Venice's Cruise Ship Ban and the Rise of Ravenna Port

A practical guide for cruise travelers planning an Italian itinerary with Italy Awaits Travel.

Introduction: A New Era for "Venice" Cruises

For decades, cruising into Venice was considered one of the most dramatic arrivals in Europe: a massive ship gliding past the Giudecca Canal and St. Mark's Square, with passengers lining the decks for that postcard-perfect view. That experience changed in 2021 when Italy formally banned large cruise ships from entering Venice's historic center and major lagoon channels, including the Giudecca Canal and the San Marco Basin.^1,2

As a result, many cruise lines that once embarked or disembarked in Venice have shifted operations to alternative ports on the Adriatic, most notably Ravenna. Ravenna is a coastal city in the Emilia-Romagna region, roughly two to three hours away from Venice by car, depending on traffic and the specific port area used.^3,4 While the marketing may still say "Venice," the logistics now look very different for cruise passengers.

This article explains why the Venice cruise ship ban was introduced, how Ravenna became an important replacement port, and what you should know when planning transfers, flights, and pre- or post-cruise stays in Italy. Our goal at Italy Awaits Travel is to help you turn these changes into an advantage, designing itineraries that feel seamless, thoughtful, and deeply enjoyable.

Why Venice Banned Large Cruise Ships

Protecting a Fragile World Heritage Site

Venice and its lagoon have long been recognized as one of the most fragile cultural landscapes in the world. The city is built on wooden piles driven into soft sediment, with centuries-old palazzi and churches resting directly above a delicate ecosystem. UNESCO, which inscribed Venice and its lagoon as a World Heritage Site in 1987, has repeatedly expressed concern about the impact of mass tourism and large cruise ships on both the urban fabric and the lagoon's environment.^5,6

As early as 2014, UNESCO urged Italy to restrict large ships from entering the lagoon, citing the potential damage from wake, erosion, and pollution, as well as the visual and social impact of towering vessels passing within meters of historic buildings.^5,7 Environmental groups, local residents, and heritage organizations echoed these concerns, warning that the traffic of massive ships was simply not compatible with the city's scale and vulnerability.⁷

The 2021 Decree and Its Technical Thresholds

In July 2021, after years of debate and mounting international pressure, the Italian government issued a decree that effectively banned most large cruise ships from sailing through Venice's historic center and major lagoon channels.^1,2,8 The law, which came into force on August 1, 2021, declared the Venetian Lagoon a "national monument" and barred ships above specific thresholds from entering key waterways:

Vessels over 25,000 gross tons (GT)
Ships longer than approximately 180 meters
Ships exceeding certain height and emissions metrics

These thresholds effectively exclude most mainstream ocean-going cruise liners, allowing only smaller passenger ships and service vessels to continue using the Giudecca Canal and San Marco Basin.^2,8,9 The decision was also closely tied to UNESCO's threat to place Venice on its "Heritage in Danger" list if concrete measures were not taken to address overtourism and the environmental strain on the lagoon.^6,10

Safety, Overtourism, and Local Pressure

Beyond environmental concerns, safety and quality of life issues also influenced the ban. A widely publicized 2019 incident in which a cruise ship collided with a dock and tourist boat on the Giudecca Canal underscored the risk of maneuvering large vessels in narrow waterways.⁷ At the same time, Venice was struggling with overtourism, with daily visitor numbers sometimes far exceeding the local population. Large cruise ships could disembark thousands of passengers for just a few hours, contributing to crowding without necessarily supporting long-stay tourism that benefits local businesses.^7,10

Taken together, these factors made a strong case for rethinking how large-scale cruise tourism would interact with Venice. The 2021 decree represents a major step toward a more sustainable model, even if it has required significant adjustment from cruise lines and travelers alike.

Ravenna: From Historic Capital to Cruise Gateway

Why Ravenna Became a Key Alternative Port

When the Venice ban took effect, cruise companies needed viable Adriatic ports that could accommodate large ships while still offering access to Venice and northern Italy. Ravenna emerged as one of the most attractive options. The city has an industrial port on the Adriatic Sea, with infrastructure suited to handling modern cruise vessels and space for expansion as cruise lines adjusted itineraries.^3,11

Ravenna's location offers several strategic advantages:

It is relatively close to major airports such as Venice Marco Polo and Bologna, allowing cruise passengers to fly into well-connected hubs and transfer by road or rail.
It sits within the Emilia-Romagna region, known for its food, culture, and historic cities—Bologna, Ferrara, Parma—which can be easily incorporated into pre- and post-cruise itineraries.
Its port facilities are outside a UNESCO-listed historic lagoon, reducing heritage and environmental conflicts compared to Venice itself.³

Many cruise lines now list Ravenna as an embarkation or disembarkation point for itineraries that previously referenced Venice, sometimes marketing them as "Venice (Ravenna)" or "Venice area" cruises.^1,3 This can be confusing if travelers assume they will step directly off the ship into St. Mark's Square, so it is important to understand what "Venice" means in the fine print.

How Far Is Ravenna from Venice?

The distance between Venice and Ravenna is roughly 175–200 kilometers, depending on the route.^4,12 Driving time from the Port of Ravenna to central Venice typically ranges between about 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic, season, and whether you are traveling to the mainland (Mestre) or arranging onward water transport into the historic center.^3,4,13

By train, travel usually involves a connection through Bologna. Rail journeys from Ravenna to Venice Santa Lucia station, including transfers, generally take around 3 to 4 hours.¹² Once you arrive in Venice, you will need to factor in additional time for moving luggage via vaporetto or water taxi to your accommodation.

Because of these distances and connections, it is not realistic to treat Ravenna as a quick "shuttle" from Venice. Instead, it is helpful to view the two as separate destinations linked by a substantial overland transfer.

Planning Your Journey: Flights, Transfers, and Timing

Choosing Your Arrival Airport

Most international travelers embarking from Ravenna will arrive by air into one of several major airports:

Venice Marco Polo (VCE): A large international gateway, particularly for flights from Europe and North America. From Venice to Ravenna, expect approximately 2.5–3 hours by private transfer under typical conditions.^3,13,14
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi (BLQ): A convenient hub for central and northern Italy. Driving time from Bologna to Ravenna is usually just over one hour, making it a logical choice for many passengers.¹³
Milan (MXP/LIN) or Florence (FLR): These airports are farther away but may be useful if you are combining your cruise with a broader Italian itinerary.

When working with a travel advisor, it is often best to select the airport based on your overall trip design: for example, flying into Venice if you plan several nights there before the cruise, or choosing Bologna if you want to explore Emilia-Romagna and minimize overland transfer times.

Private Transfers vs. Public Transport

Once you have landed, you will need to travel overland to the Port of Ravenna or from Ravenna back to your departure city. The main options are:

Private car or van transfers: These are usually the most comfortable and reliable options, particularly if you are traveling with luggage or a group. Private transfers from Venice to Ravenna Cruise Port typically take around 2.5 to 3 hours, with the flexibility to adjust timing and make stops along the way.^4,14
Trains: Rail travel between Venice and Ravenna usually requires a change in Bologna. Door-to-door, including transfers and getting to and from stations, the journey can extend to three hours or more.¹²
Cruise line–organized coaches: Many cruise companies offer dedicated coach transfers from airports or central meeting points to the port. These are convenient but can sometimes involve waiting for all passengers to assemble.

If you are embarking on a one-time, once-in-a-decade cruise, this is an excellent place to invest in comfort and reliability. A good rule of thumb: if your cruise is departing from Ravenna on the same day you land in Italy, consider arriving at least one day earlier to minimize the risk of delays. A travel advisor can build this buffer into your itinerary in a way that feels relaxing rather than stressful.

Scheduling and Buffer Time

Because Ravenna is not adjacent to a major airport and requires overland travel, it is wise to think in terms of "travel days":

Treat your flight arrival day and your transfer to Ravenna (or Venice) as one dedicated travel day.
Add at least one extra night before your cruise in either your embarkation city or a nearby region.
On disembarkation, avoid booking very early flights from distant airports; allow several hours for the transfer, check-in, and security.

Building in this margin reduces anxiety and increases your chances of starting your cruise rested and in the right mindset to enjoy the journey.

Turning a Logistics Challenge into a Travel Opportunity

Exploring Ravenna and Emilia-Romagna

While many travelers think of Ravenna solely as a substitute for Venice, it is an extraordinary destination in its own right. The city served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Exarchate, and today it is renowned for its early Christian and Byzantine mosaics, several of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.¹¹

A night or two in Ravenna gives you time to:

Stroll its historic center without the intense crowds of Venice.
Visit glittering mosaic-filled basilicas and mausoleums.
Enjoy the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna, one of Italy's most celebrated food regions.

Pre- or post-cruise stays here can be quietly spectacular, especially if you appreciate art history and authentic local dining.

Designing a Pre- or Post-Cruise Stay in Venice

If Venice is a lifelong dream for you, the new cruise regulations make it even more important to plan intentional time in the city. Instead of a quick cruise stop, consider:

Arriving in Venice 2–3 nights before your cruise departs from Ravenna.
Staying on an island neighborhood that matches your style—San Marco, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, or the Giudecca.
Booking guided experiences early, especially for major sites such as the Doge's Palace or St. Mark's Basilica, which can sell out in peak season.

By separating your Venice stay from your cruise logistics, you can slow down, explore at your own pace, and enjoy evenings in the city after the day-trippers have left.

Combining Land and Sea Thoughtfully

The shift from Venice to Ravenna does not have to be an inconvenience; it can be the backbone of a more interesting itinerary. For example:

Example 1: Fly into Venice, spend three nights in the lagoon, transfer via Bologna with a lunch stop, then embark in Ravenna.
Example 2: Fly into Bologna, explore Bologna and Ravenna before the cruise, and end the trip with several days in Venice after disembarkation.
Example 3: Fly into Milan or Florence, enjoy a few nights in northern or central Italy, and finish with a cruise from Ravenna that includes a day trip to Venice.

Advisors at Italy Awaits Travel specialize in stitching together these land-and-sea combinations so that the transfers feel like part of the experience rather than a chore.

Key Tips for Cruise Passengers Using Ravenna as "Venice" Port

To summarize, keep the following points in mind as you plan:

Check the actual port name: If your cruise advertises "Venice," confirm whether your ship is docking at Ravenna or another alternative port.
Plan transfers in advance: Pre-book private transfers or coach services to ensure reliable timing between airport, city, and port.^4,14
Build in extra time: Arrive in Italy at least a day before embarkation, especially if you are flying long-haul.
Use the change to your advantage: Consider stays in Ravenna, Bologna, or Venice either before or after your cruise to turn necessary transfers into memorable travel experiences.
Think sustainability: The ban is part of a wider move toward more responsible tourism in Venice. Traveling thoughtfully—staying longer, supporting local businesses, and avoiding peak crowding—helps protect these destinations for the future.^5,6,10

How Italy Awaits Travel Can Help

Navigating the new reality of "Venice" cruises can be complex, especially when you are juggling time-zone changes, transfers, and the desire to make every day of your trip count. That is where a dedicated travel advisor makes all the difference.

At Italy Awaits Travel, we:

Clarify whether your cruise truly departs from Venice, Ravenna, or another Adriatic port.
Design custom pre- and post-cruise itineraries that might include Venice, Ravenna, Bologna, Florence, or other regions that fit your interests.
Arrange reliable private transfers and vetted local guides so that your logistics are smooth and stress-free.
Recommend hotels, restaurants, and experiences that reflect your travel style—from quiet boutique stays to grand historic properties.

If you are considering a cruise that mentions Venice in its itinerary and you are unsure how Ravenna fits in, get in touch with Italy Awaits Travel. We will help you create an itinerary where every segment—from the first cappuccino to the last sunset at sea—feels intentional, beautiful, and uniquely yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Venice ban large cruise ships?

Venice banned large cruise ships in 2021 to protect its fragile historic center and lagoon environment. UNESCO had threatened to place Venice on its Heritage in Danger list due to concerns about wake damage, erosion, pollution, and the visual impact of towering vessels passing historic buildings. The decree bans ships over 25,000 gross tons from entering the Giudecca Canal and San Marco Basin.

What is the Ravenna cruise port?

Ravenna is an industrial port city on the Adriatic Sea in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. After the Venice cruise ship ban, many cruise lines shifted operations to Ravenna as an alternative embarkation and disembarkation point for Adriatic itineraries. The city is roughly 175 to 200 kilometers from Venice.

How far is Ravenna from Venice?

The distance between Ravenna and Venice is approximately 175 to 200 kilometers. Driving time from the Port of Ravenna to central Venice typically takes 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic. By train, the journey usually requires a connection through Bologna and takes around 3 to 4 hours including transfers.

Which airport is closest to Ravenna cruise port?

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is the closest major airport to Ravenna, with a driving time of just over one hour. Venice Marco Polo Airport is also commonly used, with transfer times of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to the Ravenna cruise port.

Should I arrive early before a cruise from Ravenna?

Yes, it is strongly recommended to arrive at least one day before your cruise departs from Ravenna. The port requires overland transfers from the nearest airports, and arriving early provides a buffer against flight delays and allows you to start your cruise rested rather than rushed.

References

CruiseCritic, "Are Cruise Ships Allowed in Venice?" (summary of current regulations and the 25,000 GT limit, effective August 1, 2021).
ArchDaily, "Italian Government Officially Bans Cruise Ships in Venice," describing the July 2021 decree and thresholds for ship size and tonnage.
Virtuoso, "Venice Cruise Port Alternatives in the Adriatic Sea," outlining the use of alternative ports such as Ravenna after the ban.
San Giorgio NCC, "Port of Ravenna Transfers," indicating approximate drive times from Ravenna to Venice (around 2 hours 15 minutes) and Bologna (just over an hour).
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, "Large cruise ships banned from entering Venice Lagoon," welcoming the Italian government's decision to restrict large vessels in the lagoon.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, "UNESCO closely monitoring ongoing threats to Venice," summarizing ongoing concerns about mass tourism and environmental pressures.
Bewitched by Italy, "Why Is A Venice Cruise Ship Ban Necessary?" discussing heritage and environmental reasons behind the push to restrict large ships.
Seatrade Cruise News, "Larger cruise ships banned from entering Venice," describing the urgent decree banning ships over 25,000 GT from key Venice channels.
Offshore Energy, "Italy bans large cruise ships from docking in Venice," quoting the Italian government's statement about protecting Venice's environmental, artistic, and cultural heritage.
The Art Newspaper, "Italy bans cruise ships from the Venice lagoon from 1 August," noting UNESCO's role and the relocation of cruise traffic to other Adriatic ports.
Background on Ravenna's port and its role as an alternative cruise port can be inferred from cruise industry coverage and travel forums discussing new embarkation points after the Venice ban.
Rome2Rio, "Venice to Ravenna," providing distance (around 176 km) and indicative rail travel times via Bologna.
Royal Caribbean–linked discussions and transfer guides highlighting that Venice–Ravenna journeys by car typically take 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and route.
Various private transfer services operating between Venice airports and Ravenna Port.