Interesting article on CNN about how the ban is not really a ban, and the continuing struggle to find a long term solution to Cruise, and Commercial Ships in the lagoon.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-cruise-ships-ban-2021/index.html
At best. just a reminder not to take the "Headline" or even a proclamation by one branch of government (Not just in Italy, but many Countries) as resolute fact.
Interesting article, leaves one less hopeful that any meaningful decisions will be made soon. Yes, headlines try to be simple, but leave out too many of the "ifs" and "buts".
What Stan said, except instead of saying no meaningful decions soon, I'm predicting no meaningful decision ever.
I've always found this topic interesting and this article may be the best I've read for its comprehensive viewpoint from many sides that I hadn't considered. It's a long one but worth reading to the end. I didn't know that unions involved with commercial shipping are against the move. I wonder if they hold more sway than environmentalists? Just another layer to a complex story that goes way beyond the predictable comments of the cruise ship haters.
The best analysis I've seen re this complicated issue. It explains that routing the ships south and west of Giudecca to the present cruise port would require dredging in an area where the bottom is heavily polluted. It discusses the pros and cons (economic and environmental) of big-ship traffic in the Lagoon (including freighters that must be more numerous than cruise ships). As Allan noted, it doesn't demonize the cruise industry or passengers. And it reminds us that Venice and the Lagoon are a man-made environment. After reading this I understand why there's been such a stalemate and why it's likely to continue for some time.
Great article....identifying other shipping being 'guilty' of contributing to the mess.
The article cites MSC cruises, but they actually are a bigger commercial shipping company in Italy and have been for over 70 years. It would be interesting if they would have any sway (either way) on unions or commercial ports. But as they can't dictate where their cruise ships dock, it may be a difficult argument for change.
This statement caught my eye: "The port generates income for our city, and it's a quality income -- cruise passengers spend, and stay longer in town." Personally, I'm not buyin' it. Sounds like someone who is making money off the cruise ships (probably an official receiving kickbacks) and doesn't want to see them leave. From what I understand the most income generated from the ships are the docking fees. Cruise passengers don't stay longer in town than visitors coming by other means and staying for days and they don't eat as many meals in restaurants and they don't stay in hotels, pensions, or b&b's, so those areas aren't gaining jobs or getting more income.
You can probably tell that I'm against large cruise ships being allowed to dock in town. I'd prefer to see them anchored at sea and the people tendered in. But that wouldn't generate the huge port fees so it's not likely to happen.
From what I understand the most income generated from the ships are
the docking fees.
In the past I've tried to find articles regarding that but haven't had a lot of success. But docking fees are just one slice of the pie. Considerations need to be given to money outside of government revenues such as the supply chains to stock those ships with food, fuel, etc and the jobs and incomes those economies create. Also, Venice is a home port for many of those ships meaning more money is likely spent in Venice than typical day trip ports.
Interesting that studies have been done to show how large ships negatively affect the Ecosystem, but it's admitted that no studies have been done to assess the impact of more, smaller boats required to transport the passengers to Venice from a new port.
Interesting article.
If there were a simple solution, it would have been done by now.
Reading about the local vs national political tug of war, reminded me of something our guide told us to help understand how Italy functions
One Italian is a Genius
Two Italians is an argument
Three Italians are 5 political Parties
I suspect something will be decided only when things have reached irreversible catastrophe status and the scramble will be to try to limit it to something less than total destruction.
Until there is an unavoidable deadline, the decision will keep getting pushed into the future
So Nancy, you are also not buying the comments about Venice being a 'home port' bringing in dollars? Many cruise itineraries start or stop in Venice meaning a chunk of the passengers stay overnight at the very least. Cruisers tend to be cautious types and come in the night before so as to ensure not to miss the boat, and it seems many flights to US, at least, leave early meaning it is difficult to get to the airport in time....meaning another overnight.
Not to say you don't have a right to your sceptism, but it does mention the benefit of being a home port several times....including why the eastern cities don't want the ships, as the cruisers will scaddle and not spend in town.
Regardless, as mentioned, is a simple solution, it would have been done by now.
Like a shopping mall that requires an anchor tenant, I wonder if some of the smaller ports in the Adriatic require Venice to be part of the mix to make the itinerary viable for the cruiselines?
Curious. Is there any difference between smaller cruise ship lines...ie. Oceania, Azamara or maybe Viking Ocean? I usually only read about the wording “huge” or “mega” cruise ships sailing past St Marks. Do these fit that same category?
The huge are mega ships don't go to Venice, maximum size allowed is 96,000 tons which equates to the medium sized ships with passenger capacities under 2500. All the major lines have ships in this size, but the lines you mentioned are typically higher end.
That was a good, detailed article on the subject and it seems that the question of cruise ships entering Venice is far from being decided. I suppose the merchants and tourist venues in Venice will be overjoyed to have lots of tourists back in the area spending money, so they may be willing to be a bit lenient with the cruise ships.
