flying into Venice for a cruise. First, what is cheapest fastest way to cruise port? Next, how do we get from port to tour Grand canals? Third, where do we store luggage at end of cruise as we are on late flight. Last, how long does the waterbu take to take return trip back to Piazza Roma as starting point?
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8141 posts
It's not clear if you're flying in the day of departure. But, I would never fly into any city the day of a cruise departure. And with frequent transit strikes, Italy would be the last place I'd fly into without going at least a day earlier. ACTV (city company) buses (route 5 aerobus) will take you into Venice and access to the vaparetto systen going thru the Grand Canal. Or you can go by the Alilaguna water shuttle (Blue, Red and Orange lines). Water taxi's are available, but very, very expensive. Most waterbuses are a max. 30 minute ride within the city. Your cruise lines should be able to give you exact instructions on where your ship will be docked and how to get to the port. The Marco Polo Airport website says nothing about luggage storage. Venezia Santa Lucia railway station does have luggage storage, however. Ask your cruise lines about their suggestion for luggage storage.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Since you're taking a Mediterranean cruise, get a copy of Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports (the second edition is now available). It will answer these kinds of questions in detail, as well as help you spend your time in each port to maximum advantage. The other great resource you should look at is www.cruisecritic.com. Here's their Venice Port Information: http://tinyurl.com/cscz8z7 Here's their Venice board: http://tinyurl.com/bwqtmhk And here's where you can sign up for a Roll Call of your sailing, to meet others with whom you can share expenses of port transfers, private tours, etc: http://tinyurl.com/ap7h55m Do be aware that, as usual, "fastest" and "cheapest" are two different things. From Marco Polo Airport to your cruise ship, a water taxi is fastest, but won't be cheap (€100 or more).