Transportation from Marco Polo airport

There are two bus lines that have frequent service from Marco Polo to the Piazzale Roma. The bus lines are ACTV and ATVO. About 3Euro to 5Euro for a 20 minute bus ride. The Piazzale Roma is within walking distance of the cruise docks (about 15 minutes). There may be some local transportation from the Plaza to the ship but I've never done this.

There is also a cheaper bus, public not private , that is only 1 euro. I think it's number 4 or 5.
You can find the bus schedule online. This bus will take a bit longer that the ACTV because it stops a few times along the way.

There are usually taxis at the plaza which will take you to the Cruise ship terminal. We had planned to get off the vaporetto across from where the bus comes in and walk, but it was raining when we got off the vaporetto so opted for a cab. Don't remember how much it cost, but it was not much.

Not sure about the cruise ship docks, but other postings seem to indicate that getting to Piazzale Roma is the first part of that journey and I DO know how to get there.

ATVO is the express bus from Marco Polo to P.Roma, 3 euro, 20 mins. You can find their schedule at www.atvo.it , I think you can book tickets there too but if not you can book at www.veniceconnected.com . Otherwise, just buy your ticket when you get there (I always do).

ACTV offers bus number 5 to P.Roma, 2.50 euro, www.actv.it , but has some stops along the way so a bit longer. Also, no luggage storage under the bus like the ATVO one above - this can get tricky.I always take the ATVO.

There is also the Alilaguna service www.alilaguna.it which is a direct boat from the airport to San Marco, but not P.Roma (also offers a service to Rialto but that one is less frequent). Expensive option, I think 12 euro for a non-Venice card holder. About a 10 minute walk to get to their mooring so be sure to take a baggage cart if you have lots of bags. Takes an hour with some stops along the way but a comfortable service and an exciting way to approach Venice - if your destination is close to San Marco.

Tickets for all of these services can be bought at the transport counter at the airport, to the left as you exit customs. For the ATVO, there is also an automatic ticket machine at the bus stop, straight outside of the arrival hall. Note that for the ATVO, you need to stamp your ticket in the machine before boarding, and for the ACTV you stamp on board. For the alilaguna, the on-board personnel will come around to check the tickets and stamp them.

Hope this helps. Buon Viaggio.

If you have just spent the last 9 to 12 hours on a flight from the US and have had very little sleep IMO the "best" and "easiest" transportation (but not the cheapest in dollars)may be to buy an airport to ship transfer from your cruise line.

A cruise line transfer is pretty nice as the most difficult thing you have to do is find the person holding up a sign with your cruise line's name on it. At this point it is okay to let them "herd" you and your luggage to a bus. Then all you have to do is sit on the bus (maybe doze off) and watch to view as you approach Venice and your ship. Another benefit of a transfer is that the next time you see your luggage is when it is delivered to your room on the ship.
With a ship transfer you could be checked in, on the ship and on the lido deck having lunch. Or you might still be looking and/or waiting for the public bus at the airport.

If you are on vacation to rest and relax the cruise line transfer while costing more should be much less stressful. It might be money well spent to get your vaction off to a good start.

However, it is your choice to do what works the best for you.

P.S. I was just thinking a taxi might me cheaper per person with 2-4 people. It should be quicker because you are not waiting for the transfer bus to fill up with passengers. But with the transfer you will know and will have paid your cost in advance.

Taxi cost. I don't know.

The orange ACTV bus #5 that costs only €1 would probably not be your best choice, even though it is the most economical method. The times I have ridden, every seat was filled - many locals seemed to use this bus to get back and forth from the island. And since there is no luggage storage under the bus, you would have to keep the luggage with you (in your lap?).