Venice was a wonderful way to cap off our epic summer vacation. But we almost did not make it there. Here’s why.
A few years ago, the Italian government banned mid-size and mega cruise ships from central Venice. And for good reason. Ancient cities like this are not equipped to manage the thousands of day visitors dropped off daily. It takes a toll. The conundrum lies in that we all want to see Venice, and seeing it as a port of call was a very convenient option. Until it wasn’t.
The one complaint I have about this cruise is that Norwegian left Venice on the itinerary until embarkation day, when the cruise line knew well in advance we would not be docking there. From the time the season opened this year, the ship was diverted to Trieste, and guests were informed via letter when checking in for the cruise. We knew this going in, it wasn’t a deal breaker for us, and we were mentally prepared that we may not see Venice. But transparency would have been appreciated. (Shortly after our sailing, Venice was replaced with Trieste on Norwegian’s itinerary.)
So how did we end up in Venice? Via bus and water ferry. And it was a journey! We were very grateful for priority disembarkation. Getting on one of the buses was easy. But that’s where easy ended. After a two-hour drive, the next step was a water taxi. The line for tickets was horrendous. And unfortunately the cruise line could not prearrange this for us. Between the line for tickets and the boat ride, that ate up another hour. Then when we finally arrived, there was a torrential downpour. So we found an available cafe and had an extended lunch, thinking our day in Venice was over before it started.
Toward the end of our meal, there was a break in the rain. The clouds never cleared, and it showered on and off for the remainder of the day, but at least we could move around comfortably. We had just around three hours to hit the highlights, and we planned to make the most of it.
It was a literal sprint across Venice – Amazing Race style – to see Piazza San Marco, including Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace. Photos, or it didn’t happen. Ha!
Then it was off to see the Rialto Bridge. The major attractions were very well mapped out. All we had to do was follow a series of signs and arrows.
As were racing through the city, the teens were captivated by clothing displays in the store windows. They donned their best puppy dog eyes and insisted that back to school clothes from Venice would be an amazing souvenir. We’ve never seen such creative teamwork from the two of them. Feeling a little guilty for dragging them out on the longest journey in a rainstorm, and them being good sports, we let them pick out a few things. But then it was back to sightseeing.
This was the moment I lost my beloved Maui Jim sunglasses in the canal. I went to adjust a stray hair before the photo, and splash it went! I like to say I left a little piece of myself in Venice.
I love how colorful and vibrant the city is.
After the shortest visit ever, it was time to make our way back to the water taxi so we could get on the bus for the drive back to Trieste. Sigh!
Back on the ship, we heard from a few other guests who purchased tickets through Norwegian to tour Doge’s Palace. They spent their entire time in line. It was unfortunate that they did not have more guidance with this. Given the travel time, and the crowds, there simply wasn’t enough time for an organized tour.
In the end, I’m happy we got to sample Venice. It was a lovely ending to our best family vacation to date. I’m so grateful I was able to share this experience with my three favorite people. One day the teens will outgrow the clothes, but the memories will last a lifetime. And no one even remembers the rain in Venice anyway.
Mykonos: Delos in 3D and an afternoon in Mykonos
Zakynthos: Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves
Kotor : Blue Cave, Mamula Island, Submarine Tunnel, Lady of the Rocks
Venice: The Port That Almost Didn’t Make It
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