Venice: An iconic city known for its timeless allure, intricate waterways and stunning, historic architecture. If you’re planning a cruise holiday that stops here, you’re in for a treat!
Venice has always captivated visitors from around the globe. However, new regulations around Venice’s cruise port have made arriving here by cruise ship a bit different.
In a drive to preserve Venice’s unique beauty, the Italian government has implemented some necessary regulations that now limit large cruise ships from docking in the heart of the city. Most ships must now anchor in alternative locations, such as the industrial area of Marghera or other ports on the mainland.
However, do not fret; the essence of Venice remains within reach, whether you disembark from these new ports or the central terminals reserved for smaller, more sustainable vessels.
In this blog, we’ll navigate these changes together, providing all the essential information you’ll need around Venice’s cruise ports to ensure a seamless journey. Whether it’s how to get to Venice from your cruise port or what to do in Venice on port days, we’ll help you make the most of your time in this spectacular city.
What Are The Changes To Venice’s Cruise Port In 2024?
As we head into the busy summer season of 2024, Venice continues to implement new rules established earlier this year that limit larger cruise ships from docking directly in the city centre. These have been designed to protect the city’s iconic canals and historic architecture.
Specifically, ships exceeding 25,000 Gross Tonnage (GRT), 180 metres in length, 35 metres in height, or emitting more than 0.1% sulphur must now dock on the mainland, away from Venice’s historic attractions.
If you’re travelling on smaller, eco-friendly vessels or you’re on a river cruise, the quintessential Venice experience remains intact. You can still embark and disembark at the central Marittima, San Basilio, or Santa Marta terminals.
Larger ships that fall under these new regulations can use Marghera’s mainland industrial post to access Venice. However, some cruise lines are choosing to reroute their “Venice” operations to farther ports like Ravenna or Trieste.
While these changes may create some inconvenience as you’ll now face a longer transfer to see this extraordinary city, these measures are vital to ensure Venice remains just as spectacular in years to come.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Venice?
As mentioned, smaller ships and river cruises can continue to dock at the central Venice cruise terminals. If you are arriving on one of these ships, getting from Venice’s cruise port to the city centre is very straightforward.
It is around a half an hour’s walk. Alternatively, you can catch the People Mover, an automated tramway that runs between the Marittima cruise basin and Venice’s historic centre and takes only a few minutes.
However, if you are sailing on one of the large cruise ships, you’ll be docking further afield. Let’s take a look at where some of the leading cruise lines are choosing to moor their ships for Venice.
Ravenna Cruise Port
Ravenna is a captivating city in itself, located south of Venice cruise port in the northern Italian province of Emilia-Romagna. If your cruise line arrives here, there’s plenty of enchanting art and architecture to explore. Alternatively, you can opt for a transfer to Venice.
How Far Is Venice From This Cruise Port?
It is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Ravenna to Venice. Cruise lines often provide shuttle services, and regular trains also run between the two cities.
Cruise lines that dock in Ravenna for Venice include Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
Trieste Cruise Port
Trieste is a picturesque cruise port city east of Venice in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, close to the Slovenian border. Due to its position, it has been ruled by multiple empires over time and thus has a fascinating history and culture to explore.
How Far Is Venice From This Cruise Port?
It is about a two-hour drive or train ride from Trieste to Venice. Again, typically, cruise lines will offer shuttle transfers, or you can choose to make your way there independently.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises are two cruise lines choosing to dock at Trieste in place of Venice’s Marittima cruise basin.
Marghera Cruise Port
Marghera is actually Venice’s cruise terminal on the mainland. As it is located in an industrial area, there is little to see nearby. However, it is the nearest option for large cruise ships with guests wishing to visit Venice’s historic centre.
How Far Is Venice From This Cruise Port?
The distance from Venice’s cruise port in Marghera to the city centre is around 11 km. Cruise lines tend to provide free shuttles from Marghera to the Stazione Marittima, where it is then straightforward to get to the main sites of Venice.
Cruise lines opting to dock at Marghera include MSC Cruises, some Norwegian Cruise Line ships and Costa Cruises.
Unfortunately, some other cruise lines have decided to pause their visits to Venice for the time being. However, plans to create a new cruise port on the Adriatic designed specifically for visits to Venice could change this situation in the future.
What To Do In Venice Cruise Port
Exploring what to do in Venice on port days reveals a treasure trove of experiences, proving that the extra effort to reach the heart of the city is well worth it. Once you arrive, the question isn’t what to do but where to begin.
For those wondering about the best activities by Venice’s cruise port, start with a classic gondola ride through the winding canals to capture the essence of this floating city from the water. Then, stroll through the bustling Piazza San Marco, where the majestic Basilica di San Marco and the soaring Campanile echo the city’s rich history.
Art lovers will find their haven at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, conveniently located and packed with modern masterpieces. For a deeper dive into Venetian culture, explore the historic Doge’s Palace, adorned with impressive art and architecture, to see where the city’s decisions were made.
Another option when pondering what to do in Venice on port days is taking a quick trip to the Rialto Market. This vibrant spot is a fantastic place to taste local dishes and produce and shop for unique souvenirs.
While visiting Venice by cruise ship has changed this year, it shouldn’t detract from the incredible experience that awaits you. As a city brimming with history and romance, it’s a destination well worth exploring and a place that will provide unforgettably enchanting sights and experiences.
If you have any questions about visiting Venice on a cruise holiday, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
