Venice
Welcome to Venice, where romance and maritime magic collide. This iconic city, one of the world’s top cruise departure points, is the ultimate gateway to epic adventures. From here, you’ll be whisked away to sun-kissed Croatia, the stunning Greek Isles, and the Mediterranean’s most coveted treasures. Lose yourself in Venice’s labyrinth of canals and alleyways, feel the pulse of St Mark’s Square, and then set sail to places like Dubrovnik, Santorini, and Split. Venice isn’t just a city – it’s the start of your next unforgettable journey. It's important to remember many of the ships now dock at Ravenna, approx 2.5hrs from Venice, take this into consideration when planning a stop at "Venice". Ravenna is actually far closer to Bologna - another great city to explore!
Which Cruise?
We discovered Venice on our first cruise together with Norwegian Cruise Line onboard Norwegian Spirit. We were very lucky to sail through Venice itself before larger ships were banned. More recently we bookended our Croatian adventure from Fusina with Silversea onboard Silver Ray.
Highlights
Coming Soon...
Embarkation Port - Venice
Venice is easily accessible, with Marco Polo Airport just a short transfer from the cruise terminals and excellent rail connections to major cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence. This iconic port is your gateway to the Adriatic, with itineraries leading to Croatia, the Greek Isles, and the Mediterranean’s hidden gems. Venice also serves as a starting point for luxurious cruises to Istanbul and the Black Sea. The city boasts a range of accommodation, from renowned hotels along the Grand Canal to charming boutique stays tucked away in its historic streets
IMPORTANT! - Venice no longer uses the central cruise terminal in the city/connected to the islands.
With the closure of the cruise terminal near Santa Lucia station, Venice now operates from three key ports, with nearby Ravenna also serving as a major embarkation point. This change stems from Venice’s restrictions on large cruise ships, introduced to protect its fragile lagoon ecosystem and UNESCO World Heritage status. Ships exceeding 25,000 gross tons are no longer permitted to sail through the Giudecca Canal or dock near the historic centre, redirecting larger vessels to Porto Marghera, an industrial port just outside the city.
Smaller ships and luxury lines, which meet the size requirements, can still use San Basilio, conveniently located near the Zattere promenade. Meanwhile, the Fusina Cruise Terminal, across the lagoon, caters to select lines like Silversea, which often provide check-in at the old cruise terminal with a seamless transfer to Fusina.
For ships exceeding Venice’s limits, Ravenna has become a key alternative. Located about 2.5 hours from Venice, Ravenna is equipped to handle larger vessels and offers a convenient gateway to the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean. While these restrictions have altered the logistics of cruising from Venice, each port ensures travellers can still enjoy the city’s iconic canals and landmarks, setting the stage for unforgettable adventures.
Airports
Venice Marco Polo airport is a short distance from the ports and city of Venice:
Porto Marghera (Venice): 8 miles / 13 km / 15–20 minutes by road
San Basilio (Venice): 10 miles / 16 km / 30–40 minutes by road
Fusina Terminal (Venice): 13 miles / 21 km / 30–40 minutes by road
Santa Lucia Station (Venice): 8 miles / 13 km / 20 minutes by road
Ravenna Port: 86 miles / 138 km / 2–2.5 hours by road
We recommend taking the ATVO Express bus from the airport to the city (Piazzale Roma). This is adjacent to Santa Lucia Station and the old Cruise terminal, perfect if your cruise line offers a transfer and check-in from here, The bus is 10 Euro per adult (correct Jan '25) or you can catch a river bus/taxi to San Basilio.
For other Porto Marghera we would recommend contacting your Cruise Line or organising private transfers.
Bologna Airport is actually closer to Ravenna cutting nearly 1.5 hours of your journey time. Although less international flights, British Airways and other European airlines connect through their hubs (London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Frankfurt or Paris) to Bologna. Bologna, is also another stunning city worth exploring if you have the time.
Ravenna Port: 56 miles / 90 km / 1–1.5 hours by road from Bologna Airport.
Station - Santa Lucia Station
Regional Destinations
- Milan (Approx. 2h 30m by high-speed train)
- Florence (Approx. 2h 5m by high-speed train)
- Rome (Approx. 3h 45m by high-speed train)
- Naples (Approx. 5h by high-speed train)
- Bologna (Approx. 1h 30m by high-speed train)
- Verona (Approx. 1h 15m by regional or high-speed train)
- Turin (Approx. 4h by high-speed train
All services and ticketing is provided by Trenitalia
International Destinations
- Munich, Germany (Approx. 6h 50m by EuroCity train)
- Vienna, Austria (Approx. 7h 30m by Nightjet or day train)
- Zurich, Switzerland (Approx. 7h 10m by EuroCity train)
Station - Ravenna
- Bologna (Approx 1h 10m by high-speed train)
- Venice (Indirect via Bologna, Approx 2.5 to 3.5 hours)
All services and ticketing is provided by Trenitalia
Must do's
Things we did and we think you should too...
Take a Cip
Uncover the origins of the iconic Bellini cocktail, born at Harry’s Bar in Venice. Created by Giuseppe Cipriani between 1934 and 1948, this classic drink was named in honour of the 15th-century Venetian painter Giovanni Bellini. It’s a sip of history, crafted in the heart of Italy’s most enchanting city. Find Harry's bar in the Cipriani Hotel.
Get Lost
The best way to experience Venice? Simply wander. Step off the beaten track, explore side streets, and discover hidden canals. With a map in your pocket (your phone!), it’s practically impossible to get lost – only to find new corners of this timeless city waiting to be explored!
Make Waves!
You can’t visit Venice without hitting the water. Whether it’s a sleek water taxi, a local Vaporetto, or a classic gondola ride (though you might want to skip the latter unless you’ve got a small fortune to spare), you’ve got to experience the city’s liquid streets. For those looking for a little cheeky insider tip – JW Marriott’s hotel on a private island offers free transfers to and from the property. just say you fancy a bite, just mention you’re dining in their restaurant if you need an alibi 😉.
The High Life
Perched atop the iconic Hotel Danieli, Bar Terrazzo Danieli offers views over the Canale di San Marco, the Giudecca Canal, and beyond to the Basilica della Salute and the Venice Lagoon. These vistas? Priceless... well, almost – a couple of glasses of wine and you’re there. The hotel itself is a stunning blend of Venetian Gothic and Baroque architecture, and has played host to notable figures like Charles Dickens. Who knew, right?
Top Tips
Tips to help you have a great time on shore.
Uber?
No, use a water taxi or bus instead!
Currency?
Euro, you'll find ATMs all over Venice and in the ports themselves.
Dock Side?
See information above for info about which dock you'll arrive in. Most have ATMs and tourist information.
