Venice Cruises Today
Big ships no longer pass St Mark’s. Here is where Venice-area cruises start now.
Get Venice-Area QuotesCruising and Venice: What Changed
For decades, sailing past St Mark’s Square on a towering cruise ship was one of the signature moments in European cruising. That ended in 2021, when Italy barred large ships from the historic center to protect the lagoon and the city.
Since August 1, 2021, ships that exceed any one of several limits — 25,000 gross tons, 180 meters long at the waterline, or 35 meters of air draft — may not pass through the St Mark’s basin, the St Mark’s Canal or the Giudecca Canal. Smaller passenger ships and river vessels can still enter. In practice, that means most mainstream and premium cruise ships now start their Adriatic voyages from other ports.
Where Large Ships Sail From Instead
Trieste
An elegant Habsburg-era port city about two hours east of Venice, with a cruise terminal close to its grand central square. It has become one of the main embarkation ports for the northern Adriatic.
Monfalcone
Best known for its shipyard, Monfalcone is used by some lines, including MSC Cruises, as an occasional turnaround port.
Ravenna
South of Venice, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. Construction at the port moved at least one 2026 homeport to Trieste, so confirm before booking.
Fusina
A mainland terminal on the edge of the lagoon used by some vessels, with passengers transferred to Venice by shuttle or boat.
Seeing Venice When Your Ship Doesn’t Dock There
The best answer is usually a stay of two or three nights in Venice before or after the cruise. Early mornings and evenings, after the day visitors leave, show the city at its best. Then transfer by train, private car or the cruise line’s coach to your port.
Venice charges an access fee to some day visitors on peak dates, and rules change from year to year; check the city’s official information for your dates. Overnight hotel guests are generally treated differently from day-trippers.
Small-ship travelers can still sail into Venice on some lines; ask your advisor which ships qualify. For tours in and around the city, see Venice shore excursions.
Venice Cruise Questions
Can cruise ships still go to Venice?
Large ships cannot. Since August 1, 2021, ships of 25,000 gross tons or more, longer than 180 meters at the waterline or taller than 35 meters above the water have been barred from the St Mark’s basin and Giudecca Canal. Smaller ships and river vessels can still reach the city.
If my cruise says “Venice,” where will I board?
It depends on the ship. Small ships may still use terminals in Venice. Larger ships use alternatives such as the mainland terminal at Fusina, Trieste, Monfalcone or Ravenna, with transfers for guests who want to see Venice. Always check the exact port in your booking.
How far is Trieste from Venice?
Trieste is about two hours from Venice by train or road, depending on connections. Ravenna is a similar distance to the south. Many travelers stay in Venice before the cruise and transfer on embarkation day.
Plan Venice and Your Cruise Together
Tell us your dates and whether you would like a pre-cruise stay. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will match the right port and send free quotes.
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