Getting Around In Venice
Venice iscompletelypedestreanized.Alltransport goes over the water and many canals.From thecruise portit’s still a stiff walk tothe centerof town.Youcanshortena partof the walkby making useofthepeople mover.Here you canfind an overviewofthebest transportoptions.
If you want to make an excursion outside Venice, the train is often the best solution.
Where Is San Marco Exactly
San Marco is located in the middle of the Venetian Lagoon and along the Grand Canal. You can access to San Marco with the Alilaguna water bus service. Find the Orange Line. It takes 60 to 80 minutes from the Venice Airport in
Find the Alilaguna water bus service, the Blue and the Red lines. You can go to Venice Cruise Terminals for Mediterranean Cruises.
Independent Sightseeing From Maritime Station Cruise Ship Terminal Disembarkation/ Embarkation
To explore Venice independently from your cruise ship the first step is get from the cruise terminal to the Piazzale Roma / Santa Lucia Railway Station less than 1km away. If there is not a free bus shuttle provided get the People Mover to Piazzale Roma.
Once at Piazzale Roma your options are to walk or use the water bus service to get around. Full details of both options are at dedicated pages linked below.
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Walking From Piazzale Roma
Cruise travelers that, like the Editor, enjoy exploring Venice on foot, should head to Piazzale Roma and from here choose to go north or East . Either way, you will find signs with arrows indicating two main directions: San Marco and Rialto.
Basically, just enjoy the walk and do not worry about getting lost: you surely will as all visitors do and you surely find your way as all travelers do.Essential to know: when walking back, the cruise traveler should look out for the signs indicating the two directions closer to the terminal: Ferrovia or Piazzale Roma.
Good Or Bad The Truth About The Cruise Ships In Venice Italy
At the end of September 2016, a protest in Venice made it to the biggest and most reputed news networks in the world. The mobilization was denouncing mass tourism in Venice in general, and the Cruise Ships industry in particular. The relationship between Venice, the Venetians and the Big Ships docking in town;is a very sensitive topic, therefore it is of extreme importance to analyze and break down this subject in order to understand it and its consequences.
As you might imagine, when it comes to Big Ships, or Grandi Navi, there are two main;categories in which Venetians split: those in favor of the Big Ships, and those against the Big Ships entering the Venetian Lagoon.
Both groups;have reasons that justify their position, so we feel that the best approach to discuss this difficult matter is by listing facts.
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Venice Hotels Near Cruise Port
You can find the best hotels near cruise port in Venice, Italy in the areas as:
- San Marco
- Santa Croce
Venice hotels near the port;are located mainly around Piazzale Rome. You can catch People Mover, a cable car, to . If your departure port is San Basilio or Santa Marta, take a water bus. You can visit central Venice within 20 minutes by walk. Find the hotels in Santa Croce for Venice hotels near the port in this article. The Piazzale Rome is located in the Santa Croce district.
Piazzale Rome is the transportation hub of Venice. It is very convenient for sightseeing. You can catch a taxi, an airport shuttle, People Mover and a water bus. Santa Lucia train station is just next to the Piazzale.
The Piazzale Rome is situated in the entrance of Venetian Lagoon. You may want to stay in the heart of Venice. In that, find the hotels in San Marco.
San Marco is the most lively and vibrant area in Venice. It is the most beautiful district in Venice! You can also find the best hotels in Venice. It is also convenient to transfer to , San Basilio and Santa Marta cruise ports by a water bus.
Exit The Marittima Venice Port
Once youve disembarked your ship and collected your luggage, you can either walk to the port exit or take a ship shuttle.
Most ships offer a complimentary shuttle. The walk is along a paved pedestrian walkway.
We initially thought wed take our ships shuttle, but decided not to wait for it.
We were traveling relatively light so the 10-minute walk was easily doable.
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Embarking And Or Disembarking In Venice
Venice is a major embarkation cruise port for all cruise lines with itineraries in the Mediterranean. With thousands of cruise passengers embarking and disembarking every week, the operation is surprisingly smooth thanks to very good infrastructures and good services. There are many different ways of getting directly from the Terminal to the Airport and in the opposite direction: by taxi, water-bus or water taxi. And by bus from Piazzale Roma.
St Lucia Railway Station, Venice
If planning to go somewhere else in Italy by train after or before your cruise, the Railway Station of St Lucia is just next to Piazzale Roma and easy to access. For those staying overnight in Venice, a day trip to Verona or Padua should be considered and the train is undoubtedly the best way to explore these hidden jewels. But if you prefer to rent a car, you will find Hertz, Avis, and Europcar close by on your way to Piazzale Roma.
If docking at San Basilico Terminal, the cruise traveler will also have very good connections to the airport – taxi, Vaporetto, and water-taxi. However, be aware that only the latter will take you next to the embarkation terminal as both the taxi and the Vaporetto stops are around 300 meters away.
Getting To/from Your Hotel
Many times for new visitors, finding their hotel means walking and pulling luggage on cobblestones, up steps and over bridges and sometimes up several flights of stairs if youve chosen a penzione.
Best advice, choose accommodations near a water bus stop.
The #1 vaporetto runs between the cruise terminal, the train station and St. Marks Square and other stops in-between which may be convenient to your hotel. ;Note: Your vaporetto may be crowded so be prepared. ;This is why I love the private water taxis.
Note: ;Since private water taxis can hold up to six-eight people, you could;ask others in the water taxi queue if theyd like to share, provided of course that you are all headed to the same destination.
Entrance to the Hotel Danieli for the private water taxis.
Believe it or not , there are land porters for hire to haul your luggage from point to point.; Either phone or ask your hotel concierge for a list of companies.; Theyre expensive but might be worth it. This saved my sanity when I had to change hotels from the Hotel Danieli to the Westin Europa, on totally opposite sides of St. Marks Square.
Yes, people carry;their luggage up and over bridges to get to their hotels.
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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.
Italy Agrees To Divert Cruise Ships From Venice To Industrial Port
PublishedMar 26, 2021 6:14 PM by The Maritime Executive
The long-running debate about cruise ships sailing through the waterways of Venice, Italy took a turn on March 25 with ministers from Italy agreeing to a temporary ban on large cruise ships docking in the historic city. When the cruise industry returns to service, large ships will divert to a nearby industrial port.
In order to protect a historical-cultural heritage not only Italian but of the whole world, the ministers for the environment, culture, tourism, and infrastructure agreed to temporarily divert the cruise ships to the port of Marghera. Located on the mainland, the port is only about 10 miles from the city but passengers will no longer have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic transit of the canal past the famed St. Marks Square and other historic locations.
Passengers will be required to take taxis, busses, or possibly launches from the industrial port to the historic city. In the past cruise ships could run their own launches from the dock near the train station in Venice to the city center or arrange for tour boats to come alongside the cruise ships at the citys dock.
Critics of the cruise ship industry have cited the large ships as one of the contributors to the challenges Venice faces from rising waters and pollution. They had long called for a ban on ships from docking in Venice and had previously won limitations on the size of ships that could enter the lagoon.
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Best Option For Crossing The Constitution Bridge
Luggage porters hang around Piazzale Roma. Rates dont appear to be regulated, and we understand they can vary considerably.
We were quoted 15 Euros by one porter to take our three pieces of baggage across the bridge.
In our view, crossing the bridge is the most difficult part of getting to the Santa Lucia train station. Depending on how heavy your suitcase is and how game you feel you may want to negotiate with a porter to help take your luggage across the bridge.
Who knew Venice has 400+ bridges? See our post on the beautiful bridges of Venice
Hotel Carlton On The Grand Canal
The Carlton has 145 air-conditioned rooms with an 18th Century Venetian decor. Its nicest feature may be the Sky Lounge bar. You can see 360-degree views of the Grand Canal and the citys skyline. A restaurant, La Cupola, is also on the rooftop.
The Carlton on the Grand Canal is more accessible than many of Venices hotels. The hotel has three elevators and three wheelchair-friendly rooms on the ground floor. They have roll-in showers.
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Almost Frozen In Time And Overflowing With The Beauty Of Every Kind
Csn E.: Baglioni Hotel. It is perfect. Youll love it. Great service.Hope youll enjoy it.
Linda M.: We stayed at the Baglioni Hotel Luna. Its steps away from Piazza San Marco.
Michaela P.: We always stay at the Hotel Luna Baglioni. It is close to the Piazza San Marco and to Harrys Bar for a Bellini;
Steeped in history and culture, Venice has a magic about it that enchants all visitors who choose to stay in this incredible place, which is almost frozen in time and overflowing with beauty of every kind.Enhance the magic of your visit with a stay at the Baglioni Hotel in Venice, one of the top-rated 5-star hotels in Venice.
The Palace of the Baglioni Hotel Luna is home to a fully-fledged art gallery. The recent restoration now highlights the incredible beauty of the style and architectural lines.Choose from a wide range of romantic rooms and prestigious suites furnished by Baglioni Hotels in the lush Venetian style. From the balconies of the suites and top suites of the Baglioni Hotel Luna, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the Venetian Lagoon and the Royal Gardens, which stretch over the San Marco basin and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Wine and dine-in style at our award-winning Canova Restaurant. Relish the modern interpretation of original Venetian cuisine while feasting your eyes on the historical surroundings.
The Splendor Of Venice
David H.; We have a friend who swears by the Una Hotel. But, thats her first name, so there might be some bias involved.;
Maison Venezia of UNA Esventure is located in the heart of the historic Cannaregio district, in Venice.;The prestigious building that houses the hotel has been restored and restored to its former glory: it promises its guests a comfortable stay, in the most authentic Venetian style.;Each of the;hotels;28;rooms;has been beautifully furnished to give guests an unforgettable atmosphere, in the most romantic city in Italy.;
The courteous and professional staff is available to offer traditional Italian hospitality and make your holiday truly memorable.
Before leaving to breathe the atmosphere of the most beautiful city in Italy, every morning, guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast in the elegant and bright UNA Café.;Prepared with fresh, local, and high-quality Italian products, breakfast at Maison Venezia is a relaxing and refined meeting that defines the spirit of an idyllic and unforgettable day.
A free buffet is also served from 3 pm until 9 pm, offering guests an inviting taste of snacks, packaged biscuits, and soft drinks.
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Who Would Stay In Cannaregio
If you do not want to walk the streets and the bridges by pushing away the crowd, Cannaregio is for you. You can also find reasonable accommodation. Visit Murano, the Venetian glass factories. If you really want to see the Rialto Bridge or St. Mark and the Basilica from your hotel, Cannaregio is not for you. You can find them within 15 to 20 minutes by walk.
Located In An Ancient Aristocratic Venetian Palace
Brian E D.: Absolutely the best!!;Hotel Ai Reali di Venezia. Worth every $. I dont have a long list on my return to places/hotels but Venice and this hotel are near the top!!! ;Their service is beyond superb!!!
Micki Reuther FF.: We got the suite when we were there. Overlooked the canals. The concierge called us by name every time we returned and asked about our day. He hooked is up with a glass factory tour, the best 5 Euro we spent. He arranged a taxi that took us through the back streets. It was really cool to see groceries delivered, the postal service..incredible!We WILL be back!!
Opened in 2013, the 4-star;Luxury;rated Ai Reali di Venezia Hotel is located in an ancient aristocratic Venetian palace, in the historical center of the city, between Rialto and Piazza San Marco.
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Escape To The Stunning Rooftop Pool
Terri F.: The Hilton Molino Stucky is excellent and they gave a shuttle boat to take you to St Marks Square! If you get a concierge room you get access to the breakfast, snack, and evening snacks and drinks
Bobby H.: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. Its so close to the cruise port and has a free shuttle to St Marks Square.
Dennis G.: Was luck to snag a ground-level room directly facing the Grand Canal. Wife & I could open the window and wave at the passing cruise passengers. Fantastic Hilton with a killer rooftop bar. The front desk booked us a beautiful sleek wooden water taxi to the airport. Unforgettable memories. Outstanding Hilton Property.
JoAnne McC.: We stayed at the Hilton Molino Stucky and loved it.
Patti S.: Another vote for the Molino Stucky .
Tony D.: Hilton Molino Stucky! I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here last year prior to my cruise and as a bonus had a grandstand view of the cruise ships sailing by on their way to and from the Stazione Maritima or San Basilio.
Espen S: Venice; Hilton Molino. The next island, so not so crowded. Free ShuttleFerry from the hotel to the city. Seabourn docked 100 meters from the hotel. The lovely garden around the hotel and a nice bar inside. Has a pool at the lovely rooftop.
JoAnne McC.: Loved this hotel. They provide shuttles to the other islands. One of my favorites!
Dangers And Risks Of Collisions
The most immediate fear of Venetians and Venice lovers when it comes to the passing of Big Ships in the heart of Venice, is the risk;of collision.
The rules established to reduce this risk are very strict and applied with great attention:
- Every cruise ship is halted at the entrance of the lagoon of Venice, is boarded by two captainsof the Venice Port and is maneuvered all the way untilit is safely docked in the harbor.
- Every cruise ship is preceded and followed by two tugboats that can;intervene in the case of emergency.
These rules have indeed granted great safety to the city of Venice over the years, avoiding as of now major accidents.
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Boutique Hotels With Personality For A Remarkable Travel Experience
Anne J: The Mcgallery Pappodoppoli is beautiful and in a great part just off from the Grand Canal. Its near the port, weve stayed there 3 times and would go again!
Jimmy S.: We stayed at Hotel Papadopoli Venezia MGallery which is maybe a 4-minute walk from the AC and yes the location was excellent. The Papadopoli was as well.
Excellent location rooms set up. Out of the pricy hotels in Venice, this 4 * one is the place to stay.
Donna B. We stayed 4 nights at this hotel pre-cruise. Loved being out of the noise and activities in other locations, but so easy to get to train, water taxis, etc.
It is their desire to make you feel at home by providing efficient service and a memorable travel experience.;
Venice Italy To Ban Cruise Ships After Years Of Protests From Locals Environmentalists
ROME Italy on Tuesday banned big cruise ships from sailing into Venice after years of rallying cries from residents, culture bodies and environmentalists.
In what he called a “historic” day, Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini said the ban adopted by the Italian cabinet will take effect Aug. 1 and will cover the lagoon basin near St. Marks Square, Venice’s most iconic landmark.
Ships will also be banned from St. Marks canal and the Giudecca Canal, a major marine artery that ships previously used to reach Venice’s port.
The ban applies to ships weighing more than 25,000 tons, longer than 590 feet or with other characteristics that would make them too polluting or overwhelming for Venices marine environment. Cruise liners typically weigh four times the new limit and can reach more than 200,000 tons.
Franceschini said the government decided to act fast to avoid the concrete risk that the United Nations culture agency UNESCO, which protects the fragile city and its lagoon, would add Venice to its list of world heritage in danger.
It is a decision awaited by UNESCO, by all the people who have been to Venice at least once in their lives, by Italian and foreign travelers who were shocked to see these ships passing through the most fragile and beautiful places in the world, Franceschini told reporters.
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At the moment, however, Marghera lacks suitable docking for cruise ships.
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