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The Docks, Piers and Terminal in Venice Port for Cruise Travelers: the Passenger Terminal and San Basilico, What's at the Piers and Terminals, Getting Around, Piazzale Roma, Embarking and Disembarking.

By: Editor-in-Chief | Date: April 15, 2019

With the exception of very small ships such as the ones belonging to ultra luxurious cruise lines (like Silversea or Seabourn), most cruise ships will dock at the Venice Passenger Terminal.

Cruise Terminal, Venice

Photo © IQCruising.com

The Passenger Terminal is a massive basin harbor with three very long and wide piers, where as many as 8 cruise ships dock. Within walking distance, you will find the People Mover - a small electric train (like the ones found in many an airport, costing €1.50 for a 1-minute ride)

Cruise Terminal Map, Venice

What's at the Venice Cruise Terminal

The passenger cruise terminal in Venice has very good amenities and services. All piers where cruise ships dock have modern, updated terminals buildings with air condition, escalators and elevators between the ground a upper levels.

Getting Around in Venice

Just outside the terminal building, the cruise traveler will find very good public public transportation: a shuttle bus to the people mover that connects the terminal area to Piazzale Roma (a main square in Venice), taxis and the water transportation pier, which is centrally located to all piers.

On the water transportation pier you can get on a Vaporetto or a Water Taxi to all the main highlights, including the Airport if your cruise ends in Venice, or the other way around if your are embarking. Keep in mind that the Vaporetto - public bus service - covers the entire city and has stops close to all and every main highlight, landmark, museum or religious site of interest.

Passenger Cruise Terminal, Venice

Vaporetto, Water Taxi and Hop-On Hop-Off

Do not be put off by the price for a single journey (€8.00) on the Vaporetto and look instead for a 1-day, 2-day or 3-day pass. You will save a lot of money and walking. The Vaporetto network is very easy to navigate, with maps at every stop and once you buy a pass you will just hop-on and off to wherever you want to go. Since 2016, the ubiquitous Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus has also been operating in Venice with a water-bus departing from here. However, the cruise traveler should check the prices of the daily pass for the Vaporetto - for a very similar cost you will have more stops available.

Shuttle Bus

If your cruise ship is docked at the farthest spots and the walk to the main buildings where public transportation services are found seems too long, do not be discouraged, there is a shuttle bus service connecting all docking spots to the main service area and stopping close to the people mover station.

Shuttle Bus, Venice Cruise Terminal

Basic Services and Amenities

At the Passenger Cruise Terminal in Venice you will find pretty much everything you may need, including a Pharmacy, ATM and Exchange Office, Souvenir Shops, a couple of Coffee shops and you may even find a tourist representative or, at least, a desk with maps of Venice - make sure you grab one.

Be aware that a taxi - the regular ones with wheels, not the water ones - will only be useful if going to Piazzale Roma or if embarking/disembarking and going to the airport. The fare to Piazzale Roma will be at least €20.00.

Taxi Stand, Venice

Luggage Storage

One service that can be very useful is the luggage storage and transfer - you can leave your suitcases at the pier or, even better, have them transferred to the airport or to the railway station. You can even have your luggage delivered anywhere in the European Union.

What's Close By: Piazzale Roma

The Venice Passenger Terminal is around 3/4 of a mile (1 km) from Piazzale Roma. This large square is at the eastern edge of the Old City and his the main transportation hub of Venice. In fact, this is the last area where cars and buses can circulate before entering the maze of water canals and the exclusively pedestrian zone that Venice is.

Piazzale Roma, Venice

The cruise traveler can easily reach Piazzale Roma, either on foot (10 to 15-minute walk) or using the people mover.

Being the main transportation hub of Venice, the Piazzale Roma is the right spot to get on a Vaporetto - public water bus - as you will find here the central Vaporetto Pier with all and every single itinerary. In other words, all Vaporetto start and finish at Piazzale Roma. For those that like to walk, starting the exploration of Venice at Piazzale Roma is a delight and an easy place to return to by Vaporetto or Water Taxi - costing way more, obviously.

Walking from Piazzale Roma

Cruise travelers that, like the Editor, enjoy exploring Venice on foot, should head to Piazzale Roma and from here choose to go north (towards the Railway Station and the Ghetto) or East (to cross the district of Dorsoduro). Either way, you will find signs with arrows indicating two main directions: San Marco and Rialto.

Basically, just enjoy the walk and do not worry about getting lost: you surely will as all visitors do and you surely find your way as all travelers do. Essential to know: when walking back, the cruise traveler should look out for the signs indicating the two directions closer to the terminal: Ferrovia (Railway Station) or Piazzale Roma.

San Basilico Terminal

If the traveling on cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea or Seadream, your ship will most probably dock at San Basilico. This is a small pier in the district of Dorsoduro, right before the beginning of the Fondamenta delle Zattere - a wonderful waterfront promenade on the southern edge of the city, facing the Giudecca. This is one of the nicest spots to Dock in Venice, within walking distance to many highlights and no more than 30 minutes away from Piazza San Mark on foot.

Cruise Terminal San Basilico, Venice

From San Basilico, once you pass a small bridge that connects to the Zattere, you will find a major water-bus stop connecting to many top landmarks and highlights, but for those that plan to explore Venice on foot the walk along this waterfront promenade is a delight. The church of St. Mary of the Rosary (Gesuati) is not far, and turning left after this church, you will be very close to the Accademia and Guggenheim Collection. Crossing the wooden Accademia Bridge will allow a fabulous photo op and from Campo San Stefano you will be just 10 minutes away from Piazza San Marco.

Embarking and or Disembarking in Venice

Venice is a major embarkation cruise port for all cruise lines with itineraries in the Mediterranean. With thousands of cruise passengers embarking and disembarking every week, the operation is surprisingly smooth thanks to very good infrastructures and good services. There are many different ways of getting directly from the Terminal to the Airport and in the opposite direction: by taxi, water-bus (Vaporetto) or water taxi. And by bus from Piazzale Roma.

St Lucia Railway Station, Venice

If planning to go somewhere else in Italy by train after or before your cruise, the Railway Station of St Lucia is just next to Piazzale Roma and easy to access. For those staying overnight in Venice, a day trip to Verona or Padua should be considered and the train is undoubtedly the best way to explore these hidden jewels. But if you prefer to rent a car, you will find Hertz, Avis, and Europcar close by on your way to Piazzale Roma.

If docking at San Basilico Terminal, the cruise traveler will also have very good connections to the airport - taxi, Vaporetto, and water-taxi. However, be aware that only the latter will take you next to the embarkation terminal as both the taxi and the Vaporetto stops are around 300 meters away.

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Venice Cruise Terminal: Where It Is & How to Get There

• Discount Shore Excursions for Italian Ports
• Top 10 Things to Do in Venice
• Day Trips from Venice
• 5 Essential Venice Survival Tips

Location of the Venice Cruise Terminal/Port of Venice

How to Get to the Venice Cruise Terminal/Port of Venice

Now that you know where the Venice cruise terminal is, let’s talk about the best way to get there. Your options will vary depending on where you’re coming from, so I’ll try to outline the most common places you might be arriving from on your way to a Venice cruise. Arriving at the Venice Cruise Port from Venice Marco Polo Airport Note: These instructions will get you from the Venice Marco Polo Airport on the mainland to the islands of Venice, but may not get you all the way to the cruise terminal. For instructions on reaching the cruise terminal from the train station or the bus stop, scroll down to those sections below.

• Taking a bus from Marco Polo Airport to the Piazzale Roma is the fastest and cheapest transportation method. The coach-like ATVO Venice Express bus reaches Piazzale Roma from the airport in less than a half-hour, and a one-way ticket is only €3. There’s also a local city bus that takes roughly the same amount of time, and costs €2.50 one-way. The Venice Express buses are more comfortable and allow for stowing bags underneath, so for the extra 50¢ I’d say they’re worth it.
• From the Marco Polo Airport you can take a water bus – called a vaporetto – directly from the airport to the cruise terminal, which might be advisable if you have loads of time before your cruise and you want a more romantic entry to Venice than in a regular bus. It takes much longer – 1.5 hours at times – and since you’re going to be getting on a boat fairly soon anyway, don’t feel bad if you skip the vaporetto and head for the bus with wheels instead. A vaporetto ticket from the airport to the Venice cruise port will cost €13 one-way (less if you book online with VeniceLink ), and you can either take the red line ( linea rossa ) all the way around the islands of Venice to the Tronchetto stop (which is right next to the cruise docks), or take the orange line ( linea arancio ) to the Giuglie stop behind the train station and then walk across a couple bridges to the Piazzale Roma.
• The luxury option for getting to the cruise terminal from the airport is to hire a private water taxi. The trip will still take you an hour or more, and the fare can be in the €100+ range, but if you have a party of 4-6 people to split the cost it’s definitely more reasonable. The VeniceLink site mentioned above will let you book “tickets” for spaces on shared water taxis, which can help cut down on the price.

>> Here’s more information about how to get into Venice from the Venice Airport . Arriving at the Venice Cruise Port from the Piazzale Roma Parking Lot/Bus Stop On the map above showing the cruise terminal area, you’ll see that the Piazzale Roma – where the buses stop and where people park their cars – is not far from the Marittima cruise terminal. If your ship is docked in the Marittima terminal and you don’t mind walking, it takes 10-15 minutes to walk. Otherwise, most of the cruise lines run regularly scheduled free shuttles back and forth from Piazzale Roma to the cruise terminal on certain days of the week. By either the free shuttle or a privately hired taxi the trip is very short, usually only 5 minutes or less. If your cruise is setting off from San Basilio terminal, on the other hand, a walk – while totally possible – is significantly further. San Basilio is reachable via private water taxi from the Piazzale Roma parking lot, or if you’re more adventurous and have more time, you can take a vaporetto around the islands to the Zattere stop and walk to the cruise terminal from there. Arriving at the Venice Cruise Port from the Santa Lucia Train Station The cheapest option for getting to the Venice cruise terminal from the main Venice train station is to walk across the brand new and ultra-modern Grand Canal bridge – the “Constitution Bridge” – that leads to the Piazzale Roma parking lot, and then follow the instructions above. It’s a short walk, and the bridge’s steps are graduated so slightly that you could probably even more or less roll a suitcase over it (although it’d be easier to pick a bag up and carry it). Another option is to take a private water taxi from right in front of the train station directly to the cruise terminal. If money isn’t a concern, this is an easier transport method to stomach – but if you’re traveling in a group (or meet a group of fellow cruise-goers on the train) and can share the water taxi fare among 4-6 people, it’s a pretty reasonable price to pay for the convenience and comfort. You can also catch one of the vaporetti that dock right in front of the train station, just make sure you’re getting on one that will drop you off at Piazzale Roma. From there, you’ll follow the instructions above. Arriving at the Venice Cruise Port from the Mestre Train Station If you’re coming to your Venice cruise from elsewhere in Italy, you might be confused into thinking that the Venezia Mestre station is the train station you want for your cruise. It’s not. The Mestre station is on the mainland – the last stop on the mainland before trains snake across the long bridge to the islands of Venice – and since the cruise terminal is on the islands, Mestre isn’t where you want to be. Here’s hoping you’re reading this in time to book the right train tickets – in which case you want to book tickets through to Venezia Santa Lucia station (the station on the islands), and then follow the instructions above for getting to the cruise terminal from the Santa Lucia train station. If you’ve already got your tickets booked and you don’t feel like booking a separate ticket from Mestre to Santa Lucia, there are buses that connect Mestre’s station to the Piazzale Roma parking lot/bus stop on the islands. It’s about a 15-minute trip and only costs a few euro. The directions for getting to the cruise terminal from Piazzale Roma are listed above.

How to Get to St. Mark’s Square from the Venice Cruise Terminal/Port of Venice

Homeport Cruise Ships at the Venice Cruise Terminal/Port of Venice

The list of cruise companies that dock in Venice can change at any time, so this list may not be completely up-to-date. If you see an error, please let me know so I can fix it! Cruise companies are listed in alphabetical order, followed by the names of the ships that dock in Venice.

• Azamara Club Cruises – Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest
• Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Equinox
• Compagnie des Iles du Ponant – Le Boreal, Le Levant, Le Ponant
• Constellation Cruise Holdings – Arion
• Costa Crociere – Costa Deliziosa, Costa Fortuna, Costa Serena, Costa Victoria
• Crystal Cruises – Crystal Serenity
• Cunard Line – Queen Victoria
• Ellevi Shipping – Vistamar
• First Quality Cruises – Athena
• Fred Olsen Cruise Lines – Balmoral
• Hapag Lloyd Cruises – C. Columbus
• Happy Cruises – Gemini
• Helios Shipping – Corinthian II
• Holland America Cruises – Nieuw Amsterdam, Westerdam
• Iberocruceros – Grand Celebration
• Marine Trade Consulting – Delphin, Delphin Voyager
• MSC Crociere – MSC Armonia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Opera
• Norwegian Cruises – Norwegian Gem
• Oceania Cruises – Insignia, Nautica, Regatta
• Pegasus – Pegasus
• Premicon Kreuzfahrt GmbH & Co. – Astor
• Princess Cruises – Crown Princess, Pacific Princess, Ruby Princess, Star Princess
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Voyager
• Royal Caribbean Cruises – Splendor of the Seas, Vision of the Seas
• Salen Ship Management – Island Sky
• Sea Cloud Cruises – Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, Sea Cloud Hussar
• Sea Dream Yacht Club – Sea Dream I, Sea Dream II
• Seabourn Cruise Line – Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Spirit
• Silversea Cruises Ltd. – Silver Cloud, Silver Spirit, Silver Wind
• Star Clippers Ltd. – Royal Clipper, Star Clipper
• Voyages to Antiquity – Aegean Odyssey
• Windstar Sail Cruise Ltd. – Wind Spirit, Wind Star, Wind Surf

>> You can also consult the official Venice cruise port website for a list of the homeport ships . This video shows what it’s like to arrive at the Venice cruise port by cruise ship. It’s an early morning, but the views are worth it.

>> More information about Venice’s cruise terminal is available at the Port of Venice website – in Italian and English – and cruise passengers may be interested in this detailed PDF guide to the Venice cruise port .

Venice cruise port

Mediterranean - black sea.

• Coordinates 45.462, 12.280
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Venice cruise ship schedule

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Venice, Italy – Cruise Port Guide

Discover the insider secrets of the port of Venice, Italy! The port is located on beautiful waterways that entice thousands of tourists annually. In this blog post, we’ll help you quickly explore and navigate the Venice cruise port so you can fully appreciate its beauty and history.

With our guide, you’ll find essential information about the Venice cruise terminal amenities, transportation options from the port to popular city attractions like muscle-powered gondolas, budget advice, and more! When visiting this fantastic European destination, prepare for a luxurious voyage filled with culture and breathtaking sights.

About the Port

The Venice cruise port is one of Europe’s busiest and most popular cruise ports. Strategically located in three distinct areas, the port serves an array of international travelers each year with multiple terminals to meet their needs.

The main cruise terminal is Venice Passenger Terminal (VPT), near the Sestiere di San Marco Bay across from Piazza San Marco. Other nearby terminals include Venice Trieste and Imperial Marino Veneziano port Mary & Ravenna – both within walking distance of the city center for tourists looking to explore all that Venice offers by foot or public transportation.

As well as boasting some of Italy’s best architecture, attractions, and unique cultural events, 32 waterways containing more than 400 bridges make it a must-see travel destination!

Cruise Terminal Information

Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.P.A. manages the Venice cruise port and operates three locations: the Venice Passenger Terminal (VPT), Terminal Venezia Passeggeri, and Marittima.

The Port is connected to the historic city of Venice—“La Serenissima” or “The Most Serene City”—through a spectacular 4-km causeway along an island archipelago known as La Giudecca consisting of eight separate islands.

At these three ports, travelers can access maps, bus rides, and shuttle services for transportation into the city. These services run frequently from March until November to various points in the old Italian city, including tourist sites such as St Mark’s Basilica .

Additionally, it is possible to take any of these modes of transport further away from the Venetian Lagoon to other destinations, such as Mestre Railway Station and Marco Polo Airport, for those who want to explore even further afield or return home more conveniently.

How To Get Around

Getting around Venice is relatively easy, with walking being the most popular way of transport. Due to its small size and pedestrian-friendly layout, it is possible to access many attractions by foot with little difficulty.

When visiting the city, make sure you have a map to get your bearings—this will allow for efficient use of time and money as landmarks such as San Marco Square are within walking distance of each other.

If located close enough, visitors may also choose to bike across bridges at sunset for breathtaking views over gondolas passing below them on cozy canal rides– truly an unforgettable experience!

Things To Do

As a cruise guest in Venice, you’ll immerse yourself in a beautiful city full of rich history and culture awaiting exploration. From sightseeing to visiting landmarks like St Mark’s Square, don’t miss out on these activities in the most romantic city on the planet.

You can also take a Vaporetto or gondola ride through picturesque canals and explore lesser-known neighborhoods. At local markets such as Rialto Bridge Market or Sant’Angelo Market, you’ll be able to get acquainted with Venetian cuisine and products.

For those looking for a unique experience, taking a water taxi around the Grand Canal in Venice offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the unforgettable view. Disembarking at Trinity Bridge allows for a tour of Basilica San Marco, which holds great significance in Christian history.

Beach Pass Information

Venice’s beaches are accessible with a beach pass. Beach passes provide access to the city’s most beautiful spots and famous clubs, allowing travelers to enjoy the sun and sand while saving money on daily entrance fees.

Visitors must purchase a one-day ticket from an authorized vendor or tourist information office in Venice to obtain a beach pass. This ticket typically costs around €15 per day and allows entry into all public beaches throughout the city—though there are occasionally restrictions for specific locations.

Local Cuisine & Best Places to Eat

Venice has unique culinary experiences and offerings, from traditional Italian dishes to regional Venetian specialties. Venetian cuisine is known for its rice dishes, pasta, seafood, and other savory flavors made with fresh local ingredients.

For the ultimate gastronomic experience in Venice, dine at one of two acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants or visit one of the Bib Gourmand eateries, which offer good food at reasonable prices.

There’s Something for Everyone!

Explore Venice like a local by sampling local osterias and bacari—traditional eateries serving authentic Venetian fare and wine and cocktails in a lively atmosphere.

Visit tiny romantic trattorias (family-run restaurants) to try classic Tuscan dishes such as ribollita or Lampreia stew cooked over an open fire or explore bustling outdoor markets to buy local handmade cheeses served up with fragrant bread still warm from the oven.

Shopping Opportunities

The Venice cruise port offers various shopping opportunities, from quaint boutiques to chic designer labels. Behind the Correr Museum , well-known luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel can be found selling their designer clothes, shoes, and purses.

Local Currency

Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning to stay a while, it’s essential to understand the local currency used at the Venice cruise facility. The official currency in Italy—and indeed all of Europe—is the Euro (EUR). In 2002, when European nations adopted the single currency, Italy removed its former national currency, the Italian lira, from circulation.

ATMs and foreign exchange bureauarend near the St. Mark’s Square area and other central locations for visitors who want to convert their country’s money into Euros. Cash is still preferred over debit/credit cards, so keeping an emergency supply of euros on hand is always helpful!

Safety Travel Tips

Cruising is a fun and exhilarating experience, but keeping yourself safe should be your top priority when visiting the Venice cruise port terminal. It can be easy to become vulnerable in crowded areas full of unfamiliar people.

The best way to guard against potential danger or theft is to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid taking risks. Dress conservatively to avoid drawing attention, keep valuables hidden away, never share cabs with strangers, and travel in groups when walking around.

Finally, if possible, leave expensive jewelry back on the ship so that if anything does happen, you won’t lose any irreplaceable items during your trip.

Best Time To Visit

Visiting Venice is always an incredible experience, but the best time varies greatlyPlanan your trip between May and October for optimal weather conditions and fewer crowds.

July and August in Venice are hectic for tourists due to increased day-trippers and cruise ship passengers taking holiday during this time. Additionally, Venetians traditionally take a two-month vacation that falls around these times, leading even more people into the city and making it crowded and hot.

If you want a less crowded experience, consider visiting Venice in April or May, where the temperatures are pretty warm.

Popular Cruise Lines That Visit Venice Cruise Port

Cruise passengers can explore Venice’s wonders through several famous cruise lines that call the port home. Celebrity Cruises , for starters, offers roundtrip itineraries from this port to premiere destinations in the Adriatic Sea, such as Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania.

Royal Caribbean is another must-visit for anyone looking for unforgettable journeys around Italy’s stunning cities—from taste-testing pizza in Sorrento or shopping along Rialto Bridge’s local markets, these ships host unique activities ideal for young couples looking to relax on the sun deck or adults keen on exploring nearby towns during shore excursions.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Venice cruise port, such as the difference between Venice Ravenna and Venice Trieste, here!

Can you walk into Venice from a cruise ship?

Yes, you can easily walk into Venice from the cruise port follow the signs and take the shuttle that services passengers arriving at the Vienna cruise port. The port is only a five-minute walk away.

Where do the cruise ships dock in Venice?

The cruise ships in Venice dock at several locations along the city’s waterways. These ports include the Venice Passenger Terminal (VPT) at Marittima, located near St Mark’s Basin and connected to the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea via its Porto di Lido entrance.

What is the difference between Venice Ravenna and Venice Trieste?

Venice and Trieste are two departure ports for cruises in Italy, although Ravenna is another option that often comes into consideration. An important point to note is the distance from Venice to Trieste is approximately 160 km northeast.

Booking Information

If you’re planning a cruise ship trip to this gorgeous location, reserving tickets in advance makes your journey much easier and faster.

The first step to ensuring you gain access to the port quickly is booking a ticket online through Skiptheline . Romantic Eastern Mediterranean cruises are often booked through these outlets, ensuring travelers have exciting itineraries available immediately when stepping onto their magnificent destination!

The Venice port guide is valuable for anyone cruising to or from Venice, Italy. It provides essential information about the port, including where cruise ships dock, amenities at the passenger terminal, transportation options into the city, shopping opportunities, local cuisine, and more.

So take advantage of this comprehensive guide today—it could be just what you need for an unforgettable stay in one of Europe’s oldest cities!

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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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How to Navigate Between Venice Italy Cruise Ports, Train Station and More

Gondolas and canals. Romance and intrigue. Mystery and magic, Venice, Italy has it all. But there’s one major change for passengers that hope to cruise past Piazza San Marco.

As of July 2021, cruise ships weighing over 25,000 tons are now banned from using the Venice Cruise Port. This means that the view of sailing past iconic St Mark’s Square, and into the narrow Giudecca Canal is over. 

With cruise ships will no longer able to dock in the city-center port, they’ll be rerouted to the mainland and to the industrial port of Marghera. 

This creates an entirely new set of directions to get to the Venice city-center, airport, train station and the other embarkation ports.

There’s not much more to say about this iconic view in Venice. Simply amazing.

How to Go from Porto Marghera Cruise Port to Venice

Porto Marghera is where almost all cruise ships will have to dock when visiting Venice. The new law forbids cruise ships from sailing past Piazza San Marco to or from the city cruise port. This could cause your few days in Venice before or after your cruise to be a little more complicated. 

The good news is that there’s a train at Porto Marghera that will whisk you into the heart of Venice at Santa Lucia train station, in just seven minutes. Another reason to make sure that you pack light so you can manage to haul your suitcases.

Once you arrive at Santa Lucia Station, this is when you need to know how to get around a city that doesn’t have any street transportation. 

Most people fly directly to Venice for either their vacation or to board a cruise ship. Others may opt for a river cruise Or like me, spend a night or two in Paris and then take an overnight train from Paris to Venice .

It’s a memorable sight as your train slowly crosses the Venice Lagoon and the Venetian skyline appears on the horizon as you enter heart of this island-city. 

Getting Between Porto Marghera, Santa Lucia Station, Airport and Hotels

Although the new big ship cruise port in Marghera isn’t very pretty or scenic, it is easier to get into Venice with only taking one train and you’re there.

But first, there are some basics to learn. Knowing the difference between a vaporetto or private water taxi is crucial. Riding in a private water taxi, in my opinion, something everyone should try at least once. It’s expensive as a solo traveler, but I would do it again without hesitation. 

Difference Between a Vaporetto and Water Taxi

This used to confuse me and I’ll clarify for you. Think of a vaporetto as a public bus on the water. There are two companies that operate vaporetti (plural for vaporetto); ACTV and Alilaguna.

ACTV is best for traveling around Venice and the islands. Alilaguna, as far as cruise passengers are concerned, is mainly for connecting between the airport and cruise port. Links to both companies are at the bottom of this article.

If you want to avoid crowds and glide through the canals on your own private “yacht” then opt for the more expensive water taxi.

Think of these as land-based taxis back home. This is your best option for early morning flights TO the airport from your hotel. Yes, there is rush hour on the canals.

First view of Venice as you exit the Santa Lucia train station.

To and From Santa Lucia Train Station to the Former Large Ship Cruise Port

If you’re booked on a very small ship or taking a river cruise from Venice, this is still where you’ll board the ship. 

Going from Santa Lucia Station may seem daunting but it’s actually easy. You can even walk part of the distance if your luggage isn’t too heavy. 

• After you exit the train station, turn right and walk along the Grand Canal for a short distance.
• Cross the Ponte della Costituzione glass and steel bridge to Piazzale Roma.

From Piazzale Roma

There are a few choices to reach the nearby Stazione Marittima (former large ship cruise port). Remember, as of July 2021, ships over 25,000 tons are not permitted to dock here. They are now rerouted to Porto Marghera, an industrial port. 

Once again, if you’re on a very small ship or river ship, this is where those ships will dock. 

• If your arms are tired from hauling luggage, you can take a taxi for a few euros right to the terminal from Piazzale Roma
• Wait for or hurry to the free shuttle bus which runs about every 15 minutes
• Take a really short tram/train ride on the driverless People Mover. Sort of like the connector trams at airports. You’ll find a ticket machine inside the glass-enclosed ticket kiosk. You’ll quickly reach the Marittima exit (cruise terminal) – it’s the first stop along the way – in only a few minutes.
• If you’re traveling really light and feeling adventurous, you can walk to the cruise terminal from Piazzale Roma. Start walking as if leaving Venice, following the busy causeway that leads over to the mainland. Once you’ve crossed over the water and train tracks, turn left into the terminal. But I really don’t recommend walking over to the port.

Take a Vaporetto Part of the Way

• After exiting Santa Lucia train station, in front of you is the magnificent Grand Canal. You’ll find the ACTV vaporetto floating docks to your left. You want to buy a ticket for either #1 or #2 vaporetto going to Piazzale Roma.
• Be prepared for a 30-40 minute boat ride. #1 is a local water bus and #2 is an express water bus. Both will give you a lovely waterborne introduction to Venice.
• Once you arrive at Piazzale Roma, follow the options above.

Transportation to Your Hotel

Whether you arrive by air or train, the public vaporetti (plural for vaporetto) and private water taxis are waiting to take you to your hotel as soon as you step out of either terminal. Here’s where it gets tricky and a little preparation can go a long way.

Remember, there are only two ways to get around Venice: by foot or by boat.

Most important: pack light. The less luggage you have to haul around, the happier you will be. It’s probably more daunting to arrive into Venice by train than depart. And getting to or from the main cruise port, Stazione Marittima, is an experience worth planning in advance.

If you’re arriving into Porto Maghera, it’s easier to get to the city center, as I mentioned earlier in this article. 

At the Stazione Marittima Cruise Terminal via my water taxi. You won’t see these big ships here anymore.

Venice Cruise Port – Stazione Marittima

You can hire a private water taxi (90 € or more) or hop aboard a public vaporetto to travel between Santa Lucia train terminal and either of the two cruise ship ports.

It’s the walk between where your water vaporetto or water taxi docks, at either Venice cruise port – the larger Stazione Marittima cruise terminal or the adjacent smaller San Basilio port, that can be a potential nightmare if you’re not prepared.

San Basilio Cruise Port

If you are lucky and your smaller ship is docked at San Basilio, you are a short walk along a paved path to the San Basilio vaporetto and water taxi station.

It is likely, when docked at San Basilio, that your ship will run a 2-minute shuttle bus ride between the ship and the San Basilio water taxi/vaporetto floating station. This was the case on my recent Viking Star cruise from Barcelona to Venice.

From your hotel or train station to your ship at Stazione Marittima, luggage is usually checked right where either the water taxi or vaporetto lets you off, assuming that cruise ship representatives and luggage trollies are present.

On a cruise a couple of years ago, arriving by private water taxi, I was able to check my biggest suitcase to send to the ship. But because I had a case with my computer, another packed full with camera equipment and yet another small case with makeup/breakables.

I ended up pulling three small but very heavy two-wheeled suitcases for what seemed like miles.

My pre-arranged private water taxi to get to the cruise terminal.

Arriving or Departing From the Airport

You’ll still have to get to or from the airport (mainland) and Venice Island. If arriving, look for signs to the water taxis and vaporettos just outside the arrival area and it’s the same procedure as above at the cruise port.

Take a public vaporetto (water bus) to your hotel or cruise ship if you don’t have much luggage.

Getting to/from Your Hotel in Venice

Many times for new visitors, finding their hotel means walking and pulling luggage on cobblestones, up steps and over bridges and sometimes up several flights of stairs if you’ve chosen a penzione.

INSIDER TIP:  choose accommodations near a water bus (vaporetto) stop.

The #1 vaporetto runs between the cruise terminal, the train station and St. Mark’s Square and other stops in-between which may be convenient to your hotel. Note: Your vaporetto may be crowded so be prepared. This is why I love the private water taxis.

Note:  Since private water taxis can hold up to six-eight people, you could ask others in the water taxi queue if they’d like to share, provided of course that you are all headed to the same destination.

Entrance to the Hotel Danieli for the private water taxis.

Believe it or not , there are land porters for hire to haul your luggage from point to point. Either phone or ask your hotel concierge for a list of companies. 

READ NEXT:   My review of the glamourous Hotel Danieli in Venice

They’re expensive but might be worth it. This saved my sanity when I had to change hotels from the Hotel Danieli to the Westin Europa, on totally opposite sides of St. Mark’s Square.

Yes, people carry their luggage up and over bridges to get to their hotels.

Buy Your Vaporetto Pass Online

You can buy your water bus (vaporetto) pass before you leave home. Simply visit the ACTV website  where you can view all of the options. This will cost about 7.50 € pp and it makes several passenger stops. This is not the private water taxi service. For that, you look for a private water taxi at the dock or arrange it online or through your concierge. It’s at least 90 € but it’s the entire boat.

Alilaguna operates several lines, noted by their color. But for going from airport to cruise port, they depart every 15 minutes. Click the link for schedules and to purchase online.

Reserve Your Private Water Taxi

Some private water taxis add a mandatory meet and greet at the train station and charge for the service.

But the upside is that you don’t have to pull/push/drag your luggage through the station, down the steps and through the crowds at the waterfront and then determine which water taxi is the one you reserved.

Princess cruise ship on the Grand Canal 

Cruise ships on the Venetian Lagoon in Venice are gone. Conservation groups finally won the battle of the behemoths, citing erosion and pollution as the two main reasons. 

You can’t blame the Venetians for their drive to preserve this easily flooded and slowly sinking magnificent island.

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Hi Barry, Thank you for reading my article. Yours is the first question I’ve received since Venice banned the large ships. I’m guessing you are cruising with Royal Caribbean aboard the Brilliance. Because there is no direct train from Venice Santa Lucia to Ravenna, I would suggest taking the ship’s shuttle service that is most likely offered at the Venice airport to Ravenna. Check with your travel agent or contact your cruise line. It’s not a short jaunt between the two cruise ports. Definitely think about arranging transportation with the cruise line from the Venice airport. It would be a shame to get all the way to the airport in Venice and not be able to spend the day there, so maybe they offer a pre-cruise shore excursion to Venice. I hope this is somewhat helpful. Enjoy your cruise and thank you again for writing. I am sorry if I can’t be of more help.

Hi Sherry, We have a group of 8 people – arrive to Venice Marco Polo Airport on Sept 10, 2022 and need to get to “Ravenna Cruise Port, Porto Corsini 48123, Ravenna – Italy on Sept 11, 2022. Please advise is there Airport Shuttle or Water taxi from Venice Marco Polo Airport to the Ravenna Cruise Port?

Best, Barry Ma

Hi Margaret, Thank you very much for your kind words. And lucky you for going to Venice! You didn’t mention your ship’s cruise port but unless you’re on a very small ship, you will most likely (if the law should suddenly change) have to now board your ship at Porto Marghera, an ugly industrial port. From the airport you can can hire a taxi, take a vaporetto (they’re right outside the airport) or reserve a private water taxi. Most likely and the easiest to do would be to arrange transfers through the cruise line. They’ll collect you and your luggage and head straight to the ship.

After your cruise, it’s an easy 10-minute train ride from Porto Marghera to Venice’s Santa Lucia Station. From there, you have only two choices; walk to your hotel if it is very close (remember there are bridges and cobblestones and narrow streets), pile into a vaporetto, or hire a private water taxi.

Thank you again for taking the time to read my article and submit your question. Have a wonderful vacation in Italy.

Great Article! My friends and I are heading to Venice in June for a 7 night cruise then returning to Venice to stay for 2 nights before heading home. What is the best way to get from the airport to the cruise port? Thanks in advance!

Hi Debra, Thank you for reading my Venice article. I highly recommend that they do not attempt to walk from the cruise port to the People Mover to the bridge and train station. The bridge that have to cross is the Ponte della Costituzione, a new, very long glass bridge that can also be slippery when wet. Please have them take a look at this bridge before making a decision. With five people, they could (you could do it for them) reserve a private water taxi and split the cost. I think this would be the most convenient, less stressful and certainly less strenuous way to get to Santa Lucia train station. It should only cost about $20 USD or less with all five of them. I hope this is helpful. Once you see the bridge, you’ll know what I mean. Tourists hauling luggage trip, fall or twist ankles because of the way the steps are arranged. Thank you again for reading my article and taking the time to write. Best, Sherry

Hi Sherry, Great information. I am a travel agent and haven’t been to Venice in about 10 years. I have 5 ladies (2 in their 70’s and 1 of the younger gals has difficulty with a limp). They are arriving May 9th on the RCL Rhapsody of the Seas. They want to take their luggage to the Trains Station and store it there while they sightsee. My question to you, how should they get from the cruise port to the station? Can they get on the people mover and if so, should we purchase the tickets ahead of time? Thank you, Debra

Hi James, I sort of thought that once you saw the bridge and the very low steps, it would be do-able. For your train ticket, if it was me and I knew the time and date that I’d leave from Santa Lucia to Rome, I’d get my ticket ahead of time here. Mainly because I don’t want to fumble with getting out my wallet and guard my luggage to purchase my ticket. In your case and with two people, one is the “luggage guard” while the other gets the ticket. It’s always easier with four eyes. I’ve purchased tickets on the fly at Roma Termini using the kiosk and all was fine, though I was constantly watching my luggage and carry-on.

Which brings me to the next point, when you get to Roma Termini, walk straight head towards the main doors, directly and firmly from the train platform to the taxi rank directly in front of the station. Maybe you’ve already been in and through Termini in which case, please disregard my warning. If anyone asks you if you need directions or assistance, a loud, firm “NO” will do and keep walking. Head out the doors to the taxi. I’ve arrived into Termini at 10pm and there were a few panhandlers working the taxi line, too.

And one more suggestion, at Santa Lucia, there are handicapped (accessible) ramps on both sides of the station that makes it much easier to enter the station instead of the long flight of steps in the front. If you’re early, once you’re in the station…all the way in the left corner (as you face the trains) is a coffee shop. One of you can sit with the luggage while the other gets coffee. Have a fabulous cruise! And thank you very much for reading my article and taking the time to write. Best, Sherry

thank you Sherry. after google I think it will be ok for me to carry the luggege over the bridge. one more question: is it easy to buy train tickets to rome at Santa Lucia stations or I have to buy them in advance ? thank you again. James

Hi James, Thank you for your questions. With your two large pieces of luggage, you will end up dragging them up the steps and there are a lot of step. If you google “Calatrava Bridge Venice” you’ll seen what I mean. And with such a long bridge, going back and forth twice would be a long haul. On the positive side, the rise of the steps is very low and thousands of people bump their luggage up, across and down the bridge every day. If your luggage wheels are sturdy, I’d say that’s the way to do it. I don’t know you or your wife’s ages, strength or mobility, but when you see the photo of the bridge, I think you’ll have a much better idea. I’d bet it’s at least 200 steps total, up and over and down.

For your second question, you can buy your People Mover ticket at the station from the kiosk. Have euro change with you, enough for both of you. So far, the cost is 1.50euro per person. An alternative is to take a taxi from outside the cruise terminal to Maestre and then a train into Venice Santa Lucia station.

Your ship’s front desk will also be able to give you a map and maybe more advice.

Thank you again for reading my article and have a wonderful cruise and time in Venice. Sherry

hi, sherry: I plan to use the people mover and walk over bridge to the station. only thing I am worrying about is the luggage. I an d my wife have two large luggage and one small luggage. is it ok for me to carry two large luggage to walk over the stairs to cross the bridge, or one by one each time? total how many stairs ? also is it ok if I just go to the train station and buy the ticket? or I have to buy the ticket in advance? thank you

Hi Annette, Thank you for your comment. In a perfect world, one would think that you should be able to get your luggage and take the people mover, walk etc. to Santa Lucia in time for the 10:25am train. However, in my opinion, that is cutting it a little close. You could ask MSC when you are onboard for priority debarkation. Assuming that the ship is cleared at exactly 8am (or maybe earlier!) then if you do not put your luggage outside of your door the night before and do a self-assist early walk-off, then yes, it definitely could be possible.

I am confused as to why you are going to Civitavecchia via Florence and Pisa for six hours. The train to Roma Termini is about a 3 1/2 hour ride and then to connect to Civitavecchia would be another 45 minute train ride. Maybe for the chance to go through Pisa and Florence.

I hope your connection works. I’ve taken an 11 am train from Santa Lucia on debarkation day, but as a solo, I opted to share a private water taxi with two other people from my ship. We arrived at the train station with about a half-hour to spare. There is a busy coffee shop at the Venice terminal if you should be lucky and have time before your train arrives. Keep an eye on your luggage. Have a wonderful cruise! Please let me know if this works out for you. Sherry

Hi Sherry We are sailing with MSC and will be docking in Venice at 08h00 (Oct 2019). I would like to book the 10h25 train departing from Santa Lucia to Florence, Pisa and Civitavecchia , which will take about 6 hrs. We plan to use the people mover and walk over bridge to the station. Is there enough time to catch that train? Is one able to request an early disembarkation from MSC Info desk on the ship? Kind regards, Annette

Hi Nicole, No worries. Your best bet is to contact a travel agent who can find a bus to Florence for your group. I’m sorry I can’t help you with it. From the Marittima to Santa Lucia train station, as you exit the port, follow the signs and you can take the People Mover (little tram ride) to the Piazzale Roma. From there, you’ll cross the glass and metal Calatrava Bridge. It’s only a 10-minute walk to the station. Otherwise you can take the #1 vaporetto somewhere around 7Euros. The staff onboard your ship will be able to answer any logistical questions that you may have. I hope you have a wonderful time in Italy. Sherry

I apologize if this sounds redundant, but can you again explain how to get from Marittima to St Lucia train station via water bus and its associated price. After the cruise we would like to visit Florence. Also is there a bus that goes from Venice to Florence? if there is can you please give directions and info for that. My very small group is REALLY trying to keep the price low….any added links are much appreciated.

I apologize if this sounds redundant, but can you again explain how to get from Marittima to St Lucia train station via waterbus and its associated price. After the cruise we would like to visit Florence. Also is there a bus that goes from Venice to Florence? if there is can you please give directions and info for that. My very small group is REALLY trying to keep the price low….any added links are much appreciated.

Hi Marisa, To get from Venice Marittima to Piazza San Marco, yes, a vaporetto is the least expensive and easiest way. You can also arrange a private water taxi, but it is very expensive, around 80-100 Euro. The alternative is to take the land-way with the People Mover tram to Piazza Roma. If you like to walk, you can get to Piazza San Marco that way, too. Have a great time in Italy! Sherry

To get from the cruise port to Piazza San Marco you have to go by vaporetto ? or you can use some other public transport.

Hi Deb, Lucky you! I love Budapest. Be sure to use Budapest Keleti station (and be sure to admire the beautiful train station!).

For Venice, I think your best, easiest and least expensive and stressful hotel option would be in Maestre, right across the water from Venice island. The city is directly on the train route to Vienna. There’s a Best Western hotel (they’re very nice in Europe) right across from the train station. Then you can zip in and out of Venice via the train and on departure day to Vienna and Budapest, you’re right there.

Another nice feature of staying a couple of nights in Maestre is that it is accessible from the Marittima cruise terminal by land instead of staying in Venice proper and worrying about getting to your hotel from the ship.

Have a wonderful time! Oh! When you’re on the Railjet to Budapest, be sure to order (for a fee) their homemade Hungarian Goulash. I thought it was really good…and fun to have a “local” meal while in transit! Sherry

We are arriving from Holland Cruise and would like to stay an extra day or two in Venice, before leaving by train for an additional week ending up in Budapest. We are thinking train from Venice to Vienna to Budapest. Any thoughts of where to stay in Venice and how long to stay? Ship arrives Saturday June 16 @ 1pm and we are officially off the ship @ 6am Sunday June 17. We are hoping to be in Budapest on Thursday June 21st. Where to stay in Vienna, near train? Anyplace else we should look at?

Hi Peggy, The least expensive and easiest way to Marittima Cruise Terminal is to get a hotel in Maestra, just across the water from Venice Island. From there it’s a quick taxi or bus ride to the terminal. If they’re on Venice itself, a hotel close to Piazzale Roma and take either the People Mover tram, taxi or free shuttle to Marittima would be the second choice. If they are staying downtown near Piazza San Marco, they’ll need to haul their luggage to a vaporetto stop, probably over bridges. They will then take the Alilaguna Blue water bus from San Marco-Giardinetti docks to Marittima cruise terminal. It will cost somewhere around 8 euro.

I hope this helps.

I have clients who are arriving by Rome to Venice for 1 night and then taking cruise from Venice next day

How do they get from Venice Island to the Port of Venice —easiest and least expensive

thank you Peggy

You are on the right path. Yes, I would suggest the #1 Water Bus/vaporetto. It will be somewhat scenic as you make your way to the Rialto Bridge stop. If you can budget for it, I like to suggest to first time visitors to reserve a water taxi. Yes, it is more expensive, but for some first timers, it takes away any anxiety. Since you are a “we” that means you’ll have four eyes to help you navigate through this incredible city. You can always ask the ticket seller for directions…most have a good grasp of English. Have a wonderful time! Sherry

Hi we disembarking at Marittima Port and need to get to Hotel Rialto which I understand is at Rialto Bridge, we haven’t been to Venice before so have little idea on which Water Bus we should get in order to get to the Rialto- can you guide me – I’ve been looking at the ACTV Water Bus Map Routes and thinking we need get on either the 1 or 2 line which both stop at Rialto Bridge is the correct? you help is soooo appreciated as we are very very green.

Lucky you! It’s easy to get from the Maritima Cruise Terminal to Santa Lucia train station. The most expensive way (and most scenic) is to arrange for a private water taxi. The ride to the station will include a trip down the Grand Canal, too. That will run about $120 USD. It can be arranged onboard. Alternatively, walk from the Maritima Cruise Terminal to the People Mover and take it to the Piazzale Roma exit. From there you can walk to the Venice train station if you do not have much luggage, due to steps over bridges, or take a Vaporetto to the station. Also, your cruise ship might have transfers available to take you from the cruise terminal to Maestre, the train station on the mainland.

Please read my post again, only read the directions in reverse. You can also look at my map here to get your bearings.

Have a wonderful cruise and enjoy Venice and Rome. Thank you for your email.

Hello, we are planning to take a train from Venice to Rome this summer after our ship docks in Venice. What is the best way to travel to the train station from the cruise ship dock? Which train station is closest to the dock. I believe we are docking the main pier in Venice.

Hi Joelle, I’m so sorry I couldn’t be of help earlier; it’s a transit day for me, too. I hope your transportation worked out okay. Have a wonderful cruise! Sherry

Hello Sherry, Do you know how to get to the Royal Carribean Rhapsody of the sea ftom Venice Calle Del Magazine Tre Archi? Thank you! We have to check out at 1030am and cruise departs at 5pm today!

Hi Beth, Oh good! I hoped that you would nix the walking to the port. I think you’ll do fine! Have a wonderful trip! Sherry

THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Definitely not going to navigate stairs with luggage. #2 Vaporetto it will be 🙂

Have a great day!

Hi Beth, Thank you for your question! I’m doing a brand new post with photos, just for you. I’ll publish it tomorrow, Wednesday, and I’ll go back here and insert the link. Thank you again. I’m sure this will be helpful for others, too.

My best advice is to not walk the distance. It’s not easy, has tons of bridges with steps. It’s also not a great walk from the train station to the main cruise terminal either. The new article is done and here’s the link: https://cruisemaven.com/venice-train-station-san-basilio-cruise-terminal/

I hope this clears up all questions. Have a wonderful trip!

Hi Ms. Kennedy,

Your information is so helpful. I just want to make sure I have the most up to date information. I read your post to Ms. Karen on May 10, 2016. We are arriving by train to the VENEZIA S LUCIA on July 14, 2017. Our ship departs from San Basillo pier. After being on the train for 7.5 hours from Basel we will need a walk I understand that we “Turn right after you exit the train station, walk along the Grand Canal for a short distance. Cross the Ponte della Costituzione glass and steel bridge to Piazzale Roma” from another website. Is this where we purchase a ticket to the pier or can we continue and walk from Piazzala Roma. Our luggage is on wheels and we love to walk. I thank you in advance for your time and assistance.

Hi Robyn, From Hotel Baglioni, there are two vaporetto platforms – San Marco Vallaresso and San Marco Giardinetti. You will want to take either the #1 or #2 vaporetto. Keep in mind that the #1 vaporetto does not stop at Giardinetti. The #2 water bus will be a little shorter travel time than the #1. But allow an hour including walking time with luggage, buying your ticket etc. Your stop for Santa Lucia train station is Ferrovia. Once there, the station is right in front of you. There are gentle walking ramps that flank the wide staircase. You just have to look a little to find them as the concrete sort of blends in with the steps and buildings.

I always suggest arriving at any train station in Europe no more than 30 minutes prior to departure. Since your train begins in Venice, you will be allowed to board maybe 10-15 minutes prior to departure. There’s a café overlooking the train platforms but finding a seat can be a challenge at times. So for a 10:25am departure, if you are planning to take a vaporetto, I’d leave the hotel by 8:30am. If you want to splurge a bit (really a lot!), consider hiring a private water taxi. It will whisk you from the hotel to Santa Lucia station in about 20 minutes and you’ll have the entire boat to yourself. You can ask your hotel to arrange it (they’ll probably pad in a fee) or book it yourself, either online or when you’re in Venice.

I hope this information is helpful. Have a wonderful time in Venice!

Hello I am travelling from baglioni hotel to Venice s Lucia train leaves at 10.25am to go to Naples what do you suggest best way to get to station and what time do you think I should plan to get to station, Thankyou for you help

Hi Diane, As you exit from Santa Lucia train station, there’s a wide flight of step downward (there are also two ramps on either side of the entrance) and right in front of you, you’ll find the vaporetti boarding docks. Here’s the link the schedule (copy & paste): . I didn’t find an English version, but the route you want is Ferrovia to P. Le Roma. Translated it’s from Santa Lucia to Piazzale Roma, where the People Mover tram is located. Alternatively, you can make a right turn out of the train station, walk along the Grand Canal for a short distance and cross the glass-and-steel Ponte della Costituzione bridge to Piazzale Roma and the People Mover tram. If your arms hurt from hauling luggage, for a few euros you can catch a taxi to the cruise port. There should also be a free shuttle public bus to the cruise port, too. Once you’ve done this, it will be easy peasy the next time! Thanks for asking…I hope this is helpful. Sherry

Can you please tell me where to get the vaparetto from San Lusia and how long and how much it costs to get to the port we are sailing on Royal Carabbean thank you in advance.

Hi Catalina, Thank you very much. You’ve welcome! Have a wonderful trip! Sherry

Thank you so much Sherry!!! This was incredibly helpful!

Hi Catalina,

My first suggestion would be to purchase your cruise line’s airport transfers to the cruise port. If you have their transfers, then there’s no worry about getting to the ship on time as other guests will also arrive and have purchased transfers, too. It’s about a 2 hour public boat ride from the airport to the cruise port.

It helps to know that both the airport and Maritima cruise port are accessible via land transportation as well as water transport.

A taxi ride from the airport to the Maritima takes about 20 minutes for about $40. Or you can take an public airport shuttle to Piazzale Roma and then take a short taxi ride or the People Mover (an elevated tram/train) to the Maritima Basin entrance. Or if you don’t have much luggage, it’s somewhat walkable (15-20 minutes) from Piazzale Roma to the cruise port.

The best way to get to Florence from Venice is by train and Santa Lucia is the train station on Venice island. There’s also Maestre station on the mainland but I’ve never used it. There are several departures throughout the day leaving at :25 past the hour. I’d suggest nothing before the 11:25am train. You don’t want to arrive more than 30 minutes before your train. There’s a café there but seats are hard to find. It’s only a two-hour and five minute train ride.

Getting to Santa Lucia: If you don’t have tons of luggage you can make your way from the cruise port to Piazzale Roma, either on foot or People Mover train. From Maritima to Santa Lucia station, follow the signs as you leave the port for the People Mover to Piazzale Roma. From there, you can follow the crowds and cross the bridge to the station. Keep in mind that you will encounter steps (all bridges have steps) and hauling luggage up, across and over can be exhausting. You can also find water taxis to the train station.

Because it’s an island without cars or taxis, getting around Venice can be very confusing on your first visit. After that, it all makes sense!

Good luck and have a wonderful time in Italy and on your cruise.

I need some help/advice. I arrive into Marco Polo and my cruise leaves from Marittima. I was looking at the Ailaguna passes as I would rather not pay for a private water taxi. On the way back my ship arrives into Marittima and I need to go to Florence. I was considering taking the train to Florence. My question is my plane arrives in Venice at noon and we should be boarding the ship about 3ish is that enough time to go from the airport to the cruise port? Also would Ailaguna be the best option to get from the airport to the cruise port other than the private boat? One last thing, where would I grab the train to get to Florence from the cruise port and what mode of transportation would be best to use? Thanks a million!

Hi Melanie,

My best advice, since there are four of you, would be to hire a private water taxi and share the cost. It will take you directly to Santa Lucia station with plenty of time for a coffee at the café near the platform. Also, Santa Lucia station has two accessible ramps that flank the entrance to the station which are perfect for hauling a large suitcase, instead of bumping and dragging it up the stairs. I have taken the exact same train to Rome and used a private water taxi to make life easier and less stressful with connections.

If you are all on a budget, then yes, I’d say to go to Maestra instead, since it’s on the mainland. But make sure your train stops there! To the best of my knowledge, not all Santa Lucia trains stop at Maestra. Have a fabulous cruise and trip in Italy!

I have a couple of questions. We will be getting back to Venice from our MSC cruise at 9am. We want to take the high speed train to Rome. There will be 4 of us each with a large suitcase. Is it easier to get to the Maestra train station or the Lucia train station and is it doable to arrive to the train by 11:45 am?

Hi Dita, thank you for your nice comment about this article. The most simple way to get from the airport to Marittima cruise terminal is to purchase the cruise line’s transfers . To take the tram from the airport to Piazzale Roma is the least expense way to go.

If you want to take the ATVO to Piazzale Roma (the junction where you make connections to the port) visit ATVO Web site’s Venice Airport pages and select Venice Marco Polo Airport – Venice Piazzale Roma (Express Service).

Once you’re at the Piazzale Roma, that’s when you can decide if you’d like to try the People Mover for a one-minute ride to Marittima Terminal. It’s a little bit of a walk as you exit the People Mover train just outside the port entrance. You could also take a taxi to the port or look for a possibly free shuttle at Piazzale Roma to your ship.

Figure that unless you take a private water taxi at about 120€ (for 6-8 people), you can expect to pay less than 10€ per person. I hope this additional info is helpful. Have a wonderful trip! Sherry Sherry

Hi Sherry, Looking at the Alilaguna blue line, it looks like you can take it from the airport and stops at the cruise terminal. But which Terminal is it? Is it the Marittima Cruise Terminal? This is the other option I am exploring vs. the ATVO airport express to Piazzale Roma. Which will you recommend? Thanks again. Dita

Hi Sherry, your information and tips on getting to/from airport to Marittima Cruise Terminal is very helpful. We are taking NCl cruise from Venice in August,2017. Our plane arrives at VCE airport at around 9.40 am. on the day the cruise departs. I am thing of taking The airport express (ATVO) to Piazzale Roma. I have read from your post that you can Tram 1 from the Marittima cruise terminal to Piazzale Roma. Can we take this tram from Piazzale Roma to Marittima Cruise Terminal? Do we enoough time to do this? How much does it cost to take this Tram ? Are there othe tram, since you mention Tram 1. Your advise is greatly appreciated. Dita

Hi Marshal, If you arrive into Venice airport at 2pm, keep in mind that you’ll need to check in at the cruise terminal no later than 4 or 4:30pm. I would advise that you ask your travel agent or contact the cruise line to know exactly when the cut-off time is for embarkation. Two hours should be enough time for public transportation as long as you don’t get lost. You might also ask about purchasing airport to ship transfers through the cruise line. It could save you a lot of headache. Then you could take public transport from the ship to the airport, instead. Have a wonderful cruise!

hi my plane arriving in venice airport @2pm and my cruise (ncl) departs at 6pm is that enough time for me if I use public transportations.

Hi Joe, thanks for your question. The travel time between Santa Lucia and the Marittima Cruise Terminal could be determined on how you choose to get there. If you make a reservation for a private water taxi, it would only be about a 20-miinute scenic, stress-free boat ride. Or you could take a public vaporetto; they run about every 15 minutes from Santa Lucia and could take about 30 to 40-minutes. My article has links to both so you can make your reservation. If you are traveling with several others, a private water taxi is definitely the best way to go, as it costs about 90 euro for the entire boat vs. less than $10 for a vaporetto ticket.

For me, when I arrive into Venice after an overnight train ride, I’ve saved up to afford a private water taxi along with someone at the platform to help me with luggage. There are now two ramps on either side of the exit doors so that makes getting from the station to the water’s edge a little easier.

Have a wonderful trip! Sherry

How long does it take to get from Santa Lucia train station to the cruise port (NCL)?? What is the best way to get there?

Hi Marline, I’m guessing you will be staying at a hotel in Mestre. It’s easy to get there from the big cruise ship terminal, Marittima. For about €30-40 you can hop into a taxi as you exit the terminal (follow the signs or follow the crowd!). If you’d rather save your money, you can take the T1 tram to Piazzale Roma, a central hub for vehicles. If you’re traveling light, there is a public bus but if you’re not familiar with the buses, especially just coming off a ship, I’d go with the other two ideas. I hope this is helpful. Have a wonderful cruise. Sherry

What is the best way to get from the cruise port (NCL) to Mestre?

Hi Ana, The BEST way is of course the most expensive: by private water taxi. This can set you back about €110. The good new is that if you can find more people (up to 10 total) to share it with you, the price can be a bargain. I would inquire at the Shore Excursion Desk on your ship if they will sell group transportation to Santa Lucia. It is possible. Also, Viator.com offers a meet and greet at the ship to Santa Lucia station. There is always public transportation on the water bus (vaporetto) that you can try. If you were to take transportation from the ship (at Marittima) to Piazzale Roma, you can the take the #1 ACTV vaporetto to Santa Lucia station. Yes, it all sounds confusing but once you get there, it will be easier. The distance, as the crow flies, from Marittima to Santa Lucia is very close. But because of the canals, it’s a round-about way to get there. Easiest: private water taxi. Least expensive: walk from ship to the People Mover to Piazzale Roma and vaporetto to Train. But…you will have luggage and it’s not always easy to drag luggage. Take land taxi to Piazzale Roma and then the vaporetto.

Thanks again, Ana. I know this is a lot to try to absorb. Best bet, like I mentioned, is to first ask the ship’s tour dept. when you board. Then if they aren’t providing a purchasable transportation option, you’ll still have enough time to book with Viator.

Yes, there is left luggage storage (baggage office – deposito bagagli) at Santa Lucia near Track #1.

What is the best way to get from the port terminal (Celebrity cruise ship – Venezia Terminal Passenger Maritima) to the St Lucia train station to go to Florence?

Do you know if the St Lucia train station has lockers or baggage storage?

Hi Karen, Lucky you! I would suggest Santa Lucia train station. If you go through Mestre, it’s on the mainland, so it will add to the time needed to get between San Basilio. San Basilio is closer to Santa Lucia than the major Marittima Cruise Terminal. You have options when you arrive in Venice. Walk directly straight ahead after you exit your train and you’ll be right there at the canal. There may even be a vaporetto to go direct to San Basilio. It can be a bit overwhelming so just take a breath, enjoy the first glimpse of Venice and simply ask the ticket vendor (go down the stairs and you’ll see it)for a ticket to San Basilio. There are ramps if your luggage is cumbersome. The ramps are on your right and hopefully the ramp on your left is open, too. Once you get to San Basilio, you’ll see your ship, and there may even be a shuttle provided by your ship between San Basilio Cruise Terminal and boarding. You’ll do embarkation at the small terminal right there as you exit the water transport. Thank you for reading my website! Happy travels! Sherry

Hi Sherry. We are going to San Basilio Cruise port from the rail station. Which rail station is best to arrive and the least amount of hassle and expense to San Bailio? Thank you!

Hi Dolores, Simply exit the airport terminal and look for the Water Taxi sign. You’ll need to know at which cruise port your ship is docked…San Basilio or Marittima. The same will apply from the cruise port to Santa Lucia station. If you’re feeling flush, you can pre-arrange a private water taxi. There are links to all of the info in this article. Have a terrific cruise and Happy Travels! Sherry

What’s the best way to get to Venice cruise port from Venice airport, and from cruise port to Saint Lucia. Train station

Hi Charlene, Yes, you can come and go from Santa Lucia to the Airport (VCE) but you have to change trains on the mainland at Mestre station. And yes, you can take either a land taxi, water taxi or bus to and from Piazzale Roma. Or take a water bus (about an hour boat ride) from right outside the airport to Piazza San Marco and walk from there.

Regarding this informatio “From the airport, you can take either a bus or taxi to Piazzale Roma. From there, you can either walk across the modern-looking bridge or take a vaporetto/water taxi to your hotel. If this seems too daunting (too much luggage) you can board a water taxi at the airport (outside of the customs area) to go to your hotel in Venice. It’s strange to think of Venice as an island without roads. You can buy your water taxi tickets here” Can you also go to the airport via taxi or bus from Piazzale roma? I was under the impression you could take a train from the Santa Lucia station to the airport. I guess I was wrong, thank you for your help.

Hi Charlene, I’m not sure if you meant to take the train from the airport to Venice (the city/island) or the Marittima Cruise Terminal. Assuming that you mean to go from the airport into Venice, no, you cannot take a train directly into Venice from the airport. On an aside note: You could take a land taxi or bus from the airport to Venice Mestre train station. From there, you can board a train that goes across the water into Venice proper. But that’s a lot of work.

From the airport, you can take either a bus or taxi to Piazzale Roma. From there, you can either walk across the modern-looking bridge or take a vaporetto/water taxi to your hotel. If this seems too daunting (too much luggage) you can board a water taxi at the airport (outside of the customs area) to go to your hotel in Venice. It’s strange to think of Venice as an island without roads. You can buy your water taxi tickets here http://www.venicelink.com/index.php?lang=english .

I hope this is helpful. Thank you for your comment.

Hi, Can you take the train from Marco Polo airport to Venice?

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Updated on September 24, 2022 by

Venice, Italy

Venice Cruise Ship Schedule

Venice, Italy

Port schedule.

Venice, Italy cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

• MSC Sinfonia 2.340 passengers 30 Jun 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Sinfonia 2.340 passengers 30 Jun 2024 - 09:00
• MSC Armonia 2.340 passengers 01 Jul 2024 - 10:00
• Wind Surf 404 passengers 03 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Royal Clipper 227 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 00:00
• MSC Lirica 2.371 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• Costa Deliziosa 2.712 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 09:00
• MSC Sinfonia 2.340 passengers 07 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Sinfonia 2.340 passengers 07 Jul 2024 - 09:00
• Silver Whisper 466 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 00:00
• Silver Ray 728 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Armonia 2.340 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 10:00
• Explora 1 1.473 passengers 09 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Norwegian Pearl 2.873 passengers 11 Jul 2024 - 06:30
• SeaDream Innovation 220 passengers 12 Jul 2024 - 00:00
• Viking Sea 930 passengers 12 Jul 2024 - 00:00
• Explora 1 1.473 passengers 12 Jul 2024 - 08:00
• Viking Jupiter 930 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 00:00
• Norwegian Pearl 2.873 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 06:30
• MSC Lirica 2.371 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 07:00
• MSC Sinfonia 2.340 passengers 30 Jun 2024 - 16:00
• MSC Armonia 2.340 passengers 01 Jul 2024 - 20:00
• Wind Surf 404 passengers 03 Jul 2024 - 16:00
• MSC Lirica 2.371 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 16:00
• Costa Deliziosa 2.712 passengers 06 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• MSC Sinfonia 2.340 passengers 07 Jul 2024 - 16:00
• Silver Whisper 466 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 19:00
• Silver Ray 728 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 19:00
• MSC Armonia 2.340 passengers 08 Jul 2024 - 20:00
• Explora 1 1.473 passengers 10 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• Norwegian Pearl 2.873 passengers 11 Jul 2024 - 23:00
• Explora 1 1.473 passengers 12 Jul 2024 - 18:00
• Viking Sea 930 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 00:00
• MSC Lirica 2.371 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 16:00
• Costa Deliziosa 2.712 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 17:00
• Norwegian Pearl 2.873 passengers 13 Jul 2024 - 23:00
• MSC Sinfonia 2.340 passengers 14 Jul 2024 - 16:00
• Viking Jupiter 930 passengers 15 Jul 2024 - 00:00

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Marghera (Venice), Italy

To preserve fragile Venice, cruise ships dock in Marghera, Italy. It’s a scenic, and a quick trip from Marghera to Venice — the train from Porto Marghera to the Santa Lucia station takes only seven minutes.

Venice was built for romance, not rushing. When you arrive, marvel at the stunning impossibility of La Serenissima. Stroll narrow passageways, ride the vaporetto (water bus) and pop into the family-owned pizzerias, bookstores, and shops. Book shore excursions early! The most popular sites attract long lines, but they are worth the wait.

Make your way to St. Mark’s Square. Built between the 9th and 12th century, it is home to historic sites, including the extraordinary Basilica di San Marco. An elevator to the top of St. Mark’s Campanile pays off in panoramas of winding canals, domed cathedrals and terracotta rooftops. Encounter a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture at Doge’s Palace, built as an opulent residence for the leader of the former Republic of Venice. 

Top 3 Things To Do In Marghera (Venice), Italy

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!

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Venice and boarding

By PRH , February 26, 2022 in Viking Ocean

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Anyone embark in Venice this year?  I understand the ships are docking at Fusina on the mainland.  Do you check-in at the cruise terminal on the island (I.e. get seapass, etc.?) or are you simply transported to Fusina by bus and check in there?  What time did boarding open?  Thanks!

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I will be embarking in Venice at the end of March. I just got this email from Viking the other day:

Dear Viking Guest,

Thank you for choosing Viking for your upcoming   Mediterranean Odyssey   voyage. We would like to update you regarding your docking location in Venice.  

As you may be aware, the Italian government announced that cruise ships would no longer be allowed to travel through the city's canals. To ensure you enjoy time in Venice,   VIKING SKY will dock in the nearby port of Fusina. Venice shore excursions will operate from the ship's alternate docking location.

If this change affects your embarkation and you are traveling independently, please direct your driver to take you to the Venice Cruise Terminal (Stazione Marittima).

Same email I received but doesn’t really tell you much, does it?  The ferries dock at Fusina so there is a terminal there.  

If you're flying into Venice and not doing some touring on your own, Viking will gather you up at the airport, so you'll be squired to the ship without any effort on your part... If you're traveling independently, just go to  Venice Cruise Terminal (Stazione Marittima), and they'll get you to Fusina (I assume). We're on the cruise from Rome to Athens, so we'll be in Venice on the 11th.

A little different question but didn't want to start a new thread.. Our Odyssey cruise ends in Venice.  We have an early flight home.  Should we have any concerns (or try to change our flight) about getting an early (4-5AM) transport to the airport from the Fusina port?  Flight was booked on our own - not through Viking.

curmudgeon98

5 hours ago, PWRWAGN said: A little different question but didn't want to start a new thread.. Our Odyssey cruise ends in Venice.  We have an early flight home.  Should we have any concerns (or try to change our flight) about getting an early (4-5AM) transport to the airport from the Fusina port?  Flight was booked on our own - not through Viking.

I would be concerned about whether the ship would be cleared for offloading at that hour.  That might in part depend on where it had been previously (customs/immigration).

Looking at the satellite view, it appears that there is a small parking lot/turnaround just outside the gates at Fusina, where presumably a pre-arranged taxi could pick you up.  The airport can be a bit of a zoo early in the morning, but don't count on checking in two hours before departure - they may not have opened the desks.

We often arrange our own travel and then purchase a Viking Transfer for our flight.  They have always arranged to get us to the airport in plently of time for our flight.    Under "Viking Air " of your "My Viking Journey" print out the "Transfer Request Form" and send it to Viking.   You can also arrange this transfer after you get on board.

16 hours ago, PWRWAGN said: A little different question but didn't want to start a new thread.. Our Odyssey cruise ends in Venice.  We have an early flight home.  Should we have any concerns (or try to change our flight) about getting an early (4-5AM) transport to the airport from the Fusina port?  Flight was booked on our own - not through Viking.

My understanding is that taxis are plentiful, but you might want to ask about that when you get on the ship. We always allow a lot more time than we need, but I'd rather sit in an airport and read my book, than fret about getting to the airport on time.

I can’t vouch for Viking customer service, but the guy my sister talked to intimated that you could go directly to Fusina.  BUT to wait for boarding documents for final answer!  We are staying in Mestre.  Seems ridiculous to go over to the Venice cruise terminal to board a bus to go right back past where we were!   Does anyone know if they are using the Venice terminal to actually process passengers (I.e. check documents and hand out sea passes, check in luggage, etc.) or are they doing that at the ship’s dock area in Fusina??  Inquiring minds are curious.  

1 hour ago, PRH said: I can’t vouch for Viking customer service, but the guy my sister talked to intimated that you could go directly to Fusina.  BUT to wait for boarding documents for final answer!  We are staying in Mestre.  Seems ridiculous to go over to the Venice cruise terminal to board a bus to go right back past where we were!   Does anyone know if they are using the Venice terminal to actually process passengers (I.e. check documents and hand out sea passes, check in luggage, etc.) or are they doing that at the ship’s dock area in Fusina??  Inquiring minds are curious.  

It may be that, in the terminal, they check your Covid test results; that's what happened on our cruise to the Caribbean this past December. In the terminal, they looked at our PCR test document, and then we were given our key cards and tracker lanyards, and allowed onto the ship. Viking doesn't really have any sort of setup like that when you board the ship, you just go through the entry area and the metal detector, and you're on the ship. 

Viking returned my call today.  Fusina is not open to cruise passengers.  All embarking passengers must go to the cruise terminal in Venice to check-in (document checks, sea pass, luggage, etc) and then will be bussed to Fusina (about 30 minutes).  Didn’t sound like passengers would be allowed to leave Fusina by themselves to catch a taxi but if you’re thinking about this, check directly with Viking as the representative who called made it sound as though only Viking busses would be able to access the ship.

On 2/26/2022 at 11:41 PM, curmudgeon98 said: I would be concerned about whether the ship would be cleared for offloading at that hour.  That might in part depend on where it had been previously (customs/immigration).  

Im assuming that since we will actually arrive in Venice (Fusina) the day before we fly out (actually have an excursion the first day) that all customs/immigration required would be already taken care of?  Thats my hope anyway.  When I questioned the Viking rep prior to booking our flight they made it sound like it wouldn't be an issue. But I posted the question here as what passengers are told is sometimes different than personal experience.

• 6 months later...

I called VIking and was told that the address for disembarkation was Via Moranzani 79, which i is in Fusina.  I tried to clarify if you were taken to the Venice cruise terminal from there, and they said no, you can be picked up in Fusina. Did anyone cruise Viking recently and disembark in Venice that can tell me how to book a transfer into Venice from the cruise, and if they transfer you to the cruise terminal fist?  Thanks.

8 minutes ago, KellyGR said: I called VIking and was told that the address for disembarkation was Via Moranzani 79, which i is in Fusina.  I tried to clarify if you were taken to the Venice cruise terminal from there, and they said no, you can be picked up in Fusina. Did anyone cruise Viking recently and disembark in Venice that can tell me how to book a transfer into Venice from the cruise, and if they transfer you to the cruise terminal fist?  Thanks.

That's not what I was led to believe.  We were there in mid-March, on the Viking Sky; we took a bus from the Fusina dock to the passenger terminal in Venice; at the end of our excursion, we returned to the passenger terminal, where we boarded the bus and returned to Fusina.

My understanding is that other transport is not allowed inside the Fusina port, and that the only way for passengers to get into Venice is by Viking's buses.This may have changed since then, but I seem to recall a previous thread where this same question came up.

We were hoping to take a water taxi from there, but that wasn't allowed at the time.

On 2/28/2022 at 3:28 PM, PRH said: Viking returned my call today.  Fusina is not open to cruise passengers.  All embarking passengers must go to the cruise terminal in Venice to check-in (document checks, sea pass, luggage, etc) and then will be bussed to Fusina (about 30 minutes).  Didn’t sound like passengers would be allowed to leave Fusina by themselves to catch a taxi but if you’re thinking about this, check directly with Viking as the representative who called made it sound as though only Viking busses would be able to access the ship.

That's exactly what we experienced, and what someone else related a month or so ago when this question came up.  When they say it's a 30-minute trip, that's on the optimistic side, and doesn't take into account the time it takes to get in and out of the passenger terminal. A clunky arrangement at the very least.

bassethounddog

16 hours ago, KellyGR said: I called VIking and was told that the address for disembarkation was Via Moranzani 79, which i is in Fusina.  I tried to clarify if you were taken to the Venice cruise terminal from there, and they said no, you can be picked up in Fusina. Did anyone cruise Viking recently and disembark in Venice that can tell me how to book a transfer into Venice from the cruise, and if they transfer you to the cruise terminal fist?  Thanks.

I was on the Viking Sea in July. We boarded in Venice at the Cruise Terminal and then by bus to the Ship docked at Fusina. Fusina is a commercial port and individuals are not allowed into the area. No taxi pickups either.  I had a question as to where to go as the Viking instructions were incorrect. I emailed the ship ( boarding email has the ship phone and email address) and they responded in a few hours. Viking is also switching ports at the last minute between Fusina and Chioggio. 

• 1 year later...

On 2/26/2022 at 3:07 PM, longterm said: If you're flying into Venice and not doing some touring on your own, Viking will gather you up at the airport, so you'll be squired to the ship without any effort on your part... If you're traveling independently, just go to  Venice Cruise Terminal (Stazione Marittima), and they'll get you to Fusina (I assume). We're on the cruise from Rome to Athens, so we'll be in Venice on the 11th.

I'd like to get feedback on the Italian Sojourn trip. Is it still porting in Fusina? Trying to decide if its the right cruise for me. 

6 minutes ago, JB61 said: I'd like to get feedback on the Italian Sojourn trip. Is it still porting in Fusina? Trying to decide if its the right cruise for me. 

There's a recent (relatively speaking) thread on the sailing as well as the situation in Venice in general.  It'd probably help you more than this thread from 2022.

We’ve just returned from Viking Venus which docked in Ravenna, some 90 miles from Venice.  There were ‘Venice on your own’ excursions which took 3 hours to get there and of course 3 hours to get back.  So about 3.5  hours actually there.  A very long day.  We opted for the included Ravenna Mosaics excursion instead.  

1 hour ago, kcpvwill said: We’ve just returned from Viking Venus which docked in Ravenna, some 90 miles from Venice.  There were ‘Venice on your own’ excursions which took 3 hours to get there and of course 3 hours to get back.  So about 3.5  hours actually there.  A very long day.  We opted for the included Ravenna Mosaics excursion instead.  

I assume the non-included Viking excursions for Venice were canceled?

22 hours ago, Reaniel said:   I assume the non-included Viking excursions for Venice were canceled?

I think all the non-included excursions still went ahead but they were very long days!  People were returning to the ship, some after a 12.5 hour excursion about 9pm.  

9 minutes ago, kcpvwill said: I think all the non-included excursions still went ahead but they were very long days!  People were returning to the ship, some after a 12.5 hour excursion about 9pm.  

Wow, that sounds insane...  I wonder if this will become a permanent change, and that they will now have a price hike on excursions to Venice in the future sailings because of the extra distance they have to cover, if/when the ship stops in Ravenna.

2 minutes ago, Reaniel said:   Wow, that sounds insane...  I wonder if this will become a permanent change, and that they will now have a price hike on excursions to Venice in the future sailings because of the extra distance they have to cover, if/when the ship stops in Ravenna.

@Reaniel  I think most posters here who have been to Venice will say that it is much better to visit Venice independently rather than by cruise ship.  It really doesn't matter if the ship docks in Chioggia, Fusina or Ravenna, the transportation to and from the ship eats up a lot of time.  It's so much better to go to Venice and stay in Venice for however many days it takes for you to see all you want to see.

We spent a lot of time in Venice several years ago.  We visited again this year with Viking and docked in Chioggia.  We had no desire to see Venice again, but wanted to visit Murano and Burano.  We did that excursion with Viking because the transportation was from the ship via boat.  It was a really great excursion and we're glad we did that. 

On the way back to the ship, a couple wanted to get off at St. Mark's.  Trying to park the little boat we were on was crazy -- horns beeping everywhere, boats cutting off other boats to take their parking space, crowds of people lined up as far as you could see waiting to take a boat to somewhere. 

Really, these days, it's best to do Venice on your own.  Plus, we enjoyed just walking around Chioggia.  It was quite pleasant.  

25 minutes ago, millybess said: @Reaniel  I think most posters here who have been to Venice will say that it is much better to visit Venice independently rather than by cruise ship.  It really doesn't matter if the ship docks in Chioggia, Fusina or Ravenna, the transportation to and from the ship eats up a lot of time.  It's so much better to go to Venice and stay in Venice for however many days it takes for you to see all you want to see.   We spent a lot of time in Venice several years ago.  We visited again this year with Viking and docked in Chioggia.  We had no desire to see Venice again, but wanted to visit Murano and Burano.  We did that excursion with Viking because the transportation was from the ship via boat.  It was a really great excursion and we're glad we did that.    On the way back to the ship, a couple wanted to get off at St. Mark's.  Trying to park the little boat we were on was crazy -- horns beeping everywhere, boats cutting off other boats to take their parking space, crowds of people lined up as far as you could see waiting to take a boat to somewhere.    Really, these days, it's best to do Venice on your own.  Plus, we enjoyed just walking around Chioggia.  It was quite pleasant.  

Thanks to all with wonderful information on the alternate to Venice ports. We're booked on Viking from Venice (?) To Rome in October 2024. We'll fly RT to Rome and do several days there, take train to Florence do a couple days there, train again and end in Venice for a few days. We'll just tour near which ever port city we end up leaving from (Ravenna, Chioggia, Funisia). We use the Rick Steve's guide book for our independent travel information. 

1 minute ago, JB61 said: Thanks to all with wonderful information on the alternate to Venice ports. We're booked on Viking from Venice (?) To Rome in October 2024. We'll fly RT to Rome and do several days there, take train to Florence do a couple days there, train again and end in Venice for a few days. We'll just tour near which ever port city we end up leaving from (Ravenna, Chioggia, Funisia). We use the Rick Steve's guide book for our independent travel information. 

That sounds like a very nice trip!!  And Trenitalia is the best in Europe IMO.  You might consider a train pass depending on how long you will be there.  Also, please take a look at spending a day or two touring the seaside villages of Cinque Terre.  It doesn't take long to hike, or you can take a ferry between the villages.  That was the highlight of our Italy trip.  We stayed in Monterosso.  

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Amsterdam to Slash Cruise Stops in Half to Fight Mass Tourism

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

June 28th, 2024 at 4:28 PM EDT

The Dutch capital's cruise stop cap and eventual relocation of its main terminal are part of an active approach toward combatting overtourism.

Dawit Habtemariam

Amsterdam plans to start cutting the number of ships that can stop at its main port terminal over the coming years, its municipal government said Wednesday.

• Starting in 2026, the number of sea cruises that can stop at the Passengers Terminal Amsterdam will be set at 100, down from 190 today.
• Within a decade, cruise ships won’t be able to stop at the main terminal.
• By 2035, the main terminal for cruise stops will be outside the city.

All cruise ships will be required to use shore power by 2027. This means ships will have to get their electrical power from the shore while docked at the port, cutting the use of onboard diesel engines — a contributor to carbon emissions.

“By limiting sea cruises, requiring shore power, and aiming for the cruise terminal to move from its current location in 2035, the council is responsibly implementing the proposal to stop sea cruises,” said Hester van Buren, an alderman for the municipal government.

In addition to pollution, the cruise industry has been known to contribute to overcrowding. In Venice, the government has limited the number of cruise ships at its industrial port and is building a smaller terminal outside the city center, said Simone Venturini , deputy mayor for tourism.

The cruise cap is the latest policy by Amsterdam to combat overtourism. In April, the city banned the construction of new hotels . Earlier this year, it launched a new campaign to discourage nuisance party tourists from visiting the city’s Red Light District.

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Princess cruise ship hits dock in San Francisco

A Princess Cruises ship hit a dock at Pier 27 in San Francisco Thursday morning.

The line’s Ruby Princess vessel “made unexpected contact” with the dock at 6:05 a.m. local time on arrival at the Port of San Francisco, a Princess spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

“There were no injuries and at no time were any guests or crew in danger,” the spokesperson said. “The ship is safely alongside and disembarkation is complete.” The ship was returning from a round-trip sailing to Alaska that departed on June 26, according to CruiseMapper .

"I noticed we were spinning pretty quick, to be that close to the dock, and I was mid-ship, portside, looked out the window and we smacked into the dock," passenger Paul Zasso told the Bay Area’s ABC7 News .

Cruise insurance: Should you buy it through a cruise line? Maybe not, experts say

The Princess spokesperson said an assessment of the damage to the vessel and pier were underway. While the departure time of its next voyage “is still being determined,” embarkation began at 11:30 a.m. local time.

The incident is not the only one of its kind in recent years. MSC Cruises’ MSC Opera ship hit a dock and tourist river boat in Venice, Italy in 2019 and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic crashed into a dock in San Juan, Puerto Rico earlier that year.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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6 top luxury alaska cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Book a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to The Great Land on one of these top luxury ships.

Top Luxury Alaska Cruises

Courtesy of Crystal

Cruising to Alaska on a small luxury ship affords a very different experience than sailing through The Great Land on a larger vessel. On a smaller luxury ship, you'll enjoy the expected perks like fewer passengers and more personalized service – but you'll also physically get closer to the boundless wilderness, abundant wildlife, icy blue glaciers and majestic snow-capped mountains that you've waited a lifetime to see.

While the fares to sail on such vessels are quite a bit higher than those of larger cruise providers, the all-inclusive (or mostly all-inclusive) prices typically include all-suite accommodations with balconies, all meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi access, gratuities, welcome bottles of sparkling wine, pillow selection, some shore excursions and butler service. Best of all, you won't feel like you're being nickel-and-dimed while on board. As a special touch, the attentive crew members may even learn your name and memorize your preferred pre-dinner cocktail.

Unlike many mainstream lines, most luxury Alaska cruises do not offer pre- and post-cruise tours to extend your adventure. However, you can plan these experiences on your own through third-party providers.

Alaska Tour & Travel has pre-cruise packages that include visits to Denali National Park & Preserve and the small, quirky Alaska towns of Homer and Talkeetna. You can also see a different side of Alaska via a train ride on the Alaska Railroad, take a national parks tour that includes Kenai Fjords National Park or head northbound to Fairbanks , one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights (if you visit during aurora season, from late August to late April). In addition, the company can plan a self-drive tour from Anchorage to Seward, which includes a stay at a wilderness lodge, helicopter flightseeing over Knik Glacier and guided tours in the parks.

The following luxury cruise lines will ensure you make the most of your voyage in Alaska – one of the most magical destinations on Earth.

Find your perfect cruise

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises' small luxury ships are designed for adventurers interested in visiting a mix of Alaska's top ports and more rugged, off-the-beaten-track locales. Extended itineraries offer stops in less-visited destinations like the towns of Haines and Wrangell. On board, guests can expect a personalized experience that includes luxurious ocean-view suites with butler service, multiple gourmet dining options, complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and attentive service with one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry.

Base fares for Silversea's 2024 and 2025 Alaska itineraries start at $3,250 per person. If you upgrade to Silversea 's door-to-door fare (which starts at $5,200 per person), you'll receive private chauffeur service from your home to the airport (and back home upon your return) and round-trip flights, with business class upgrades in some destinations.

Silversea also offers immersive pre- and post-cruise land experiences, departing from Seward, Alaska. Highlights include sightseeing flights over Denali National Park & Preserve or into bear country to see Alaska's magnificent grizzly bears. In Vancouver, travelers can take a flightseeing transfer to Victoria to tour the 55-acre Butchart Gardens or board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day train ride through the Canadian Rockies.

Silversea's Alaska itineraries extend from May to September, with voyages ranging between seven and 16 days. The line's newest and largest vessel, the 728-passenger Silver Nova , sails its inaugural Alaska season in 2024 along with two smaller ships, Silver Muse (596 guests) and Silver Shadow (392 guests). There are 35 Alaska voyages available in 2024. In 2025, luxury cruisers can hop aboard one of 45 scheduled voyages on either Silver Nova or the 596-guest Silver Moon .

For a seven-day itinerary, consider a sailing from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia. This voyage cruises the Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage and stops in the Alaska towns of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan. Complimentary excursions in Ketchikan include a tour of Saxman Native Village; a visit to Bonfire Bay Oyster Farm, featuring a sea-to-table oyster tasting; the Alaskan Cultural, Culinary & Lumberjack show; the Alaskan Lodge Adventure & Seafeast and a day as a fisherman aboard the Aleutian Ballard, as seen on Discovery Channel's "The Deadliest Catch." You can also opt for a Selected Shore Excursion (for an additional cost), such as mountain biking or a private fishing trip.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' elegant Seven Seas Explorer sails the line's Alaska itineraries in 2024 and 2025. The lavish 746-guest ship was coined "The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built" when it debuted in 2016; among its impressive features are the 3,875-square-foot Regent Suite and a high-end collection of art displayed throughout the ship, including works by Pablo Picasso.

Alaska voyages with Regent in 2024 and 2025 start at $4,799 per person. Upgraded 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares (starting at $5,499 per person) cover elegant all-balcony suite accommodations; round-trip airfare (business class on international flights); a one-night pre-cruise hotel package; free two- or three-night land programs; free unlimited shore excursions; free unlimited beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic); complimentary specialty dining; and prepaid gratuities. You'll also receive complimentary airport transfers, unlimited Wi-Fi access and valet laundry service.

Every suite style includes a private balcony, roomy closets and upscale finishes. Concierge Suites (and above) add cozy in-room amenities like cashmere blankets, perfect to bundle up in while you take in the scenery. Meanwhile, Penthouse Suites (and higher) include a private butler who can book excursions, make dinner and spa reservations, unpack your luggage, arrange for a private cocktail soiree in your suite and indulge any other special requests.

Between May and September 2024, Regent sails 22 Alaska voyages. There are 16 Alaska sailings scheduled for the same period in 2025. Itineraries range from seven to 14 nights. For plenty of scenic cruising days, consider a round-trip itinerary from Vancouver departing May 28, 2025. The cruise includes five relaxing days at sea, where you'll enjoy scenic cruising through the Inside Passage (twice), Hubbard Glacier (twice) and Endicott Arm Fjord. Ports of call in Alaska include Wrangell, Juneau , Skagway, Sitka, Seward, Icy Strait (Hoonah) and Ketchikan. You'll also have a full day in Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Vancouver.

While in Wrangell, consider the Tongass Botanical Forest Walk excursion. Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the U.S., with towering old-growth trees and unique flora, fauna and ecosystems. While in the temperate rainforest with your naturalist guide, look for local wildlife like Sitka black-tailed deer, porcupines and birds of prey. Other complimentary excursions at this stop include a round of golf at Muskeg Meadows Golf Course; a canoe trip through Wrangell harbor and nearby islands, and a heritage tour about Tlingit culture and the history of the town.

Recently relaunched Crystal offers just seven voyages in Alaska aboard Crystal Serenity in July and August 2024. The 740-guest luxury vessel was refurbished in 2023 and features the line's signature top-notch service, elegant interiors and suites, and personal butler service in every room category.

Other perks and amenities include plush bathrobes and Sicily's Ortigia bath products; an impressive passenger-to-crew ratio; prepaid gratuities; complimentary beverages; and outstanding cuisine, including Umi Uma (an exclusive Nobu restaurant at sea, available only on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony ). Guests can also feast on Italian cuisine at Osteria d'Ovidio; book an exclusive dining experience at The Vintage Room; indulge in Parisian cafe-style fare at The Bistro; opt for American cuisine at Waterside Restaurant or take their pick of several other casual indoor and alfresco options.

Cruisers also have their selection of unique shore experiences curated by Crystal's parent company A&K Travel Group, such as a ride on the world's largest zip line in Hoonah (Icy Strait Point); dog sledding and glacier flightseeing in Skagway; fishing and wilderness dining in Ketchikan and the Wildlife Quest and Fin Island Lodge experience in Sitka, boasting a feast of Alaska king crab and wild salmon.

Crystal offers seven- and eight-night round-trip voyages from Vancouver , as well as one-way cruises from Vancouver or Seward, Alaska. Select itineraries – like the July 30, 2024, voyage from Vancouver to Seward – offer a scenic cruising day in the Seymour Narrows in British Columbia. On this sailing, you'll also enjoy a day at sea cruising Hubbard Glacier, as well as stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, Hoonah (Icy Strait), Skagway and Sitka in Alaska. Or, opt for the July 2, 2024, round-trip sailing from Vancouver for three scenic cruising days in the Inside Passage, Endicott Arm and the Seymour Narrows.

The line's Aug. 13, 2024, round-trip sailing from Vancouver features a special guest: Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, the executive chairman of A&K Travel Group. As such, the cruise will include an exclusive gala dinner and other unique experiences. Other special voyages welcome marine biologist and National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin, who will share personal stories from his extensive career and expert insights about humpback whale habitats and behaviors.

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Viking Ocean Cruises

Courtesy of Viking

Viking Ocean Cruises' 11-day Alaska & the Inside Passage cruise is available on 11 dates during the 2024 season. It sails from Vancouver to Seward (or the reverse) on the 930-passenger Viking Orion . In 2025, the line offers the same itinerary on 22 dates between May and September, split between Viking Orion and its sister ship, the 930-passenger Viking Sea .

Viking's destination-focused itineraries are curated for travelers who are interested in history, science, culture and cuisine, as they feature onboard enrichment like lectures by Viking's resident historians. You'll also find regionally inspired dishes in The Restaurant and special access to unique tours and excursions ashore.

The line's mostly all-inclusive fares cover accommodations in spacious all-veranda staterooms and suites; beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; meals at all the dining venues; one shore excursion in every port; free Wi-Fi access; 24-hour specialty teas, coffees and bottled water; complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center; and other upscale amenities.

Voyages traveling northbound from Vancouver include one day of scenic cruising through the Inside Passage before stopping in Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point in Alaska. The eighth day of the cruise sails through picturesque Yakutat Bay, which includes the Hubbard Glacier. The ship then calls on Valdez, Alaska, before the trip ends with two days in Seward.

While in Valdez, take an optional tour to explore the incredible scenery surrounding the small fishing town. Viking offers a kayaking trip to see the Valdez Glacier; a scenic cruise through picturesque Prince William Sound to view the Columbia Glacier; a wildlife cruise where you can look for humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, sea otters and bald eagles; a helicopter ride over the area's rugged, icy wilderness; or a UTV adventure through the Chugach Mountains to Mineral Creek Canyon.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Between May and August 2024, Seabourn Cruise Line will host 20 Alaska voyages aboard the Seabourn Odyssey , before the ship leaves the cruise line in the fall. In 2025, the line offers 27 Alaska sailings on Seabourn Quest. Both yacht-inspired ships accommodate up to 458 guests and feature Seabourn's signature all-inclusive amenities, including luxurious oceanfront suites with verandas; personalized service; complimentary fine wines and premium spirits; complimentary dining; and caviar served throughout the sailing. You'll also have a complimentary W-Fi package and an in-suite minibar stocked with your favorite beverages. Ashore, sign up for exclusive programs like shopping for fresh salmon, halibut and Alaska king crab alongside a Seabourn chef.

Guests booking Seabourn Quest for 2025 will be able to sample the line's new dining concept, Solis. Inspired by destinations in the Mediterranean, the menu features a fresh, modern take on traditional dishes and whimsical cocktails. The restaurant is a collaboration with master chef and culinary partner Anton Egger and senior corporate chef Franck Salein. In addition to dishes like salt-encrusted whole branzino and Tuscan-style steak, guests will also find a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.

The seven-day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage itinerary on May 31, 2024, aboard Seabourn Odyssey, sails from Juneau to Vancouver and includes a day in either Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, depending on the ice conditions. From there, you can take one of the optional guided excursions: Ventures by Seabourn. These tours are an additional cost but offer opportunities for up-close Zodiac, kayaking or catamaran experiences in the wilderness to see glaciers calving and view local wildlife, such as black bears, mountain goats, seals, wolves and seabirds.

You'll also enjoy many days of scenic cruising on this voyage, and have the opportunity for more optional adventures in Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords). The ship makes additional stops in Wrangell, Alaska, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, before disembarking in Vancouver.

If you want to see stunning Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, then consider booking the seven-day Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier Bay sailing on May 10, 2024, from Vancouver to Juneau. This itinerary also includes the Seymour Narrows and Snow Pass, cruising Queen Island Sound and the Lynn Canal. There's a stop for Ventures by Seabourn activities like kayaking and Zodiac rides in the Inian Islands. The Alaska ports of call on this voyage are Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Haines. You'll disembark in Juneau.

Francois Lefebvre | Courtesy of PONANT

French luxury expedition line PONANT offers 10 Alaska cruises in 2024; itineraries span between seven and 11 nights. Aboard the 264-guest yacht-style Le Soléal, you'll meet up to 10 naturalist experts and guides specializing in geology, history, ornithology or marine or land mammals. Guests can attend onboard lectures and embark on Zodiac landings with the guides.

The ship features elegant staterooms and suites, a library, a spa, a hair salon and a gym. Guests will be treated to movies in the theater, wine tastings and cooking demonstrations throughout the expedition. All fine dining meals, 24-hour room service, an open bar (including an in-room minibar) and complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi access are covered in the pricing.

Two of PONTANT's eight-night voyages from Vancouver to Sitka are in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys and are curated for English-speaking travelers. Fares for these expeditions include transfers to and from the ship and a shore excursion in each port. On board, you can attend talks and discussions hosted by two Smithsonian Journeys experts: geologist Scott Burns and natural history filmmaker John Grabowska.

On these voyages, there is a sea day after departing Vancouver. You'll cruise through the Johnstone Strait, where you'll have an excellent chance of seeing humpback whales and orcas. After a day spent in the Inside Passage, the ship will call on the village of Metlakatla, Alaska, on the western coast of Annette Island, which is home to the Tsimshians from British Columbia. Other unique Alaska ports of call in this itinerary include the commercial fishing town of Petersburg, the Tlingit village of Kake and the small fishing community of Alfin Cove.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to explore the state's vast wilderness and abundant wildlife, and to chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. Pratesi used her extensive knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List: Must-Have Items
• The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Alaska Cruises for Families

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Alaska Vacations

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Frugal Traveler

Affordable Island-Hopping in Croatia? What Could Go Wrong?

A 30-percent-off Black Friday sale on a cruise aboard a yacht meant off-season sailing and being prepared for the unexpected.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

As Croatians tell the story , the Greek hero Odysseus was shipwrecked and held captive on the Croatian island of Mljet. Visiting in May, I and six other sailors embraced the myth when the motor on our 54-foot yacht failed.

“Remember, Odysseus spent seven years on Mljet,” said Ivan Ljubovic, our captain. “We can do two nights.”

In the scheme of things, the clogged fuel filter that impeded our progress on a seven-night, island-hopping cruise from Split to Dubrovnik on a yacht — which the passengers helped sail — was minor. Though an engine, even on a sailboat, is vital for docking and sticking to schedules on becalmed days, most of my shipmates agreed that getting waylaid in a village with Roman ruins on a turquoise bay was an acceptable fate.

I had been resigned to what were, in my mind, worse inconveniences when I had signed up for the trip last November. Then, the tour operator G Adventures had put several trips on sale over the Black Friday weekend. Its best deals were in the off-season, which meant potentially chilly weather and closed restaurants and attractions. But leaving in late April for seven nights of island hopping at roughly $1,300 — after a 30 percent discount — was too tempting to pass up.

My cousin Kim agreed and we made plans to pack rain gear and meet in Split to test the budget waters.

‘Everything between is an adventure’

Little about the itinerary was published pre-departure and none of it was firm.

“Split and Dubrovnik are fixed,” said the captain, who would pilot the ship solo and double as our guide, on our first day. “Everything between is an adventure.”

It started with the Sauturnes, a handsome Kufner yacht with four snug guest cabins, four economical bathrooms where the retractable faucet doubled as a shower spigot, and a spacious galley. Our “crew,” a mix of Australians and Americans ranging from 18 to 75 — all of whom had also jumped on the promotional pricing — spent most of the time atop the boat, where foam mattresses invited sunbathing and a cockpit awning provided shade.

The weather, which turned out to be sunny and comfortably cool, was not our greatest concern. The G Adventures website had mentioned well-known islands, including beachy Brac and Vis , which played a convincing Greek idyll in the movie “Mamma Mia 2.” But since many places would be closed in the shoulder season, we would proceed, according to the captain, based on the dictates of the weather and conditions on shore.

Meals were not included, which meant finding open restaurants was critical. For shipboard breakfasts and lunches, we each chipped in 50 euros (about $54) for communal groceries, which we shopped for at local markets. At night, we would dine at restaurants; G Adventures advised budgeting $250 to $325 for the week, which was accurate, though we often splurged on Croatian wine (a carafe of house red averaged $15).

Small ports

After the frenzy of grocery shopping and moving into the bunk-bedded cabin Kim and I shared, we experienced the Zen of sailing as the ship set off on a sunny morning for 43-mile-long Hvar , the longest and purportedly sunniest island in Croatia.

Neighboring islands drifted past as the wind patterned the sea in shifting ripples and ruffles. A flock of shearwaters soared by at eye level.

Within a few hours, the ridgelines of steep Hvar appeared, revealing terraced lavender fields and olive orchards. Motoring down a long, narrow inlet, we arrived in Stari Grad , a village of stone homes with terra cotta roof tiles, as travelers had since 384 B.C., when Greek sailors from the island of Paros settled here.

Our mooring provided a front-row view of fishing boats and cafes animating the waterfront. Stari Grad’s attractions, including the Greek ruins of Faros and a 17th-century Venetian cathedral, had yet to open for the season, but we relished exploring the old quarter’s narrow lanes and deserted plazas.

From the waterfront, an aerobic 20-minute hike up a steep hill crowned by a giant white cross offered views over Stari Grad and the plains beyond, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of fourth-century agricultural fields, with stone walls circumscribing grapevines and olive orchards.

That evening, we visited them to reach Konoba Kokot , a farm restaurant that specializes in “peka,” a kind of barbecue in which meat cooks under an iron lid piled with hot coals. The family that runs it opened in the preseason, welcoming us with bracing shots of rakija, a local herbal liquor. At a long table under an arbor, we gorged on homemade goat cheese, wild boar pate and, from the hearth, roast lamb, veal and octopus with limitless jugs of red and white wine for 35 euros a person.

Starry nights

Small ships are unmatched at getting into small ports, but a yacht trip is also a little like camping, starting most mornings with D.I.Y. instant coffee. Marinas offered free bathhouses with showers.

Cool temperatures apparently deterred the celebrity-filled mega yachts, which are known to anchor in the town of Hvar on the south shore of Hvar island. Our captain declared it the “Mykonos of Croatia” as we motored by the port bustling with visitors carrying shopping bags and cones of gelato.

With clear weather in the forecast, we moored in an undeveloped cove east of town. The mooring belonged to the owners of Moli Onte restaurant, who ferried us to land on a motorized dingy, allowing us enough time before dinner to visit the fortress above Hvar and have an Ozujsko beer on St. Stephens Square, the largest in the region of Dalmatia.

Back on board, with no artificial light to wash out the night sky, we hit the upper deck for stargazing. As my shipmates peeled off to bed, I grabbed a blanket and beanie and bedded down under the stars for the evolving show, periodically waking to catch the drama of the moon rising, reflected in the still water.

Little Dubrovnik

Fingers of gray rock reached down to meet sloping vineyards along Hvar’s south coast as we departed for its neighbor, Korcula. On our longest day of sailing, five hours, I welcomed the chance to play first mate, manning the lines on the jib sail.

To break up the trip, Captain Ljubovic navigated to a quiet cove off the Peljesac Peninsula where the Caribbean-blue waters, cloudless sky and sandy bottom convinced us to jump in despite numbing sea temperatures.

Fifteenth-century walls ring the historic center of Korcula, earning it the nickname “Little Dubrovnik.” Past the stone gates carved with a winged lion representing the empire of Venice, which controlled much of the Adriatic after the 13th century, narrow alleys led to ornate churches and mansions. There was no better history trip than getting lost in the web of pedestrian lanes. Or so we told ourselves as we passed the purported home of Marco Polo, still closed preseason.

Along the seafront walls, restaurants served pizza and seafood under lights strung in the pines and we caught sunset from a former turret, now converted into Massimo Cocktail Bar , which requires patrons to climb a ladder to the rooftop, a caution against second rounds.

The most romantic port of the trip was also the rowdiest, at least in the marina, which was hosting a Polish sailing regatta. When I headed for the showers at 6 a.m. the next morning, I found a group still cheerfully dancing atop a yacht littered in empty booze bottles and crushed potato chips.

Marooned on Mljet

We left Korcula on strong 20-knot “jugo” or south winds and Captain Ljubovic unleashed the sails, saying “You paid for a sailing vacation, not a motorboat.”

As we tacked back and forth toward Mljet , the boat heeled at a queasy angle and we took face shots of ocean spray.

On Mljet, where the western end of the island is home to Mljet National Park , we rented bikes (10 euros) to ride a lung-busting route over the park’s mountain spine. On the other side, we cycled around a pair of inland lakes and took a boat trip to a 12th-century monastery built on an island in one of them (park admission, 15 euros).

Docked in the still sleepy town of Polace, we heard tales of high season, when up to 100 yachts anchor in the bay and members of the band U2 were once seen biking in the park. After a brief shower, the town glimmered at sunset and the restaurant Stella Maris welcomed us with grilled sea bass (25 euros) and prawns (20 euros).

“I’m so glad I chose this time, because I don’t do crowds,” said my shipmate Nova Hey, 46, of Sydney, who was traveling with her 18-year-old daughter.

In the morning, I had the trail to the peak of Montokuc to myself. The roughly three-mile round-trip hike reached one of the highest points on the island, a rocky knob with stunning panoramas shared by a family of feral goats.

Not long thereafter, the Sauternes’ engine refused to turn over, stranding us in a national park on a remote island with no mechanics.

Teeming Dubrovnik

The next morning, Captain Ljubovic jimmied a fix but it didn’t last long and the engine died again, this time just opposite a cave on Mljet that we joked had to be the refuge of Odysseus.

After a morning of light sailing, a mechanic from the mainland arrived by speedboat and within an hour we were motoring toward the Franjo Tudman Bridge that spans the inlet to the Dubrovnik marina where hot showers awaited.

“Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia,” said Captain Ljubovic as we spent the last of our pooled money, 70 euros, hiring a taxi van to get us to and from the walled heart of the ancient city about 15 minutes away.

With two large cruise ships in port, Dubrovnik was teeming with visitors and the price to climb the stone walls that encircle the city was a sticker-shocking 35 euros. (In the ensuing two days Kim and I would spend post-cruise in the city, we bought the more comprehensive Dubrovnik Pass for 35 euros that included admission to the walls as well as several museums and public bus transportation.)

On our final evening, we measured the lack of crowds versus closed museums; perfect hiking weather versus swim-inviting water; ample dock space versus more restaurant choices — and felt we’d come out ahead sailing in the bargain season.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Ljubljana, Slovenia:  Stroll along the river, explore a contemporary art scene and admire panoramic views in this scenic Central European capital .

Cities With Great Beaches:  Already been to Miami, Honolulu and Sydney? These five other coastal destinations  are vibrant on land and on the water.

Southern France:  The Canal du Midi traverses the Occitanie region and gives cyclists of all skill levels  access to parts of France that are rich in lore .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  Visiting the vast and remote Gila Wilderness, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is both inspiring and demanding .