🇮🇹 Venice, Italy — Cruise Port Guide
Floating city of canals and gondolas, where St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal define timeless Byzantine-Venetian romance.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Venice
April-June and September-October have mild weather (18-25C) and avoid both summer heat/crowds and acqua alta flooding risk common in autumn/winter.
Getting back to the ship on time
The Marghera shuttle transfer adds significant time versus older city-center docking, so independent travelers should leave Venice at least 2 hours before all-aboard to account for shuttle waits and transfer delays.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in Venice
St. Mark's Square & Basilica
Marvel at golden mosaics, the Campanile, and Byzantine domes in the grand central square.
Gondola ride through the canals
Glide past palazzos along quiet canals on a classic Venetian gondola.
Cross the Rialto Bridge
Walk the iconic stone bridge over the Grand Canal and browse market stalls.
Doge's Palace tour
Tour Gothic halls and cross the Bridge of Sighs to old prisons.
Vaporetto down the Grand Canal
Cruise Venice's main waterway past centuries of grand palace facades.
Murano glass workshops
Boat to Murano island to watch glassblowers and shop handmade art.
Popular excursions
Murano & Burano Islands Boat Trip
Glassblowing demos on Murano, rainbow fishermen's houses on Burano.
What to eat
- Sarde in saor
- Risotto al nero di seppia
- Bigoli in salsa
- Fegato alla veneziana
- Tiramisu
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44° | 33° | 1.9" |
| Feb | 48° | 35° | 1.9" |
| Mar | 55° | 40° | 2.2" |
| Apr | 62° | 47° | 2.6" |
| May | 70° | 55° | 2.7" |
| Jun | 77° | 62° | 3.1" |
| Jul | 82° | 66° | 2.5" |
| Aug | 81° | 65° | 2.6" |
| Sep | 74° | 59° | 2.6" |
| Oct | 64° | 51° | 2.9" |
| Nov | 53° | 42° | 3.4" |
| Dec | 45° | 34° | 2.3" |
Local phrases
A little history
Founded on 118 islands, Venice was a powerful maritime republic for over 1,000 years.
A service charge is often included; small extra tips are appreciated but not required.
Respect quiet residential canals and don't block narrow bridges for photos.
Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches like St. Mark's Basilica.