While a cruise to Venice (or from Venice) isn’t that uncommon, there are two reasons why this mysterious city should be on your to-do list. First, the sight of Venice from the sea is beyond breathtaking. In the future, large cruise ships may not be allowed to cruise past Piazza San Marco, the gleaming Basilica di San Marco and the iconic red brick bell tower, San Marco Campanile.
Second reason is that most ships will spend an overnight in port, giving guests an opportunity to explore a city where no cars, taxis or buses are allowed. Transportation is solely done on public water buses (vaporetto), private water taxis or by walking.
For instructions to go between the Venice Cruise Terminal and Santa Lucia train station, click here.
Be sure to visit the gilded, bejeweled and mosaic artwork of the Basilica. Take a tour of the Doge’s Palace and walk across the expansive piazza.
Step off the tourist path and explore the Arsenale section in Venice. It’s just three bridges away from the crowded Piazza San Marco.
Dining and Shopping
Even though the cafés that line the piazza look inviting, you’ll pay a high price for the experience. Instead, meander through the maze of narrow alleyways, cross a myriad of bridges and walk along the crowded waterfront promenade. You’ll find dozens of places to stop for lunch or a coffee at a fraction of the cost of the same at the piazza.
Risotto is a signature dish of Venice and this region, prepared with a variety of additions to the rice. Accompanied by a regionally produce wine like a Bardolino or Soave and you’ve got yourself a memorable Venetian meal.
The best vantage point in up toward the top decks of your ship. And yes, the tower is leaning to one side.
Souvenir carnival masks are plentiful in every souvenir store in Venice. Venetian glass, including famous Murano glass works, are also sold in nearly every shop in Venice. You’ll find most of the tourist shops, including designer boutiques and leather stores along the walk between Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge.
Don’t wait too long to experience one of the most breathtaking and photographic European cruise experiences; cruising the Venetian Lagoon en route to the cruise terminal.
Hi Amy – Thank you for your kind words. About Windstar Cruises…they are an excellent cruise line. Small ship and very attentive service, fabulous food. I was aboard Wind Surf from Rome to Barcelona and loved it. The itinerary that you might choose is really great. Capri is a very special place and the other ports in the Adriatic are so full of history and culture. I’d definitely allow a couple of days post-cruise in Rome if possible as well as for Venice. The cruise you linked to departs from Venice…either in or out of Venice, seeing the Piazza San Marco from the deck of a ship is a real experience. For now, the size of the ship going to Venice doesn’t matter as they negated the big ship ban at least for the next year or so.
If you need any hotel/B&B recommendations for Rome, please let me know. And I’d be happy to publish your review of your cruise when you return!
Bon Voyage!
Sherry
Hi Sherry, I love your website. My husband and I wanted to take a cruise to Venice next year and we are wondering if you have ever heard of a cruise line called Windstar Cruises? Some of my friends swear by this company and they highly recommended taking this voyage. I have read mixed reviews but most seem positive. I like that it is not a big ship and service seems great but since you are the cruise expert I thought I would ask you. Do you recommend seeing Venice for the first time aboard a cruise small or big? Secondly do you think it would be better to just fly there?
Hi Amy – Thank you for your kind words. About Windstar Cruises…they are an excellent cruise line. Small ship and very attentive service, fabulous food. I was aboard Wind Surf from Rome to Barcelona and loved it. The itinerary that you might choose is really great. Capri is a very special place and the other ports in the Adriatic are so full of history and culture. I’d definitely allow a couple of days post-cruise in Rome if possible as well as for Venice. The cruise you linked to departs from Venice…either in or out of Venice, seeing the Piazza San Marco from the deck of a ship is a real experience. For now, the size of the ship going to Venice doesn’t matter as they negated the big ship ban at least for the next year or so.
If you need any hotel/B&B recommendations for Rome, please let me know. And I’d be happy to publish your review of your cruise when you return!
Bon Voyage!
Sherry
Hi Sherry, I love your website. My husband and I wanted to take a cruise to Venice next year and we are wondering if you have ever heard of a cruise line called Windstar Cruises? Some of my friends swear by this company and they highly recommended taking this voyage. I have read mixed reviews but most seem positive. I like that it is not a big ship and service seems great but since you are the cruise expert I thought I would ask you. Do you recommend seeing Venice for the first time aboard a cruise small or big? Secondly do you think it would be better to just fly there?