If you are planning a cruise trip from Venice, you might be wondering whether cruise ships are sailing from there. This is an important question to ask because Venice has been facing some issues related to overcrowding and environmental concerns. Here’s what you need to know:
Background Information
Venice is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year. The city is known for its beautiful canals, historic buildings, and art museums. In recent years, the city has been facing issues related to overtourism, which has led to overcrowding in certain areas.
Another major concern for the city is the environmental impact caused by large cruise ships that dock in Venice. The ships create waves that erode the foundations of historic buildings and pollute the waterways.
The Ban on Cruise Ships
In 2013, the Italian government announced plans to ban large cruise ships from sailing through the Giudecca Canal in Venice’s historic center. The ban was supposed to take effect in 2014 but was delayed due to protests by local businesses and port authorities.
However, after a major incident in June 2019 when a cruise ship collided with a smaller boat in Venice’s Giudecca Canal, causing injuries and sparking outrage among locals and tourists alike, Italy finally announced a ban effective August 1st of that year on all but small boats (under 55,000 tons) within 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) of St Mark’s Square and other areas deemed off-limits by UNESCO.
Current Status
As of September 2021, large cruise ships are still banned from sailing through the Giudecca Canal in Venice’s historic center. However, smaller vessels such as ferries and water taxis are still allowed to operate in the area. The ban has been met with mixed reactions from locals, businesses, and the tourism industry.
Alternative Ports
Due to the ban on large cruise ships in Venice, many cruise lines have had to find alternative ports. Some popular ports of call for cruises that would have originally docked in Venice include Ravenna, Trieste, and Chioggia.
Ravenna
Ravenna is an Italian city known for its stunning mosaics and rich history. It’s located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Venice and has become a popular port of call for cruise ships.
Trieste
Trieste is a historic city located on the Adriatic Sea, near the border with Slovenia. It’s about 140 kilometers (87 miles) northeast of Venice and has a large port that can accommodate cruise ships.
Chioggia
Chioggia is a small town located at the southern edge of the Venetian Lagoon. It’s about 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of Venice and has become a popular alternative port for smaller cruise ships.
Conclusion
In summary, large cruise ships are currently banned from sailing through the Giudecca Canal in Venice’s historic center due to concerns related to overcrowding and environmental impact. Alternative ports such as Ravenna, Trieste, and Chioggia have become popular destinations for cruise ships that would have originally docked in Venice. While this may be disappointing news for some tourists planning to take a cruise from Venice, it’s important to remember that these measures are being taken to protect the city’s cultural heritage and environment for future generations.