Plan a CruiseVenice, a city built on water, offers a unique and unforgettable cruise experience. However, since 2020, large cruise ships (over 25,000 tonnes or 2000 passengers) no longer sail past St. Mark's Square. These ships now dock at the mainland industrial ports of Marghera or Fusina, located about a 15-minute drive from the city center. Passengers arriving at these mainland ports are typically bused to the traditional cruise terminal area (Marittima) or Piazzale Roma for convenient access to Venice. If you are flying into Marco Polo Airport for embarkation, seating on the right side of the plane offers stunning views of Venice and the cruise terminal. Be aware that Venice is not ideal for those with walking difficulties, and there are no shuttle services within the port area itself.
Getting Around from the Port
From the "old" Marittima cruise terminal area, the most efficient way to reach the heart of Venice is via the People Mover, a driverless train. A ticket costs €1.50 and the ride to Piazzale Roma takes only a few minutes.
Getting Around Venice:
- Vaporetto (Water Bus): For comprehensive sightseeing, purchase an ACTV travelcard. These are like hop-on/hop-off passes for all canal buses, covering Venice, Murano, Burano, and Lido. A 1-day travelcard costs €20,00, and a 2-day travelcard is €30,00. Important: Avoid buying local transportation tickets from booths directly outside the cruise terminal, as these primarily sell Alilaguna boat tickets. While Alilaguna can take you to St. Mark's Square (€15 return), they offer limited routes compared to the ACTV vaporetti for exploring the entire city. Always check return times if relying on Alilaguna.
- Gondola: A classic Venetian experience. Official rates are €70,00 for a 50-minute ride during the day (up to six passengers). Between 8 PM and 8 AM, the price increases to €80,00. An additional 25 minutes costs €35,00. It is crucial to agree on the price with the gondolier before boarding to avoid overcharging.
- Taxis: If arriving by train at St. Lucia Railway Station, you can reach the terminals by public water buses (vaporetti) to Piazzale Roma (1 stop), then take a taxi, the People Mover, or a water taxi directly to the cruise terminal. From Mestre Railway station (10 km away), a taxi ride to the Port of Venice takes about 20 minutes, or you can take a public bus to Piazzale Roma. For two or more people, a taxi is often more economical than cruise-organized transfers.
- Luggage Service: At Terminal 103, you can arrange to have your luggage shipped directly to the airport for €12.50 per piece, allowing you to explore Venice unencumbered if you have a late flight.
From Marco Polo Airport to Cruise Terminal (for embarkation/disembarkation):
- The Alilaguna Blu Line boat offers a 90-minute scenic tour around Venice and docks directly among the cruise ships for €15. Left luggage at the airport is €6 per 24 hours.
- Marco Polo Airport provides 30 minutes of free WiFi, then €4.95 per hour.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, focus on key Venetian highlights and perhaps one nearby island.
Within Venice:
- Piazza San Marco: The most iconic square, home to St. Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace.
- St. Mark's Clock Tower: Take a guided tour to see the clock mechanism and enjoy magnificent views of the square and city from the terraces. Tours must be booked in advance.
- Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries: Explore hidden, fascinating rooms not accessible with a standard ticket. These specialized guided tours require a minimum of two people.
- Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): The oldest and most famous of the three bridges spanning the Grand Canal.
- Fondamenta delle Zattere: A promenade perfect for sunbathing.
- Lido of Venice: A short ferry ride away, this island offers kilometers of golden beaches.
Nearby Islands (Accessible by Vaporetto):
- Murano: World-renowned for its glass-making industry.
- Burano: Famous for its lace production and picturesque streets lined with brightly colored houses, a charming fishing village.
- Torcello: A delightful, quiet island, considered the earliest center of civilization in the estuary.
Beyond Venice (Day Trips for longer stays or specific interests):
- Padua: An attractive town with rich history, impressive architecture, and art, including Giotto's frescoes. Accessible by train from Santa Lucia Station.
- Verona: Famous for its Roman arena (host to an outdoor opera season) and Shakespearean connections. Accessible by train.
- Treviso: A quiet and prosperous town near Venice with its own picturesque canals. Accessible by train.
- Vicenza: Known for the works of Andrea Palladio, including his famous Palladian villas. Accessible by train.
- Brenta Canal: Offers scenic boat trips past elegant villas, including Palladio's La Malcontenta.
Dining
Venice is notably expensive, especially in prime locations. Expect to pay around €14 for a soda or cappuccino on an outdoor terrace in San Marco Square, which typically includes live music from a quintet and excellent service. Local specialties include seafood and Venetian pastries.
Shopping
Venice has a long history as a luxury retail center.
- Main Shopping Areas: The Mercerie and Frezzeria (between Campo San Fantin and Piazza San Marco).
- Luxury Brands: Calle Larga XXII Marzo, just west of the Piazza, hosts major fashion houses like Gucci, Prada, and Valentino.
- Books and Glass Beads: Calle della Mandola.
- Antiques: Explore Campo Santo Stefano and San Marco.
- Unique Boutiques: Look between the Rialto and San Polo for imported or hand-crafted items.
- Local Souvenirs: Murano glass and Burano lace are famous.
- Duty-Free: While duty-free stores exist in the cruise terminals, they are often not operational or competitively priced. Hand luggage will be checked by state officials before you board the ship.
Safety
While generally safe, be vigilant for potential overcharging, especially with gondola rides; always agree on a price beforehand. Venice can become very crowded, particularly in peak season, making it difficult to navigate, especially for those with mobility issues.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (€). Venice is known for being expensive, so budget accordingly, especially for dining and souvenirs in tourist-heavy areas. Credit cards are widely accepted.