Port Guide – Welcome to Venice: The Floating City

Port Guide – Welcome to Venice

Venice is unlike any other city on Earth: a place where roads are replaced by canals, history feels alive at every turn, and the light itself seems to shimmer with romance. Built on more than 100 small islands connected by bridges and waterways, it has fascinated travellers for centuries with its blend of grand palaces, atmospheric alleys, and gliding gondolas. Whether you’re marvelling at Renaissance art, sipping an espresso on Piazza San Marco, or getting lost in its labyrinth of lanes, Venice is an experience for the senses.

For cruise visitors, it offers the promise of stepping straight into a living postcard. In a single day you can admire the gold mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica, wander along hidden canals away from the crowds, and savour cicchetti (Venetian tapas) in a tiny bacaro. But the magic isn’t just in the famous sights—it’s in the slow pace, the quiet lapping of water against ancient stone, and the sense of discovery around every corner.

Venice also rewards those who go beyond the obvious. Murano’s glass workshops, Burano’s riot of colours, and the lesser-visited Cannaregio district showcase a local life that persists despite mass tourism. This is a city of artisans, tradition, and unexpected green gardens behind ornate facades—a place where every visit reveals new layers of intrigue and beauty.

Yet Venice is fragile. Its history of maritime glory is balanced against the challenges of rising waters and over-tourism. Visiting responsibly means respecting its heritage, supporting local businesses, and remembering that this remarkable city is also home to real people whose lives unfold amid its watery splendour. Come with curiosity, tread lightly, and let Venice’s magic unfold before you.

✨ Have you visited Venice? Share your favourite hidden gems or tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear your stories and inspire fellow travellers!

3 Unmissable Venice Experiences

⭐ 1. Explore St. Mark’s Basilica & Piazza San Marco
Marvel at the shimmering mosaics, climb the Campanile for incredible views, and soak in the grandeur of Venice’s most famous square.

⭐ 2. Glide on a Gondola Ride
A quintessential Venetian experience. Glide through quiet canals with a singing gondolier or a simple silent cruise.

⭐ 3. Visit the Doge’s Palace
Walk through grand halls and across the Bridge of Sighs. Learn how Venice was once one of the world’s greatest powers.

3 Brilliant Things to Do if You’ve Been Before

⭐ 1. Island-Hop to Murano and Burano
Murano’s glass-blowing workshops and Burano’s riotously colourful houses make for an enchanting half-day adventure.

⭐ 2. Discover the Ghetto and Cannaregio
Explore the historic Jewish Ghetto, local bars (bacari), and the atmospheric canals of this authentic district.

⭐ 3. Take a Secret Itineraries Tour
Go behind the scenes in the Doge’s Palace, visiting hidden prisons and chambers for a darker view of Venetian history.

4 Curious & Enriching Ways to See Venice Differently

⭐ 1. Book a Venetian Mask-Making Class
Learn the art of mask-making in an artisan workshop and take home your own creation.

⭐ 2. Explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
This modern art museum on the Grand Canal houses works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí in an intimate setting.

⭐ 3. Follow Tintoretto’s Trail
Admire the painter’s masterpieces in Scuola Grande di San Rocco and churches across the city.

⭐ 4. Visit the Hidden Gardens of Venice
Join a guided tour or use a map to discover Venice’s surprising green spaces behind palazzos.

3 Great Places to Eat in Venice

✅ Budget Pick: Osteria al Squero
Cicchetti and wine on a canal near the Squero di San Trovaso. Perfect for informal, local-style tapas.

✅ Mid-range Pick: Trattoria al Gatto Nero (Burano)
Fresh seafood and pasta on a colourful island. A real treat for a day trip.

✅ Premium Pick: Ristorante Quadri
Michelin-starred dining with views over St. Mark’s Square. Venetian classics reimagined.

Travel Responsibly in Venice

✅ Respect local rules about cruise arrivals and tourism taxes.
✅ Avoid disposable plastics – bring your own bottle and refill at Venice’s public fountains.
✅ Stick to marked paths and avoid blocking bridges for photos.
✅ Support local artisans rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
✅ Choose smaller-group tours or off-peak times.

Venice Cruise Day Trip Planner

8:00 AM – Arrive at Cruise Terminal

Walk or take People Mover to Piazzale Roma.
9:00 AM – St. Mark’s Square

Basilica (arrive early to avoid queues).
11:00 AM – Doge’s Palace

Optional Secret Itineraries Tour if booked.
1:00 PM – Lunch at Osteria al Squero or nearby bacaro

Enjoy cicchetti with canal views.
2:00 PM – Explore Cannaregio

Wander the Jewish Ghetto, quieter canals.
3:30 PM – Gondola Ride or Vaporetto to Murano

Quick visit to see glass workshops.
5:00 PM – Return to ship

Ensure 1 hour margin for boarding.