norwegian cruise port in venice italy

Venice Off the Itinerary: Alternative Ports and Sea Days for Norwegian Cruise Line in 2024/2025

You’ve probably heard in recent years the efforts to ban cruise ships in venice, italy..

This is true! No more cruise ships will be allowed to dock in Venice, for now.

While there has been an effort to create a larger cruise passenger terminal outside of the main city in Marghera, Italy (primarily for MSC cruises ), the ability for all cruise lines including NCL, to dock in the city center (aka Lagoon) will remain restricted.

NCL makes changes to all itineraries that include Venice, Italy – Much to the disappointment of passengers.

Norwegian Cruise Line has tried to keep Venice on the itinerary for smaller ships but has now said it’s just not feasible anymore.

In response to these restrictions that prevent large cruise ships from entering the Venice Lagoon and docking at the traditional piers, vessels of considerable size destined for Venice, Italy, are now mandated to anchor outside the lagoon. Consequently, guests are required to use tender boats to reach the Port of Venice.

In all fairness, after the ban on large cruise ships, NCL tried to keep Venice on the schedule, but passengers stated it took over 2 hours to get tender boats back and forth. People clearly weren’t happy about that.

Despite Norwegian Cruise Lines’ efforts to preserve the scheduled visits to Venice, the tender operation and the ensuing experience for passengers have not aligned with the service standards NCL has tried to provide.

Unfortunately, as a direct consequence of the long tender boat lines and complications for larger ships, adjustments have been made to the itineraries for 2024 and 2025 that include Venice as a destination.

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Adapting to Venice’s Cruise Ship Restrictions: What It Means for Your Next Cruise on Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Dawn

The 2024 and 2025 itineraries for the Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Dawn have been updated. For the year 2024, these alterations entail replacing scheduled stops in Venice with visits to alternative ports such as Ravenna, Italy ; Rijeka and Zadar, Croatia; or Koper, Slovenia, depending on port availability. For 2025, the itineraries have been adjusted to substitute the Venice stops with an additional day at sea.

Detailed information on the affected sailing dates

• 2024: Includes dates from May 27 through August 9.
• 2025: Encompasses dates from August 19 through October 23.
• 2024: October 7.
• 2025: April 10 and April 22.

What to do if Your Cruise Has Changed

For detailed insights regarding the itinerary changes, including alterations to the order of ports and timing of arrivals, passengers are advised to consult the “Itinerary Changes” section on their reservations or within the NCL app.

Norwegian Cruise Line has proactively sent notification letters to cruisers affected by these updates.

If Venice was the sole purpose you chose one of these cruises, it’s possible you may be able to get a full refund or transfer your cruise to a different itinerary. But remember, an Itinerary change isn’t usually a reason alone to get a full refund, so it may be at the discretion of NCL on bookings that have nonrefundable deposits.

A few things to consider

You might be thinking “That’s fine, I’ll visit Venice from Ravenna “. The reality is, it’s just too far. People have been able to make the trip to and from Ravenna but it means hours on a bus or train EACH way leaving very little time to explore the city. So as a cruiser, you’re better off planning your trip to include Venice before or after the cruise.

It’s also worth noting that Ravenna, Italy is actually lovely to visit so the changes that would include Ravenna aren’t all bad. However, the other ports aren’t a good substitution to Venice in our opinion.

Why are cruise ships banned from Venice now?

If you’ve ever been to Venice before and witnessed one of these massive ships sail through the lagoon, you’ll understand why they’re not looked kindly upon by the locals and the government. They’re simply massive and there are real concerns about the tide and wake impact on the low lying streets as huge ships pass. Additionally, local governments and residents of Venice have said the pollution impact with both noise and air is not worth allowing the ships to continue to dock.

While this is all disappointing, being a real fan of Venice myself, I understand the restrictions and thing it’s the right choice.

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By Durant Imboden

• Also see: Venice for Cruisers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venice, Marghera, & Fusina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the author:

Trieste Cruise Port – the essential guide

If you’ve eagerly anticipated setting sail from Venice on your dream Mediterranean or Greek Isles cruise, prepare for an unexpected delight.

Venice, in 2021, had to bid adieu to many of the larger cruise ships due to rising water levels, creating a unique opportunity for the picturesque Trieste Cruise Port to steal the spotlight.

This charming Italian port, nestled gracefully along the scenic Adriatic coastline, now beckons you with open arms, offering itself as the gateway to your unforgettable voyage.

Read on to discover all the essentials for a smooth cruise experience, setting sail from Trieste Cruise Port.

Quick navigation

Trieste Cruise port

So where exactly is Trieste cruise port, and how easy is it to spend time in Venice before or after a cruise from Trieste?

First, you must check which ports to head to with your cruise line when booking a cruise from Venice. If it’s from Trieste or Ravenna , you need to consider this before you book your flight and make transfer arrangements.

Trieste is located 160 km northeast of Venice. It has the Adriatic Sea to the west and borders Slovenia to the east. It’s about a two-hour transfer either by road or rail from Venice.

If you plan to spend a few days in Venice before your cruise, we recommend saving a night or two to stay in Trieste. It’s a great city, with plenty to see and do.

The good news is that getting to Trieste from Venice is not tricky, and you have choices. Allow for the travel time and budget for the extra cost. We discuss all your transport options further below in this article.

Given that most cruise ships arrive at Trieste’s Stazione Marittima cruise port (the more central cruise port), the information we give here is for Stazione Marittima port. The historical cruise passenger terminal building is close to the city’s largest square, Piazza Unità d’Italia.

What are the closest airports to Trieste cruise port?

• Trieste Airport TRS (40 km)
• Venice Marco Polo Airport VCE (150 km)

If you prefer to skip Venice, search for flights to Trieste’s airport. To get from the airport, book an airport transfer to your hotel before you leave home. Alternatively, below you have the following public transport options.

Trieste Airport (TRS) to central Trieste

Trieste airport is around 40 km from central Trieste. Here are the transport options available to get you to the city center:

Bus : APT Gorizia is the local bus company operating bus number 51 from the airport. You can buy a one-way bus ticket for about 5 euros.

Taxi : There are taxis at the airport as you exit the arrivals area. The journey time is an estimated 30 minutes for around 50 euros. Expect to pay more if you are traveling in the evenings.

Train : Our favorite way to travel is by train. A direct train from Trieste airport to the central train station runs 2 or 3 times every hour. It’s a quick 29-minute journey costing around 5 euros per person.

Check out Omio’s website to easily search and compare train ticket prices to find your journey . Tickets can also be booked through Trenitalia or Italotreno. However, Omio offers price comparisons for your trip and a more straightforward booking process.

Venice Marco Polo (VCE) Airport to central Trieste

Venice airport is around 150 km from central Trieste.

If you arrive on an international flight to Venice Marco Polo Airport and want to transfer directly to Trieste, here are your best options:

Private Transfer: a private transfer is the easiest but most expensive option. Book through a trusted supplier such as Viator and have a driver waiting for you as you exit the arrivals lounge. The journey time is around 2 hours and can cost about 200 euros. This becomes more affordable if you have four or more guests and can share the cost for a hassle-free way of getting there.

Train: there is no train station at Venice Marco Polo airport. Take a taxi about 10 km from the airport to Venice’s central train station, Mestre. From there take a train direct to Trieste center. The journey takes 2 hours. You can book train tickets in Italy online before you leave home or at the train station.

How to travel between Venice island and Trieste

If you have chosen to explore Venice for a few days before or after your cruise and are staying on Venice Island, the train is a great way to get to or from Trieste. Purchase tickets to travel from Venezia S. Lucia train station to Trieste Centrale (or vice versa).

Choose the quickest journey where you do not need to change trains.

Trenitalia and Italo Treno are the leading train operators in Italy. They have high-speed Frecce trains that connect you to major cities and numerous regional trains.

You can book train tickets before you leave home, about three months after your travel date.

Alternatively, you can purchase train tickets directly at the train station. The cost of a single journey between Venice island and Trieste for an adult is around 15 euros per person.

Taxes are readily available to get to the port or your hotel from Trieste train station. Prices do vary, especially in the high season. Check with the taxi driver before you climb in. The journey time is about 20 to 30 minutes. The price will increase if it’s a national holiday or an evening journey.

Local buses also run from the train station to central Trieste and the cruise port.

Where to stay in Trieste

We recommend at least one hotel night in Trieste before your cruise starts – it’s a great city to explore. Here are our top 4 hotel recommendations for your stay in Trieste:

1. Double Tree by Hilton Trieste

The Double Tree by Hilton Hotel is centrally located about a 10-minute walk from the cruise port. The building is beautiful and is surrounded by a good selection of cafes and restaurants. If you are a Hilton Honors member (it’s free of charge to join their loyalty program), expect extra perks when you check in. We appreciated the chilled bottled water and fresh cookies.

2. Savoia Excelsior Palace

This is an excellent hotel, architecturally stunning, right next to the cruise port near Piazza Unità d’Italia. Enjoy good service and friendly staff – everything you’d expect for a 4-star plus experience. Ask for a balcony room directly overlooking the pier for a beautiful view. And to top it all, their lounge has an excellent cocktail menu.

3. Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta

This small, intimate boutique hotel has excellent facilities and a restaurant, Harry’s Piccolo. It’s located right on Piazza Unità d’Italia.

A popular feature includes a heated indoor pool in a city center location, and the hotel enjoys an excellent rating at Booking.com .

4. Hotel Continentale

The Hotel Continental is centrally located just a 10-minute walk from the central train station in Trieste and 15 minutes from the cruise port. Some rooms are a little dated, but overall, it is a good 4-star experience.

5. Hotel Solun

Hotel Solun is a great 4-star choice! The hotel is only 10 years old and has spacious, light, modern rooms, an excellent bar, and a nice restaurant. There are just 34 rooms and apartments, so book early. On our cruise embarkation day, we took a taxi from the hotel to the port for just 10 euros.

Splendid Trieste, Italy – a walking tour

Trieste, located in Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region, is the region’s historical capital. The architecture, cuisine, and languages reflect its multicultural diversity, a mixture of Mediterranean and central European heritage.

A great starting point for getting to know the city is Piazza Unità d’Italia (Unity of Italy Square). This is the main square in Trieste. Once home to the old marina, it faces the sea and is the city’s commercial hub, with many beautiful government buildings lining three sides of the square.

There is a tourist information office right in the square. The friendly staff will provide information and paper maps of the city if you like, so visit them before you start your day.

From Piazza Unità d’Italia, head towards Piazza della Borsa. This square is an excellent place to shop or shop for coffee. Enjoy walking and exploring the area until you reach Canale Grande. This 2 km long waterway is a lively area of shops and restaurants; it’s also an excellent place to return to for an evening restaurant as the whole area is beautifully lit at night.

Just a 20-minute walk southwards of the canal is the Roman Theatre of Trieste on Via del Teatro Romano. A beautifully preserved Roman theater, it was built at the base of a sloping hill called San Giusto. Many of the archaeological finds discovered when the site was excavated in 1938 can be viewed in the museum at the Castle of San Giusto , located a short walk away.

When you reach Castello di San Giusto, you will have fantastic panoramic views over Trieste. It’s a bit of a climb but well worth it. End your city walk at the cathedral, Cattedrale di San Giusto Martire.

If you are hungry and looking to try local seafood dishes, we recommend Antica Trattoria Le Barettine, located between the cathedral and Unity of Italy Square. If, however, they are closed for the season, there are many restaurants to choose from in this area.

Favorite day trips from Trieste

Here are our favorite spots just a short distance outside Trieste that are worth visiting during your stay:

Miramare Castle – Castello di Miramare

Crowned by the spectacular 19th-century Miramare Castle located on a rocky spur on the Gulf of Trieste, this grand house once owned by the Habsburg family is a must-see while visiting the city. The castle and surrounding park are open every day except Christmas and New Year. The park is free of charge to enjoy, and the fee of 10 euros per person to enter the castle is well worth it.

Sistiana Bay

Just 20 km north of Trieste is the stunning bay of Sistiana. You could combine a visit here with Miramare Castle as the castle is on its way, about halfway between Trieste and Sistiana. You drive along the beautiful coastal road known as Costiera Triestina . There are plenty of places to stop and take photos, the most picturesque being at Santa Croce Mare and Grignano.

Book an excursion with a trusted supplier such as Viator so that transportation and a guided tour of the bay are included. You will even have time to explore and swim at the beach there. Note that it’s a shingle beach, not sand, edging the inviting turquoise water of the Adriatic Sea.

How to get to Port of Trieste from the historical center

The passenger cruise terminal, Stazione Marittima (Port Station), is located right next to the historical center and is within walking distance from Piazza Unità d’Italia (Unity of Italy Square).

If you are not within walking distance, we recommend asking your hotel concierge to book a taxi for the short ride to the port. Even if your hotel is only a 20-minute walk, remember you will have all your cruise packing and luggage with you, so a taxi is the best choice to avoid the long walk with suitcases.

How to get to Trieste Airport from the Port of Trieste

If your cruise ship arrives at Stazione Marittima cruise port in Trieste and you fly the same day as you disembark your cruise, here are your options for transportation to the airport in Trieste.

Taxi: The most straightforward way but also one of the most costly ways to travel is by taxi. Taxis are available at the port or by calling tel. +39 040 307730. Note you cannot book a taxi in advance. There is a flat rate from Trieste cruise port to Trieste airport at 60€. It takes about 45/50 mins.

Bus: You need to make two separate journeys to reach the airport using the bus.

a) Stazione Marittima cruise port to Trieste Piazza Libertà bus station

The distance is 1.1 km, about 15 minutes walking or 5 minutes by taxi (tel. +39 040 307730). Note you cannot book a taxi in advance.

Alternatively, take a bus (12-15 mins) from Riva del Mandraccio, numbers 8/24/30. You can purchase a ticket on board for 1.40€ single ticket. Buses leave every 10 minutes.

b) Trieste Piazza Libertà bus station to Trieste Airport

Bus G51 buses approximately every 30 mins, depending on the time of the day. It takes approx 55mins/1hour. You can purchase tickets for the G51 bus at the Trieste bus station (payment cash/credit card/debit card) for 4.40€ single ticket.

Train: You must make two journeys to reach the airport using the train.

a) Stazione Marittima (cruise port) to Trieste Centrale train station

The distance is 1.1 km and takes approximately 15 minutes to walk or 5 minutes by taxi tel. +39 040 307730 (you cannot book a taxi in advance). Alternatively, take a bus 12-15 mins from Riva del Mandraccio, number 8/24/30 (you can purchase a ticket on board 1.40€ single ticket, buses every 10 mins).

b) Trieste Centrale train station to Trieste Airport

There are trains about every 30/45 minutes, depending on the time of the day. Check the timetable with Omio, which includes the Trenitalia trains . It takes 28 minutes, and a single ticket costs around 5€.

Cruise lines departing from Trieste Cruise Port

• Ships: Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Breakaway
• Destinations: Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Adriatic Coast
• Ships: MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia
• Destinations: Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey
• Ships: Azamara Onward
• Destinations: Greek Isles, Ionian Sea
• Ships: Seven Seas Navigator
• Destinations: Mediterranean, French Riviera, Spain
• Ships: Queen Victora
• Destinations: Adriatic Coast, Western Mediterranean
• Ships: Star Princess

These cruise lines offer a variety of itineraries departing from Trieste, allowing you to explore stunning regions of the Mediterranean, the enchanting Greek Isles, the picturesque Dalmatian Coast, and more for your upcoming cruise in 2024 and 2025. Be sure to check with our travel partner, Cruise Direct , for specific departure dates and availability.

Trieste awaits you with exciting cruise adventures!

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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32 thoughts on “Trieste Cruise Port – the essential guide”

We are cruising on the Norwegian in October 2024. We would love to stay in Venice for a day and then travel to Trieste for an additional day. Where would you recommend staying in Venice?? I would prefer something close to places to see and also provide an easy access to the train to Trieste. We have no idea of how to do this and it is somewhat overwhelming.

First we must apologize for the delay in replying to you. Sorry to say your message has landed and been missed in our “spam” folder, which should not happen. How exciting for your upcoming cruise from Trieste and your visit to Venice! We were in Venice again just 3 weeks ago and stayed in the Santa Croce district close to the Santa Lucia train station on Venice island. Staying in this area means you are walking distance to St. Mark’s Square and all major sites in Venice, and also close to the train station for your onward journey to Trieste. From our hotel, we walked everywhere, it really is a good location. The Vaporetto (water buses) are also very close by if you prefer to travel in this way instead of walking. Buying transportation tickets is very self-explanatory once you are there from the machines outside the train station or inside at the info desks. Hotels such as CHC Continental BW Hotel or the Hotel Carlton on the Grand are within walking distance of the station. You can find more hotels we recommend in this area on our hotel page here . There is a direct Trentitalia regional train that takes 2 hours and 5 mins from Santa Lucia train station to Trieste Centrale. You can buy your tickets at the train station or book before you leave home through Omio and download your tickets onto their app. In addition, if you are arriving at Venice’s Marco Polo international airport, there is a direct bus link from outside the arrivals terminal to Piazzale Roma, the transport hub on Venice island. It’s easy to buy bus tickets inside the terminal at the information desk which is signposted and buses leave regularly. They store your luggage for you as you climb onto the bus. The journey takes about 30 mins and costs around 10 eur per person. When you disembark at Piazzale Roma you can walk to the hotel if you stay near the train station. You are welcome to email us directly on [email protected] if you would like further information or advice. Best regards, Sarah

We are tentatively booked at Forum Bijou in Trieste. How far is that from the port for Norwegian line?

Hello Marge

Thank you for contacting us. We apologize for the delay in replying to you. The latest information we have received from NCL is that they are using terminals Molo Bersaglieri for Pier #29 and Pier #30 OR Trieste Marine Terminal (TMT) – Via della Rampa for pier #57.

Kindly check with NCL which terminal they intend to use for your cruise sailing; the address should be on your cruise tickets.

If you are staying at Forvm Boutique Hotel, on Via Valdirivo, 30, this is about 10 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal Molo Bersaglieri. This cruise terminal is very central.

To get to Trieste Marine Terminal is a little further; it is south of the city center, but it is still an easy taxi journey of around 15 minutes.

I recommend you ask your hotel to assist with booking a taxi to ensure you get to the cruise port in good time. We wish you a great stay in wonderful Trieste and a super cruise vacation.

Hello Sarah,

We will be departing Trieste on October 27 on the Norwegian Epic. Our cruise docs give the port address as “Trieste Cruise Terminal Via Della Rampa1,Trieste 34123, Italy”. Looking at the address in Google maps, it doesn’t quite make sense. Would this mean we are using Ormeggio 57? What address or location would you recommend we give the taxi driver (we will be staying at the DoubleTree in Trieste)?

Hello Mark,

Thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail! It is important that you use the address given to you by your cruise line. Some cruise ships use the Trieste Marine Terminal, reached via Via Della Rampa, a few kilometers outside of the city center. I recommend you check with your cruise line if in doubt or if you have questions, and that you give the full address on your ticket to your driver. Be sure to give them the cruise line’s name so they get you as close as possible to the cruise ship.

In May 2024 we will be staying in Venice 2 days and then Trieste 1 day before boarding the NCL Pearl. We are already booked at the Doubletree Hilton in Trieste. Since we’re staying on the island of Venice a train sounds like our best option to travel to Trieste. I plan to buy the train tickets early but am concerned about navigating the train system in italy. Is it easy to find the correct train?

Hi Wanda! Thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail! We have used the train system many times in Italy without any problems. I recommend the following: 1. Purchase your tickets online (we like Omio) and download them onto your smartphone, so you can show them when onboard the train. 2. Turn up to the train station in good time so you do not feel stressed in finding your train. Find your route on the announcement boards, and it will tell you which track you need. The tracks are numbered. 3. If in doubt, ask an attendant, or go to the information desk, they will be able to help you in English. If you are staying on Venice island, you need to book from the Santa Lucia train station in Venice, to Trieste Centrale train station. Enjoy your cruise vacation, it sounds like you have a good plan! Trieste is lovely.

Our NCL cruise ends in Triste. How difficult is it to disembark and travel to the train station with luggage? We booked a hotel in Venice hoping to have time to tour the city before returning to Rome the next day. Any guidance is greatly appreciated.

Many thanks for contacting us at CruiseTrail!

You do not mention which cruise terminal your ship arrives at, do check your cruise ticket however very often it is Stazione Marittima.

To get from Stazione Marittima cruise port to Trieste Centrale train station takes approximately 15 minutes to walk, about 1.1 km. This does not sound a long way but actually with luggage it can be difficult walk along a busy road. I would certainly opt to take a taxi to the train station which will only take 5 minutes (depending on traffic). There are often plenty of taxis in the port area when cruise ships arrive. You can also call tel. +39 040 307730 (you cannot book a taxi in advance).

Alternatively, take a bus 12-15 mins from Riva del Mandraccio, number 8/24/30 (you can purchase a ticket on board for about 1.40€ single ticket, buses every 10 mins). However, this is a public bus and can get crowded and be problematic with a lot of luggage.

Once you are at the train station, the regional Trenitalia train will take you directly to Venice in around 2 hours.

Book a train ticket to Venice Mestre if your hotel is on the mainland, or to Venice Santa Lucia station if your hotel is on Venice island.

You can search and compare tickets with our travel partner Omio before you leave home if you like. They have a very handy app where you can download and store your tickets on your phone.

I hope this information is of help. Good luck and have a wonderful cruise vacation with NCL!

Best regards Sarah

Hi What’s the best option to get to the city centre from the cruise port. We are on MSC cruise arriving Trieste on 18th October

Hi George, thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail!

If your MSC Cruise ship is docking at Stazione Marittima, Molo dei Bersaglieri, you are within walking distance (5 mins) of the main square in the city, Unity of Italy Square (Piazza Unità d’Italia).

Depending upon where your hotel is located (if you are staying in Trieste after your cruise) then you may either choose to walk or take a taxi from the port. I hope you enjoy your cruise and the city of Trieste – it’s really lovely and a great place to end a cruise vacation.

We are taking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line. We were told the ship will leave from Trieste Marina Terminal. The address is Punto Franco Nuovo Molo VIII. We are staying by the Roman Theater in Trieste. How do we get to the port?

Hi Nancy! Thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail! Trieste Marina Terminal is located south of the center of Trieste, and I recommend you ask your hotel for help in booking a taxi to get you there as it is too far to walk. Be sure to give the name of the cruise line and cruise terminal when you book to ensure the driver takes you to the correct terminal. I hope you have a wonderful cruise from Trieste.

Thanks Sarah, Very helpful information. Looking forward to our cruise from Trieste.

Thank you for your kind words. I hope you have a wonderful cruise vacation.

Hi Sarah, thank you for the article. We will embark our cruise ship in Trieste in the summer of this year with Holland America line. The port address that HAL gives is: “Via Von Bruck, 3 Trieste, TS 34143 Italy”. From the Google map, I see this address is kind of far from the train station. Since we will stay in Venice for a few days before the cruise and would like to take the train to Trieste. Can you tell us what is the best way for us to get to the port from train station? Or is there any other ways to go to Trieste’s HAL port from Venice other than train? Thank you.

Many thanks for contacting us at CruiseTrail, and I do apologize for the delay in replying. I was awaiting more information from Holland American but it seems very vague from them regarding the cruise port they are using in Trieste.

From the information I received over the phone, it seems the Holland American cruise port is a short walk from the center of Ravenna, less than 10 minutes. I would, however, recommend that you check your cruise ticket for the exact address or contact your local cruise representative and have them check the correct port for your particular sailing.

The easiest and most cost-efficient way to get from Venice to Trieste is by train. You can find out all about booking train travel in Italy on our website. There is the option of a private transfer , with, for example, Viator, but this is the most expensive way to travel unless you are a small group and can share the cost.

To get from the train station to the cruise port, there are local buses from the train station, and also taxis. The journey time from the train station to the center is about 10-15 minutes. We usually recommend staying at least one night in Trieste prior to embarkation day to ensure that you arrive at your cruise ship in good time.

We hope you have a wonderful cruise vacation. Please check your cruise port address on your cruise ticket or with your HAL representative before you travel to ensure you arrive at the correct embarkation port.

We are cruising into Trieste later this year. We want to go to Venice for a couple of days. Is there a web site that would give me a phone number so someone can help me book train tickets to Venice?

Thank you for contacting us at CruiseTrail. How wonderful you are taking the time to visit Venice during your cruise vacation!

If you are not using a travel agent to help you with your booking, I recommend that you book directly with Omio, who offer train tickets with the fast train (Frecciarossa) and regional trains. You will most likely need to change in Bologna for your journey between Trieste and Venice. Omio also has an online help center where you can email them your questions. The Omio website is available in English, and you can pay in your local currency. It is very user-friendly. I recommend that you first create an account with them (free of charge), and you will have access to the information you need about managing your booking and also contact with their help center. When you have made a booking, you can download your tickets to the Omio app on your smartphone (if you like) and have them all in one place and easily accessible when you travel. We partner with Omio, and you can choose to book your train tickets here .

Good luck with your booking; we hope you enjoy Venice!

NCL has a homeport in Trieste now. On the Gem we embark in Trieste. The next day our stop is Venice (from 6:30a to 11p). I cannot locate information on how we get into Venice on May 23, 2023. If it’s a tender, where does it drop you off? I tried NCL without success. Their answer was Port of Venice and it’s a tender port. Does that mean we take a 2 hr. city operated tender to Venice from Trieste? I need details for a tour @ 9:30a meeting near St. Mark’s. As an organized traveler who pre-books as much as possible from home, I find no detailed information. Do I need a day pass or water taxi – I’m not able to determine based on what information is available on groups on FB, NCL or Cruise Critic.

Hello, and thank you for contacting us!

If your ship visits the Port of Venice, it will most likely anchor off-shore and use tender boats to get you into Venice. I have found this pdf from the NCL website which has more information about the port. I recommend you contact NCL again and ask them if this is the port you arrive at on the tender boat.

Once you are at the Port of Venice, you have several options to get to St. Mark’s Square.

NCL may offer a water bus that you can book in advance to get you there, this may be rather expensive, but it will get you there relatively quickly. You must be prepared for queues in Venice, especially when cruise ships visit and thousands of passengers are disembarking around the same time. Ask NCL if they offer water bus transportation and the price, and if you can be off the ship in the earliest group.

You can walk; this will take a good hour, I would guess, bearing in mind the crowds and finding your way. Although the walk is often delightful, it will take time. Hop on the People Mover (1 EURO each payable at the ticket machines with cash or a credit card) from the port to get you to Piazzale Roma, and you walk from there.

Alternatively, you can ride a water taxi from one of the first stops on the Grand Canal to St. Mark’s Square. It will be quicker than walking.

Perhaps you may consider booking a private transfer from the Port of Venice to St. Mark’s Square to get you there even quicker. We trust Viator as a travel partner for transfers in Venice, and you can look closer at the prices they offer here , although this may be the most expensive option for you.

We hope this information is of help to you. We wish you a fantastic day on Venice Island.

Hello Sarah We are flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport looking for any hotel, near Venice Maestre Central Station (MCS), that can provide a shuttle bus to pick us up at the airport. After staying for 3 days, we will check into Holland American Line Cruise ship at Trieste Marine Cruise Terminal. We will take ±2 hours train ride from Venice MCS to Trieste Central Train Station, and stay two nights in Trieste Town. If I take Local Bus #30 from Trieste City Center to Trieste Marine Terminal. There is no Inside Port Transportation from Passeggio Sant’ Andrea (GdF) at the port entry Gate to the Holland American Line Cruise Ship (Except for Walking that may be restricted). As you suggested we will take a taxi instead from our hotel in Trieste to HAL Cruise Port Terminal.

Hi George! It sounds like you have a good plan for your cruise vacation! If you are still searching for a hotel in Venice Maestre, you may like to look at Ambasciatori Hotel Mestre Venice. They offer an airport shuttle bus transfer. It is the same complex as Delfino Mestre. Located very close to the train station, next door to a supermarket, and the bus stop is outside the hotel to get you into Venice island. It is a 3-star option if this suits you. I recommend you read the reviews then contact the hotel regarding an airport shuttle transfer. If you like, you can start your hotel search on our hotel booking resource page . If you decide to look at hotel accommodation on Venice island instead, you can travel by train from Santa Lucia train station (located on the Grand Canal, Venice island) to Trieste. Good luck! I wish you a fantastic trip.

What is the best way to get to Friuili Venezia Guilia airport from the Trieste Cruise terminal? Is the bus station in walking distance (considering bag drag, etc.)

Hi Melissa! Thank you for contacting us!

You have a few options for transport from Trieste cruise terminal to Trieste Airport. If you cruise ship arrives at Statzione Marittima cruise port. Here are your options:

1. TAXI: The easiest way but also one of the most costly is a taxi. Taxi are available at the port or by calling tel. +39 040 307730. Note you cannot book a taxi in advance. There is a flat rate from Trieste cruise port to Trieste airport at 60€. It takes about 45/50 mins.

2. BUS: You need to make two separate journeys to reach the airport using the bus.

The distance is 1.1Km, about 15 mins walking or by taxi 5 mins (tel. +39 040 307730). Note you cannot book a taxi in advance. Alternatively take the bus (12-15 mins) from Riva del Mandraccio nr 8/24/30. You can purchase ticket on board 1.40€ single ticket. Buses leave every 10 mins.

b) Trieste Piazza Libertà bus station to Trieste Airport with Bus G51, buses approximately every 30 mins, depends on the time of the day. It takes approx 55mins/1hour. You can purchase tickets for G51 bus at the Trieste bus station (payment cash/credit card/debit card) 4.40€ single ticket.

3. TRAIN: You need to make two separate journeys to reach the airport using the train.

a) Stazione Marittima (cruise port) to Trieste Centrale train station: 1.1Km / approx 15 mins walking / 5 mins by taxi tel. +39 040 307730 (you cannot book a taxi in advance) / by bus in 12/15 mins from Riva del Mandraccio nr 8/24/30 (you can purchase ticket on board 1.40€ single ticket, buses every 10mins)

b) Trieste Centrale train station to Trieste Airport: There are trains about every 30/45 mins, depends on the time of the day. Check timetable with Omio which include the Trenitalia trains . It takes 28 minutes, single ticket is around 5€.

I hope this information helps you to decide which alternative suits you best. There are often many taxis at the cruise port when ships dock, but I have included the phone number for you as well. I also recommend that check with the guest services on board to see if they offer a transfer to the airport.

I was wondering the best way to get from Trieste port to Marco Polo airport. I will be traveling on my own. Taxi would be the preferred option but seems expensive. Thank you

Hi, Taxis and private transfers can get pricey when traveling alone or in smaller groups.

Depending on your travel dates, some buses and trains are pretty convenient. You can search for buses and trains with the provider we recommend and use. Click here to read more: Search, compare, and book transport .

I find it convenient to travel by train in Italy. One solution could be to take the train to Venice Maestre central station and then, from there taxi or bus to Marco Polo airport. I wish you a wonderful trip, and let me know if you have further questions.

Thank you for this helpful information! My husband and I are taking our first cruise, and Trieste is our embarkation port. We were unsure how to get from the airport to the ship, but your article spells it all out for us. We hope to have a little bit of extra time to explore what sounds like a beautiful city before we set sail. Thanks again for this awesome info!

How exciting, I am sure you will have a lovely trip. Thank you for your kind words; I am happy I could help. And yes, there is plenty to do and see in Trieste. I hope you enjoy the city before your cruise.

Thank you so much. Very helpful. We will be in Trieste September 2024. Brenda Brisbane Australia

Thank you for your kind words. Have a great time in Trieste, there is a lot to see and enjoy.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Is Cutting Venice From Its Itineraries — What to Know If the City Is on Your 2024 or 2025 Itinerary

Norwegian will modify its 2024 and 2025 itineraries, replacing it with other stops in Italy, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Bruce Hood/Getty Images

Norwegian Cruise Line is saying arrivederci to Venice, cutting the canal city from its cruise itineraries in 2024 and 2025.

The cruise line confirmed to Travel + Leisure it will no longer include stops in Venice as part of its plans years after the city declared its waterways a “national monument” and banned large cruise ships. Since then, Norwegian said it has been ferrying visitors to the famed city by tender, but it was no longer a viable option.

“Due to the restrictions on large cruise ships to sail into the Venice Lagoon and dock at the usual piers, large cruise ships calling to Venice are required to anchor outside of the lagoon and utilize tender boats to access the Port of Venice,” a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson told T+L. “While we have made every effort possible to maintain these calls to Venice, the tender operation and overall experience this provides our guests has fallen short of the standard we aim to deliver.”

Going forward, Norwegian will modify its 2024 itineraries that previously included Venice, replacing it with port visits to either Ravenna , Italy; Rijeka and Zadar, Croatia; or Koper, Slovenia. In 2025, the cruise line will replace stops in Venice with either a sea day or another port, depending on availability.

“We recognize that Venice is one of the world’s greatest destinations, cherished by both our guests and crew, and as such acknowledge the inconvenience and frustration this disruption may cause,” the spokesperson added. “We appreciate the understanding of our loyal guests and travel agent partners.”

Major cruise lines have utilized different options to get guests to Venice. MSC Cruises, for example, stops in Marghera, which sits just across the water from the city. Others, like Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, stop in Trieste, which sits on the border near Slovenia. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises both stop in Ravenna, about a 2 hour 30 minute drive from Venice.

Venice has been making efforts to limit over-tourism for years. The city, which has received multiple reprieves from being included on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites in danger, also plans to implement a tourist fee for day visitors this spring and aims to limit the size of tour groups allowed this coming summer.

Related Articles

• Norwegian Cruise Line

It is now official - the port of TRIESTE is the NEW "Venice port" for NCL

By TrumpyNor , January 13, 2022 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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8 hours ago, CruiseMH said: Trieste is not completely free of tourists,in summer there are also a lot of them but much less than in Venice or Dubrovnik.  

TBH, Santorini was the worst, hands down.  3 or 4 cruise ships dropping people off so everything was mobbed and the line to get the cable car down to the ship was over an hour long.  I was so stressed I swore I'd stay on the ship if I ever went back.

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2 hours ago, phillygwm said: TBH, Santorini was the worst, hands down.  3 or 4 cruise ships dropping people off so everything was mobbed and the line to get the cable car down to the ship was over an hour long.  I was so stressed I swore I'd stay on the ship if I ever went back.

Sad but true. We were very fortunate to visit Santorini in Oct 2014 on the Jade and there was one other ship there. That ship was there morning to mid-afternoon and we were there early afternoon to late evening. We had a great visit there. Not anymore now - too many ships.

Thanks for the information.  Trieste sounds fascinating. 

15 hours ago, phillygwm said: TBH, Santorini was the worst, hands down.  3 or 4 cruise ships dropping people off so everything was mobbed and the line to get the cable car down to the ship was over an hour long.  I was so stressed I swore I'd stay on the ship if I ever went back.

OK,Santorini is also a mess in summer,thats right.

When we were there it was also very full(at least in the village of Thira).But on they way down we used the stairs cause the line for the cable car was extremely long.

You had to take care about the animals and when arriving at the bottom my knees were glowing.

38 minutes ago, CruiseMH said: OK,Santorini is also a mess in summer,thats right. When we were there it was also very full(at least in the village of Thira).But on they way down we used the stairs cause the line for the cable car was extremely long. You had to take care about the animals and when arriving at the bottom my knees were glowing.

Yes, my niece and her friend hiked a dormant volcano, whilst uncle went solo on the winery tour and Thira.   They had no problems and were back on the ship with time to spare. 

The winery was picturesque (wine wasn't great) but Thira was absolutely mobbed and completely unenjoyable.  I thought about the steps but was concerned I'd get halfway down and have issues.  I probably would have been OK and, in retrospect, should have gone with that option. 

I remember being in line, on the phone with my niece, walking her through rescheduling our dinner reservations.  Now that I'm remembering it, the staff at Le Bistro were amazing and it was a memorable meal.  I'm one of those Type A people who get super stressed when late for anything.  I finally arrived at the table -- an hour after our scheduled reservation -- and they promptly got me liquored up.  Meanwhile, I was with a couple finicky eaters, in a French restaurant.  I told them they didn't need to eat if they didn't want; they could watch me for the next 90 minutes and hit the buffet after.  So, to the amazement of my sister, they actually tried stuff.  Turns out, I (mostly) expanded their horizons, with the exception of scallops!  The servers earned their tip that night  🤣

Correction - I thought Prima / Viva were being built at Monfalcone. Instead it is Marghera. Therefore sit on the left side of the train and look out the window after leaving Venezia / Mestre for a view of the shipyard.

Does anyone know... for those of us in the US who are using NCL's airfare included promotion, will we be flown into Marco Polo or Triste?  We are cruising in September, plan to arrive 2 days early and would like to book our hotel stay.  TIA

8 hours ago, Tys Mom said: Does anyone know... for those of us in the US who are using NCL's airfare included promotion, will we be flown into Marco Polo or Triste?  We are cruising in September, plan to arrive 2 days early and would like to book our hotel stay.  TIA

As Trieste has a smaller and more "domestic" airport, with not that many international arrivals (just a few exceptions like Ryanair from London and Lufthansa Cityline from Frankfurt). My bet is that you will be arriving at Marco Polo Airport just outside Venice.

On 1/14/2022 at 3:00 AM, TrumpyNor said:   Thank you to all of you who have taken your time to write som descriptions about Trieste, it is highly appreciated!   I actually booked a night at the Savoia Excelsior purely because of its location, that it is a luxury hotel comes as an extra bonus. Only downside for us is that we booked our flight to Venice several months ago, at a very good price. With arriving at Venice airport at 4.00 PM, then getting luggage, transport to train station, and the train itself, it is very possible that we will not arrive in Trieste until 8.00 PM or even later... Even though I can cancel our current plane tickets without a penalty, the price to purchase new tickets (either for arriving in Venice two days before the cruise and then have more time to get to Trieste without stressing too much, or for flights to Trieste) are much higher than then what I have paid for our current tickets).   So allthough would be nice to explore a new Italian city instead of Venice, will arrive there after dark and the cruise is the next day.     

I think 4 hours from the Venice airport to Trieste is unlikely. I use this site all the time and it's showing less than 1 1/2 hours by bus and about 2 1/2 by train.

https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Venice-Airport-VCE/Trieste-(TRS)(45.82096,13.48533)

Besides, even if you didn't get to Trieste until 7, that's plenty of time to have a nice dinner. My wife and I ate at this amazing place called Al Barattolo https://albarattolo.it/ . Since we hadn't been to Italy since 2018, having dinner there again last August was simply unforgettable. The moment I tasted a slice of pizza, I knew I was back in Italy. If the Excelsior is across from the cruise port, it should take you about 15 seconds to get there. Trieste is very walkable around that area. I just checked and the hotel is literally in front of the Molo dei Bersaglieri, which is the pier we used for our MSC cruise. Great location. I'd strongly recommend going for dinner and then strolling around afterwards just like the Italians do.

mapleleaves

1 hour ago, DCGuy64 said: I think 4 hours from the Venice airport to Trieste is unlikely. I use this site all the time and it's showing less than 1 1/2 hours by bus and about 2 1/2 by train.    

4 hrs is a very reasonable estimate ..... the OP had included time waiting for luggage, transportation to a Venice train station (probably Mestre), plus train travel which can be 2 - 3 hrs depending on which train they catch. 

If the flight arrives at 4pm, they would be lucky to be at Mestre depot by 5:30. 

2 hours ago, DCGuy64 said: I think 4 hours from the Venice airport to Trieste is unlikely. I use this site all the time and it's showing less than 1 1/2 hours by bus and about 2 1/2 by train. https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Venice-Airport-VCE/Trieste-(TRS)(45.82096,13.48533) Besides, even if you didn't get to Trieste until 7, that's plenty of time to have a nice dinner. My wife and I ate at this amazing place called Al Barattolo https://albarattolo.it/ . Since we hadn't been to Italy since 2018, having dinner there again last August was simply unforgettable. The moment I tasted a slice of pizza, I knew I was back in Italy. If the Excelsior is across from the cruise port, it should take you about 15 seconds to get there. Trieste is very walkable around that area. I just checked and the hotel is literally in front of the Molo dei Bersaglieri, which is the pier we used for our MSC cruise. Great location. I'd strongly recommend going for dinner and then strolling around afterwards just like the Italians do.  

I think you may be misunderstanding me. I never expected it to take me 4 hours travel time to get to Trieste from Marco Polo airport.  😊

My "time calculations" are just loosely based on previous experiences when travelling in Italy numerous times in the past (things always takes longer than estimated when doing it «the Italian way» 😉 ) – and I am very familiar with the Rome2Rio website, as I use it myself all the time as well.

Our flight (if no delays) will "touch ground" at 16.00 (4.00 pm). Will then need to get our luggage, and as Marco Polo is a large airport often with many international flights arriving at the same time - I find it highly unlikely that we will have our luggage before 16.30 (4.30) at the earliest. For medical reasons that I don't want to get in to here, a public bus is not an alternative for us, so that leaves taxi and/or train or a private shuttle.

Transportation between Marco Polo airport and the Mestre station is about 20 min. drive depending on traffic, and between Marco Polo airport and Venice Santa Lucia station (Piazzale Roma) is also situated about 20 min from the airport. So lets say everything goes smoothly and we can be at a train station around 17.00 (5.00 PM). Compared to current timetables for that distance the train would then leave the station in direction Trieste some time between 17.30-18.00/5.30-6.00 PM, and then arrive at the train station in Trieste around 2 1/2 hours later. The distance from Trieste Centrale to our hotel is only about 1 mile, but I do not see us walking that distance with luggage after we have been travelling for more than 12 hours, so there will be another taxitrip – allthough a short one.

Will then be checking in to the hotel and THEN finally be ready to head out for dinner in a place we have never been to before, So probably not ready for dinner until 21.00/9.00 PM. 

So yes; I do prefer then to «spludge» on a private shuttle and then arrive at the hotel in Trieste if lucky sometime between 18.00-18.30&6.00/6.30 PM.

EDIT: Just wanted to add that until not that long ago I expected the transfertime from the airport to our hotel near Piazzale Roma in Venice with a regular taxi (as our hotel would be located just a couple of minutes walk from Piazzale Roma) to be just around 20 minutes, and then just 5 minutes taxi down to the cruise port the next morning ad we have done so many times in the pst. So yes, it is allowed to be a little "annoyed" about the cruise starting in Trieste instead of Venice (of course nobody's fault, but still annoying).  😊  But however, still smiling, will after all in all likelyness be on a cruise this summer!!! (or actually two - as we have a cruise on the Escape from Rome booked just three days after our first roundtrip cruise from Trieste.)

On 1/13/2022 at 1:57 PM, SliderNc said: There was some talk that they were going to build a new channel that would not go through the city center of Venice so that the larger ships could use the port in the future.  Just don't know the timeline on that or if/when it will happen.

Larger ships, from other lines, are using the port of Marghera, which is the industrial port of Venice, on the mainland.  The channel for this port enters the lagoon at the south end, and does not impact the fragile ecosystems of the lagoon, and is dredged deep enough already to allow large tankers and container ships in.  There is the old Vittorio Emmanuel channel that connects Marghera to the city of Venice, but that has been unused for decades, and would require dredging, which is one thing they don't want to do in the lagoon.  Nothing but small expedition type cruise ships will use Venice proper in the future.

3 minutes ago, chengkp75 said: Larger ships, from other lines, are using the port of Marghera, which is the industrial port of Venice, on the mainland.  The channel for this port enters the lagoon at the south end, and does not impact the fragile ecosystems of the lagoon, and is dredged deep enough already to allow large tankers and container ships in.  There is the old Vittorio Emmanuel channel that connects Marghera to the city of Venice, but that has been unused for decades, and would require dredging, which is one thing they don't want to do in the lagoon.  Nothing but small expedition type cruise ships will use Venice proper in the future.

Plus; I saw a documentary on TV about Venice a couple of year ago, where they actually stated that the majority of Port of Venice is considered a "private business" with private owners, and do not revenu much earnings for the city itself. Which also probably means that any changes done to the port would depend on high investments from the owners with not that much to gain by doing that...

What many folks don't understand, seeing the crowds in Venice, is that  tourism as a whole  (not just cruise ships), only accounts for about 14% of Venice's GDP.  Venice has a lot of land area on the mainland, where heavy industry contributes the vast majority of GDP.

Regardless of who owns the port of Venice, the large ships create havoc from hydraulic "canal effect", where you shove a large ship through a shallow, narrow channel, and the water displaced creates erosion, not only to the marshes of the lagoon, but also the underpinnings of the buildings in Venice.

1 hour ago, mapleleaves said:   4 hrs is a very reasonable estimate ..... the OP had included time waiting for luggage, transportation to a Venice train station (probably Mestre), plus train travel which can be 2 - 3 hrs depending on which train they catch.  If the flight arrives at 4pm, they would be lucky to be at Mestre depot by 5:30.         

The website I referenced was point to point, i.e. Venice airport to Trieste central station. If the website is in error, that's another issue, but it doesn't have to take 4 hours. That was my point.

1 hour ago, TrumpyNor said: My "time calculations" are just loosely based on previous experiences when travelling in Italy numerous times in the past (things always takes longer than estimated when doing it «the Italian way» 😉 ) – and I am very familiar with the Rome2Rio website, as I use it myself all the time as well.

You may be right, but let me just point this out to you:

When my wife and I went to Italy last August, we flew into Milan Malpensa airport, which is a pretty big one. We needed to get from there to Trieste and had to first take a train from the airport to Milano Centrale and then another train to Trieste. Based on my experience in Italy, I assumed it would be a madhouse and that getting our luggage and going through passport control would take forever. I booked our train tickets online and allowed for about 1 1/2 hours to do all that. Do you know how much time it actually took? About 10 minutes. Our luggage was already waiting for us at the baggage claim and (I'm not making this up) it took about 60 seconds to do passport control. No lines, no fuss, nothing. I was almost in shock (this was my 26th time to Italy and I've NEVER gotten through that fast). We got there so early, I ended up having to switch out our train tickets and we left earlier than scheduled. So while I would agree that based on past experiences, you may encounter delays, right now is anything but normal . Obviously I cannot guarantee your arrival will be as carefree and expeditious as ours was, but I don't think it'll be 9 pm by the time you get to Trieste. At any rate, I hope you have a wonderful time over there. We certainly did!

9 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said: The website I referenced was point to point, i.e. Venice airport to Trieste central station. If the website is in error, that's another issue, but it doesn't have to take 4 hours. That was my point. You may be right, but let me just point this out to you: When my wife and I went to Italy last August, we flew into Milan Malpensa airport, which is a pretty big one. We needed to get from there to Trieste and had to first take a train from the airport to Milano Centrale and then another train to Trieste. Based on my experience in Italy, I assumed it would be a madhouse and that getting our luggage and going through passport control would take forever. I booked our train tickets online and allowed for about 1 1/2 hours to do all that. Do you know how much time it actually took? About 10 minutes. Our luggage was already waiting for us at the baggage claim and (I'm not making this up) it took about 60 seconds to do passport control. No lines, no fuss, nothing. I was almost in shock (this was my 26th time to Italy and I've NEVER gotten through that fast). We got there so early, I ended up having to switch out our train tickets and we left earlier than scheduled. So while I would agree that based on past experiences, you may encounter delays, right now is anything but normal . Obviously I cannot guarantee your arrival will be as carefree and expeditious as ours was, but I don't think it'll be 9 pm by the time you get to Trieste. At any rate, I hope you have a wonderful time over there. We certainly did!

I give up - you are still missing my point or not reading what I actually wrote  (9 pm would be the time I was ready to eat my dinner, after arriving at the hotel, checking in, have a quick shower, finding a restaurant and walk over to it. . .).. I hereby rest my case as I do not wish to spend any more time explaining my reasons...

Have a nice day.

On 1/13/2022 at 11:56 AM, TrumpyNor said: As we have a 7 days roundtrip cruise from Venice, Italy booked for July 2022, and no cruiseships except the very tiny ones are allowed in to Venice port since summer 2021,  I have been trying to do some research to find out the likely alternative ports we would be sailing from, and there were three different alternative options that were likely to be the replacement port: Port of Ravenna Port of Trieste Port of Monfalcone   Until today my research had retulted in absolutely no clear answers, just guesses everywhere - not even my PCC at NCL could find out anything a couple of weeks ago. But today I was just checking my online cruise summary as I am waiting for a Latitudes Diamond upgrade to be activated on our Venice-cruise, and then I noticed this:     So the city of Trieste, located in   Italy’s   extreme northeast   (kind of surrounded by the country of Slovenia), will be the starting point for all cruises offered to/from "Venice" by NCL. Instead of the cruise ship (and city) being as little as 14 km/9 miles) from Venice Marco Polo Airport, Port of Trieste is located about 152 km/95 miles from Venice Marco Polo Airport. That is some distance.....    For those who may have no idea what I am talking about, here is some information: https://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/venice-cruising-changes.htm   Personally my husband and I have been on several cruises to/from Venice in the past, and was looking forward to spending a night there pre-cruise. Well, I guess not - will instead plan on finding a hotel in Trieste for the night before the cruise, as I do NOT want to travel for several hours just to get to the port on embarkation day... 

If you do go out of Trieste, make the most of it.  We sailed out of that port in November on an Oceania cruise.  We flew in to Venice and because we had done Venice so many times before, we arranged for a pickup at the Venice airport to take us directly to Trieste.  We booked the Savoia Excelsior Hotel, which is literally right across the street from the cruise port.  The Savoia was a WONDERFUL hotel and I would highly recommend it!!

We spent 3 days in town.  It was a really nice little town to wonder around, have some nice meals, do a little shopping, etc.  And the day of our cruise was so stress free....we just checked out of our hotel and walked across the street to the port at boarding time.

1 minute ago, sbsmutoni said: If you do go out of Trieste, make the most of it.  We sailed out of that port in November on an Oceania cruise.  We flew in to Venice and because we had done Venice so many times before, we arranged for a pickup at the Venice airport to take us directly to Trieste.  We booked the Savoia Excelsior Hotel, which is literally right across the street from the cruise port.  The Savoia was a WONDERFUL hotel and I would highly recommend it!!   We spent 3 days in town.  It was a really nice little town to wonder around, have some nice meals, do a little shopping, etc.  And the day of our cruise was so stress free....we just checked out of our hotel and walked across the street to the port at boarding time.   Enjoy!!

Thank you! We are actually already booked at the Savoia Excelsior hotel for the night before the cruise because others have recommended it here on CC. 🙂   At the time of booking the cruise, didn't know that it would be from Trieste and not from Venice - and since we had done many cruises out of Venice before, we booked a flight for arrival late afternoon the day before the cruise. I have checked regarding changing flights to arrive one day earlier (giving us two nights plus one full day in Trieste), but the price for a change would be very expensive compared to what I paid when I booked my flights almost one year in advance...  😊

AmazedByCruising

1 hour ago, chengkp75 said: What many folks don't understand, seeing the crowds in Venice, is that  tourism as a whole  (not just cruise ships), only accounts for about 14% of Venice's GDP.  Venice has a lot of land area on the mainland, where heavy industry contributes the vast majority of GDP.

True, but aren't the percentages different for people living in Venice itself instead of Veneto as a whole? Those are the ones who have the burden of the ships, and the income from tourism. Norway probably doesn't care much about cruise ships as they add a tiny bit to the GDP of Norway, but the population of Geiranger whose income is selling beer and trinkets instead of working in the oil industry would disagree.

4 minutes ago, AmazedByCruising said:   True, but aren't the percentages different for people living in Venice itself instead of Veneto as a whole? Those are the ones who have the burden of the ships, and the income from tourism. Norway probably doesn't care much about cruise ships as they add a tiny bit to the GDP of Norway, but the population of Geiranger whose income is selling beer and trinkets instead of working in the oil industry would disagree.

Actually, the population of Venice has been declining for decades, so most of the people, and many who work in the tourist industry in Venice proper, live elsewhere.  Of course, some people will be affected, change always does that, but what is more important, saving the environment, or changing the employment of a few thousand residents.

8 minutes ago, AmazedByCruising said:   True, but aren't the percentages different for people living in Venice itself instead of Veneto as a whole? Those are the ones who have the burden of the ships, and the income from tourism. Norway probably doesn't care much about cruise ships as they add a tiny bit to the GDP of Norway, but the population of Geiranger whose income is selling beer and trinkets instead of working in the oil industry would disagree.

Allthough this is a "sidetrack" from the original topic, but since you are mentioning cruise ships in Geiranger I feel I need to correct you as you are very wrong in your assumptions about Norway's standpoint in that case:  Norway will actually be banning all diesel cruise ships from sailing in the Geiranger fjord  and "other world heritage fjords" in just a few years.

https://www.dnv.com/expert-story/maritime-impact/Norway-challenges-the-cruise-industry-to-operate-emission-free.html

24 minutes ago, chengkp75 said: Of course, some people will be affected, change always does that, but what is more important, saving the environment, or changing the employment of a few thousand residents.

It's not up to me to decide. If all decisions are made by having "what's best for the environment, ignore all other arguments", there wouldn't be any heavy industry in Veneto either.

5 minutes ago, AmazedByCruising said: It's not up to me to decide.

You're right, its up to the residents of Venice, and they were the ones who called for the original ban.

44 minutes ago, TrumpyNor said: Allthough this is a "sidetrack" from the original topic, but since you are mentioning cruise ships in Geiranger I feel I need to correct you as you are very wrong in your assumptions about Norway's standpoint in that case:  Norway will actually be banning all diesel cruise ships from sailing in the Geiranger fjord  and "other world heritage fjords" in just a few years.

How am I wrong? I said Norway as a whole doesn't mind losing the business, but the few people in Geiranger do? Or are you saying that the population of Geiranger welcomes the ban just as much as Parliament?

6 minutes ago, AmazedByCruising said:   How am I wrong? I said Norway as a whole doesn't mind losing the business, but the few people in Geiranger do? Or are you saying that the population of Geiranger welcomes the ban just as much as Parliament?

Sorry, totally misread/misunderstood your post.

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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 .

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10 Night Mediterranean Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered freestyle cruising with a variety of specialty dining restaurants, entertainment and onboard activities, including go-kart racing!

Comb the Greek Isles for culinary delights and immerse yourself in the religious history of Italy on a cruise to the Mediterranean and Greek Isles.

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

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Ravenna, Italy

Located on the Adriatic, the city is renowned for the mosaic decoration of its Byzantine churches and tombs. The mosaics of the Tomb of Galla Placida and the Basilica of St. Apollinaris are among the most famous throughout Europe because of their striking and varied colors.

Ravenna Passenger Terminal is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Bologna Guglielmo International Airport (BLQ), 45 minutes from Forlì International Airport (FRL) and 3 hours and 30 minutes from Venice International Airport (Marco Polo-VCE).

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Venice (Italy) Cruise Port Essential Guide

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

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

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

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

• Where is Venice

Where cruise ships dock

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

Shops and shopping

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

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

Embarking and disembarking in Venice

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

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

Where is Venice and the cruise port

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

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

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

• Venezia Terminal Passeggeri
• San Basilico

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

Cruise Port, Venice

Photo: Public Domain

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

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

Things to do on a cruise to Venice

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

Photo © IQCruising

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

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

Top attractions in Venice cruise port

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

St. Mark's Square, Venice

Photo © IQCruising.com

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

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

Landmarks beyond St Mark's square

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

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

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

Churches and Museums

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

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

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

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

Cruise shore excursions and tours

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

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

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

Dining, quick bites, and local cuisine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Murano Glass Shop, Venice

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

Carnival Costume Shop, Venice

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

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

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

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• Venice removed from NCL-Norwegian's 2024-2025 cruise itineraries...

Venice removed from NCL-Norwegian's 2024-2025 cruise itineraries due to regulatory measures

A leading cruise line has adjusted its itineraries for 2024 and 2025, omitting Venice City amidst the ongoing measures to regulate tourism.

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line made this decision following Venice's designation of its waterways as a "national monument" and the prohibition of large cruise ships from docking in its historic center.

Previously, Norwegian and other cruise operators utilized smaller tender boats to transport visitors to the city. However, they now deem this compromise unfeasible.

The ban on cruises entering Venice's center in 2021, prompted by concerns of lagoon damage and UNESCO's potential listing of the city as endangered, was welcomed by many in the industry. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) expressed support for the move, hailing it as a positive development.

Despite the ban, some cruise lines have navigated alternative routes to reach Venice. For instance, MSC  docks in Marghera, located across the water from the city, while others opt for Trieste or Ravenna , both situated at least two hours away from Venice.

Venetian authorities are actively addressing the issue of over-tourism. Initiatives include implementing a tourist fee for day visitors starting in the spring, as well as efforts to restrict the size of tour groups during the summer season.

Beginning in 2025, Norwegian will replace Venice stops with either a day at sea or an alternative port, yet to be determined. In the interim, passengers will find Ravenna in Italy, Rijeka and Zadar in Croatia, or Koper in Slovenia on their itineraries instead of Venice.

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Venice (Ravenna), Italy

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Along the northeast coast of Italy is where you'll discover the historic town of Ravenna. Once a thriving seaport in ancient times (it now lies five miles inland), Ravenna was also the westernmost pillar of the Byzantine Empire. Just as everyone who visits, you too will marvel at the exquisite Byzantine mosaics. At first glance the old streets, peaceful squares and fine shops resemble any other Italian city, but the Byzantine domes of its churches still evoke its Eastern heritage. As an added bonus, Ravenna is a great place to taste the famously delicious food of the Emilia-Romagna region.

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Venice (Ravenna)

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