TORONTO — Norwegian Cruise Line has removed Venice from several sailings operating in 2024, while 2025 calls to Venice will be cancelled and replaced with a day at sea until a new port is confirmed, based upon availability.
“We are modifying 2024 itineraries that call to Venice and replacing it with calls to one of the following ports: Ravenna, Italy; Rijeka and Zadar, Croatia; or Koper, Slovenia, based on port availability,” an NCL spokesperson told Travelweek.
NCL noted that due to the restrictions on large cruise ships to sail into the Venice Lagoon and dock at the usual piers, large cruise ships calling to Venice are required to anchor outside of the lagoon and utilize tender boats to access the Port of Venice.
Says NCL: “While we have made every effort possible to maintain these calls to Venice, the tender operation and overall experience this provides our guests has fallen short of the standard we aim to deliver.
“As a result, we are modifying 2024 itineraries that call to Venice and replacing it with calls to one of the following ports: Ravenna, Italy; Rijeka and Zadar, Croatia; or Koper, Slovenia, based on port availability.
“In addition, 2025 calls to Venice will be cancelled and replaced with a day at sea until a new port is confirmed, based upon availability.
“Guests and travel partners will be notified of the modified itinerary.
“We recognize that Venice is one of the world’s greatest destinations, cherished by both our guests and crew, and as such acknowledge the inconvenience and frustration this disruption may cause. We appreciate the understanding of our loyal guests and travel agent partners.”
VENICE’S BIG SHIP BAN
After years of back and forth, in 2021 the Italian government announced new restrictions on cruise ships calling at Venice, including a ban on large ships in the lagoon basin near St. Mark’s Square and the Giudecca Canal. Big ships are now required to anchor on the mainland and use tenders to bring passengers into the heart of the city.
In fall 2023 the UNESCO World Heritage Committee considered but ultimately voted against downgrading Venice to an endangered site.
