on land!

Indeed, maritime companies are permitted to use low-cost fuel with a high sulfur content (1.500 times that permitted for land vehicles!) and are under no obligation to use a particulate filter. Filters that reduce emissions by 90-99% would cost 5.000 € per boat, a sum that could be repaid with less than 600 one-way tickets.

The impact of cruise ships on the air quality in Venice

According to the Italian Senate, […the regional agency for environmental prevention and protection has demonstrated that the cruise ships traffic in Venice is the major responsible for atmospheric pollution …], [… every ship pollutes as much as 14.000 cars , also while being docked. Moreover, an estimation performed by the Veneto Cancer Institute states that “ in Venice and Mestre there is a statistically significant excess of lungs cancer compared to the rest of Italy “].

This is an extract of Act n. 1-00199, published on the 13th of December 2013 by the Senate of the Italian Republic .

It is worth noting that this refers to fine dust : the situation for other highly polluting elements is even worse!

Official measurements in Venice are performed in Sacca Fisola, a low-populated area upwind of the harbour.

EU directives , however, impose at least two monitoring centres in the heart of populated areas , and Venice doesn’t comply with the law on this matter.

Ambientalists turned towards the environmental organization NABU , to ask for measurements to be performed in the heart of the city, which is downwind the harbour: those values turned out to be  5 to 6 times higher than the already alarmingly high measurements in Sacca Fisola.

NABU’s measurement registered both the background pollution in different parts of the city and the spike concurrently to the passage of cruise ships . The level of PM 2,5 after the passing of a cruise ship Nave reached 150 times the level of PM 2,5 of clean air .

“I know there are regulations out there!”, you might think. Yes, there are, but not for everybody.

Since the enforcement of the standard Euro V in 2009 , the max amount of sulfurs in fuel was reduced to 10 ppm, or 0,001% .

That’s great! This, however, counts only for land vehicles such as cars and trucks.

The fuel allowed on ships at sea can  contain up to 3,5% sulfur : that is 3.500 more sulfur than the one allowed in fuel for land vehicles.

While moored , ships are allowed to use fuel with up to “only” 1,5% sulfur, which is still 1.500 times more polluting than the fuel used by cars and trucks .

Do ships burn fuel while docked in the harbour?

Yes, they do, because the port in Venice (as most ports around the world) can’t provide enough electricity for keeping the services and amenities running onboard the ships. Therefore, ships keep their engines running to produce electricity.

A cruise ship docked in Venice keeps the motor running 24h a day and burning a fuel that is 1.500 (one-thousand five-hundred) times more polluting than car fuel. 

Many nations worldwide, including Italy, lack laws enforcing the use of filers on cruise ships. As a consequence, many cruise ships don’t make use of particulate filters and catalyst converters , which would decrease emissions by (over) 90%.

The cost of filters, called scrubbers, for a medium-sized cruise ship is around 1 million € . Considering that the average cost of a cruise ship is around 350 million, the cost for the purchase of filters would represent just  0,3% of the total cost. 

There are two main reasons for which cruise companies chose not to make use of scrubbers :

• Filters would take up space that companies prefer to reserve for entertainment instead.
• The current laws allow cruise ships to approach the coast even without filters if they have “clean” fuel . Clean fuel on ships, however, contains up to 1500 times more sulfur than land fuel does.

In order to answer the concerns raised by Venetians regarding the pollution caused by cruise ships, companies have signed and publicized their “Venice Blue Flag” voluntary agreement , with the promise to make use of BTZ fuel when approaching Venice. BTZ fuel is an oil with less than 0,1% sulfur , far below the Italian national requirement of <1,5% when in urban areas.

We salute with excitement such a of voluntary agreement!

Unfortunately, despite their announcements, upon inspection by the port authorities companies have been fined for not even respecting the national requirements and using instead fuel containing 2,8% sulfur  (Venice, 18/07/2015). How reliable!

Let’s make this last information very clear:

• Cars fuel has a 0,001% limit
• The Italian Law imposes a 1,5% limit on ships within 12 miles from the coast (the limit raises to 3,5% beyond 12 miles)
• Cruise ship companies promised to respect a voluntary 0,1% limit

But upon inspection, companies were found to be using fuel with 2,8% sulfur, a value 2.800 times higher than the one allowed for cars and well above the Italian Law.

Effects on the local environment

Besides the aforementioned air pollution, there are several other effects caused directly by Cruise Ships or human intervention looking to accommodate ever growing cruise ships in the lagoon.

Effects on Venice

Three main impacts of cruise ships in Venice are the displacement of water and the consequent erosion of the lagoon, the corrosion caused by pollutant, and the digging of canals in the Venetian Lagoon which is a very delicate environment.

• Displacement is the mass of water moved by the submerged part of the ship, and it’s the parameter that allows a ship to float . Gross Tonnage, which is what the Laws refer to, is the measure of the volumes of a ship, not its mass. There is no direct relationship between Gross Tonnage and Displacement. However, the displacement in cruise ships is roughly around 50% of its gross tonnage : a 100.000t ship will move 50 million litres of water. Even though performed relatively slowly, the movement of such a massive amount of water erodes the hundreds and even thousands of years old foundations of the palaces and the streets of Venice. Big ships are not the only cause of this phenomenon, of course. Heavy (and too-fast-moving) motor traffic is to be blamed also for the holes (yes, real holes) being carved in the foundations.
• The pollution  caused by the fuel used by cruise ships as well as motorboats mixes with the air produces NO2, CO2, and SO2 which damage  severely not only the “natural” environment and the health of living beings but also corrodes severely the works of art and the palaces of Venice.
• The heavy digging of the canals to let Big Ships into the Venetian Lagoon increases the amount of water that enters and exits the lagoon during tides . The direct and most obvious effect on the city of Venice is the increase in number and intensity of High Waters, or Acque Alte , which partially flooded the city.

Effects on the Lagoon

We mentioned above the consequences that digging canals have on the city of Venice. What were the effects of human intervention on the lagoon ?

• The lagoon used to have an average depth of 40cm until less than 100 years ago. The digging and deepening of canals led to the erosion of 70% of the natural sediments and an increase in depth to an average 1,2m … that’s an increase of +200%.
• The increased amount of water led to the erosion of the sandbanks of the lagoon. Sandbanks are home to Venetian wildlife : fishes, birds, small rodents, and plants. Since the digging of the canals started, the habitat of local species has decreased drastically .

Dangers and risks of collisions

The most immediate fear of Venetians and Venice lovers when it comes to the passing of Big Ships in the heart of Venice, is the risk of collision .

The rules established to reduce this risk are very strict and applied with great attention:

• Every cruise ship is halted at the entrance of the lagoon of Venice, is boarded by two captains of the Venice Port and is manoeuvred all the way until it is safely docked in the harbour.
• Every cruise ship is preceded and followed by two tugboats that can  intervene in the case of an emergency .

These rules have indeed granted great safety to the city of Venice over the years, but have not prevented entirely accidents. Some of them could have been devastating to the city.

Will cruise ships tragedies no longer occur in Venice?

No, only forbidding cruise ships to pass in the basin of Saint Mark will assure Venice to be completely safe from cruise ship related accidents.

Just like everything else, from trains to planes, the risks are calculated, reduced as much as possible, and often prevented . Yet, accidents do happen , it’s a matter of statistics and probability. Whether a mechanical or electrical dysfunction, terrorism, human error or deliberate choice, tragedies are a reality.

In the past years, between 500 and 600 cruise ships docked yearly in Venice. This means that cruise ships cross the Basin of Saint Mark between 1.000 and 1.200 times every year , just in front of the Doge Palace on one side, and San Giorgio on the other side. In 20 years , big ships will have passed 20 to 24.000 times through the heart of Venice . One, only one, single accident in the Basin is one of those 2o.000+ crossings could mean a tragedy from which Venice would never recover.

The possibility of accidents is small , but the consequences would be devastating .

Up to this point, all considerations speak clearly against Big Ships.

Why then, are there people in favor of cruise ships?

Impact of the cruise ship business on the local Economy

The Venice Cruise Ship Terminal employs 4-5.000 workers locally , which is over 4% of the workers of Venice , and a total of 7-8.000 workers in all of Italy. The economic impact of the port represents 3-4% of the Venice municipality GDP .

Venice acts mainly as a homeport . A homeport is a port from which a cruise ships’ journey start or ends. Cities that have home ports benefit from greater economic expenses than cities working as transit ports do since it is more likely for cruisers to be spending one night in town before or after their cruise. In 2015, the port of Venice has welcomed close to  1,6 million passengers.  The above data and its implications were taken from a  report about the benefits of the port , commissioned and funded by the Venetian port itself.

On the other hand, since Venice has experienced a sudden increase of cruise passengers , an overwhelming number of souvenirs shops and low-price-and-quality restaurants have opened , targeting day (or hour) trippers. This kind of business has contributed greatly to the increase of rents and the disappearance of many local shops and activities , as well as artisans’ shops and authentic traditions.

Impact of the Cruise Ships on the National Economy

An important business connected to the cruise ships industry is the making of these big ships . The Italian public company Fincantieri is one of the biggest shipbuilding companies in the world , specializing in cruise ships, warships, and 60+m yachts. It has several construction yards in Italy, as well as in the U.S., Brazil, Norway, Romania, and Vietnam. One major construction point is in Marghera (Venice), and it gives work to thousands of workers and 350 businesses. The number of subcontractors increases this industry’s relevance even further.

Fincantieri in 2015 employed directly 7.700 people in Italy and over 22.000 people all around the world, generating revenues of 4,2 Billion €. 

It is clear that a part of Italy’s economic interests and job opportunities are tightly bound to the cruise ships business .

Current situation and Government interventions

Laws and decrees.

Technically, since 2013 a Decree called Clini-Passera prohibits big ships over 40.000t to pass by the basin of Saint Mark . Only technically though, since the decree also requires the presence of alternative routes for ships over 40.000t, in order to be effective . As long as the city of Venice will  not provide alternatives , this limit is automatically increased to 96.000t . Before 2013, the upper limit used to be 130.000t.

This situation, however, is probably better than if the 40.000t limit would be respected since, currently, the only ships small enough to respect that limitation are  old ships with obsolete engines . These “small” big ships might indeed look less invasive to the eye, yet they pollute the air more than bigger and more modern ships do .

Until early 2021, the only limitations to cruise ships passing through the basin of Saint Mark are the use of fuel with less than 1,5% sulfur (1500 times higher than the percentage allowed on land) and a gross tonnage below 96.000 tons .

That did not satisfy civil society groups who demanded cruise ships be banned from passing through the heart of Venice. Indeed, ships up to 96.000 tons still represent a massive size compared to the city’s dimensions.

At the same time, the 96.000t limit did not satisfy cruise companies, since most of the new ships being built were over 100.000 tons and wouldn’t be allowed to pass in front of Venice . Seeing Venice from above was considered to be the highlight of the cruise ship journey, and is, therefore, the strongest cruise ship ticket selling argument .

Finally, in 2021, things changed: From the 1st of August 2021, ships weighing with a size above 25.000 tons can no longer pass in front of Saint Mark’s Square!

In 2021 some things changed for Cruise Ships in Venice

A new Italian Law passed in July 2021 stated that ships above 25.000 tons can no longer pass in front of Saint Mark’s Square starting August 1st 2021!

This, however, does not mean that cruise ships can no longer enter the Venetian Lagoon.

On the contrary, the local and national administrations are considering increasing the width and depth of an existing canal inside the Venetian Lagoon to let much bigger cruise ships dock in Marghera, nearby Venice.

Therefore, while we welcome the new Law, it only solves one problem: the risk of collisions.

The huge impacts of cruise ships on our delicate local environment and the enormous pollution caused are not addressed at all.

Projects and proposals

Despite the new law of 2021, the Italian Government is taking into account three proposals to improve to the current situation.

Two of them, called Contorta Project and Trezze Project , focus on the digging of existing canals in the Venetian lagoon ; The third, called the Venis Cruise Project , focuses on building a new docking terminal at the entrance of the Lido channel connecting the Adriatic sea to the lagoon.

Increasing the width and depth of canals in the Venetian lagoon is fiercely opposed  by environmental groups since it will alter and worsen, once more, the fragile state of the Venetian lagoon . In order to make big ships pass, the canals would be dug a dozen meters deep, allowing a much greater amount of seawater to enter or exit the lagoon during tides. The digging of one of these canals would result in the destruction of even more sandbanks , or “barene”, and an  increase in the frequency and intensity of High Water , or Acqua Alta, in Venice.

The creation of a new docking terminal is opposed for several reasons. From a logistic point of view , the common remark is that it will be necessary to create yet another means of transportation for millions of people from the cruise terminal to the centre of Venice. Cruise ships oppose this project. A new docking terminal would prevent companies to sell the view-of-Venice-from-above , and would spoil the investments made during the past decade to become the majority shareholder of the Venice Port.

A further project suggests cruise ships should make use of the already existing “oil canal” or “Canale dei Petroli”, which is used since 1969 by mercantile ships to reach the industries of Marghera. This project would require no intervention on the Venetian Lagoon, but the making instead of a new Port in Marghera and the conversion of the current Port into social housing. The Marghera Port would be the only location adapt for cold-ironing, or   shore connection , providing enough electrical power to docked ships, making it possible for their main and auxiliary engines to be turned off, dramatically cutting the cost of air pollution.

We tried to provide you with plenty of information to describe the relationship between Venice and the Big Ships. Whichever is your position on this matter, we respect it.

The opinion of others

We understand the problems that would be caused by posing a limitation to cruise ships, and we understand that several people are bound to this business and depend on it. We respect those who strongly support the cruise ship business as it currently is.

We are aware that many people depend on the activities coming from the Venice Port , and that the ever-growing protests of the local communities are felt like a great threat and danger to their jobs.

In a land where unemployment is high, pay is low, and social help is less-than-ideal, this is exactly the leverage used by those who could make a change but wish instead to keep things as they currently are,  only to increase their profit despite damaging severely the health of the local population and the environment.

Our Opinion

We are very critical of the current situation.

We just can not and will not accept the great, constant and terrible pollution caused by these ships and the promotion of mass tourism that contributes to the disappearing of local businesses and authentic shops in favour of mass-produced plastic souvenirs that target day-trippers.

We understand and respect the importance of this business and the jobs it generates  but we believe it must change in order to respect something that matters more than the profit of a few: the health of all the Venetians, the protection of Venice, and the respect of the environment.

We have a dream

We wish for the preservation of the current jobs , but we also wish for some major changes that will respect Venice, the lagoon, and the Venetians.

Which changes do we believe should absolutely be undertaken ?

• Ships should be obliged to use filters .
• Close to cities, fuel allowed on ships should respect the same parameters as the one allowed on land .
• Once docked , ships should switch off their motors and receive electrical power from the Port itself.
• Ships should not pass in front of Saint Mark . Entertainment and profit should not win over safety.
• No new canals should be dug or enlarged . The Venetian Lagoon is delicate and should be preserved.

We believe in our dreams, and we will try to push for a change in every way we can.

Congratulations on making it through this long and technical article!

If you’re eager to learn more about Venice as well as to find great information to plan your visit to the city while making a positive impact on the local community, check out the following resources:

I'm visiting Venice. Why should I follow your recommendations?

The way you visit Venice has an impact both on the quality of your experience and on Venice itself.   Chilling, exploring , shopping , eating and drinking where the locals do, can make a huge impact both on the memories you bring home and on the local economy and community.

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Venice Italy Cruise Port Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Wondering about the Venice Italy Cruise Port?

You’ve come to the right place! As a travel advisor, who specializes in cruise travel, I have taken many hours of courses on cruise ports, and have booked numerous clients on cruises with stops at the Venice Italy Cruise Port.

Nestled within the Venetian Lagoon is Venice, an Italian city famed for its numerous scenic canals and beautiful historical architecture. It’s one of the most romantic cities in the world and a popular destination for cruisers.

In this article, I will delve into everything you need to know about Venice Cruise Port including tips and recommendations for shore excursions.

Where is Venice Cruise Port Located?

The official Cruise Port of Venice, also known as Terminal Venezia Passeggeri, is located to the west of the historic city, 4 km south of the causeway that links historical Venice to the mainland.

The cruise terminal consists of two parts: the Stazione Marittima cruise terminal which houses the largest cruise ships and the San Basilio cruise terminal.

However, as of 2021, the Italian government has placed a ban on large cruise ships which weigh over 25,000 tonnes, docking inside the Venetian Lagoon. Only smaller ships below this weight can dock in the official Venice Cruise Port.

Large cruise ships are being rerouted and instructed to dock in the industrial port of Marghera which is on the mainland, just below the causeway to Venice.

However, some large cruise ships are now stopping in Ravenna Cruise Port (a 2- hour drive south of Venice) and cruisers are journeying by bus to Venice.

Despite cruise ships docking in Marghera industrial port, cruise passengers will still be shuttled to and from the main Venice Cruise Port for both logistical health and safety reasons, as Marghera does not have the infrastructure to act as an official cruise port.

As the majority of cruise ships will be docking in Marghera industrial port, this will be the focus of our article rather than Ravenna Cruise Port.

⭐️ Purchase Venice Shore Excursions at a Discount Here

Venice Italy Cruise Port

Getting around venice from the cruise port.

Although your cruise ship will dock at Marghera industrial port, shuttle services will likely be provided by your cruise liner from the passenger terminals to the official Venice Cruise Port.

This could be via bus or private water taxi.

If shuttle services are not available, Marghera Port is conveniently located beside a train station. It’s a quick 7-minute train journey from this station to Santa Lucia station, nestled in the heart of Venice. Trains are frequent, several journeying each hour, and cost €2,90 per person each way.

Another way to reach Venice from the cruise port is via bus. The bus stop in Marghera is right beside the train station. The journey takes 8 minutes and will drop you at Venice Piazzale Roma . You can book a day pass online in advance of your visit.

There are also water buses available that travel between Venice and the cruise port. This service is offered by ACTV. If you wish to travel by water bus, then I’d recommend booking your day pass online in advance.

Private water taxis are also available. They’re significantly more expensive than the waterbuses (around €90) but you will have the boat all to yourself.

Alternatively, it’s an 8-minute taxi ride to journey from Marghera Cruise Port to the center of Venice.

Are There Free Shuttles From Venice Cruise Port?

Your cruise liner should offer you a free shuttle service to and from the cruise ship in Marghera to Venice Cruise Port which is on the edge of Venice.

I’d recommend checking with your cruise ship in advance to clarify if they offer this service.

If your cruise ship doesn’t offer this service, trains, buses, and water buses are all available between Marghera and Venice.

✅ You can book a private water taxi from Venice to the cruise port here

Can You Walk into Venice from Your Cruise Ship?

It’s very easy to walk into Venice from Venice Cruise Port (which is where your cruise liner should drop you) as it is perched on the edge of the city. It will take just a few minutes for you to be engulfed by the beautiful city.

If your cruise liner doesn’t offer a shuttle service to Venice Cruise Port, Marghera Port (where your cruise ship will be based) is too far away from Venice for you to easily walk into the city.

It’s located on the other side of a lengthy causeway which, although does have a pavement, isn’t convenient.

It would take over an hour to walk from the cruise terminal into Venice, and that doesn’t include all the further walking you will then complete around the city.

I’d recommend taking public transport or a taxi instead.

Are there Taxis Available from Venice Cruise Port?

Yes, you can grab a taxi from Venice Cruise Port which you can take to Venice Marco Polo Airport.

A taxi isn’t necessary to journey between Venice Cruise Port and Venice City as the cruise port is so close to the city and the city doesn’t have any roads for motor vehicles beyond Piazzale Roma.

✅ Book a shuttle from Venice to the airport

Best Shore Excursions from the Venice Cruise Port

There are a number of fantastic things to see and do during your time in Venice. Below are some of my favorite Venice shore excursions.

1. Gondola Ride

By far one of the most popular and unique ways to view Venice is by gondola . These charming small boats without a motor are able to navigate down quiet canals, allowing you the opportunity to soak up the fantastic architecture from the comfort of your traditional boat.

Being one of the more popular activities in Venice, there are a host of gondola tours available, from private to small group tours. Your excursion can be booked in advance online or you can just turn up on the day.

➡️ Book ahead for this top rated Gondola Ride

2. Basilica San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica)

Nestled in the heart of St. Mark’s Square is a magnificent cathedral called St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the city, as well as a prime example of Byzantine architecture.

The cathedral is incredible to marvel at from afar. It’s also worth paying a visit inside. In order to beat the queues, I’d recommend booking a tour which includes skip-the-line tickets, such as this one .

If you’d like to visit several of Venice’s key attractions then it may be worth booking a walking tour that visits St Mark’s Basilica as well as other magnificent sights.

➡️ This is a great skip the line tour !

3. Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square)

No visit to Venice would be complete without soaking up the vast historical monuments which call St Mark’s Square home. As well as housing the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, this vast square is also the refuge of St Mark’s Campanile, a 16th-century cathedral tower.

The corner of Doge’s Palace is also visible from this beautiful square.

Within the square, you can find a number of cafes and restaurants, the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or some lunch whilst enjoying fantastic views of the square.

4. Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace)

Doge’s Palace is a magnificent palace located in St. Mark’s Square. It served as the residence of the Doge, the chief magistrate and ruler of the Venetian Republic, as well as the seat of the government for close to 1000 years.

Today this historically significant landmark is a museum. You can visit Doge’s Palace along with the neighboring St Mark’s Basilica as part of a skip-the-line walking tour.

➡️ See Doges Palace, St Marks and a Gondola Ride with this incredible tour!

5. Food & Wine Walking Tour

Italy is a country renowned for its delicious cuisine and locally-produced wines. One of the best ways to try the local dishes is to take a food and wine tour.

This food and wine tour has exceptional online reviews and specializes in allowing you to sample Venetian appetizers known as Cicchetti.

Alternatively, this tour allows you to sample some lovely sweet treats such as traditional Venetian cookies and homemade gelato.

6. Rialto Bridge

Spanning the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge is the oldest and most renowned bridge in the city. Designed by Antonio da Ponte, it features a single stone arch that spans the Grand Canal, supported by two inclined ramps on either side.

Rialto Bridge can be viewed either from the water on a boat tour or you can walk over the top of it. The bridge is so large that it even houses shops! Alternatively, you can admire the bridge from the streets on either side of the canal.

7. Teatro la Fenice (Opera House)

Teatro La Fenice is an internationally renowned opera house that’s nestled in the heart of Venice. It’s in fact considered one of the most prestigious and historic theaters in the world. The original opera house sadly burnt down in 1996 and has since been rebuilt.

Teatro la Fenice is an active opera theater. You can book tickets to view operas that are performed there. If you would like to view a performance, I’d recommend booking in advance as tickets can quickly sell out.

Even if you don’t plan on viewing an opera, Teatro La Fenice is still worth viewing from the exterior.

8. Grand Canal

The largest canal in Venice, the 4-kilometer (1.5 mile) Grand Canal cuts through the city of Venice and houses some of the city’s most beautiful buildings.

With barely any walkways beside the canal, the best way to view it and absorb the colorful atmosphere is to take to the water.

This wide waterway is a little too big for gondola rides to take you the whole way but there are plenty of other boat tours available, which journey down this long and majestic canal, passing under the canal’s 4 bridges, including the famous Rialto Bridge.

Getting From Venice Airport to the Cruise Port

There are a number of ways to journey from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice Cruise Port.

The quickest and easiest way to journey to the Venice cruise terminal is via water taxi . Being located right on the water, taxi boats are conveniently available just outside the airport. Although this is the quickest way to reach the cruise terminal, it’s also the most expensive way.

You can alternatively take a land taxi between Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice Cruise Port. The journey is typically between 15 and 20 minutes in length.

Finally, you can journey by bus to Piazzale Roma which is just a short walk away from the cruise terminal.

Places to Stay Near Venice Cruise Port

There are a number of fabulous hotels that are located in Venice’s city center, just a stone’s throw away from the cruise terminal.

Cinqueteste Luxury Home is one of the best-reviewed hotels in the area. It’s a 25-minute walk from St. Mark’s Square and a 20-minute walk from Venice Cruise Port. The hotel is perched right on the canal so if you choose a canal-facing room you will have exceptional views.

Another fantastic option is Hotel Cipriani , a luxurious hotel on an island to the south of the main city which looks across the waterway to Doge’s Palace.

Hotel Moresco is one of the closer hotels to the cruise port, only a 20-minute walk from it. It’s a charming boutique hotel and rooms are dressed in a combination of 19th-century and modern design.

Venice Quick Facts

Best time to visit venice.

The best time to visit Venice in terms of weather is between May and October .

Venice is an extremely popular city and so during the holiday season, you will no doubt be contending with crowds.

In order to get the best balance between beating the crowds and having lovely weather, May, September, and October are the best times to visit.

What kind of currency is used in Venice?

The currency accepted in Venice is the Euro. It was previously the Italian Lira, but is no longer in circulation.

Cruise Liners that Visit Venice Cruise Port

As of the 2021 changes to Venice Cruise Port, which doesn’t allow large cruise ships to dock in the port, a reduced number of cruise liners now dock in Venice at Marghera industrial port.

Some of the cruise ships that still stop in Venice are:

• ● MSC Cruises
• ● Norwegian Cruise Line
• ● Silversea Cruises
• ● Seabourne
• ● Azamara Cruises
• ● Fred Olsen
• ● Viking Ocean

Other cruise ships such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises now dock in nearby cities such as Ravenna.

Venice Cruise Port FAQS

Where do the cruise ships dock in venice.

Cruise ships to Venice now must dock in Marghera industrial port, on the mainland, across the lagoon from Venice. This is a result of a 2021 ban on large cruise ships from docking in Venice.

Cruise passengers however will be shuttled by their cruise liner to and from the official Venice Cruise Port which is right next to the city of Venice.

Why is Venice closed to cruise ships?

The reason for closing Venice to cruise ships is to preserve the Venetian lagoon. Venice had been put on the UNESCO World Heritage’s blacklist as a Heritage Site in danger and the large numbers of cruise ships that visit the fragile city were listed as part of the reason for this.

How long does it take to get from the Venice cruise terminal to the airport?

It takes between 15 and 20 minutes to journey between Venice Cruise Port and Marco Polo Airport via taxi. Journeying by water taxi boat takes a similar amount of time.

Final Thoughts on the Venice Cruise Port

Venice is a very beautiful city that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Famed for its picturesque canals lined by historic buildings, a day spent in this Italian city is never anything short of magical.

The new regulations for cruise liners do make a cruise visit to Venice a little more complicated than it used to be. Different cruise liners now dock at different cruise ports so it’s important you check with your cruise line exactly where you will be docking and if a free shuttle service to Venice city center is included.

If you need any help at all planning your European Cruise, please reach out ! I help at no additional cost to you!

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Venice Italy Cruise Port: A Comprehensive Guide For Travelers

by Judith Eve | Jul 1, 2023 | Destination Guides & Ports

When I recently cruised out of Italy, it was from the Civitavecchia (Rome) port. I was told that the Venice port was close by, but I did not personally get to see it. But, I hope to on my next Italian cruise .

Venice, Italy is one of the most popular cruise ports in Europe, attracting nearly 500 ship departures and 700,000 cruise passengers per year. Despite its popularity, Venice's cruise port has faced criticism due to environmental concerns and overcrowding. As a result, new regulations have been put in place to limit the number and size of ships that can navigate the Giudecca Canal and enter Venice's downtown area.

The Port of Venice boasts two prominent cruise terminals - the Stazione Marittima basin for mid-size and large ships, and the San Basilio pier which is primarily used for smaller vessels, such as yachts and hydrofoil ferries. Both terminals offer various amenities, including car parks, water taxi stands, snack bars, and duty-free shops. From the terminals, visitors can easily access Venice's many attractions, including St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. However, it's important to note that entry to most Venetian churches, including St. Mark's Basilica, requires clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Whether travelers are embarking on a cruise or simply visiting the city, Venice's cruise port is a gateway to one of the most unique and beautiful destinations in the world. However, with new regulations in place, it's important for visitors to be aware of the restrictions and plan accordingly. Despite these limitations, Venice remains a must-see destination for any traveler seeking history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

Getting to Venice Cruise Port

Venice Cruise Port is one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, with nearly 500 ship departures and 700,000 cruise passengers per year. In this section, we will cover the different ways to get to the Venice Cruise Port from various locations.

From Marco Polo Airport

The Venice Cruise Port can be accessed quickly and conveniently from Marco Polo Airport by taking a water taxi or a shuttle. For those looking for a more economical option, a shuttle bus from the airport to Piazzale Roma is available, followed by a people mover or water taxi to the terminal.

From Piazzale Roma

Piazzale Roma is the main transportation hub in Venice and is accessible by bus, taxi, and car. From Piazzale Roma, you can take a people mover to the cruise terminal. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi directly to the cruise terminal, which is the most convenient but also the most expensive option.

From Venice City Center

If you are staying in Venice city center, you can take a water taxi or a vaporetto (water bus) to reach the cruise terminal. Water taxis are faster and more comfortable but can be quite expensive. Vaporettos are more affordable but can be crowded and slow during peak hours.

It is important to note that the Venice Cruise Port has restrictions on the size of ships that can dock in the city center. As of July 2021, cruise ships weighing over 25,000 tons are now banned from using the Venice Cruise Port. Therefore, it is advisable to check with your cruise line before planning your trip to ensure that your ship will be able to dock at the Venice Cruise Port.

In summary, there are several transportation options available to get to the Venice Cruise Port, including water taxis, shuttles, people movers, and vaporettos. Depending on your location and budget, you can choose the most convenient and affordable option to reach the cruise terminal.

Venice Cruise Terminals

Venice is a popular cruise port in Italy, and it has two main cruise terminals: the Marittima Terminal and the San Basilio Terminal. Both terminals serve as embarkation and disembarkation points for cruise ships.

Marittima Terminal

The Marittima Terminal is the larger of the two terminals and can accommodate larger cruise ships. It is located near the causeway that connects Venice to the mainland. The terminal has three berths, and each can accommodate a ship up to 340 meters in length. The terminal offers a range of facilities, including a parking area, a taxi stand, and a shuttle bus service to and from Piazzale Roma, which is the main transportation hub in Venice.

San Basilio Terminal

The San Basilio Terminal is smaller and located in the Giudecca Canal. It has two berths and can accommodate smaller cruise ships. The terminal is closer to the city center, making it more convenient for passengers who want to explore Venice before or after their cruise. The terminal offers a range of facilities, including a parking area, a taxi stand, and a shuttle bus service to and from Piazzale Roma.

Overall, the Venice Cruise Terminal offers passengers a range of facilities and services to make their embarkation and disembarkation as smooth as possible. Whether passengers are arriving or departing from the Marittima Terminal or the San Basilio Terminal, they can expect to find a range of amenities and services to make their experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Cruise Lines and Ships

Venice (Marghera) cruise port is a popular destination for many cruise lines and ships. Here is a list of some of the most notable ones:

• Royal Caribbean: This cruise line offers several itineraries that depart from Venice, including a 7-night Greek Isles Cruise and a 7-night Western Mediterranean Cruise. Their ships, such as the Explorer of the Seas and the Enchantment of the Seas, are known for their luxurious amenities and exciting onboard activities.
• Costa Fortuna: Costa Fortuna is another popular cruise line that departs from Venice. Their ships, like the Costa Luminosa and the Costa Deliziosa, offer a variety of itineraries that explore the Mediterranean and other nearby regions.
• MSC Cruises: MSC Cruises offers several itineraries that depart from Venice, including a 7-night Greek Isles and Italy Cruise and a 7-night Adriatic and Greece Cruise. Their ships, such as the MSC Orchestra and the MSC Musica, are known for their elegant design and exceptional service.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 7-night Greek Isles Cruise that departs from Venice. Their ship, the Norwegian Star, is known for its freestyle cruising experience and wide range of dining options.
• Holland America Line: Holland America Line offers a 12-night Mediterranean Empires Cruise that departs from Venice. Their ship, the Nieuw Amsterdam, is known for its classic design and exceptional service.

Overall, Venice (Marghera) cruise port is a popular destination for many cruise lines and ships, offering a wide range of itineraries and onboard amenities to suit any traveler's preferences.

Accommodation Near Venice Cruise Port

Venice is a popular destination for cruise ships, and the Venice Cruise Port is a major hub for this type of travel. If you're planning to embark or disembark from a cruise ship at the Venice Cruise Port, you'll need to find suitable accommodation nearby. Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels in the area that cater to travelers of all budgets.

Hotels Near Venice Cruise Port

There are several hotels located within a short distance of the Venice Cruise Port, making it easy to find a place to stay before or after your cruise. Some of the most popular options include:

• Cinque Teste Luxury Home: This luxury hotel is located just 0.6 miles from the Venice Cruise Terminal and features a shared lounge and garden. Prices start at $362 per night.
• Hilton Molino Stucky Venice: This 5-star hotel is located on the island of Giudecca, just a short boat ride from the Venice Cruise Port. Prices start at $246 per night.
• Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the heart of Venice, just a short walk from the Venice Cruise Port. Prices start at $635 per night.
• Hotel Canal Grande: This 4-star hotel is located on the Grand Canal, just a short distance from the Venice Cruise Port. Prices start at $182 per night.

Finding the Right Hotel

When choosing a hotel near the Venice Cruise Port, there are several factors to consider. These include:

• Location: Look for hotels that are within walking distance or a short boat ride from the Venice Cruise Port.
• Price: Consider your budget when choosing a hotel. There are options available for travelers of all budgets.
• Amenities: Look for hotels that offer the amenities you need, such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and on-site dining options.
• Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect from a particular hotel.

Overall, there are plenty of accommodation options near the Venice Cruise Port, making it easy to find a place to stay before or after your cruise. Whether you're looking for luxury or budget-friendly options, there's something for everyone in this beautiful city.

Navigating Venice

Water buses and taxis.

Venice is a city of canals, and water buses (vaporetti) and taxis are the primary modes of transportation. The vaporetti are run by ACTV, and they offer a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. The water taxis are more expensive but offer a faster and more private option.

The Giudecca Canal and the Grand Canal are two of the most important waterways in Venice. The vaporetti run along both of these canals, and they stop at various points along the way. The water taxis can take you directly to your destination, but they are more expensive than the vaporetti.

Bridges and Canals

Venice is a city of bridges, and there are over 400 bridges in the city. The most famous bridge is the Rialto Bridge, which spans the Grand Canal. The bridges can be challenging for those with mobility issues, as they often have steps and are quite steep.

The canals are another important feature of Venice, and they are used for transportation, commerce, and recreation. The canals are also home to many historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs.

Pedestrian Navigation

Venice is a pedestrian city, and walking is the best way to explore the city. The streets and alleys can be confusing, and it is easy to get lost. However, this is part of the charm of Venice, and getting lost can lead to unexpected discoveries.

The best way to navigate Venice is to use a map and pay attention to the street signs. The city is divided into six districts, or sestieri, and each district has its own unique character and landmarks.

In summary, navigating Venice can be challenging, but it is also part of the charm of the city. The water buses and taxis offer a convenient way to get around, while the bridges and canals provide a unique backdrop for exploration. Walking is the best way to explore the city, and getting lost can lead to unexpected discoveries.

Venice Attractions

Venice is a city of canals, bridges, and beautiful architecture. The city is famous for its stunning landmarks, museums, and art galleries. Here are some of the top attractions in Venice.

Piazza San Marco, also known as St. Mark's Square, is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Basilica di San Marco and the Doge's Palace. Visitors can take a stroll around the square, enjoy a coffee in one of the cafes, or admire the stunning architecture.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic structures in Venice. The bridge spans the Grand Canal and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos. Visitors can also explore the Rialto market, which is home to a variety of shops selling souvenirs, food, and clothing.

Murano and Burano

Murano and Burano are two islands located in the Venetian Lagoon. Murano is famous for its glass-making industry and visitors can take a tour of the glass factories and watch the glassblowers at work. Burano is known for its colorful houses and lace-making industry. Visitors can take a stroll around the island, admire the colorful buildings, and purchase lace souvenirs.

Venetian Lagoon

The Venetian Lagoon is a large body of water that surrounds Venice. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lagoon and explore the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. The lagoon is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and fish.

Doge's Palace

The Doge's Palace is a stunning building located in St. Mark's Square. The museum that now occupies the former residence of the Doge of Venice is a grand and beautiful example of architecture. Visitors are given the opportunity to tour the palace, marvel at the stunning artwork it contains, and gain a deeper understanding of Venetian history.

Overall, Venice is a city full of history, culture, and beauty. Visitors can spend days exploring the city's many attractions and landmarks.

Cruise Excursions from Venice

Venice is a popular cruise port in Italy, and there are many excursions available for passengers to explore the surrounding areas. Here are some options for shore excursions from Venice:

Verona is a beautiful city in northern Italy, famous for being the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It is a popular destination for day trips from Venice, with many tours available to explore the city's historic center, including its Roman amphitheater and medieval castle. Visitors can also enjoy wine tastings and sample local cuisine.

Padua is a charming city located just a short train ride from Venice. It is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and boasts many historic landmarks, including the Scrovegni Chapel, which is home to a series of stunning frescoes by the artist Giotto. Visitors can also explore the city's botanical gardens and sample traditional Italian cuisine.

While Rome is located several hours from Venice, it is still possible to visit the city on a day trip. Many cruise lines offer excursions to Rome, allowing passengers to explore the city's ancient landmarks, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican. Visitors can also enjoy shopping and dining in the city's many cafes and restaurants.

For those interested in exploring the Eastern Mediterranean, many cruise lines offer excursions to Greece from Venice. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of Athens, sample local cuisine, and enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Greek islands.

Overall, there are many exciting excursions available for cruise passengers departing from Venice. Whether you are interested in exploring historic landmarks, sampling local cuisine, or relaxing on the beach, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Additional Services at Venice Cruise Port

Venice Cruise Port provides a variety of services and amenities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for passengers. Here are some of the additional services available at the port:

Luggage Storage

Venice Cruise Port offers luggage storage services for passengers who want to explore the city before or after their cruise. The luggage storage area is located near the passenger terminal and is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The cost of storage is €6 per bag per day.

Schedule Information

Passengers can find up-to-date information about their ship's schedule and arrival/departure times on the Venice Cruise Port website. The website also provides information about any changes or delays in the schedule.

Check-In Assistance

Venice Cruise Port provides check-in assistance to help passengers complete the embarkation process quickly and efficiently. Passengers can find check-in desks near the passenger terminal.

Embarking and Disembarking

The embarkation and disembarkation process at Venice Cruise Port is designed to be quick and efficient. Passengers are advised to arrive at the port at least two hours before their ship's scheduled departure time. The port provides shuttle buses to transport passengers from the passenger terminal to their ship.

Other Services

Other services available at Venice Cruise Port include:

• Currency exchange
• ATM machines
• Information desk
• Souvenir shops
• Cafes and restaurants

Passengers can find these services near the passenger terminal.

History and Culture of Venice

Venice is a city that is steeped in history and culture. The city was once one of the most powerful and largest Maritime Republics in the Mediterranean.Venice began as a sanctuary during the Byzantine era, and its placement along the Adriatic Sea helped to propel its growth and eventual dominance throughout its prosperous history. This advantageous approach to the Eastern trade routes enabled Venice to become one of the most powerful and wealthy cities in Europe.

Today, Venice is known for its beautiful architecture, art galleries, and museums. The city is home to many famous landmarks, including St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. Visitors can explore the rich history of Venice by visiting these landmarks and learning about the city's past.

Venice is also known for its vibrant art scene. The city has many art galleries that showcase the works of local and international artists. One of the most famous art galleries in Venice is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which houses a large collection of modern art.

In addition to its art galleries, Venice is home to many museums. The city has a rich history of art, music, and literature, and visitors can learn about these subjects by visiting museums such as the Gallerie dell'Accademia and the Ca' Pesaro Museum of Modern Art.

Finally, Venice is located in the Veneto region of Italy, which is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic cities, and delicious cuisine. Visitors to Venice can explore the region by taking day trips to nearby cities such as Verona and Padua, or by sampling the local food and wine .

I know I will enjoy the beautiful area surrounding venice when I finally do get to cruise out of the Venice Italy cruise port. Looking forward to it.

Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.

Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.

Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.

Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.

Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.

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After Banning Cruise Ships, Venice Puts a Cap on Day Trippers

Venice has often been likened to an open-air museum—and starting next year, it might feel like one, too.

On August 21, the local administration of La Serenissima announced that, from the second half of 2022, it will limit the number of visitors to its narrow calli and iconic piazzas. To regulate access, the city will introduce electronic turnstiles at different entry points, a dedicated booking app, and an entrance fee of €3 to €10 (about $3.50 to $11.80) for anyone visiting for the day (costs will vary depending on the season). Residents, students, and commuters will be exempt from the added cost, as will travelers who book stays in local hotels (who already pay a city tax of up to €5 a night).

The measure is the latest effort to preserve Venice’s fragile ecosystem, and curb the overtourism it suffered from in pre-pandemic years. It follows the ban on large cruise ships that came into effect on August 1, and the recent decision by the Italian government to make the lagoon a national monument , so as to place it under enhanced state protection.

“We want to reposition Venice as a place people don’t just come to for a few hours, but experience for a few days, and with a deeper awareness of its urban, social, and cultural fabric,” says Simone Venturini, Venice’s Tourism Councilor. “By introducing a ticketing system we can limit crowds, shift away from the ‘day-tripper model’ that’s been so detrimental to the city, and hopefully win back the overnight guests that have stopped coming because of overtourism.”

Plans to tax visitors to Venice aren’t new , nor is the turnstile idea, which was briefly implemented in 2018. But following Italy’s reopening to tourism this past summer, Venturini says that this time they’re here to stay. “We’ve spent the past two years developing a long-term strategy to make tourism more sustainable both for those who visit and those who live in Venice. I’m confident that this integrated approach is going to ensure a better future for our city.”

Francesco Pugliese, owner of boutique hotel Avogaria , in the Dorsoduro district, agrees. “It was time to do something drastic,” he says. “And if that means turning Venice into a gated destination, I am ok with it. We need a filter or we’re going to collapse. That’s the reality of things.”

It’s a dire statement, but a quick look at the figures backs it up.

In early August some 85,000 people passed through Venice’s historical city center —whose population is 55,000—in a day. In 2019, there were peaks of 110,000. Before the pandemic, around 30 million tourists arrived annually, 73 percent of which were daily visitors (including cruise passengers) but only made 18 percent of its tourism economy. Meanwhile 70 percent of Venetians have left Venice in the past 70 years.

“It’s unsustainable,” Pugliese says. “Our streets, squares, and palazzos aren’t structurally built to cope with such high volumes of people—especially when so many come only to take a selfie in St. Mark’s Square .”

For Gioele Romanelli, owner of design-forward apartment-hotel Casa Flora , institutional regulations over the flow of visitors could also benefit the way visitors engage with Venice. “Venice isn’t just monuments and sights. It’s locals too—artisans, family-owned restaurants , artists, and local shops. When you’re here for a day, you don’t really have time to explore any of that. I think a slower, more discerning and responsible way of seeing the city can only be positive.”

But the ‘limited entry’ has also drawn criticisms from locals. Some residents, as well as Italian media and politicians, have described the move as the next step towards turning Venice into a “theme park.”

Monica Sambo, a Venice City Councilor and head of the local Democratic Party council group, believes turnstiles and daily fees won’t make a difference in improving the city’s tourism industry.

“Turnstiles don’t really limit arrivals—you’d have to place them everywhere around the city’s access points, which isn’t currently in the pipeline. If anything, it’ll just mean visitors will enter from areas that may have escaped the crowds until now, transforming those into new busy spots, likely with very long lines to get in. The extra fee doesn’t resolve the mass tourism issue either. Sure, some people might be deterred from coming in just for a day-trip, but is that enough to create a more sustainable ecosystem?”

Either way, change has to happen, and fast.

“We need to rethink how everyone approaches Venice,” Romanelli says. “The city is so much more than what it’s become today. Whatever method we use to highlight that is good for me.”

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By Durant Imboden

• Also see: Venice for Cruisers

V enice, Italy used to be the largest cruise port in the Eastern Mediterranean, thanks in part to its long history as a maritime republic and shipbuilding colossus. That changed in 2021, when the Italian government responded to political pressures by banning all but the smallest passenger ships from central Venice .

Today, a "Venice" cruise embarkation, disembarkation, or port call could take place at any number of small cities and industrial areas along the northern Adriatic coast between Trieste and Ravenna.

In this article, we'll show maps and give brief descriptions of these port locations. Read your cruise documentation carefully and confirm your ship's exact location with the cruise line if you're uncertain about where your ship will be berthed.

ABOVE: A river vessel, CroisiEurope's Michelangelo , cruises from the San Basilio pier in Venice's historic center.

Note: Even though medium-size and large ships are often moored far from central Venice, the cruise lines may use central Venice's cruise terminals as check-in and arrival points. If that's the case with your cruise, you'll be taken to or from your ship by shuttle bus. (However, if the pier is a couple of hours away--in Ravenna or Trieste, for example--you may need to book a paid transfer with your cruise line or get to the port on your own.)

Below are maps and brief descriptions of the ports that are now being used for cruises that begin, end, or include a port call in "Venice."

Venice, Marghera, & Fusina

In the map above, you can see three locations inside the Venetian Lagoon:

Venice's Marittima cruise basin and San Basilio/Santa Marta cruise terminal (at the edge of Venice's historic center, near the right side of the map).

The industrial port of Marghera , on the Venetian mainland (about a 15-minute ride by taxi or shuttle bus from Venice's Piazzale Roma ).

Fusina , to the south of Marghera, which serves the Anek car ferries to Greece but is also has facilities for cruise ships.

In most cases,  check-in and other formalities for larger ships are handled at terminals in the Marittima basin, with shuttle buses whisking passengers to and from the piers.

Small ships (typically below 25,000 GRT), including river vessels from Uniworld and CroisiEurope, continue to moor at either the Marittima basin or the adjacent San Basilio/Santa Marta piers in central Venice.

The town of Chioggia (pop. 50,000) lies at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon, alongside one of the lagoon's three inlets from the Adriatic Sea. Chioggia has been nicknamed "Little Venice" because its old town has canals like its larger neighbor to the north.

Chioggia welcomes river vessels (Uniworld and CroisiEurope) and a hotel barge, La Bella Vita . In the wake of Italy's 2021 embargo on most cruise ships in Venice, Chioggia has also served a handful of oceangoing vessels. Ships normally tie up at a pier in the northwest corner of Chioggia's Centro Storico or old town (see map).

Chioggia is slightly more than an hour from Venice by car, taxi, coach, or  bus. If you don't mind schlepping your luggage or hiring a cab from the end of the line to the pier, you might try ArrivaVeneto's frequent and reasonably priced bus service to Chioggia Sottamarina from Venice's Piazzale Roma , the Venezia Mestre train station, and Venice Marco Polo Airport .

Ravenna (pop. 160,000) is best known for its Byzantine mosaics , which date back to the 5th and 6th Centuries. However, the city does have a port on its northern outskirts, and a new cruise terminal is becoming the Eastern Mediterranean hub for Royal Caribbean and its subsidiary, Celebrity Cruises.

From Venice, a cruise transfer by bus or private car takes about 2-1/2 hours. (There's no direct train, although you can get from Venezia Santa Lucia railroad station to central Ravenna with a change of trains in Ferrara.)

In the map above, you can see the port to the northeast of the city. Cruise ships moor at the Porto Corsini, just inside the port entrance from the Adriatic Sea.

  Click here for advice on transportation between downtown Ravenna and the pier. If you're cruising with Royal Caribbean, see the Royal Caribbean Blog's article on shuttles from Venice and Bologna.

Monfalcone is northeast of Venice on the way to Trieste (see below), about an hour and a half from Venice by bus, car, or train. The town is mostly known for shipbuilding and other heavy industries, but MSC Cruises occasionally uses Monfalcone as a turnaround port.

On the map, you'll see the cruise quay just inside the port entrance.

Trieste is a major international port at the far northeastern corner of the Adriatic, close to Italy's border with Slovenia. It was an important city in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and still has a Central European vibe.

Cruise ships aren't newcomers to Trieste, but the number of ships has increased after the banning of large cruise vessels from Venice.

Trieste is roughly 165 km or 100 miles from Venice, but getting there is easy:

Fast trains from Venezia Santa Lucia take just over two hours to reach Trieste's central station.

Flixbus offers several connections per day from Venice, Mestre, and Venice Marco Polo Airport. Travel time is about 2-1/2 hours.

From the train or bus station, you can walk or hire a taxi to the cruise pier, which is located on the downtown waterfront near the Piazza Unità d'Italia.

About the author:

Independent Quest: Maps and Guides for Travelers ™

Venice (Italy) Cruise Port Essential Guide

• At The Pier   ❯
• To Do • See   ❯
• Shopping   ❯
• Restaurants   ❯
• Facts   ❯
• Home   ❯
• Menu  ❯

Venice overview for cruise passengers: where ships dock, what to do, top attractions, and shore excursions; dining and shopping.

By: Editor-in-Chief Date: February 26, 2021

Venice is one of the most visited cruise ports in Italy and Europe. Built upon 117 separate islands and held together by wooden beamed structures below water, Venice is as strong today as it was when first inhabited over 1500 years ago.

The maze of tiny cobbled streets and courtyards, where you bump into history around every corner, seems to go on forever. Not surprisingly, Venice remains a city that all cruise passengers must have on their bucket list.

• Where is Venice

Where cruise ships dock

• Things to do in Venice
• Top attractions
• Shore excursions (Shorex)
• Lunch and quick bites

Shops and shopping

There is so much to do and see in Venice that cruises calling at the port for one day will force passengers to choose carefully. The good news is that most cruise lines stay at least two days in Venice, allowing more time to explore this unique city.

Venice is both a port of call and a homeport in Italy for cruises in the eastern Mediterranean. However, the overwhelming majority of cruise ships dock in Venice to embark and disembark passengers.

Embarking and disembarking in Venice

Cruise passengers embarking in Venice cruise port, especially those traveling from the US or Canada, should fly at least one day ahead. Arrive in Venice before noon and stay in a hotel overnight to fully enjoy the city.

If you are disembarking a cruise in Venice, you should also consider staying an extra day to explore the city, although you should have in mind that hotels tend to be very expensive but worth every penny.

Where is Venice and the cruise port

Venice is on the northern tip of the Adriatic sea, formed by the Italian peninsula on the west and coasts of Croatia, Albania, and Greece on the east side. Trieste and Ravenna are another two cruise ports nearby and also visited by cruise ships to explore Venice. Trieste is 68 miles (110 km) to the east, and Ravenna is 66 miles (107 km) to the south.

The cruise port is inside the Venetian Lagoon, on the west side of the city. For over one century, cruise ships have been sailing in and out of the lagoon, offering spectacular vistas of Venice but damaging the wooden structure underwater. There have been many complaints by residents and, sooner or later, there will be inevitable restrictions on cruising.

There are 2 cruise terminals in Venice where ships may dock:

• Venezia Terminal Passeggeri
• San Basilico

With very few exceptions, all cruise ships dock at the Venice Passenger Terminal. This main cruise terminal is in an area connected to the mainland by road and train. It has excellent access for all cruisers embarking or disembarking in Venice.

Cruise Port, Venice

Photo: Public Domain

The terminal also has good connections to the historical center - namely by Vaporetto or Water Taxi -, and is less than 3/4 of a mile (1 km) from Piazzale Roma. This large square is the primary transportation hub of Venice. Within walking distance of the Piazzale Roma, there are quite a few impressive highlights.

► Explore: At The Pier and Terminal in Venice The Cruise Terminal and the San Basilico pier, amenities and services, Vaporetto, Taxis, Getting to Piazzale Roma and more ... Read the full review ►

Things to do on a cruise to Venice

Whatever you want to do and see in Venice, be aware that the historical city is exclusively pedestrian. So, make sure you wear comfortable footwear.

Photo © IQCruising

To visit the top attractions, you will always walk a lot. And there are many highlights and different areas to explore on foot in Venice. Inevitably, you need to choose carefully what you want to do, which sites to visit, and which to skip. Here are the top things for cruise passengers to do in Venice:

• Visit the highlights around St Mark
• Enjoy top museums and art galleries
• Visit churches with stuning art
• Walk around the Jewish Ghetto
• Explore Murano and Burano
• Take a Gondola Ride
• Discover Verona
• Go on a tour to Padua
• Enjoy beach time in the Lido
• Go on a shopping spree
• Lunch al fresco in a secluded piazza

Top attractions in Venice cruise port

St Mark Square is, undoubtedly, the top highlight of Venice. Besides the fact that this is one of the most beautiful squares in the World, here you will find some other highlights: Saint Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco), the Bell Tower (Campanile), the Clock Tower (not to be confused with the previous one), the Correr Museum.

St. Mark's Square, Venice

Photo © IQCruising.com

The magnificent Doge's Palace and the famous Bridge of Sighs (Ponte de Sospiri) are literally around the corner. In St Mark Square, the cruise passenger will also find three famous cafe-restaurants: the Cafe Florian, the Ristorante Quadri, and the Cafe Lavena.

► Explore: Top Highlights and Main Attractions Reviews of St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Bridge of Sighs, Rialto Bridge, Accademia, and more ... Learn More ►

Landmarks beyond St Mark's square

But there is much more to see in Venice beyond the Piazza San Marco. The Rialto Bridge is an iconic landmark - and the walk from San Marco to Rialto a must-do.

The Teatro La Fenice , the Jewish Ghetto (and Museum), the Arsenale, the Riva degli Schiavoni (Waterfront Promenade), the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, the Ca' D'Oro , are among the top landmarks to enjoy. Finally, visiting Venice would never be complete without a tour to Murano, Burano, or the Lido.

► Explore: Top Landmarks (Squares, Streets and Monuments) Reviews of Canal Grande, La Fenice, the Jewish Ghetto and more ... Learn More ►

Churches and Museums

Once upon a time, Venice became famous for being a magnet for some of the most famous artists ever gathered in the world. Their masterworks are on display in the countless churches of Venice. And in excellent museums. A look inside churches is always an eye-opening experience as, in most cases, the exuberant interiors do not match the humble exteriors.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo are two examples of modest facades with exuberant interiors.

Amongst the many art exhibits, the Galleria dell’ Accademia and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco are two must-see museums. Museums like Peggy Guggenheim Collection , the Ca’ Rezzonico, or the Museum of Naval History should also be on your to-do list.

► Explore: Top Religious Sites not to be missed in Venice. Reviews of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, San Zanipolo, Santo Stefano, Gesuati and more ... Learn More ►

Cruise shore excursions and tours

Obviously, all cruise lines visiting Venice offer many and diverse shore excursions of the city and other destinations close by. Royal Caribbean offers 11 shore excursions , and Norwegian Cruise Line has available 9 shore tours .

Celebrity Cruises offer as many 8 shore explorations , Holland America lists 25 cruise excursions and Princess has available 18 excursions in Venice cruise port.

The upper-premium cruise lines like Oceania and Viking visit Venice cruise port on many itineraries. Oceania Cruises organizes 23 shore excursions in Venice. Although most luxury cruise lines include shore excursions with the cruise fare, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea offer unique and diverse explorations ashore in Venice. Regent lists 27 excursions , and Seabourn has 12 excursions .

Dining, quick bites, and local cuisine

One thing cruise passengers must-do in Venice is to have lunch, a quick bite, or at least grab a snack as you explore the city. The cruise terminals are too far from top attractions and to walk back to the cruise ship for lunch is a waste of precious time.

Yet, be aware that Venice is famous for not having as good restaurants as you would expect. There are, obviously, excellent restaurants in the city. But you have to be in the know to find the best gourmet cuisine. However, there are lots of places to have a quick bite or grab a snack. And the settings are unbeatable.

Whether it's by a canal, under an arcade, on a side street, or an off-the-beaten-track square, the cruise visitor will stumble upon great scenic choices. You may want to follow your instinctive nose (if you have one) or read our review of the best places to have lunch, a quick bite, and learn about the local cuisine.

► Explore: Restaurants, Cafes and Bars Reviews of Bistrot Venise, Co Vino, Oliva Nera, Rosa Rossa, Tratoria Al Cugnai and more ... Learn More ►

Very few people live in Venice (population rounds fewer than 40,000), which means that most shops the cruise passenger will come across target the 20 million tourists that visit the city every year. However, this doesn't mean that shops are tourist traps but that most are very high quality.

In Venice, you will find boutiques with all the high fashion designers ranging from famous Italian names like Salvatore Ferragamo to international brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, or Tiffany.

Murano Glass Shop, Venice

Cruise passengers looking to buy a nice souvenir to take a bit of Venice home should look for handcrafted glass made in nearby Murano. There are shops all over Venice with beautiful glass designs. You will also find art galleries with famous contemporary artists. Like most in Venice, even souvenir stores are of exceptional quality.

Carnival Costume Shop, Venice

Some of these shops are just a delight to look at, in particular, the stores selling Carnival costumes and masks.

► Explore: Shopping Areas, Streets and Best Shops Reviews of Unique Shops, Italian and International Design, and more ... Learn More ►

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The information on this page was accurate when last updated but changes may have occurred without notice. It is advisable to confirm details with local tourist information before planning your cruise, tour or excursion of Venice. If any inaccuracies are found or if there are any suggestions to improve the content of this page please let us know.

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Venice (Marghera, Italy)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-09-18 00:37

Port Venice cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Venice, Marghera, Italy. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Venice (Venezia) is a major seaport in the Adriatic (northeastern Italy) and one of Italy's most visited ferry and cruise ports serving turnaround operations (roundtrip Mediterranean itineraries) and also connecting to North Africa and Middle East. The city is the capital of Veneto (one of Italy's 20 regions) and has population over 260,000.

Venezia was established in the 7th century as a cluster of total 124 island settlements. Current-day Venice City is spread across 118 isles ( Venetian Islands ) separated by canals and interlinked by 400+ bridges. All these isles are in the Venetian Lagoon - a bay between the mouths of two rivers (Po and Piave). The entire Venetian Lagoon and part of Venezia are designated as UNESCO Site.

Venice City is currently served by two cruise ports - Porto Venice (locode ITVCE, for smaller ships and riverboats) and Porto Marghera (for large liners).

• Marghera was developed to serve as the city's commercial/cargo and industrial port (outside downtown) and is one of Europe's largest coastal industrial zones.
• On April 9, 2022, was inaugurated Marghera's provisional dock/temporary berthing facility (at Liguria Quay/EUR 1,9 million project) dedicated to cruise liners.

The Port is managed by AdSPMAS/Autorita di Sistema Portuale del Mare Adriatico Settentrionale/Porti di Venezia e Chioggia (Port Authority of Venice and Chioggia).

(IMPORTANT) Port Venice cruise ship ban

On July 13, 2021, Italy permanently banned large cruise ships from entering the Venice Lagoon (via Giudecca Canal) and docking at downtown terminals. The ban (effective since August 1, 2021) prohibits all vessels with GT 25,000+ tonnes.

• As an alternative cruise port is being developed Port Marghera, with expected completion in 2021-Q4. By this ban, only small-sized vessels ( passenger ferries , cargo ships, riverboats) can navigate the Giudecca and enter Venice's downtown.
• In July 2021, Costa and MSC replaced Venice (as homeport) with other Italian ports. Passengers were actually collected at Venice, then via buses transported to a different Italian port ( Trieste or Monfalcone).

In mid-June 2020, RCI-Royal Caribbean replaced Venice (as homeport) with Ravenna . The change affected the Rhapsody of the Seas ' Mediterranean schedule 2021 (May 1 through October 23). Ravenna is approx 144 km (90 mi road distance) to the south from Venice, or ~2,5 hours drive (via SS309 / Ravenna-Chioggia road).

• The itinerary change was explained with "increased concerns regarding the future of cruising in Venice Italy due to port congestion and the ability to control port traffic".
• Customers with already purchased through RCI airfare received complimentary shuttle bus transportation (pre- and after-cruise). Optionally was offered purchasing bus transfers from both the Ravenna cruise terminal and/or the Venice Marco Polo Airport.

In September 2023, Fulvio Lino Di Blasio (Port Authority's President) announced that cruise ships will be allowed to use Stazione Marittima di Venezia starting in 2027-Q2. The new plan grants entry to relatively smaller vessels (with max volume 60,000 GT-tons and max length 250 m/820 ft). Like the big liners, they will be also banned from the San Marco basin (Guidecca Channel route) and instead will access Stazione Marittima using the Vittorio Emanuele III Channel route.

The larger cruise ships will continue to visit Venice via Port Marghera.

Fincantieri Marghera shipyard

Fincantieri (one of the world's largest shipbuilding companies ) owns the merchant shipbuilding yards Monfalcone (near Trieste ), Marghera (Venice), Sestri Ponente ( Genoa ), Ancona , Castellammare di Stabia (near Naples ) and Palermo Sicily . The company also owns the naval shipyards Riva Trigoso (Genoa) and Muggiano ( La Spezia ).

Next are listed all cruise ships constructed at the Marghera yard, by the year built.

• (1991) Pacific Dawn, Costa Classica
• (1993) MS Statendam, MS Maasdam, Costa Romantica
• (1994) MS Ryndam
• (1995) Sun Princess, Carnival Destiny-Sunshine
• (1996) MS Veendam, Dawn Princess
• (1997) MS Rotterdam
• (1998) Sea Princess, Disney Magic
• (1999) MS Volendam, Carnival Triumph-Sunrise, Disney Wonder
• (2000) MS Zaandam, MS Amsterdam
• (2000) P&O Oceana, Carnival Victory-Radiance
• (2001) MS Zuiderdam, plus two cruiseferies (Pride of Hull, Pride of Rotterdam)
• (2002) MS Oosterdam, Carnival Conquest
• (2003) Carnival Glory, Costa Fortuna, Costa Magica
• (2004) MS Westerdam, Carnival Valor, P&O Arcadia
• (2005) Costa Concordia, Carnival Liberty
• (2006) MS Noordam, Costa Serena, Carnival Splendor
• (2007) MS Eurodam, Queen Victoria, Carnival Freedom, P&O Ventura
• (2008) Ruby Princess, Costa Luminosa, Costa Pacifica
• (2009) MS Nieuw Amsterdam, Carnival Dream, Costa Deliziosa, P&O Azura
• (2010) Queen Elizabeth, Costa Favolosa, Carnival Magic
• (2011) Costa Fascinosa, Carnival Breeze
• (2013) Royal Princess
• (2014) Regal Princess, Costa Diadema
• (2015) P&O Britannia, Ponant Le Lyrial, Viking Star
• (2016) MS Koningsdam, Carnival Vista, Seabourn Encore, Seven Seas Explorer, Viking Sea
• (2017) Majestic Princess, MSC Seaside, Viking Sky, Viking Sun, Silver Muse
• (2018) MS Nieuw Statendam, Carnival Horizon, MSC Seaview, Viking Orion, Seabourn Ovation
• (2019) Sky Princess, Costa Venezia, Carnival Panorama, Viking Jupiter
• (2020) Enchanted Princess, Costa Firenze, Scarlet Lady, Seven Seas Splendor
• (2021) MS Rotterdam, MSC Seashore, Valiant Lady, Viking Venus
• (2022) Discovery Princess, MSC Seascape, Resilient Lady, Norwegian Prima, Cunard-tbn, Viking Mars, Viking Neptune
• (2023) Norwegian Viva, MSC Explora 1, Virgin-tbn, Princess-tbn
• (2024) NCL-tbn, MSC Explora 2
• (2025) NCL-tbn, MSC Explora 3, Princess-tbn
• (2026) NCL-tbn, MSC Explora 4
• (2027) NCL-tbn

The list of brands/shipowners includes CCL-Carnival , MSC , Costa , Princess , HAL-Holland America , Virgin , P&O (UK and Australia) , Disney , Viking OCEAN , Ponant .

Port Venice

Porto di Venezia is a seaport in northeastern Italy, ranked Italy's 8th largest commercial port and also among the largest and most important cruise ports in southern Europe (Mediterranean Sea). As shipping volumes, in 2006 the port handled around 30,937 million cargo tons and over 1,453 million passengers (ferry and cruise).

Port Venice is currently the 2nd largest Mediterranean cruise port (after Barcelona ) by passenger volumes. However, due to environmentalist campaigns (since Concordia's sinking in 2012) to stop large-sized liners in Venice (vessels over 10 decks high), Port Venice started progressively to lose ship calls. In 2017, their number dropped over 10% - from 529 (in 2016) to 470. Cruiseship passenger numbers decreased by 11,4% (to around 1,4 million), which resulted in an income fall. Since the mid-1990s, cruising tourism is an important income source for the city and its citizens.

Environmentalists demand larger cruise vessels to stop navigating along Guidecca Canal to reach the seaport, as the route takes them within just 300 m (1000) ft of Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square). Besides the visual impact, other concerns are the damage caused by marine diesel engine pollution and the vessels' water displacement. New port regulations will require cruise ships to reduce emissions by switching to LSDO (lower-sulfur diesel fuel) before entering Venice Lagoon .

The controversy over whether cruise ships should be allowed into Venice was heightened right after Costa Concordia ship's capsizing near Giglio Island. Following the accident, the government issued a law banning cruise liners with gross tonnage over 96,000 GT from navigating the Guidecca Canal. The number of smaller cruise vessels (over 40,000 GT) along the channel was limited to 5 per day. In 2014, this law came into effect, just to be thrown out 2 months later by the Venice Court of Appeal.

In mid-June, 2017, over 18,000 Venetians voted in an unofficial referendum about banning large cruise vessels that navigate near St Mark Square. Activists set up a total of 60 polling booths, where 17,874 citizens voted to eject the ships which produce waves shaking the city's wooden foundations.

• In September 2017, three of the world's largest cruise companies ( Carnival , Royal Caribbean , MSC ) run shipping simulations on large liners navigating the Vittorio Emanuele III Channel route (Stazione Marittima) as a proposed alternative to the banned Guidecca Channel route.
• Since November 2017, Venice seaport access (through Giudecca Canal) is denied to cruise liners with GT tonnage over 100,000 tons. Instead, the vessels are rerouted to Port Marghera, from where passengers are ferried to downtown.

Since September 2019, Venice City charges day-trippers a tax of up to EUR 10 / USD 11 pp, which brings tens of millions of EUR annually. Of the ~24 million tourists in 2019, ~15 million were day-trippers. The new tourist tax (entrance fee) was approved by the Italian Government and contained in the country's 2019 budget. The new charge is included in the cost of hotels, trains, buses and cruise ship tickets. The tax ranges between EUR 2.50 to EUR 10 per person, depending on arrival time (low or high season).

Regularly scheduled cruiseferries link Venice City with Ancona and also with Slovenia ( Piran ), Croatia ( Pula , Rovinj , Umag, Porec) and Greece ( Kerkyra-Corfu , Igoumenitsa , Patras ).

• Venice-Piran route is served by Venezia Lines with 1 weekly crossing (travel time 2,5 hours).
• Venice-Pula route is served by Venezia Lines (4 weekly crossings) and Atlas Kompas (3 weekly crossings), travel time is 3 hours.
• Venice-Porec route is served by Venezia Lines (7 weekly crossings) and Atlas Kompas (5 weekly crossings), travel time is 3-3,5 hours.
• Venice-Rovinj route is served by Venezia Lines (7 weekly crossings) and Atlas Kompas (3 weekly crossings), travel time is 2,5-3,5 hours.
• Venice-Umag route is served by Venezia Lines (1 weekly crossing) and Atlas Kompas (1 weekly crossing), travel time is 2,5-3,5 hours.
• Venice-Corfu route is served by Minoan Lines (2 weekly crossings, time 26,5 hours) and ANEK Superfast (1 weekly crossing, time 25 hours).
• Venice-Igoumenitsa route is served by Minoan Lines (2 weekly crossings, time 28,5 hours) and ANEK Superfast (2 weekly crossings, time 25,5 hours).
• Venice-Patras route is served by Minoan Lines (3 weekly crossings, time 30,5 hours) and ANEK Superfast (2 weekly crossings, time 32 hours).
• Venice- Ancona route is served by Minoan Lines with 2 weekly crossings (travel time 6,5 hours).

MOSE - Venice flood barrier project

MOSE project is designed to protect Venice and Venetian Lagoon from flooding caused by high tides (up to 3 m / 10 ft). The integrated system consists of rows of large mobile gates at 3 inlets (Lido, Malamocco and Chioggia) through which Adriatic Sea water enters and leaves the Venetian Lagoon.

These gates are able to temporarily isolate the lagoon from the sea during high tides as they open and close separately thus controlling the water flow.

MOSE system's control center is in Venice's Arsenal, where 9 people constantly monitor the lagoon's conditions. The monitoring staff's training started in 2011 by simulating real-time flood defense operations. During that period was also collected data about water levels, waves, water pressure, and fresh river flood.

Flooding due to high tides mires Venice during winter months. During high tide forecasts, sirens all over the city sound a warning, and real-time information is provided (online and via mobile phones). Other measures are setting up temporary elevated platforms in city parts with heavy pedestrian traffic. High tides usually last 2 1/2 hours. The flood of November 4, 1966, saw water levels reaching up to 194 cm (6 ft). This was the end of the agriculture in the lagoon and also resulted in the death of the majority of its plants. Previously, the lagoon was a winemaking region.

The Mose barrier concept was first proposed in 1988. The consortium Venezia Nuova was contracted by Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Construction works (simultaneously at all 3 lagoon inlets) started in 2003. The project also included other anti-flood measures - coastal reinforcement, raising quaysides, and lagoon improvements. The project was 85% completed in 2014. In 2016, the gates arrived and were inserted into their concrete foundations.

The project's total cost was EUR 5,4 billion (GBP 3,9 billion), with its completion scheduled for 2020.

Construction works on the MOSE system were slowed due to investigations into corruption, with allegations of bribery and illegal political party financing. The investigation resulted in 35 arrests (in June 2014). Among the arrested was Consorzio Venezia Nuova's former president, who was accused of diverting funds to Venice's mayor for financing his campaign for office in 2010.

Construction works included pre-building concrete foundations (23,000 tons each) and then lowering them into the lagoon. Gates have spares (for each inlet), which allow being removed every 5 years (for maintenance) without interrupting the barrier's service. All hinges on the gates are equipped with a waterproof camera that permits removal operations to be accurately monitored and controlled.

The commercial harbor is impacted each time the gates are lifted. The amount of electricity used for the operations is also considerable.

According to CLIA (data 2019), in Italy, the ship cruise industry generates an annual turnover of ~EUR 16,2 billion (USD 19,1B / GBP 14B) and supports 120,000+ jobs (direct and indirect).

Venice cruise terminal

Port Venice is the leader not only in one traffic segment. It is the largest Mediterranean cruise port (in terms of annual passenger shipping numbers) and also main cargo port. Roundtrip cruise itineraries from Venice (homeport) go mainly to ports in Adriatic Sea (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania) and Aegean Sea (Greece and Turkey). Port Venice has 10 multifunctional (cargo) terminals and 6 dedicated cruise piers/passenger terminals.

Venice Cruise Port Terminal (VCT or Terminal Venezia Passeggeri) is Europe's 3rd busiest cruise port and world's 13th largest. Each year, Port Venice handles thousand cruise ship calls and over 1 million passengers. The seaport is located at the end of Venice (the road to the continental Italy, at the 4th km).

The seaport is in the Venetian Lagoon and the Porto di Lido channel links it to Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean). Over 20 cruise companies are hosted by Venice Cruise Terminal. Major companies, like NCL Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and MSC, homeport large-sized liners here.

The cruise port has 3 main quays, the biggest being Marittima. It has 3 passenger terminals with capacities to handle world's largest liners. The cruise port comprises TM Quay, Piave Quay (berth 117), Tagliamento Quay (berths 107, 109, 110, 112) and Isonzo Quay (berths 18 and 20). Two terminals serve smaller ships - San Basilio (berths 29 to 31) and Santa Marta (berths 24 to 28). All these docks are in the Giudecca Canal.

On November 8, 2017, was officially announced the decision to not allow Venice seaport access (through Giudecca Canal) to cruise liners of GT tonnage over 100,000 tons. Instead, the vessels are rerouted to Port Marghera, from where passengers are ferried to Venice.

Venice tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

Venice is known to be the “Queen of the Adriatic”. It is one of the most romantic world cities. Venice can enchant anyone with its breathtaking palazzos, canals and beautiful bridges. This city is so spectacular, that you will need at least three days to enjoy some of its wonders. Spend a day in a gondola at the narrow channels and be amazed by Venice. Go to Murano, the Venetian glassmaking center, or visit some of the famous places near the St Marks Square:

• Basilica: the place where you can see Pala d’Oro. This famous altarpiece dates since 976. It is made of solid gold by the Byzantine goldsmiths and it has precious gems encrustations.
• Doge’s Palace: situated right to the Basilica. You can see the Council Hall, plaques of the Doges (all 76, except Doge 55) and the world-famous Bridge of Sighs (the last walking place for the criminals before their transfer from the palace into the jail).
• Campanile: dating since 912. The Campanile is the third building you have to see. There is astonishing city view from the top of it. This is not the exact original of the building, but a rebuilding with the original materials after its collapse in 1902.

From Venice City are offered tours to Bologna - located approx 130 km (80 ml) to the southwest. Train travel time is 1,5 hours.

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Cruise to Venice, Italy

VENTURE THROUGH VENICE

A trip to Italy isn’t complete without time spent in Venice. The iconic city is everything you imagine and more. And it’s just over 2 hours from your cruise port in Ravenna — so extending your adventure to explore The Floating City is definitely worth your while. Discover stunning architecture views everywhere you turn. Wander through legendary sites like the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace. And indulge in cicchetti (Venetian appetizers) paired with a refreshing Bellini. It’s the perfect chance to take Venice off your bucket list.

Venice Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in venice.

IN GOOD CAMPANILE

The San Marco basilica in Venice, Italy

Discover the heart of Venice in Piazza San Marco, home to outdoor cafés and flocks of hungry pigeons. Enter San Marco Basilica to admire its Byzantine architecture and golden mosaics. Then take an elevator to the top of the 320-foot-tall Campanile bell tower for rewarding views of Venice.

PADDLE THROUGH THE AGES

A group riding in a gondola in Venice, Italy

A boat cruise is a must-do when visiting the City of Canals. Relax in a gondola, as you’re rowed along the Grand Canal and under the stone-arch Rialto Bridge. Paddle your own kayak through the Venetian lagoon. Or take the motorized Vaporetto waterbus around neighboring islands.

SEE HOW IT’S MADE

Travel to the offshore island of Murano to go behind the scenes in a historical glass-blowing factory. Watch local artisans create one-of-a-kind glassworks, using techniques dating from the 13th century. You can even bring home your own masterpiece from one of the island’s glass showrooms.

LOCAL CUISINE

Fresh-off-the-boat seafood from the surrounding lagoon highlights many Venetian menus. Try fritto misto (lightly fried seafood) or risotto frutti di mare (fruit of the sea). Afternoon cicchetti (small plates) come in the form of meatballs and bruschetta, while baicoli (thin oval cookies) and fregolotta (almond cake) satisfy dessert lovers. Enjoy a bellini in Harry’s Bar, birthplace of the Italian cocktail.

A string of souvenir kiosks borders the Grand Canal, but roam the backstreets to shop artisan studios. Pick up authentic Venetian pearl jewelry, marbled paper travel journals and long-nosed carnival masks. Burano is known for its handmade lace products, while hand-blown Murano glass comes in the form of vases, jewelry and housewares.

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Cruise ships in Venice: which ships are not banned from Venice?

Published 30th March 2023 in Cruise Advice By Claire Benktander /cruise-news/cruise-advice/cruise-ships-in-venice-which-ships-are-not-banned-from-venice

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Venice recently banned cruise ships over 25,000 GRT (gross tonnage), forcing them to use ports nearby. But which cruise ships can still call into Venice? Luckily, many of our favourite small ship cruise lines are under the maximum GRT and can still sail right into the heart of the Venetian Lagoon. Read below for a round up of all the ships that are not banned from Venice and are still able to navigate this famous waterway to dock in the centre of the city.

1. SeaDream Yacht Club

The small, yacht-like stature of SeaDream's ships mean they dock at Venice's San Basilio pier after navigating St. Mark's Square down the grand canal, a luxury granted to only very few cruise lines. SeaDream I and II visit Venice at the start or end of their cruises at least twice per month from June to August, this year and next - we particularly like the Istanbul to Venice itinerary in June 2024 which encompasses an in-depth exploration of Greece and Croatia alongside these two city icons. We love the al fresco feel of SeaDream's ships - you can even spend the night sleeping outdoors on the Balinese dream beds - perfect for those warm Adriatic summer nights.

2. Windstar

Windstar's small ships allow you to approach Venice via its main waterway, a small-ship exclusive benefit, anchoring in the heart of Venice's Old Town while larger ships can only pass by. Windstar sails to, from, or via Venice four times per month throughout May-November in 2023 and 2024, with classic Dalmatian coast itineraries such as a late-September sojourn 2023 on the 342-guest Wind Surf and its spectacular sails. You'll pause among the ancient cobblestone streets and fjord of Kotor, marvel at Old Town Dubrovnik and discover timeless Rome and Venice, with several incredible included excursions.

Emerald's luxury super yachts, Emerald Sakara and Azzurra , are small enough to dock into central Venice at the San Basilio Cruise Terminal, connected to downtown Venice and just a mere 10-minute walk from the city's most well-known sights. Emerald offer an array of itineraries from May to November both this year and next that start or end in the iconic city and call in at regions in Italy, Greece, France, Croatia and Turkey. To escape the full summer crowds, we like the 1st June 2024 sailing from Rome to Venice that sails to Italian jewels like Sorrento and Sicily, before stops in Croatia's Dubrovnik and Vis.

4. Sea Cloud Cruises

Sea Cloud's small ships - the largest of which has just a 136-guest capacity and a GRT of 5,431 - approach and leave Venice on a route reserved for small ships, docking just moments from the Doge's Palace. Experience Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II or Sea Cloud Spirit - which are famous for the fascinating spectacle of hoisting all their sails by hand - on a range of itineraries of varying lengths, including this September 2024 Venice to Valletta sailing that visits Croatia's lesser-known Rovinj as well as beautiful Korcula, before calling in at the spectacular hilltop town of Taormina on Sicily's east coast and the ancient ruins on Italy's Ortigia island.

5. Uniworld

Uniworld is renowned for its destination-focussed ships and itineraries, and the small size of their river ships means they are able to sail into and dock right in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon. On board, the S.S. La Venezia supership is reminiscent of 1920s Italy - think handcrafted beds, Murano glass and gilded accents - with wood-fired pizza suppers to set the scene. Plus, guests can enjoy exclusive experiences in Venice such as a private, after-hours visit to Saint Mark's Basilica which is specially opened for Uniworld guests, as well as visiting Venice's surrounding islands for Murano glass blowing demonstrations and private wine tastings. The ship remains only in Venice and its surrounds year-round - with a few sailings also calling in to Milan - meaning guests can experience a real, in-depth appreciation of Venice and Veneto. Want to skip the crowds and heat that high summer brings? Opt for a May or September river cruise such as this 10 September 2023 voyage.

Ponant's largest ships hold a maximum of 264 passengers, meaning they are small enough to wind through the famous waterways of Venice. Venice itineraries take place on either the 184-ship Ponant Explorers or one of the four 264-guest ships; these stylish ships are the eptiome of elegance - the perfect pairing to a Venice cruise. Regular departures between May and August visit the likes of Montenegro and the Greek Islands, but the Artistic Adriatic and Pinault Collection cruise has really caught our eye. Departing on 17 June 2024, this 7-night cruise will be held in partnership with the Pinault Collection - Palazzo Grassi, and guests will listen to fascinating lectures given by Pinault Collection experts, discover contemporary art in Venice and enjoy private visits of the Palazzo Grassi and the Punta della Dogana accompanied by Pinault Collection experts.

7. Scenic Ocean Cruises

Scenic's two luxury ships, Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II, are two of the most technologically advanced and most exciting ships ever built, and thanks to their 18,000 GRT, easily sail into Venice's central port, the San Basilio Cruise Terminal. This central docking location is connected to downtown Venice, allowing for easy disembarkation to explore the city. Scenic Eclipse I and II visit Venice in May 2023, paired with visits to such gems as Croatia's Hvar and Italy's stylish Capri, perfect for some late-spring sunshine.

Claire is Marketing Manager at Mundy Cruising, having worked with the company for nearly two years and in travel for over 8 years. Most recently she's cruised on Seabourn and has also sailed with Ponant and Uniworld. Her favourite destination is Sweden however she's also enjoyed cruises in the the Galapagos, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Greek Isles and the Far East. When she’s not travelling she loves weekends away in the countryside.

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