Ciao Venezia?

Ciao in Italian is the informal salutation for goodbye or hello. This originates from the Venetian language which is apt, considering I am talking about Venice and the recent news that large cruise ships are finally being barred from the historic centre.  For those of you, like myself who have ever sailed from Venice you will agree with me, I’m sure that it is the most fantastic sight as you pass within 1,000 feet of St Marks Square.

The Italian ministers and environmentalists have argued for a long time that large cruise ships cause irreparable damage to the Venetian lagoons Eco system and many of the Cities oldest landmarks. So, now the decision has been made to safe guard the World heritage city.  What is the solution?

It is worth remembering the ban does not mean an end to cruising in the city. The ban affects all ships exceeding 96,000 tonnes from the St Marks basin and the Giudecca canal.  Some of these ships excluded are Regal Princess, Emerald Princess, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette and P&O Ventura.  Smaller ships which are unaffected are Silversea, Seabourn, Seadream, Azamara and Oceania.

The alternative route proposed for the larger ships, could be digging out a 3 mile channel to reach Venice’s cruise terminal.  A delay in construction could mean these excluded cruise lines  will not be able to sell Venice itineraries. The cruise lines have been naturally reluctant to comment on what the ban means to them, however they are on the case, for example, P&O is now transferring Venice from the Ventura to the smaller Oceania ship next year.

The most telling point is that no one really knows how much business the ships really bring to Venice. If a cruise begins or ends in the city many people will stay a night or two in a hotel before or after the cruise.

Let’s all hope they come to a solution which suits everyone!