cruise ship sailing from venice

Cruises From Venice, Italy

Cruises From Venice Cruises from Venice generally focus on three areas, the Adriatic, with the beautiful coastline of Croatia and Montenegro, the Aegean, with the spectacular Greek Islands, and the Eastern Mediterranean, with gateway ports to the Holy Land.

Venice Departing Cruises Calendar

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Expert guidance with no booking fees!

7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise

Contemporary and family-friendly cruising with distinct Mediterranean influences on everything from the line’s style and décor to cuisine and onboard entertainment

Whether you’d like to try Gaudi’s Experience, or create your own adventure along the Amalfi Coast, you’ll never forget your Mediterranean cruise.

Experience the serene, romantic splendor of Venice, but don’t forget to check out its wonderful museums and neighborhoods located off the Grand Canal.

• Msc Armonia - Passenger Capacity:  1,948 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2001 Last Refurbished: 2014

Take advantage of limited-time offers and special deals

Cruise Line

Msc Cruises

Cruise Ship

Msc Armonia

Departing From

Destination

Mediterranean

Ports of Call

Venice, Italy , Brindisi, Italy , Mykonos, Greece , Piraeus (Athens), Greece , Split, Croatia

Special Promotions*

Up to $500 FREE Onboard Credit* - TCW Exclusive

MSC Cruises: Kids Sail FREE on select sailings*

MSC Cruises Military Discount: up to 10% OFF*

• Itinerary & Pricing

7 Night Mediterranean - Eastern Cruise sailing on the Msc Armonia

Departure dates: sep 2024 - oct 2025.

From $1,573

From $1,503

From $1,606

From $1,510

From $1,628

From $1,445

From $1,109

From $1,685

From $1,001

From $1,071

From $1,091

From $1,141

From $1,241

From $1,171

From $1,111

Stateroom prices for Sep. 2, 2024

Published prices from

Based on cabin prices

Taxes & Fees Included

Based on Oceanview cabin prices

Based on Balcony cabin prices

Based on Suite cabin prices

Sailing Map

*** All itineraries are subject to change without notice. Please confirm your itinerary on the Review page before purchasing your cruise.

Rates & offers are subject to select dates & categories, cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in US Dollars, & include government taxes & fees. All rates & offers are capacity controlled, are subject to availability & confirmation, & may change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed -- please confirm details at time of booking. Stateroom photos are for sample purposes only -- actual design and layout may vary.

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

Royal Clipper

Photo gallery, select a departure date, available itineraries, amalfi & sicily, windward islands, spain, morocco & portugal, voiles de saint tropez, westbound atlantic ocean crossing, corsica & french riviera, ligurian sea, barbados to panama, panama to antigua, classic yachtsman caribbean, grenadine islands, croatia & slovenia, croatia & montenegro, grand voyage: venice to rome, rome to cannes, eastbound atlantic ocean crossing, grand prix trials, italy, montenegro & croatia, cannes to rome, grand voyage: venice to cannes, we love to talk travel, why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

• Cruise Ships
• Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia ™

• Dining & Activities
• Past Guest Photos
• Sails From:

It's a long way from Venice to NYC, but Carnival Venezia thinks the two could be next-door neighbors. This ship is now sailing from its Big Apple homeport... and already has big Port Canaveral plans for the winter/spring 2025 season! What can you expect to find in this ship? Well, there’s more than a little Italy in this one — that’s why we’re calling this new type of cruising Fun Italian Style ™ . It starts with the Venice-inspired atrium Piazza San Marco , the onboard flavor and flair continues at the three-course Marco Polo and Canal Grande Restaurants , La Strada Grill ™ and its Italian street food, plus fusion spots Tomodoro ™ (Mexican-Italian, yum!) and Guy’s Burger Joint (new burgers with Italian flavors — also yum!). And in authentic ristorante style, the elevated Italian of Il Viaggio . Sip well at bars that each specialize in their own thing: complex and sophisticated cocktails at Amari ™ , bubbly stuff (plus snacks and coffee) at Frizzante ™ , frozen everything at Rococó ™ and fine Italian wines at Carnevale Bar & Lounge ™ . There’s great entertainment at the red-velvety Teatro Rosso and its Playlist Productions ™ shows, plus Gondola Lounge was inspired by the famous canals of Venice. Terrazza staterooms are a whole new way to stay in style and comfort, all in a great location close to amenities like the exclusive Terrazza Carnevale , a private terrace deck made for lounging, sipping and fun, day or night! There’s also a lot of the classic Carnival fun that repeat cruisers ( hey there!) know and love. Deliciously familiar flavors come from spots like Bonsai Teppanyaki ™ and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse ™ , while celebration spots include Piano Bar 88 and Serenity Bar , and relaxation happens at Cloud 9 Spa ™ and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ . For the kids, there’s spaces just right for their age like Camp Ocean ™ , Circle “C” ® and Club O2 ® . And outdoors, get ready for a very splashy WaterWorks ™ and SportSquare ™ featuring a ropes course, jogging track, mini golf and outdoor fitness center. So as we were saying… hey, we’re cruising here! Carnival Venezia and all this Fun Italian Style sailing now from NYC. Andiamo!

• 135,225 Gross Tonnage
• 4,090 Guest Capacity
• 1,061 Length In Feet
• 1,424 Onboard Crew

INSIDE THIS SHIP

Just like a delicious cake, your ship is made of layers. Find out which fun ingredients — staterooms, dining, activities — go into each deck.

YOUR STATEROOM

Terrazza interior.

Amenities exclusive to Terrazza staterooms:

• Access to the Terrazza Carnevale area for that seaside-lounging lifestyle
• Morning access to the Carnevale Lounge for a daily continental breakfast
• Sailaway event at Terrazza Carnevale, featuring live music
• Comfy Terrazza-branded robes and towels for your use

Plus, every room includes:

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• In-room safe for valuables
• Stateroom climate control

Interior with Picture Window (Walkway View)

Every room includes:

Interior with Portholes

Interior upper/lower with portholes, interior upper/lower, deluxe ocean view.

Deluxe Ocean View staterooms are a great choice for families who want to let the sun shine in as they sail. Rooms of this type feature great views, a full bathroom — plus a separate washroom.

Deluxe Ocean View (Obstructed View)

Ocean view (obstructed view).

A picture window gives you views of scenery you won’t find anywhere on land, all from the comfort of your stateroom. (Note that rooms of this type have obstructed views.)

Terrazza Premium Vista Balcony

Terrazza premium balcony, terrazza aft-view extended balcony, terrazza cabana, premium balcony.

We designed balcony staterooms for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views, and this stateroom features a balcony that's even wider than our standard balcony for extra outdoor space.

Aft-View Extended Balcony

Aft-View Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony for more lounge-around room, more kick-back space... not to even mention some of the best views. Get ready to relax as you gaze upon the ship's gentle wake from your spacious balcony.

Cove Balcony

Cove Balcony staterooms get you close to the waterline, and feature balconies that let you make the most of your location, for one amazing up-close view of the wake and sea foam as the ship cruises along.

Ocean Suite

An Ocean Suite lets you experience private, spacious relaxation... more space for stretching out indoors, including a walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors.

Amenities exclusive to suites:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority Main Dining Room time assignment
• Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 AM
• Access to the Terrazza Carnevale area for that seaside-lounging lifestyle (guests 12 or older only)
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattress

Ocean Suite (Obstructed View)

Onboard activities, onboard dining, where to for you.

Carnival Venezia gives you so, so many choices: Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean and more. How do you say smörgåsbord in Italian?

* Taxes and fees are included.

TAG & THEY'RE IT!

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent NEW
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration
• The Retreat
• Suite Life. Elevated.
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• View All Suites
• Concierge Class
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd & 4th Guests Sail Free
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club
• Celebrity Points
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Loyalty Status Match

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings on select dates.

Cruises From Venice to Greece

Sail to the Greek Isles

Explore the Greek Islands on a Cruise from Venice

Experience the glories of Greek history and culture, both ancient and modern, on a cruise from Venice to Greece. Follow the glorious coastline of Italy through the Adriatic to the Aegean Sea to uncover ancient historical sites, pretty coastal towns, and enchanting Greek islands.

Marvel at the sparkling sapphire water, whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and white-sand beaches that the Greek Islands are famous for. Explore magnificent antiquities, including the Parthenon in Athens and the site of Olympia, near Katakolon. Experience the famous Greek hospitality and sample fresh, tasty Greek cuisine. A cruise to Greece from Venice offers the perfect mix of sun-drenched shores, ancient wonders.

Itineraries

View all cruises to greece from ravenna (venice), departure ports, ravenna (venice).

Starting in the beautiful port city of Ravenna, you’ll have an instant taste of Italy’s dolce vita. Sample exquisite food and the immaculately preserved historical center of Bologna, a day trip from Ravenna. Head to Venice, one of Europe’s most iconic cities and explore the canals by vaporetto (water bus), or lose yourself in sunny piazzas and greeny-blue waterways lined by stately palaces. Marvel at the architectural masterpieces in St. Mark’s Square: St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and nearby, the Bridge of Sighs.

Featured Ports of Call

Katakolon is a small, picturesque port town on the Ionian Sea, and the gateway to ancient Olympia. From the seventh century BC, Greek athletes would gather here every four years to participate in sacred games in honor of the Greek god, Zeus. While in port, sip strong Greek coffee and taste pastries at a waterfront cafe, visit galleries to see the work of local artists, and shop for handmade olive oil soaps, pottery, and leather goods.

Athens (Piraeus)

One of the oldest cities in the world, Athens sprawls over seven hills, the graceful Parthenon its crowning glory. Ancient sites like Acropolis Hill, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the theater of Dionysos are even more impressive than you’d have imagined, while the history of this multi-layered city is showcased in several breathtakingly good museums. Wander the winding alleys of the boho Plaka neighborhood and feast on fresh seafood, and Greek specialties like tzatziki (a dip made from yogurt and cucumber) at a local taverna. Buy local ouzo (anise-flavored liqueur) to bring home as a souvenir. 

Mykonos is the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Islands and beloved as much for its party-all-night reputation as for its whitewashed houses and golden beaches. Stroll the 18th-century waterfront of Chora, the capital, named “Little Venice” for its beautiful mansions and colorful balconies that arch out over the water. Ancient windmills, built by the Venetians in the 16th century, grace the hills above this part of the island. If you can dream of a beach, Mykonos can oblige. There are quiet coves for swimming and sunning, family-friendly beaches, trendy party beaches lined with bars and clubs, beaches perfect for windsurfing, and others offering prime snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Considered the perfect romantic venue, Santorini is known for its spectacular sunsets and its picturesque towns, Fira and Oia, perched high up on the cliff edge of a vast caldera (volcanic crater). Both towns offer incredible sea views as well as chic restaurants, designer boutiques, and art galleries. Visit the extraordinary excavations at Akrotiri to learn about the ancient Minoans, or join a wine tasting tour to sample Santorini’s impressive vintages. Santorini beaches bear witness to eons of volcanic activity, with red and black volcanic sand and pebbles creating some of the most dramatic beaches in the world. Red Beach, considered the island’s most scenic, is an unusual and photogenic spot for swimming, sunbathing, and taking in the dramatic volcanic scenery.

Chania (Crete)

Medieval architecture, a scenic Venetian-built port, and a string of long, sandy beaches are just some of the charms of Chania on the north-west coast of Crete. Stroll the charming Old Venetian Port all the way out to the lighthouse, one of the oldest in the Mediterranean. See the historic and cultural sights of Chania Old Town, then shop for local crafts, olive wood products, olive oil, and leather goods. Enjoy traditional Greek food at tavernas and cafés along the bustling waterfront. 

Zakynthos, a speck of paradise in the Ionian Sea, is the perfect place to lounge on sugary white sand beaches, or explore the underwater world. Take a water taxi to Shipwreck Beach, recognizable from thousands of photos, a dazzling strip of sand fringed by aquamarine water and towering white cliffs, the rusting hull of a wrecked ship as the centerpiece. Hop on a boat to Blue Lagoon, or visit the National Marine Park, where you might spot endangered loggerhead sea turtles.   

You Might Also Like

Cruises from Barcelona

Mediterranean Cruise

Croatia Cruises

Canary Islands Cruises

Italy Cruises

French Riviera Cruise

What to Eat in Bologna

Best Greek Islands for Couples

How to Plan a Trip to Italy

Best Greek Islands for Families

Day Trips From Athens

10 Best Beaches in Santorini

Lindos, Greece Travel Guide

Best Way to See the Greek Islands

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

• 00800 0310 21 21 1-855-577-9489 1-877-288-3037 1-877-288-3037 1-877-474-2969
• | NCL Travel Blog">11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruise Tour | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line">14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruise Tour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | Norwegian Cruise Line">20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line
• | NCL Travel Blog">11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog
• View All Results
• Preferences
• Latitudes Rewards
• Special Offers
• Personalised Recommendations
• Make reservations before you cruise
• 1 (current)

* Terms & Conditions Package not available on sailings less than 5 days or charter sailings.

Select a Month to update Weather info

• MONTH Aug Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
• AVG. TEMPERATURE thermometer 27 ° C HIGH 17 ° C LOW
• AVG. PRECIPITATION drops 84 MM
• Cruise Ports

Venice (Trieste), Italy

• Need to Know
• Itineraries
• VIEW CRUISES

The scenic port city of Trieste is steeped in history and natural beauty. Nestled atop a limestone plateau on a thin strip of land between the Adriatic Coast and Slovenia, the region has been ruled by multiple empires through the ages. This cultural fluidity is reflected in the awe-inspiring architecture and fusion of delicious cuisine found throughout the city. From touring museums and historic sites to strolling along its waterfront or reclining on a white-sand beach, this isolated, picturesque region of Italy boasts a wide range of attractions and activities.

Venice (Trieste) Cruise Image Gallery

• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-10
• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-08
• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-07
• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-06
• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-05
• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-04
• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-02
• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-01
• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-03
• MI.PortGalleries.VCE.900x400-09

Venice (Trieste)

What you NEED TO KNOW

Featured Venice (Trieste) CRUISE ITINERARIES

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Venice (Chioggia) to Athens (Piraeus)
• Athens (Piraeus) to Venice (Chioggia)

Venice, the Adriatic & Greece

• From $2,999
• 6 Guided Tours
• 4 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Venice (Chioggia) to Athens (Piraeus) Athens (Piraeus) to Venice (Chioggia)

Venice, the Adriatic & Greece Map

Explore magnificent Adriatic shores

Trace spectacular Adriatic shores and uncover the glories of the Venetian and Hellenic Empires on this cruise between romantic Venice and classic Athens. Discover Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, explore the palace at Split and stroll Dubrovnik’s medieval streets. Sail through scenic fjords to remarkably preserved Kotor, Montenegro’s gem. On Greek shores, call on scenic Corfu, with its inviting Old Town, and Katakolon, gateway to the Peloponnese and Olympia.

Anniversary Sale

Viking Inclusive Value

Pricing that covers everything guests need—and nothing they do not.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

110/220 volt outlets

Ample USB ports

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Best of Venice

From $2,499 | 3 Nights

Pre: Venice

From $1,099 | 2 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Tuscany

From $1,999 | 3 Nights

Pre: Ultimate Italy—Lake Como & Verona

From $2,299 | 3 Nights

Pre: Como & the Italian Lakes

Post: Athens

From $799 | 2 Nights

Post: Classic Greece

From $1,299 | 4 Nights

On this itinerary, your Viking Resident Historian is delivering the following iconic lectures:

• - The Venetian Republic
• - Greek Civilization
• - The Bayeux Tapestry

Viking Resident Historian

As part of our onboard cultural enrichment program and commitment to destination-focused learning, our Viking Resident Historian faculty provides guests with lectures and roundtable discussions on the arts, architecture, music and culture of upcoming ports and various aspects of world history.

Sign up to receive updates from Viking

Stay current with special offers, news and destination-focused content.

Company Information

• Order a Brochure
• Special Offers
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Advisors
• Media Center
• Investor Relations
• Health & Safety Program
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Manage Cookies

Viking River Cruises

• Mississippi

Viking Ocean Cruises

• Scandinavia
• British Isles & Ireland
• North America
• Caribbean & Central America
• South America
• Mediterranean
• Quiet Season Mediterranean
• Australia & New Zealand
• World Cruises
• Grand Journeys

Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

2024-2026 OCEAN CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all itineraries except World Cruise products. Special fares plus up to FREE roundtrip airfare valid on select departures of Canada & New England Scenic Shores; Eastern Seaboard Discovery; Grand Hawaii & Polynesia; Hawaiian Islands Sojourn; Panama Canal & Central America; Panama Canal & the Pacific Coast . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by March 31, 2025. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires August 31, 2024.

*$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to January 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to March 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Premium upgrades may not be available on all departures. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the  Viking Air Plus

NOTE:  International flights depart the U.S. one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.

Venice cruise port

Mediterranean - black sea.

• Coordinates 45.462, 12.280
• LOCODE ITVCE
• Local Time 2024-08-31 19:18

Venice cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

Carnival Venezia cruise ship review: What to expect on board

Carnival Venezia is the Carnival ship you book in lieu of a trip to The Venetian in Las Vegas — or maybe the Italy area of Epcot at Disney World.

From a real gondola "sailing" down the middle of its main dining room to a pool deck built to look like a Venetian boulevard, Carnival Venezia boasts a Venice-themed design that makes you feel like you've stolen away to the iconic Italian destination. The theming carries through to just about everything on board, from the handmade Italian gelato on offer at JavaBlue Cafe to the Italian liqueur-infused concoctions found at many bars.

Like all Carnival ships, Carnival Venezia is a vessel aimed at travelers looking for an affordable, fun and lively cruise vacation. But it's one with an Italian twist — one so strong that you suspect there's a backstory, and indeed there is.

Carnival Venezia was never meant to be in the Carnival fleet. It was originally built for an Italy-based cruise line.

But now that it's part of Carnival, it seems to fit right in.

Overview of Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia is the newest ship in the Carnival fleet, having joined the line in May 2023. But, as noted above, it's new with an asterisk. The 4,090-passenger vessel was originally launched in 2019 for a different line — Italy-based Costa Cruises — and is already 3 years old.

Carnival Corporation, which is the parent company of both Costa and Carnival, transferred the ship between the two brands in 2023 due to shifting demand for cruises in the markets where the two lines operate.

This makes Carnival Venezia something of an outlier in the Carnival fleet. While it underwent an overhaul in dry dock to add many of Carnival's signature venues, it retains much of its Costa-aligned, Italian-themed design.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter

This includes, notably, many public spaces that offer design nods to the palaces lining Venice's Grand Canal. (Venice is the inspiration for much of the ship's theming.) It also still boasts its original and distinctive yellow-and-blue Costa funnel (there's no Carnival "whale tail" on this ship).

In short, Carnival Venezia combines elements of both Costa and Carnival ships — enough so that Carnival originally planned to call the ship a "Costa by Carnival" product to differentiate it from the rest of the Carnival fleet. Carnival has since switched to marketing Carnival Venezia as a vessel that offers "Carnival Fun Italian Style."

All that said, as I saw in late May while sailing on Carnival Venezia's first voyage under the Carnival banner, it's a ship on which Carnival fans will probably feel right at home, despite its Costa roots. The Carnival and Costa brands have many similarities, and their ships are often built on the same platforms. While Carnival Venezia is considered a "Venezia-class" ship, it shares the same basic structural design and layout as Carnival's three Vista-class vessels ( Carnival Panorama , Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista). If you've been on those ships, you'll find the ship's flow and location for venues strikingly familiar.

As is typical of Carnival (and Costa) ships, Carnival Venezia is an affordable, fun-focused vessel aimed at budget-minded vacationers looking to let loose and have a good time. It's loaded with eateries, bars, showrooms and lots of upper-deck activity zones, including pool areas, a water park, a ropes course and a sports court.

What I loved about Carnival Venezia

Fun ship vibe.

Carnival Venezia may not be the fanciest cruise ship afloat. You won't dine on foie gras and caviar or sleep on 1,000-thread-count sheets. But few vessels have such a fun vibe.

I loved that I could careen down a ripping waterslide, scramble across ropes more than 100 feet above the sea, practice my putting on a minigolf course and soak in a hot tub, all in advance of a night of bar-hopping, live music and not-for-your-kids late-night comedy.

This is true of pretty much every Carnival vessel, of course. This is the Fun Ship line, after all. But that doesn't make it any less true for Carnival Venezia. It's hard not to have a good time on this ship.

Italian theming

The Italian theming on Carnival Venezia was so strong when Carnival took over the ship from Italy-based Costa that, instead of stripping it away, Carnival chose to lean into it. When it sent the ship into dry dock in 2023 to become Carnivalized, the biggest new thing it added from scratch was ... a high-end Italian restaurant.

It also doubled down on the Italian vibe with new Italy-themed drinks at multiple bars, including the new Italian liqueur-focused Amari bar. The captain's reception is themed as a Venetian masked ball, with the crew handing out Venetian masks for passengers to wear.

The theming is a little over-the-top in places. The golden lion of St. Mark, a symbol of Venice, looming over the ship's central atrium on a giant faux-marble column sets the tone. But I found it wonderful in the way that Las Vegas resorts can be wonderful.

Carnival Venezia is a make-believe zone that whisks you away from your mundane, everyday life. There's no mistaking you are on vacation here — if not in Italy, at least in a faux version of Italy. Be warned, Venetian Resort. You have new competition.

Carnival has jumped into the mixology craze in a big way with Carnival Venezia — but with an Italian twist. At many of its main bars, you'll find creative concoctions made with unusual Italian liqueurs and bitters that you probably didn't know existed.

In the name of research, I ordered up one oddball creation after another at the Italy-themed Amari bar, from the Bitter Guiseppe (a Manhattan-like drink infused with Cynar, an Italian bitter aperitif) to an Amalfi Martini made with Italy-made limoncello and limoncino — and, for the most part, loved them.

Related: Why the coolest new bar in North America may be on a Carnival ship

For the Middle America crowd that is a mainstay on Carnival ships, the cocktails are a fun and playful diversion from the typical pre-dinner drink routine typically centered on ho-hum concoctions like vodka tonics and American light lagers. When in Rome (or fake Venice), as they say.

What I didn't love about Carnival Venezia

The lido pool.

As noted above, Carnival Venezia was originally built for Italy-based Costa. But it was a Costa ship designed for a specific group of travelers: residents of China. The ship was originally to sail in Asia for the Chinese market, offering Chinese travelers a taste of cruising Italian style. The result is that it has one of the most convoluted main pool decks that I have ever seen — one that would have worked for the Chinese market but is flawed for an American crowd.

Specifically, the pool area has little open-to-the-sky lounge space for sunbathing. This was by design, as Chinese travelers, in general, do not sunbathe. They prefer to be shielded from the sun, and that sort of environment is what Costa delivered around the ship's main pool.

The Lido pool, as it's called, is surrounded by Venetian villa-themed "buildings" that house lots of covered lounge and eating areas — places you can sit and have a coffee covered from the sun (the area has an unusually large coffee bar for a Carnival ship, the JavaBlue Cafe) or scarf down a burger from the nearby Guy's Burger Joint. There are two full decks of these covered, sunless areas around the pool, and if that weren't enough, the area is topped with a glass magradome that can be closed to completely shield the area from the elements.

Even when left open, this magradome has enough apparatus associated with it that it noticeably eats away at the space available for sunning, though to be fair there is quite a bit of sunning space with lounge chairs at other areas of the ship's top deck.

The cabin service

It's not entirely fair to judge any part of a ship's service based on its first sailing when the crew is still getting used to each other and the layout and procedures of a new vessel. That said, it's fair to say that service provided by cabin attendants in general on Carnival ships isn't quite what it used to be as the line cuts costs — something that will be true for Carnival Venezia six months from now as much as it is today.

My visit to Carnival Venezia in late May marked the first time I had sailed on Carnival since the line reduced cleaning service for cabins to just once a day from twice a day, which happened in 2022. Given the low price point of the typical Carnival cruise, it's hard to argue that one should expect twice-a-day room cleaning. Still, this was always one of the big wows that set Carnival (and other cruise lines) apart from similarly priced land-based resorts. You got a room steward who seemingly was always there, keeping your room spick-and-span.

I met my room steward in passing in the hallway, and he seemed pleasant enough. But I didn't feel the connection with him that I have in the past with some Carnival room stewards. And perhaps because I had my "Snoozin" do-not-disturb sign out a bit while working in my room, I went a full day and night at one point without my room being cleaned at all, which is something that never used to happen in the old days of twice-daily service.

Carnival Venezia cabins and suites

Carnival Venezia has 32 cabin and suite categories — a daunting number. But finding the right cabin category for you isn't as complicated as that number might make it seem. Many cabin categories on Carnival Venezia are essentially the same, with the exception of where the rooms are located.

My cabin was a cove balcony cabin. Near the bottom of the ship on Deck 2, these are the least expensive balcony cabins on Carnival Venezia, in part because they have balconies that aren't quite as open and light-filled as standard balcony rooms. Because they are near the ship's waterline, the balconies are built with more protective steel than is normal, creating a somewhat enclosed "cove" effect.

Other than that, cove balcony cabins (of which there are 110) are identical to the far more common standard balcony cabins that account for the greatest segment of Carnival Venezia accommodations (794 out of 2,045 cabins), all of which are located much higher on the ship.

Both standard balcony cabins and cove balcony cabins have the same interior space (185 square feet) with identical furnishings — a queen bed that can be split into two single beds; a built-in desk area with a miniature refrigerator; a seating area with a sofa and small table; built-in closets; and a bathroom.

Cove balcony cabins are priced a little lower than standard balcony cabins because, in theory, their unusual balcony configurations and low-on-the-ship locations make them less desirable. But to me, the more-enclosed nature of the balcony isn't a major drawback, and the closer-to-the-waterline location of the cabins is a plus, not a minus.

I love lounging on cruise ship balconies that are close to the waterline. You get more of a sense of the ship's movement through the waves and can sometimes spot waterbirds gliding just above the water.

There's a magical connection to the sea that one only gets from staying in a cabin near the waterline. You won't find that when you're lording it over the ship in a high-priced cabin or suite on Deck 12 or 14.

For the most part, I was happy with my cove balcony cabin on Carnival Venezia. Clearly, it won't win any awards for style. Its relatively bland white-and-cream walls and neutral, blue-accented carpeting are designed to fade into the background. The bedding is perfectly adequate for the Carnival price point but nothing memorable, with somewhat cheap-feeling polyester pillows topped with cotton pillowcases.

Still, my cove balcony cabin overall had a bit of an elevated feel compared to cabins on some Carnival vessels, and it ticked all the boxes for a cabin on a budget ship. There was ample storage for two in the floor-to-ceiling built-in closets, which notably were deep enough that my dress jackets and shirts could fit straight in on a hangar without having to be pushed to the side when it came time to close the door — something that isn't always the case even on higher-end ships.

While the nightstands next to the bed were so small and narrow that they seemed like afterthoughts, both did have built-in lamps for reading at night, and one side of the bed was nicely equipped with two USB ports. (Memo to Carnival: In a perfect world, you'd want these on both sides of the bed!)

Two more USB ports are located across the room at the built-in desk area, which also has two U.S.-style 120V plugs, a European-style 230V plug and a completely superfluous and destined-never-to-be-used "type I" 220V plug. I suspect the latter is a throwback to when the ship was scheduled to sail in China. I had to Google it to figure out what the heck it was.

As is typical for Carnival ships, the cabin bathroom is functional, if not particularly stylish or upscale in feel. You won't find marble-topped sinks or elegantly tiled showers with sleek Hansgrohe fixtures at this price point. However, the fiberglass-molded shower space has (just) enough room so you don't hit the wall when soaping, and there is ample storage space for toiletries on three open shelves located on each side of the vanity. (The vanity, it should be noted, has faux Venetian wood cabinetry and a golden mirror, in keeping with the ship's Italian styling.)

My biggest quibble with the bathroom, besides it being eminently bland, is its overall color scheme. It has brown textured fiberglass floors and light yellow walls that I suspect will become dated over time. It already looks a bit dowdy.

On a more positive note, Carnival Venezia is one of the rare Carnival ships that doesn't have air vents carved into cabin doors — something that often makes cabins on Carnival ships less soundproof than cabins on competing lines. This is one area where inheriting a vessel from sister line Costa was an advantage.

Other Carnival Venezia cabin tidbits:

• There are red "Snoozin'" cards to hang on your door when you don't want to be disturbed, which strikes us as a bit of an old-school way to do a do-not -disturb notice. Many cruise lines in recent years have switched to more sophisticated electronic systems that let you push a button inside your room to turn on a do-not-disturb light outside your door.
• Every cabin has a small hair dryer in a drawer in the desk area and a personal safe in the closet.
• There's a flat-screen television on the wall with movies on demand that, in many cases, are free. Carnival normally only charges for some first-run movies at a current rate of $6.99 per movie.

Those who want something a bit more exclusive than a standard or cove balcony cabin can book one of the 77 so-called Terrazza Carnavale cabins at the back of the ship. These rooms come with exclusive access to a private outdoor sunning area with lounge chairs, hot tubs, cabanas and a bar called the Terrazza Carnevale.

In addition, passengers staying in Terrazza Carnevale cabins get exclusive access to daily continental breakfast in the adjacent Carnevale Lounge; a specially curated brunch on select sea days, with a complimentary spritz or mimosa; and a private sailaway event with live music at the Terrazza Carnevale.

There are five types of Terrazza Carnavale cabins, all in the same general area at the back of the ship near the Terrazza Carnevale Lounge area. These include 26 aft-facing cabins across decks 6, 7, 8 and 9 that have extended curving balconies looking out over the back of the vessel and eight so-called Premium Vista balconies at the back corners of the ship that have extremely large, wrap-around balconies.

In addition, this Terazza Carnevale area of the ship has 27 Cabana cabins that have extended "cabana" balcony areas with lounge chairs and hammocks for lounging. Fourteen interior cabins are also part of this exclusive Terrazza Carnevale area.

Passengers must be 12 or older to stay in a Terrazza Carnevale cabin and enter the area's private outdoor lounge.

Carnival Venezia also has 20 suites, all the same in size and amenities. Dubbed the Ocean Suites, these accommodations aren't really suites in the true sense as much as larger-than-normal balcony cabins. Most measure 275 square feet, not including 65-square-foot balconies, and have a single bedroom with a sofa and table across from the bed, plus a larger-than-normal bathroom.

Focused mostly on budget-minded travelers, Carnival has never been known for the wide array of large and pricey suites found on some competing big-ship lines.

Carnival Venezia restaurants and bars

As is typical for Carnival ships, Carnival Venezia is packed with dining options — some included in the fare, some at an extra charge. It's got oodles of bars, too.

The vessel has two main dining rooms and a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. In addition, you'll find several included-in-the-price quick bite options and five extra-charge eateries serving everything from steaks to sushi.

In general, Carnival cuisine isn't high-end and — given the line's focus on vacations at an affordable price point — it's not meant to be. But Carnival is a line that long has underpromised and over-delivered when it comes to its food offerings, and you may be surprised by what you find.

Restaurants

While I only was on Carnival Venezia for five nights, I was able to hit just about every food outlet on board — something that isn't easy given how many there are. On a typical seven-night cruise, you'll have enough options to never get bored.

It's a good idea to make reservations for the ship's five specialty restaurants as soon as you can, as they tend to fill up quickly.

The biggest eateries on the ship, and the spots where you'll eat at least a few, if not most, of your dinners, are its two main restaurants, the Canal Grande Restaurant and Marco Polo Restaurant.

At the back of the vessel and spanning two decks, the Canal Grande Restaurant is the main restaurant for passengers who sign up for Your Time dining — the type of dining where you can show up whenever you want. The smaller Marco Polo Restaurant, at the center of the ship, is reserved for passengers who choose Traditional dining — the type of dining where you sit at a designated table at a fixed time.

As is always the case with Carnival sailings, you choose one or the other type of dining in advance of your cruise, and then you are assigned the appropriate main restaurant. Note that this choice only applies to dinners in these main restaurants. If you want to go to any of the extra-charge eateries, the casual buffet (called Lido Marketplace) or a quick-serve outlet for dinner, you can go whenever you want, no matter whether you've chosen Your Time or Traditional dining. Breakfast and lunch are also open seating during listed hours.

The Canal Grande Restaurant and Marco Polo Restaurant serve the same cuisine, but it is the come-anytime Canal Grande Restaurant, where I ate, that has by far the most spectacular setting — spectacular either in a good or a bad way, depending on your take on over-the-top theming.

Designed to appear like its tables are lining a canal in Venice, the soaring, two-deck-high venue has a real Venetian gondola "floating" in a faux waterway down its center, with faux brick bridges over the canal and a faux blue sky above. To which I say: fabulous. I love it. But, also, I'm half Venetian, so I may be wildly biased.

The dinner menu at the Canal Grande Restaurant typically offers six main courses from a dizzying mix of cuisines — on the night I ate there, the choices included an Asian-inspired sweet and sour shrimp dish, an Italian lasagna plate and a vegetarian Indian platter. Several "from the grill" choices, such as grilled salmon or chicken breast, are available every night.

While it was early days for the eatery when I visited, I found the food quality and delivery all over the map. A calamari fritti appetizer I ordered was so depressing in its appearance, chewy and tasteless as to be almost upsetting. However, my main course of grilled salmon came out perfectly soft and seasoned.

One of my tablemates also had the hilarious situation of ordering a burger for his son where he specified no ketchup or mustard, "just cheese," only to be served a bun with just cheese on it — and no meat. As noted, it's early days, and the crew still is learning.

The Lido Marketplace is Carnival Venezia's included-in-the-fare buffet venue, and it's always buzzing. Carnival fans love their Lido buffets. The venue is at the top of the ship between the main Lido pool and the back-of-the-ship Burano pool. Its decor evokes an outdoor Italian cafe of the sort you'd find in the square of a small Italian village, with faux trees, leaf-lined columns and casual cafe chairs.

At breakfast, the Lido Marketplace offers up all the staples in big trays along the buffet line, including scrambled eggs, eggs Benedict, hard-boiled eggs, pancakes, sausage and bacon. There are made-to-order omelet stations, too. Lunchtime brings a wide variety of options, including a salad bar and a hot sandwich grill turning out grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, Reubens, meatball subs and the like.

Just outside the Lido Marketplace at the back of the ship and steps away from the Burano pool is the ship's pizza-to-go outlet, Pizzeria del Capitano, serving up five pizza options: Margherita, fungi, pepperoni, quattro formaggi and prosciutto. You can order a slice or whole pie at no charge. Covered outdoor seating is available.

A second quick-serve outlet around the Burano pool, the Seafood Shack, serves lobster rolls, fish and chips, New England clam chowder and other classic seafood items for extra charges that seem out of whack with what the typical Carnival customer can afford. The lobster roll, for instance, is $18, and a single crab cake is $15 — prices that seem awfully steep.

On the flip side, an order of fish and chips is only $8, as is a bucket of fried clam strips, which seems more reasonable. Either way, I didn't see many people lining up for items here.

Moving forward to the Lido pool area on the same deck, you'll find two included-in-your-fare, iconic Carnival quick-service outlets. The most jammed, at any time its open, is Guy's Burger Joint, the Guy Fieri-created burger outlet that you'll find on every Carnival ship.

On Carnival Venezia, this eatery has an unusual Italian theme, with the fat-dripping, mouth-watering burgers for which it is known coming in two new Italian-inspired, Guy Fieri-created versions in addition to the classic options. These include a "pepperoni pizza burger" topped with fried mozzarella, pepperoni, marinara, provolone and aged Parmesan and a "super melty mootz" that is slathered in melted mozzarella, diced tomato, balsamic and fried basil. (Mootz, for those of you not in the know, is a slang term sometimes used for mozzarella.)

Don't worry; the classic Plain Jane, Straight Up and The Ringer burgers Fieri created for the wider fleet are also available.

Across from Guy's Burger Joint, the BlueIguana Cantina burrito outlet found in this location on other Carnival ships has been given an Italian twist, too. Renamed Tomodoro, it now serves Italian meatball subs, Sicilian chicken wraps and tortas de Milanese (imagine chicken Milanese turned into a panini) to go — in addition to made-to-order Mexican-style burritos and tacos.

We like it all, but for an outlet this small, the mash-up of Mexican and Italian quick-serve items adds an extra element of choice for customers that can slow down the line. Our advice to Carnival: Go Italian or go Mexican here, but don't try to do both.

The new entrant to Carnival's food scene is Il Viaggio, serving high-end Italian cuisine. With a fixed price of $42 per person, it's one of the priciest eateries on the ship. The restaurant leans into the Italian theming of the vessel with a relatively small, curated menu of Italian specialties such as Tuscan-style sea bass with a Parmesan crust and steak pizzaiola from the Lazio region.

Taking the place of the more casual (and far less pricey) Cucina del Capitano Italian eatery found on other Carnival ships, it served dishes in a hit-or-miss fashion when I visited. To be fair, it was the venue's first night in operation. I was served a mouth-wateringly soft house-made burrata with heirloom tomatoes and pesto as an appetizer, but a grilled octopus appetizer that looked absolutely beautiful on presentation was sadly under-seasoned to the point of having almost no taste.

On the positive side, Il Viaggio turned out a pappardelle with pork ragu as a main course that would have impressed even my Italian grandmother. Alas, my go-to test item for a quality Italian eatery, the cannoli dessert, came out with both shells and fillings that were uninspiring. To paraphrase the Peter Clemenza line from The Godfather , take the pappardelle, leave the cannoli.

Carnival Venezia's priciest eatery is its $48-per-person steakhouse, Fahrenheit 555 —a staple of nearly every Carnival ship. It offers all the steakhouse classics such as New York strip, filet mignon and lobster tail served in a warm and cozy space that retains much of its original Italian theming. Note the golden lion of St. Mark (the symbol of Venice) woven into the carpeting's repeating pattern and a larger lion of St. Mark statue in one corner of the eatery.

Carnival Venezia trivia: While often Italy themed, all the restaurants on the ship originally were designed to serve Chinese cuisine, in keeping with its original focus on the China market. If you look closely, you'll see traditional China motifs worked into the Italian theming, as well as heavy use of the popular-in-China color red (which, by luck, also is a color often found in Italian design — it's on the Italian flag, after all).

The other two major extra-charge eateries on Carnival Venezia are the twin Asia outlets Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, just across from each other on Deck 5.

Bonsai Sushi serves its namesake sushi and sashimi, as well as yakitori (grilled meat on skewers), noodle bowls and small plates of such Japanese classics as chicken Katsu and shrimp tempura — all at a la carte prices.

Found on many Carnival ships, Bonsai Sushi has always been one of my favorite Carnival eateries due to a combination of it getting the basics right when it comes to Japanese cuisine (the sushi always is fresh and tasty) and also being relatively reasonably priced. You'll pay $2 per piece for sushi or sashimi (it's a limited menu of shrimp, salmon, yellowfin tuna and amberjack) or $6 to $8 for a sushi roll that is downright huge. Poke bowls, shrimp tempura plates and noodle bowls are also available for just $8. It's hard to run up too big a bill.

Bonsai Teppanyaki is a classic teppanyaki eatery with a cover charge of $35 per person for lunch and $38 per person for dinner. For that price, you'll get starters such as pork belly yakitori and spicy tuna followed by a main course of teppanyaki-style salmon, lobster tail, shrimp, grilled tofu, black cod or filet mignon (or various combinations of these six options). Dessert is a chocolate "bento box" with green tea ice cream.

As is the shtick with teppanyaki eateries everywhere, the main courses here are all cooked in front of you on a steel-topped grill with various hijinks from the chef along the way. If you have the kids in tow, it's a crowd-pleaser. If, like me, you've moved past the age of having young kids and have suffered your fair share of family-friendly dinner shows, it's all a bit tedious.

Either way, the good news is that getting a seat for teppanyaki on Carnival Venezia is a little easier than on most Carnival ships, as there are more teppanyaki tables (four) at the ship's Bonsai Teppanyaki than at similar eateries on other Carnival ships — more fallout of the vessel being built for the China market.

Meanwhile, the food options don't end with the restaurants. An enticing array of extra-charge gourmet cupcakes and doughnuts ($4), cake slices ($6) and cookies ($2.50) are available at JavaBlue Cafe, which is at the top of the ship near the Lido pool. It's also home to fantastic homemade Italian gelato (hey, more of the Italian theming) for $3 a scoop ($5 for two scoops), as well as homemade milkshakes ($6.50) and made-to-order LavAzza espresso drinks that you can get spiked if you so choose.

Carnival Venezia is packed with bars, as is the way with Carnival ships. You won't walk far in any public area without hitting one.

The first one you'll see upon arrival is the St. Mark's Square-themed Atrium Bar, with its giant winged lion of St. Mark lording over it on a pedestal. Sitting at the base of the ship's central atrium, which has the Venice-themed name of Piazza San Marco, the Atrium Bar is right in the middle of everything and bustling at all hours. That's partly because it's a hub for live music — either a singer and pianist, a solo guitarist or a string trio, depending on the time of day.

You can find all your standard mixed drinks here, but its specialties are tropical classics (Bahama Mama, Tequila Sunrise) and martinis.

Fanning out from the top of the atrium on Deck 5, you'll run into a string of additional drinking establishments, each with its own theme.

Perhaps the most unusual is the stylish Amari bar, a new concept for Carnival that serves up specialty cocktails crafted with Italian Amari liqueurs and bitters. Some you would know, such as Aperol and Campari, and some you've probably never tried, such as Zucca, Averna, Cynar, Ramazzoti, Braulio, Montenegro and Nonino.

The curated list includes such unusual yumminess as the Bitter Guiseppe, a rift on a Manhattan made bittersweet with Cynar, vermouth, lemon and bitters. Or try the Negroni Sbagliato, a sparkling variation on the classic Italian cocktail made with Campari, Cinzano 1757 Vermouth di Torino and prosecco sparkling wine. You also can order Amari samplers with a choice of three of the liqueurs and bitters straight up.

Amari essentially replaces the cocktail-serving Alchemy Bar found on most Carnival ships. Fans of that bar will be relieved that Amari also offers a selection of that bar's most popular cocktails.

Just be warned: With so many new-and-unusual-for-Carnival crafty creations at the Amarai bar, you might just blow your drinks budget here if you haven't bought the ship's drinks package.

Just a few steps away from the Amari bar, working your way aft, you'll hit the sleek new Frizzante Bar, located in front of the Il Viaggio Italian restaurant. This bar's specialty is bubbly cocktails, most with an Italian twist. You'll find the classic Aperol Spritz here, as well as versions made with Campari, Amaro Averna and Creme de Cassis. The menu also features Bellinis, Limoncello Mojitos, Negronis and a relatively wide range of whiskeys.

As a nod to the ship's theme, the two beers on tap at Frizzante — Peroni and Birra Moretti — are brought in from Italy.

If you're traveling with one or more people avoiding alcohol, Frizzante Bar and Amari might be your two new favorite Carnival bar venues. Bartenders at both can make some of their iconic specialty drinks with non-alcoholic Lyre's Italian Spritz and Classico sparkling wine. They look and taste like the real thing but without the buzz.

Another Deck 5 favorite is the sprawling Gondola Lounge, which has its own stage and dance floor. It's the site of trivia contests during the day and live music and dancing at night, and its specialty is sangria (available by the glass or pitcher). The pricing for the sangria is a bit over the top for what is supposed to be a low-cost drink. A pitcher will set you back $36.

The Gondola Lounge is another outlet where you can get your daytime caffeine fix as it serves up LavAzza espresso drinks.

The lounge, like the nearby Canal Grande Restaurant, once had a real gondola sprawled out along one wall. It was removed during the overhaul of the ship after it was transferred from Costa to Carnival (my as-yet-unanswered question: Where did that gondola go?).

Two more bars on the same deck (yeah, that's five bars on a single deck!) include the cozy Piano Bar 88, which is part bar, part live piano music venue, and the Carnevale Bar and Lounge (mentioned in passing above). Keeping with the Italian theming, the latter is all about variations on the classic bellini, including an apple cider cucumber bellini, a blood orange bellini and a spicy mango bellini. The Carnevale Bar and Lounge is also the place to get spiked espresso drinks — if infusing yourself with stimulants and depressants at the same time is your thing.

Three additional bars around the top-deck pool areas (Rococo, the Pergola Bar and the Burano Bar) serve all the daiquiris and coladas you can drink, plus just about anything else alcohol-related you'd want to order while lounging by a pool. Our favorite of them all is Rococo, which Costa's designers gave an elaborate Italian palace theme with 1700s-era Rococo paintings on the walls that Carnival's designers subsequently defaced in the most hilarious of ways.

On one painting of a Renaissance woman being given a flower by a suitor, the Carnival designers painted pink sunglasses onto the woman and added a caption that says, "It's all about me." Another painting of two women in 1700era outfits is overwritten with the words "no fun plans tonight ... let's just wing it" and has a blue pigeon with a hat overpainted onto it for good measure.

Carnival Venezia activities and shows

As is typical for Carnival ships, Carnival Venezia is loaded with attractions that appeal to both adults and children, including multiple entertainment venues, a casino, a spa and lots of top-deck fun zones such as a water park and ropes courses.

In addition, you'll find all sorts of other diversions on board throughout the day in various lounge areas, from dance classes to bingo games and sports trivia.

For families, the top decks of the ship are where it's at for daytime fun, starting with a Carnival Waterworks water park that has more slides (three) than almost any other Carnival ship. As a Costa vessel, the water park had two slides, but Carnival jammed in a third during the ship's 2023 overhaul (while, notably, leaving the water park's yellow-and-blue Costa color scheme).

Only Carnival's bigger Mardi Gras and Celebration have as many water slides.

Carnival Waterworks is not far from the ship's main Lido pool, and there's a secondary Burano pool at the back of the vessel. As noted above, in part because it originally was built for the Chinese market, Carnival Venezia doesn't have as much open space with lounge chairs for sunning around the main Lido pool, which could be an issue for the ship when it sails in warm-water locales on itineraries with sea days. On those types of itineraries, lounging space around the main pool comes at a premium.

The Lido pool is, notably, built with a glass magradome that can be opened on sunny days and closed during inclement weather. This will be a plus when the vessel is sailing in colder locations, such as its season of sailings from New York City. But the magrodome eats up valuable real estate that otherwise would allow for more open-air lounge areas.

Other top-deck amusements include such Carnival classics as a ropes course where the challenge is stepping gingerly along ropes and platforms that tower 14 decks above the sea (you're safely roped in at all times, of course). It doesn't look all that scary from below, but — trust me — it's a bit terrifying when you get up there, and your legs go all wobbly trying to make it across a floating-in-the-sky pathway.

There's also a miniature golf course and a sports court that, like seemingly every other sports court at sea, has been newly rigged to allow for pickleball games.

Carnival Venezia's fitness center spans the entire front of deck 12 with epic views over the bow. The line made the space bigger during dry dock because Americans apparently like to exercise while on cruises more than Chinese travelers. A spa with 12 treatment rooms is in the same area, but the ship's hair salon was moved to Deck 5 (at the top of the atrium) to make more room.

In the evening, the ship's two-deck-high, Italian opera house-like Teatro Rosso and the smaller Limelight Lounge are the places for big entertainment. Teatro Rosso is the ship's main theater. Performances here might be an elaborate song-and-dance show with Carnival Venezia's resident performers or a comedy act or game show such as a Carnival version of television's "Family Feud." The Limelight Lounge morphs at night into the Punchliner Comedy Club with family-friendly shows in the early evening and R-rated versions late at night.

The Limelight Lounge also is where you'll find occasional bingo games and shockingly good karaoke contests. Carnival regulars come prepared to sing!

Karaoke may also take place in the Terrazza Carnivale or Gondola lounges.

Carnival Venezia also has a large casino with — and this is unusual — a dedicated room for nonsmokers.

The ship also has multiple fun zones dedicated to children. The heart of the offerings is Camp Ocean, located on Deck 11. It offers free, supervised activities daily for children ages 2 to 11. The line splits children here into three age groups — Penguins (2-5 years), Stingrays (6-8 years) and Sharks (9-11 years). Each group has its own age-appropriate activities ranging from face painting to pirate adventures.

There's also a hangout room called Circle C for tweens and teens ages 12 to 14 and a separate room for the older teen crowd (15 to 17) called Club O2. Both are tucked away at the front of the ship on Deck 3. If you wander toward them, you might come across a succession of no-longer-in-use small rooms built to be private karaoke rooms when the ship was destined for China. If you look closely, you can still make out what would have been the entrance and front desk for the karaoke area, now an oddly abandoned relic of what might have been for this ship.

For adults looking to get away from the kids, meanwhile, the front of the ship's top deck is devoted to an adults-only Serenity outdoor lounge area.

Carnival Venezia itineraries and pricing

Carnival Venezia will sail year-round out of New York through December 2024. After that, it'll move to Port Canaveral, Florida, for sailings to the Caribbean.

The ship's New York itineraries are unusually diverse, with 22 different routings available ranging from four to 15 nights in length. Destinations for the sailings out of New York include the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, New England and Canada.

After moving to Port Canaveral, the ship will mostly sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.

As of the publishing of this guide, fares for Carnival Venezia sailings were starting at $309 per person for the least expensive cabin on a four-night Caribbean sailing out of Port Canaveral. Seven-night Canada and New England sailings from New York start at $509 per person. Note that these fares are based on double occupancy and don't include taxes, fees and port changes, which range from around $100 to $250 per person for most sailings.

What to know before you go

Required documents

If you're a U.S. citizen, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, are also acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Note that these are the rules for round-trip sailings out of U.S. ports of the sort Carnival Venezia will operate from New York and Port Canaveral over the next few years. If the ship eventually moves to another destination, these rules could change.

All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for the latest on requirements.

Carnival adds an automatic service gratuity of $14.50 to $16.50 per person, per day to final bills, depending on the cabin category (children under the age of 2 are exempt). If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bar bills and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Wi-Fi service on Carnival Venezia is fast for a cruise ship. Carnival Venezia is one of a growing number of cruise vessels tapping into the new, super-fast Starlink satellite internet system developed by SpaceX, which has been revolutionizing internet speeds on ships.

However, you'll pay a hefty premium to experience the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available on Carnival Venezia. On my sailing, the fastest "premium" service on the ship, which allowed for video streaming, was priced at $30 per person for a 24-hour pass. A full-cruise pass for the 15-night voyage cost $330 per person — or $22 a day.

Carnival Venezia also offers a less expensive "social" plan that only allows access to key social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and messaging services such as WhatsApp. On my sailing, it was only available if bought for the entire cruise and cost $225 per person — or $15 per day.

A slightly more expensive "value" plan was also available at $22 per 24-hour period or $300 per cruise. The value plan adds access to email and most websites. Passengers who pay for a plan before sailing typically receive a discount.

Carry-on drinks policy

You can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per person onto Carnival Venezia at boarding plus up to a dozen standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic drinks such as sodas.

Nonalcoholic drinks in glass or plastic bottles are not allowed. You'll be charged a $15 corkage fee if you want to bring your own wine or Champagne to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink. Drinks brought on board must be carried in your carry-on luggage.

Smoking policy

Cigarette smoking (including electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers) is only allowed outdoors in designated areas on Deck 5 forward (starboard side) and Deck 11 aft (starboard side) and in the casino. You cannot smoke in the casino unless you are seated and playing; smoking is not allowed at the casino bar or in the entire casino area when the casino is closed.

Smoking is forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Cigar and tobacco pipe smoking is only permitted at the outdoor smoking area on Deck 11 aft (starboard side).

Unlike most Carnival ships, Carnival Venezia does not have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. You can pay to send out your clothes to be washed and/or pressed. As of the publishing of this guide, the cost for washing and pressing a dress shirt or blouse was $6; the cost for cleaning trousers was $6.50.

Electrical outlets

Carnival Venezia's cabins and suites offer USB ports next to beds. You'll find both U.S. 110V and European 230V outlets, as well as additional USB ports at built-in cabin desks. Americans may want to bring an adapter for charging devices in public rooms where the outlets are all European-style.

The onboard currency is the U.S. dollar.

As is typical for cruise ships, Carnival Venezia operates on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a Sail & Sign card that you can use to make charges. This same card also gets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You must be 21 or older to consume alcohol on Carnival Venezia.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach. T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, the official dress code is pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses, etc. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts aren't permitted.

One or two nights a cruise, there will be a more formal "cruise elegant" night where men are expected to turn out in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat or even in a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses.

Related: The ultimate guide to packing for a cruise

Bottom line

Carnival Venezia is an affordable ship that will appeal to a wide range of vacationers including families, couples and friends groups looking for fun in a not-too-fancy, not-too-pretentious setting. It has a distinctively Italian vibe because it was originally built for Italy-based Costa Cruises, a sister brand to Carnival. But Carnival fans will find all of their favorite venues on board, thanks to updates to the vessel since it joined the Carnival fleet.

If anything, Carnival Venezia has a classier look than some Carnival ships, particularly the line's older vessels. We found its Italian theming fun in a way that will fit right into the fun-focused Carnival fleet, and its new Italy-themed venues (Il Viaggio, Amari bar) are an upgrade for Carnival in our eyes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

About the author:

From Blackjack to lobster cappellacci, why this is the most bling cruise to sail into Venice

The Crystal Symphony which sails on a seven-day shakedown voyage from Venice to Athens

Standing in the ship's atrium, a magnificent room with a stained glass ceiling and a waterfall cascading down its two decks, with a glass of champagne in hand, life feels pretty good onboard this Crystal Symphony cruise (one of the two cruises that operate under the Crystal line). I was one of the first to experience the vessel with a seven-day shakedown voyage from Venice to Athens. 18 months earlier, both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were repossessed in the Bahamas when its owners went bankrupt. Now, following its acquisition by the parent company of luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent , the Crystal brand is sailing into calm clear waters…

Although both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have undergone extensive multimillion-dollar refurbishments – transforming the ships into sumptuous destinations themselves – they have retained a homely feel to appeal to the line’s loyal following. Some of Crystal Symphony’s smaller staterooms have been combined to create larger suites and the capacity has been drastically reduced from around 850 passengers to just 606. The vessel feels noticeably spacious yet intimate; the disembarkation and boardings in each port were seamless and there was no scrambling for a sunlounger at the large saltwater swimming pool on the upper decks.

Crystal Symphony’s Aquamarine Suites

I stayed in one of Crystal Symphony’s ‘classic’ Aquamarine Suites, which has original warm wood panelling and boasts a walk-in closet and a private verandah. The jewel in the crown though is the sprawling 909 sq ft Penthouse Suite. Comprising a spacious living room, dining area, study, queen-size bedroom, ocean view jacuzzi bathtub and a 107 sq ft verandah complete with teak furniture. The interiors feature walnut floors, custom wool carpets and a dazzling Swarovski chandelier. All suites come with their own butler who is well versed in the intuitive service Crystal prides itself on. It wasn’t just the stalwart clients who were keen to get back on board – more than 80% of the employees have eagerly returned to work for the line.

With ten distinct dining destinations as well as 24-hour room service, Crystal Symphony offers some of the most diverse culinary experiences at sea. Alongside long standing favourites including Marketplace with its buffet fare, casual atmosphere, sweeping sea views and alfresco dining, and the more formal à la carte restaurant, Waterside, there is Osteria d’Ovidio – the new fine-dining restaurant, which offers a contemporary take on Italian classics such as lobster cappellacci and Osso Bucco veal shank.

The gorgeous deck aboard the ship

Crystal is renowned for its groundbreaking haute cuisine collaborations. Umi Uma is the only Nobu at sea, it's the place to savour award-winning, innovative Japanese-Peruvian dishes courtesy of legendary master chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. But the big news is that this autumn, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), will launch the only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. And oh the glamour of playing blackjack and roulette as you watch the sun set over Venice’s constellation of landmarks.

As it is, there is a raft of onboard activities to balance out all this indulgence. The wrap-around promenade deck is the perfect place for a morning jog, then there are the full-sized paddle tennis and pickleball courts and well-equipped gym. The menus at the state-of-the- art Aurōra spa meanwhile span LED light therapy, massages, facials, manicures and hairstyling.

Our voyage took us from Venice to the Croatian island of Korčula and the Greek seaside town Katakolón, Greece, before disembarking in Athens. But it was in Dubrovnik that we got a taste of the immersive land tours Abercrombie & Kent will offer Crystal passengers. Rather than heading into the city centre, our first stop was the home of the Dubelj family , who run a 300-year-old olive oil mill in the village of Orašac. Very little has changed to the process over the centuries; the mill is powered by Perla the horse. After demonstrating its inner workings, we sampled the olive oil with freshly baked bread and tomatoes on the family’s bougainvillaea-shrouded terrace.

Nights aboard the ship see guests take to the deck for dinner and cocktails

From there it was onto the seaside village of Mali Ston which is perched on the Pelješac Peninsula. The Walls of Ston that snake around the surrounding hilltops were built in the 14th century to protect the area's lucrative salt pans – at seven kilometres long, it is one of the world’s largest complete fortress systems second only to the Great Wall of China. Mali Ston is renowned for its seafood, a gajeta or traditional Dalmatian fishing boat ferried us between the Bota Šare floating oyster and its affiliated restaurant where we indulged in a lunch comprised of the day’s catch including anchovies, octopus salad and black squid ink risotto.

Between them, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will visit 281 ports in 112 countries this year – each with its unique flavour and carefully curated itinerary akin to the one I experienced. And in the coming years, they will be joined by four more ships – two oceangoing liners and two expedition ships – transporting guests to the world’s most exotic and far-flung destinations.

But to really maximise the glamour, I would recommend a stay at The Hilton Molino Stucky. Housed in a historic 19th-century flour mill on Giudecca Island, this landmark has unparalleled views of Venice, which can be enjoyed with an espresso from the comfort of your bed in one of the hotel’s recently unveiled Biagio Forino-designed Molino Tower Suites. As well as a large spa and wellness centre, the hotel has the unique offering of a rooftop pool – the perfect place to cool off after a day of perusing the Biennale or one of the city’s galleries , which are easily accessible thanks to the hotel’s private water shuttle to Piazza San Marco. The terrace of the atmospheric Aromi restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy an alfresco dinner. And there is a new menu by executive chef Ivan Fargnoli with signature dishes inspired by seasonal produce featuring authentic Italian and international flavours – the double-boiled Asian spiced duck consommé (it’s taken years to perfect) and hazelnut-fed vicciola veal are memorable highlights.

The 10-night ‘Chairmen’s Voyage’ on Crystal Symphony sets sail from Venice to Athens on 14 November 2024 with suites starting at £4,800 per person. Guests can expect a voyage of travel insights and exclusive gala dinners in the company of two giants of the luxury travel industry – Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AK Travel Group, and Mr. Geoffrey Kent, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Abercrombie Kent. For more information or to book click here .

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Cruise to Venice, Italy

VENTURE THROUGH VENICE

A trip to Italy isn’t complete without time spent in Venice. The iconic city is everything you imagine and more. And it’s just over 2 hours from your cruise port in Ravenna — so extending your adventure to explore The Floating City is definitely worth your while. Discover stunning architecture views everywhere you turn. Wander through legendary sites like the Bridge of Sighs and Doge’s Palace. And indulge in cicchetti (Venetian appetizers) paired with a refreshing Bellini. It’s the perfect chance to take Venice off your bucket list.

Venice Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in venice.

IN GOOD CAMPANILE

The San Marco basilica in Venice, Italy

Discover the heart of Venice in Piazza San Marco, home to outdoor cafés and flocks of hungry pigeons. Enter San Marco Basilica to admire its Byzantine architecture and golden mosaics. Then take an elevator to the top of the 320-foot-tall Campanile bell tower for rewarding views of Venice.

PADDLE THROUGH THE AGES

A group riding in a gondola in Venice, Italy

A boat cruise is a must-do when visiting the City of Canals. Relax in a gondola, as you’re rowed along the Grand Canal and under the stone-arch Rialto Bridge. Paddle your own kayak through the Venetian lagoon. Or take the motorized Vaporetto waterbus around neighboring islands.

SEE HOW IT’S MADE

Travel to the offshore island of Murano to go behind the scenes in a historical glass-blowing factory. Watch local artisans create one-of-a-kind glassworks, using techniques dating from the 13th century. You can even bring home your own masterpiece from one of the island’s glass showrooms.

LOCAL CUISINE

Fresh-off-the-boat seafood from the surrounding lagoon highlights many Venetian menus. Try fritto misto (lightly fried seafood) or risotto frutti di mare (fruit of the sea). Afternoon cicchetti (small plates) come in the form of meatballs and bruschetta, while baicoli (thin oval cookies) and fregolotta (almond cake) satisfy dessert lovers. Enjoy a bellini in Harry’s Bar, birthplace of the Italian cocktail.

A string of souvenir kiosks borders the Grand Canal, but roam the backstreets to shop artisan studios. Pick up authentic Venetian pearl jewelry, marbled paper travel journals and long-nosed carnival masks. Burano is known for its handmade lace products, while hand-blown Murano glass comes in the form of vases, jewelry and housewares.

Best Deals to Venice, Italy

These cruises are selling out fast, get them while you can.

Departs From {{card.portName}}

Onboard {{card.shipName}} of the Seas

{{ card.totalGroups }} Itineraries

We've circled the globe and couldn't find any sailings that match your search. View All Cruises

We're having trouble retrieving these cruises. View All Results

Similar to Venice, Italy

My personas, code: ∅.

Fact-based journalism that sparks the Canadian conversation

Lake Superior’s Cruise Ship Problem

As tourists turn to “underexplored” ports, luxury fleet operators are sailing through environmental loopholes, environment, lake superior’s cruise ship problem, by leah borts-kuperman, illustration by maggie prince.

R obert Stewart , a Lakehead University professor who researches water security in Thunder Bay, has kayaked Lake Superior for decades.

“I might see a moose on the shore. I might see all different types of birds land on the water around me. I might see a school of fish under me—all the things that aren’t only great to see but let you know that there’s a healthy ecosystem.” But he’s recently had to get used to something new: large luxury cruise ships approaching the typically pristine areas. “As soon as that boat [comes] in, it gets loud. You don’t notice it at first, but the hum is there, and every animal splits.”

The city of Thunder Bay is known as the “Gateway to Northwest Ontario” and the 150,000 lakes and rivers in the area. Visitors come to experience rolling mountains, majestic forests, and Lake Superior—North America’s largest freshwater lake and, by many measures, one of the healthiest. Cruise companies are picking up on the region’s natural offerings. One 2025 Viking cruise, marketed as the “Undiscovered Great Lakes” voyage, will take passengers from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee to “hike boreal forests, watch for wildlife and learn about Anishinaabe First Nations heritage.” An eight-day voyage on these floating hotels with swimming pools, buffets, theatres, and spas starts at about $9,000 per person.

• Kill the Travel Bug: The Case for Staying Put
• The Cruise Ship Cometh
• The Lost Indigenous Youth of Thunder Bay

Cruise ships have been coming to Thunder Bay since 1996 but paused for some time amid infrastructure issues and changes in popular cruise ship itineraries. Following improvements to the city’s marina and cruise terminal, luxury cruiser fleet operators like Viking returned in 2022 after a decade-long absence. Now, while the global cruise industry battles growing concerns over its emissions, noise, and pollution, 2024 is set to see a record of seventeen cruise ships in the lake port from late spring into fall.

This pattern is expected to boom, creating tension between tourists who want to experience “unexplored” nature and the fact that the very act of arriving on cruise ships is poised to ruin the things drawing them to the region. Lax Canadian cruising regulations allow for luxury cruises to sail through giant loopholes in environmental protections.

“T he problem with cruise ships is the pollution, and they create a lot of pollution,” says Anna Barford, an environmental engineer. Barford is also the Canada shipping campaigner from Stand.earth, an organization of strategists, researchers, and experts demanding environmental reform from Canadian industries.

In her role, Barford has studied the effects of cruise ships in Vancouver, Canada’s main cruising port—the country’s been dubbed the “ toilet bowl ” for its high levels of sewage and grey water.

“Because cruise ships are very energy intensive, because it’s a luxury travel experience, there is a lot more pollution that comes with it,” Barford says.

Cities like Venice and Barcelona have banned or strictly limited cruise ships because of their effects on air, water, soil, and wildlife. A cruise ship with a capacity of 2,000 to 3,000 passengers can generate 1,000 tonnes of waste per day. While the cruises that can actually get into the Great Lakes are somewhat smaller, this means that the daily waste per passenger comes to at least 300 litres of grey water, forty of black water, ten of bilge water, three and a half kilos of garbage, and thirty grams of toxic waste.

Cruises in Nunavut have been reported to deplete narwhal numbers , threatening a key food source in a region with unsustainably expensive groceries. Thunder Bay is also well known for its traditional hunting and fishing territories.

In 2022, Transport Canada implemented interim measures for cruise ships to follow, including avoiding grey water and sewage discharge within three nautical miles of the shore and appropriately treating sewage, with filtration and chemical procedures or through biological composting, when possible. Its second interim order, a copy-paste of the first, expired in June this year. Now the agency has further renewed the interim order until 2025—which Stand.earth has called a “lazy” approach, especially given the increased number of cruise ships in new areas.

Barford says the biggest loopholes are the lack of independent monitoring to ensure cruise ships are actually following regulations, and the unregulated use of a technology called “scrubbers.” Scrubbers are devices on ships to treat exhaust gases. They take sulphur from fuel and put it into the water in the form of waste water, essentially turning air pollution into water pollution.

Transport Canada promised to look into these scrubbers and “other areas of concern” but has not addressed them in the most recent update. What’s especially concerning to Thunder Bay is that these interim orders don’t specifically mention the Great Lakes; they only reference marine environments—which could result in yet another loophole.

T hunder Bay Tourism is courting cruise ships to bring much-needed economic stimulus to the region. Tourism Manager Paul Pepe told local news in March that two cruise ships in the port in one day is a “nice problem to have.” He told The Walrus that the economic boost for the community was about $4.3 million last year, and that cruising “really helps amplify Thunder Bay as a destination to the global curious traveller.”

Pepe is a cruiser in his personal life. In his professional opinion, he has no concerns about the environmental impact of cruises and says that the city has not been monitoring any potential environmental impacts and has no plans to do so in the future. He says cruise lines are “environmentally considerate in terms of their operations. They’re aware that they’re going into sensitive areas, and they conduct themselves accordingly.”

Tourism development is one of Thunder Bay’s five strategic pillars for economic development, and this development is critical in a city where up to one in ten people live below the poverty line. To court future cruises, local news sites have reported, Superior Country, an organization promoting tourism in the region, will host a six-day “familiarization tour” for representatives of cruise lines next year.

“When the Viking smokestacks and the Viking logos on the side of their stack [are] in the harbour, people see that big logo lit up. They get excited by it. They say, ‘Wow, Viking is coming to Thunder Bay. They must love what we have here,’” Pepe says. “And the guests do: they love the fresh air, they love the clean water, they love the friendliness of small communities.”

In the meantime, leadership is reshaping the community to attract cruise tourists. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is planning to move adjacent to the cruise terminal next year, and the city has already invested $5 million into revamping the waterfront area. These have been exciting, long-awaited signs of progress for some residents in a city which has the benefits of natural beauty and a vibrant culture but which suffers from significant poverty and public spaces in need of improvement and development.

Magazines like Travel Weekly have said these cruises are a sign that the Great Lakes are emerging as “that rarest of unicorns: a bona fide new destination for the cruise industry.” Put simply: there are not too many new places to go on cruises, and the five lakes make up a group of large freshwater bodies on Earth with “dozens of underexplored ports of call.” They are within driving distance, or a quick flight, from many US cities. But this location is especially concerning given Lake Superior is also the source of Thunder Bay’s water supply.

The arriving cruises make an ostensible effort to seem eco-friendly, some with on-board naturalists and locally sourced culinary ingredients. Viking’s Great Lakes cruises partner with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and are equipped with scientific technology meant to capture data about the lake. The company proclaimed in 2020: “We want to continue to be a role model in environmental thinking and new climate-smart technology.”

However, for locals and environmentalists alike, it is important to remain cautious about these promises given a lack of federal oversight and enforcement. Despite the promises of an economic boom, it would be a tragedy to forget it’s the healthy, flourishing lake that makes this region such a draw.

“One of the best things about Northwestern Ontario, and about Thunder Bay, is how close we are to nature, and how close we are to this really special place where we have clean water, where we have fresh air,” says Victoria Russell-Matthews, a Metis artist born and raised in Thunder Bay.

She questions whether the benefits of this tourism outweigh the risks to the land: “Cruise ships are very much a testament to human vanity,” Russell-Matthews says. “At the end of the day, we need to question: What are the things that we value most, long term?”

Related Posts

Remembering Lytton, the Town Wiped Out by Wildfire

August 23, 2024 August 23, 2024

Yellowknife’s Wildfire Evacuation Was Tailored for the Privileged

August 16, 2024 August 16, 2024

With Jasper, a Once Beloved Town Becomes a Haunting Sight

August 1, 2024 August 1, 2024

The Walrus uses cookies for personalization, to customize its online advertisements, and for other purposes. Learn more or change your cookie preferences.

Fund the journalism that helps you make informed decisions. Fund The Walrus.

Before you go, did you know that The Walrus is a registered charity? We rely on donations and support from readers like you to keep our journalism independent and freely available online.

Read more…

When you donate to The Walrus, you’re helping writers, editors, and artists produce stories like the ones you’ve just read. Every story is meticulously researched, written, and edited, before undergoing a rigorous fact-checking process. These stories take time, but they’re worth the effort, because you leave our site better informed about Canada and its people.

If you’d like to ensure we continue creating stories that matter to you, with a level of accuracy you can trust, please consider becoming a supporter of The Walrus. I know it’s tough out there with inflation and rising costs, but good journalism affects us as well, so I don’t ask this lightly.

Will you join us in keeping independent journalism free and available to all?