How to get to cruise port in Ravenna from Amsterdam

This question is a bit confusing. Do you mean departing from Amsterdam? If so, then a flight into Venice with transportation then to Ravenna (train would be a good option; take a bus direct from Venice airport to train station "Venezia Mestre", then train on to Ravenna; look at train schedules on trenitalia.com) might be a workable option. On your second day, the cruise port is not far from the city center of Ravenna. Do check the official Ravenna website for the major mosaic sites; several now require pre-booked timed entry. I was just there in April. Let me know if you have further questions.

Ravenna isn't 'out of the way', it's just some distance from Amsterdam, and you need to get there anyway if that's where your cruise departs, right? IMHO, you'll need a two-night stay in Ravenna to accommodate the travel time + visit the UNESCO sites and explore the town.

It will be quicker to fly to Bologna from Amsterdam than Venice. There are direct regional trains from Bologna Centrale every hour and take only 1 hour and 12 minutes. It is at least over 2 hours from Venezia Mestre station (almost 3 if you stick to regional trains) with at least 1 train change. In both cases, you will need to take a bus from the airport to the train station.

I agree, Bologna probably makes more sense than Venice, but certainly look at a variety of non-stop flights, probably with KLM, and include Venice, as well as Padua, just to get a choice of schedule and cost.

There are a number of other airlines that get you to Bologna, but few, if any, non-stop. Since you have a couple hours by train after landing, I would stick to non-stop.

Thank you, all, for the recommendations. It seems that Ravenna is worth two days and that flying into Bologna would be more direct than Venice. Thank you. I will look into the options for flights and then buses.

A further suggestion re. hotels in Ravenna: I stayed several years ago, at the Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi, which is absolutely lovely, a coverted palazzo with beautiful common, comfortable rooms, and wonderful staff. It is an easy 10 minute, flat walk, from the train station and across the street from one of the major mosaic sites, the Basilica di Sant 'Apollonaire Nuovo. If you arrive in Ravenna by mid-afternoon, you could go to this site that same arrival day, then head out to some of the other sites that are further away the next morning. I also stayed this year at the Hotel NH Ravenna, which is a more "business" hotel, but plenty comfortable and quite close to the train station (but does appear to attract bus tour groups). If you are able to handle your luggage yourselves, both of these are an easy walk from the train station. Both might likely be able to help you arrange a taxi from the station upon your arrival, if needed.

I stayed at the Hotel Palazzo Galletti Abbiosi last month ... We flew into Bologna, and then the hotel helped arrange a private car pickup. I thought the price was reasonable (your mileage may differ) considering the ease and convenience. Also, I absolutely loved Ravenna, we spent three days there to fully soak up all the mosaics. You definitely need one full day if you appreciate artwork.

Thank you for the hotel recommendations. Much appreciated!