We are staying in Venice for a few days in late November/early December before our cruise departs. I have been reading about the problems with high water and flooding during November and December in Venice. My question: Has anyone cruised from Venice during that time of year and can speak to how, in the event of flooding on the cruise departure date, passengers trying to board the ship are accomodated in getting to the ship from the hotel. Do cruise ships offer any assistance in this regard or are we on our own. Any insight into dealing with this potential problem would be appreciated. Thank you.
George
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15171 posts
Not all areas of the city are subject to the 'acqua alta', only the low lying areas, such as St. Mark's square. Generally the City sets up wooden temporary raised walkways where the pedestrians can walk. I don't know about what assistance the cruiseline can provide. A pair of waders maybe?
Posted by
Green Bay
20090 posts
Here is website with map of walkways put up during acqua alta. Venetians pretty much take this in stride and break out their waders for a few hours. November 28 is a full moon, so there is a chance you'll see it. Piazza San Marco is a low spot and usually gets hit. In September 2010 we were there. Walkways came out and kids all loved the giant slip-and-slide. Vaporetto and water taxi service is not disrupted at all, you just might get your feet wet walking to the dock. Stay near the Rialto where the land is higher than San Marco. http://www.comune.venezia.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/IT/IDPagina/1502#top
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
We experienced some aqua alta when we were there. When they get it, it's easily avoidable and gone by lunchtime. It's really not something to worry about. You can either adjust your plans to avoid it completely or use the temporary walkways (they look like folding banquet tables) that are set up in the flooded areas. Some people put plastic bags over their feet and wade through but I doubt that will be necessary.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
An aqua alta can happen at any time of the day or night because it is the result of a high tide which in turn is caused by a combination of meteorological events. This site provides a forecast of the likelihood of an aqua alta http://www.comune.venezia.it/flex/cm/pages/ServeBLOB.php/L/EN/IDPagina/1