Why a Boutique Cruise is
the Best Way to See Venice

Large cruise ships have been banned from docking in the central parts of Venice since 2021. Now, Venice is implementing targeted entry restrictions aimed at managing the city's significant influx of visitors, especially during peak periods, starting summer 2024.

The government's long-term goal is to create a new artificial harbor and cruise port on the Adriatic, although details about the timing and location are still unspecified. The new regulations directly affect how cruise passengers will access Venice, potentially altering the experience of visiting the city via large cruise. But do the new entry regulations change how smaller vessels navigate the lagoon?

Venice Cruise Ship Restrictions

Large Cruise Ships Restricted Since 2021

The Italian government began to impose restrictions on cruise ships entering central Venice beginning in 2021. This move was motivated by a combination of environmental, cultural, and safety concerns, underpinned by the delicate balance Venice maintains between preserving its heritage and accommodating millions of visitors each year. 

Small, Boutique River Cruises Remain Exempt

Luckily, small boutique ships, like Uniworld's S.S. La Venezia, are exempt from these restrictions. The continued exemption with the addition of new regulations acknowledges the importance of tourism to the city's economy and emphasizes the need for sustainable practices that ensure Venice's preservation for future generations. The policy also reflects a broader global trend towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism practices, recognizing the need to protect vulnerable sites from the potentially destructive impacts of global tourism.

Booking a Cruise With GET vs. Planning & Booking on Your Own

If you want to see the best of Venice and Northern Italy at the best value - the cost of a Uniworld all-inclusive cruise covers your stay in a boutique floating hotel, three world-class meals a day, unlimited local wines, and so much more.

Luxury in Venice at the BEST Value

The ultimate Venetian vacation is perfected by one unique quality: your stay onboard a floating boutique hotel. Not only stay in one of the most enviable locations in Venice, your hotel also transports you to hidden gem towns nearby. Explore the waterfront shops, colorful facades and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Farther south, discover Chioggia—a charming southern port loved by fishermen. And savor the spectacular wine and cuisines of this region every step of the way.