Cruises from Venice

Cruises from Venice combine iconic canals with Adriatic and Mediterranean sailings, with departures from nearby ports and access to unforgettable destinations.

Your Gateway to Adriatic & Mediterranean Cruising

Venice is one of the world’s most unique cruise departure destinations, known for its canals, historic architecture and timeless atmosphere. While most large ships now depart from nearby ports such as Ravenna and Trieste, some sailings still operate from Venice via Marghera and Fusina, offering a memorable start to your next Mediterranean cruise.

Cruise & Stay Holidays in Venice

Cruising from Venice works perfectly as part of a cruise and stay holiday, with many choosing to spend two or three nights exploring the city before departure. Discover St Mark’s Square, take a gondola ride along the canals and explore hidden corners of this iconic destination. Visit landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal, or wander through quieter districts like Dorsoduro for a more local feel. Venice also offers easy access to Verona and Lake Garda by train, making it ideal to extend your stay and experience more of northern Italy.

Find your next Cruise & Stay Holiday in Venice ➜

Why Start Your Cruise from Venice?

Venice offers a truly unique setting to begin your cruise, combining world-famous scenery with access to the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean. While cruise operations have shifted to nearby ports, transfers are straightforward and well organised. Starting your cruise here allows time to experience one of Italy’s most iconic destinations before sailing to stunning coastal regions.

Top 3 Things to Do in Venice

Before your cruise, Venice offers a wealth of iconic sights and experiences, blending history, culture and unforgettable scenery.

St Mark’s Square

Visit Venice’s most famous landmark, home to stunning architecture, historic cafés and the impressive St Mark’s Basilica.

S.S. La Venezia - Venice and the Jewels of Veneto - Venice Gondola

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from the water with a traditional gondola ride, offering a unique perspective of the city’s bridges and waterways.

Grand Canal

Take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal to experience Venice’s most iconic waterway, passing historic palaces, bridges and stunning waterfront views.

Azamara ship docked in Kotor, Montegnegro

Where Can You Cruise to from Venice?

Cruises from Venice focus on the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean, offering a rich mix of culture, history and coastal beauty. Popular itineraries include Croatia, with stops in Dubrovnik and Split, as well as Greece, visiting destinations such as Corfu, Santorini and Mykonos. Many sailings also include Montenegro, with the scenic Bay of Kotor, and may extend to Italy’s eastern coast. Longer itineraries can explore further into the Eastern Mediterranean, combining historic cities, island escapes and stunning coastal landscapes.

Cruise Lines Sailing from Venice

Venice and its nearby ports are served by a select group of cruise lines offering unique and destination-focused itineraries.

MSC Cruises

Modern ships with a European feel, offering great value and itineraries across the Adriatic and Eastern Mediterranean.

Azamara

Boutique-style cruising with smaller ships, longer stays in port and immersive destination-led itineraries.

Explora Journeys

Luxury cruising with elegant ships, spacious suites and immersive itineraries designed for a refined travel experience.

Windstar Cruises

Small ship and yacht-style cruising offering intimate experiences and access to lesser-visited ports.

Seabourn

Ultra-luxury cruising with personalised service, all-suite accommodation and carefully curated itineraries.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

All-inclusive luxury cruising with spacious suites, fine dining and immersive destination experiences.

Silversea

Luxury small-ship cruising with personalised service and access to unique and less crowded destinations.

More Cruise Options from Venice Region

In addition to sailings from Venice itself, nearby ports such as Ravenna and Trieste offer a wider range of cruise lines and itineraries, expanding your choice across the Adriatic and Mediterranean.

Uniworld River Cruises - S.S. La Venezia in Venice

River Cruises with Uniworld

Venice & the Jewels of Veneto

Experience Venice as it was meant to be seen, serene, romantic and wonderfully uncrowded. Venice and the Jewels of Veneto is Uniworld’s bestselling Italian river cruise, combining the magic of the Venice Lagoon with exclusive access to charming islands, Renaissance towns and unforgettable cultural moments.

Sailing round-trip from Venice aboard the elegant S.S. La Venezia, this is a journey into the heart of Northern Italy, where art, history and la dolce vita unfold at a slower, more luxurious pace.

Discover A Luxury Venice Lagoon River Cruise ➔

Cruises from Venice – Frequently Asked Questions

If you are planning a cruise from Venice, these quick answers cover common questions about visiting the city before your sailing.

Do cruises still depart from Venice?

Some smaller ships and luxury cruise lines still sail from Venice using ports such as Marghera and Fusina. Larger ships typically depart from nearby ports including Ravenna and Trieste.

Which airport is closest to the Venice cruise port?

Venice Marco Polo Airport is the main airport, located around 20 to 30 minutes from the city and cruise terminals.

How do you get to Ravenna or Trieste from Venice?

Transfers are available by train or private transfer, with journeys typically taking between 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the port.

How long should you stay in Venice before a cruise?

A stay of two to three nights is recommended to explore the city, or even longer if you are looking to discover nearby destinations such as Verona and Lake Garda.

What is the Venice entry fee?

Daily visitors to Venice’s historic centre are required to pay an access fee before arrival. The fee is €5 if paid at least four days in advance, or €10 if paid three days or less before arrival. All guests must obtain and present a QR code, including those who are exempt. Fines may apply if requirements are not met.

Is the Venice entry fee included in cruise excursions?

For guests visiting Venice as part of a cruise excursion, the access fee is typically included in the excursion price. For independent visits, payment must be made in advance.

Book Your Next Cruise from Venice

Venice offers a truly unforgettable start to any cruise, combining iconic scenery with access to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful destinations. Whether sailing from Venice itself or nearby ports, this region provides a unique and memorable departure point. Browse our latest cruises from Venice and start planning your next escape today.