Omar with kids, Marc and Serena, in Venice.
Marco Polo was just 17 years old when he first set off for a lifetime of adventure and exploration with his father and uncle. Polo departed his home town of Venice, Italy by ship and did not return for another 24 years.
I thought about this young explorer as I visited Venice with my own children, who were at the time 12 and 13 years old. I did a little mental age progression as we went, trying to fit these babies, my children, into a form that could possibly be prepared for such a journey of a lifetime. Could the next five years turn one of my headphone-wearing, video game-playing, American “tweens” into a world-class explorer like Polo? It was hard to imagine.
Marco Polo was essentially what – or rather, who – brought us to Venice. My children studied the Italian explorer in school. Because I’m originally from Italy, they began to ask questions. What did I know about him, and was he as famous in Italy as he was here in the United States? Where is Venice, exactly, and why is it so well known? Their questions both amused and intrigued me, hitting as they did on a place and a piece of history of such great significance in my home country.
I began to see that a visit to Venice was in order. It wouldn’t be their first time in Italy, though; I’d taken them almost annually since they were babies.
Omar's son Marc feeding the pigeons in St. Mark's Square.
But our usual travels involved extended stays in my home town of Modena, enjoying some splendid home cooking and visiting local landmarks such as the Modena cathedral, or the Ferrari factory, as Modena is the home of Italy’s auto industry. But a trip to Venice would expose them to an entirely different side of the country.
We began our Venetian holiday with an afternoon in Piazza San Marco,or Saint Mark’s Square. Dating back to the 9th century, the square served as the point of entry to the original Saint Mark’s Basilica. It’s the lowest point in Venice, which means it’s nearly always the first to flood during a storm. But otherwise, the square is usually bustling with tourists snapping photos of the 15th century clock tower at one end or the campanile that looms over the entire square. We were graced with fine weather, so I bought a couple bags of corn to feed the birds. With the grand St. Mark’s Basilica as a backdrop, my children raised fists full of kernels as though making an offering to the sky itself. The pigeons wasted no time, and seemed to know no boundaries. They jumped on heads and shoulders, provoking a string of giggles from my daughter while my son squirmed and tried to resist batting them away.
Venice is also known for its exquisite glass, though the center of the city’s glassmaking industry has been located on the nearby island of Murano since 1291. That’s when the government moved the glass makers out of Venice to keep their furnaces from burning down the entire city. With one short vaporetto ride, we found ourselves on the island, touring a factory some 400 years old. My kids found great wonders there – such extremes of creativity and fragility. They had never seen glass blown by hand before and helping them to understand the specialness of a thing of beauty created by hand gave me a thrill.
Marc and Serena with their gondolier.
No visit to Venice is complete without a ride on one of the city’s famous gondolas – though the gondoliers know it and their prices show it. There was a time – a long time, centuries in fact – when gondolas were the main form of transportation in Venice, though today they mostly carry tourists. As I paid our gondolier, I wondered if flying to Las Vegas for a tour by gondola at the Venetian Hotel would cost as much as this one ride. But the price receded from my mind as we got underway, and the water-level scenery enveloped us. Our gondolier stood aft on our vessel, serenading us with his songs of romance. I had the advantage of speaking the language, and I asked in Italian if he could point to the site that had lured us to Venice to begin with.
As we drifted down one of the many narrow canals, passing buildings showing all the signs of advanced age, walls distressed by water, old bricks and stonework exposed where plaster had worn away, through our gondolier’s thick accent emerged the name “Marco Polo,” and he pointed to an unremarkable building with a stone edifice held up by two columns.
The plaque outside of Marc Polo's home.
Perhaps seeing the site of Polo’s home wasn’t as exciting to my kids as some of the other wondrous sights we’d set our eyes on in Venice, but for me it was an essential experience. Helping my kids draw a connection between the history they read about in books and the actual physical place where it happened was well worth the cost of a gondola ride. Helping them bridge the gap between their American culture and my Italian one was priceless.
Maybe my kids will be ready for adventures on their own in the next few years – maybe not. But until then, they’ve had at least one important travel adventure, and just like Marco Polo, it was with their father.
Omar and his wife Cindy with St. Mark's Basilica in the background.
One of the many narrow canals in Venice.
An iconic gondola.
Our July, 2010 Oceania cruise ended up in Venice where we stayed a few extra days. The last stop before Venice was Korcula, Croatia, an island.
There we visited Marco Polo’s home. Could it be that he was born in Korcula and grew up in Venice?
Going home we took a speedboat from the Rialto bridge stop to the Venice airport, a unique experience. Reasonable and quick.
Paul, thank you for your prompt informative response.
I notice that Omar and family were wearing what seem like heavy jackets, we will be there in mid Oct, are we likely to need jackets, and how about on some of the other ports of call, Greek isles, Istanbul, Rome, etc. that time of year? Choosing a wardrobe for this cruise has required much thought.
We will be sailing from Venice. We are so excited to be arriving in Venice by train. I have limited mobility, walk with a cane, does anyone know if we can take a vaporetto (luggage and all) from the train station to the cruise ship docks?
Yes you can, however it is about a 5 minute walk from the station to the vaparetto quayside
I can’t imagine anyone flying into Venice the day of embarkation or even the day before. we got there a week early to really absorb This beautiful city and it still wasn’t enough. Try booking one of the smaller out-of-the-way hotels and really get into the feel of the city.
After over 12 cruises now, Our Princess cruise of the Greek Isles out of Venice is still by far her favorite.
i was wondering if getting to the ship embarkation point is as simple as i think it should be ?? .. we are staying right on Riva degli Schiavoni in front of San Zaccharia Vaporetto stop .. will we get a water taxi or water shuttle to take us straight to the cruise terminal ? .. how far is the walk from any place the water taxi drops us ?
Hi,
There is more than one route that the waterbus takes from the San Zaccaria stop. We would recommend that you speak with the staff at the hotel you are staying at to better assist you on which one you should take to the pier: Stazione Marittima Port. If you choose to take a water taxi most come alongside the floating pontoons located by the pier terminal. For more information please call us at 1-800-Princess.
We do have a concern about beginning our 30 day cruise itinerary and I hope Star Princess will be helpful in full filing our request. We are to arrive in Venice, by air KNT&NI, December 8, 2011 at 9:30 am, our transfers by Princess are paid and we embark at 6:00 pm, December 8th, the same day. I have never seen or visited Venice and long to do so. Can Princess arrange for us to tour Venice in an alloted time to walk around or ride a canal?
Hi Glenn and Suzie,
Unfortunately, we are not offering shore excursions in Venice on the day you embark for your cruise. Embarkation will be from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. The ship is scheduled to depart from Venice at 6:00pm. You might want to look into possibly flying into Venice a day or more prior to sailing so you can tour the city.
Hi, my husband and I are travelling on the Crown Princess for a 12 day Greek Isles cruise in May 2012. It starts in Venice and ends in Rome. Could anybody answer my questions please? 1. We are flying from Dublin in Ireland so which airport do we land at..Marco Polo or Treviso? 2. Where does the ship dock for embarkation in Venice?
3. Where in Venice should we stay for the night to access the ship easily the next day?
Thanks to anybody that might have some answers or suggestions. It is our 2nd cruise but first time to Venice. Cheers!
Hi Kim,
We look forward to welcoming you onboard! In terms of which airport you are flying into, because we didn’t book your air we are unable to confirm what you booked, but the correct airport you would fly into is Venice Marco Polo Airport. The embarkation port the Crown Princess will be at in Venice is the Stazione Marittima Porto.
Just recently returned from a Greek Island cruise out of Venice. We arrived in Venice very late the night before sailing, without our luggage which was left at our home airport. We took the water bus from the train station to St Mark’s square, arriving on the quay after 11pm, and had no hotel booked, since we expected to arrive much earlier in the day and find a special treasure. We found accomodations on the second try, at the beautiful Hotel Londra, with a magnificent terrace breakfast to boot ! Got a water taxi right outside next morning to the ship!
We will be taking the transatlantic cruise in Oct. 2011. But we booked the two segments separately. Do we have to pack and unpack when we end the first part in Venice? We are booked into different cabins for the 2 different segments. Will we have to go through the boarding process again??
Hi Janet,
We were able to locate your booking and were able to move you into the same cabin for both of your cruises. Please contact your travel agent for an updated confirmation, or please login to the Cruise Personalizer to see the update: http://bit.ly/bsGJZ.
After completing your first cruise, you will need to disembark the ship and go through customs (more information on this process will be given to you once you are onboard). Now that you are in the same cabin for both of your cruises you will be able to leave your belongings in your cabin when you disembark the ship after the first portion of your cruise. If you have any further questions please call 1-800-Princess.
I appreciate that you can move me to the same cabin, but can you also move my sister to her same cabin too? We have cabins booked next to each other on both segments. (This is her first cruise.)
I appreciate that you can move me, but I am traveling with my sister. Our cabins are booked next to each other, so you move her too? (This is her first cruise.)
Princess Cruises:
I contacted my travel agent who in turn contacted Princess and you were able to move my sister to an adjoining room. We (4 of us) was go glad that we can now have the same room for both segments of our cruises.
Thank you so very much!!
Hi Janet,
We are so happy that we were able to change your sisters cabin also! We look forward to welcome you all onboard!
We are looking so forward to our upcoming cruise (Star Princess) and visit to Venice September 11 to 15, 2011 but are at the same time apprehensive having read about floods in Sep/October – nontheless the experience should be amazing. Can’t wait for the water taxi ride from the airport to the Ateneo Hotel dock.
I’ll be on the Pacific Princess sailing from Venice to Athens next summer. Will fly to Rome from the US then take the train to Venice to board the ship. Any travel hints you can give me? THANKS!!!
We are on Star Princess sailing from Venice on 15th Sept’11. we have booked some excursions but there are somethings we would like to do at some ports which are not in the options given. can we contact someone at princess who could arrange something specific for us. For example : we want to do a motor boat trip in Naples.
Hi Dhiraj,
Yes, you are able to submit requests for excursions that you do not see as options on your cruise. However, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate all requests. Please send your shore excursion requests to: 661-753-0164. Please include your booking and contact information.
We look forward to welcoming you onboard!
i need to send the request by fax ( i assume thats a fax number you have given there ) ?
Hi Dhiraj,
Yes, you are correct. Please fax your request to: 661-753-0164
thanks for the clarification . Will send the fax soon.
Another query is that since we are overnight at Venice on the date of embarkation , can we embark and then leave the ship to return sometime late in the evening .. say 10 – 11 pm.?
Yes, you are able to get off the ship after you check in and spent time in Venice. Please plan on checking in prior to 11:59 pm on day one. Once onboard, you will find a “Venice Motor Launch Transfer Card” in your stateroom. The card provides unlimited access to the shuttle while the ship is in port to take you to St. Marks Square. (The St. Mark’s Square shuttle schedule will be available once you are onboard.) The ticket is $15 per person (subject to change) and the charge will be placed on your shipboard account. If you choose not to use the ticket you can return in to the purser’s desk for a refund.
thanks again for the clarification .
We want to request for bathrobes in our mini suite , how do we got about it ?
also , since we are staying on St Marks Square , can we get the shuttle to come to the ship for embarking , as well ?
No, unfortunately the shuttle to/from St. Marks Square is only available for passengers who have already embarked on the ship. The embarkation transfers that we have available are from the Venice Marco Polo Airport.
You can request robes through the link “Onboard Preferences” in your Cruise Personalizer, (https://book.princess.com/cruisepersonalizer/login.page?company=PC) or with your stateroom steward once you are onboard.
could not find any such option in the cruise personalizer .. never mind , we can do it on board ..
How about ordering Indian Veg / Non Veg meal on board ?
on the excursions front .. do we have options of adventure activities like sea diving , snorkeling , sky diving , hot air baloon etc ?
I am sorry you couldn’t find it, but yes you can ask your room steward onboard.
Please fax your dietary requests to our Onboard Services Coordinator at: 661-284-4770.
You are able to filter the shore excursions on the Cruise Personalizer according to your interests (adventures, special interests, sightseeing, etc.). We do have some beach excursions where there are water sports available such as in Mykonos the tour “Beach Getaway” JMK-590.
We will look into the excursions again .
Is there anyway of knowing if there any more passengers from India booked for this cruise ( till date ) ?
Unfortunately, no we aren’t able to give out any information on other passengers that have booked with us.
i was wondering if getting to the ship embarkation point is as simple as i think it should be ?? .. we are staying right on Riva degli Schiavoni in front of San Zaccharia Vaporetto stop .. will we get a water taxi or water shuttle to take us straight to the cruise terminal ? .. how far is the walk from any place the water taxi drops us ?
We will be sailing on the Ruby on Oct 7,2011 from Rome to Venice. We are getting to Rome on the morning of the 3rd and will have 4 days to see the area. Will be spending 3 extra days in Venice after the cruise. Any tips or suggestions to make this trip memorable will be appreciated. Especially local transportation,transfers & good places to eat. It hAS BEEN ON MY BUCKET LIST FOR SEVERAL YEARS. So happy its getting near.
We did the Grand Mediterranean on the Ruby Princess in May, 2009 (from Barcelona to Venice). The weather was perfect. You were wise to book in the fall rather then the summer. In Venice, take the tour of the Doge’s Palace when you visit St. Mark’s Square. It’s worth the time. Also, the Princess tour of Murano and Burano is a good excursion. When you look for a place to stay, consider Lido. It is much less expensive than Venice, and you can get back and forth cheaply on the water bus. Look at Trip Advisor for options. One last tip: If you take the water taxi to the airport, you don’t need to pay for the “shuttle” to take you to the terminal. It’s just a short walk (but not obvious) from the boat landing. I have been waiting for the appropriate moment to pass this advice along. We had a party of 9, two of whom had limited mobility. We all would have been OK to walk. Have a nice cruise. We have been on many, but the Grand Mediterranean is the trip of a lifetime. Best of luck for good weather.
P.S. You didn’t ask, but we felt that the tour of Ephesus far exceeded what we saw in Pompeii.
P.P.S. As I look at the other comments, I see that you need to know the difference between the water taxi and the water bus. The water bus operates as the name suggests. You go from stop to stop. It is much cheaper than a water taxi. If you have luggage to haul around (e.g., from disembarcation to your hotel and from your hotel to the airport) you should take a water taxi (a reservation is advised). If you just want to do some sightseeing, you can get a pass (reasonably priced) for the water bus.
Ron, thanks for your help:)
Going to do the 12 day cruise starting in Venice ending in Barcelona . Then we will stay for 4 days in Barcelona rented an apartment for 4 days in the Olympic city can`t wait.
Thinking of taking my daughter (who will turn 11 on the trip) to Europe next summer. Venice would be a definate stop. Any advice on traveling to Europe with a child? Thanks.
Sailing on the STAR Greek Island cruise from Venice to Rome in Aug…our 2nd cruise. We are hooked after doing Alaska in May! Any hints/tips gratefully accepted. tks.
Hi Barbara S. We will look forward to meeting – we’ll be on Dolphin Deck. As far as getting to your hotel, we’ve always taken a water taxi (I can’t remember what it cost, but, with luggage, it’s just easier). The people mover wasn’t available when we were at a hotel there last time, so I don’t know anything about that. I think our last time in Venice was a sail in and out, so transport didn’t come into it. This time, with our large group, we’ve arranged for transfer buses to the ship from airport.
Hi Cheryl B. I won’t list the community name here, but it’s in Ocala, FL which has at least 16 of these communities. Ours is not the largest, but one of the most active. Call us on the ship and I’ll tell you which is ours. We’re already booking rooms on the Emerald Princess in April 2012 for Northern climes. Many of the people on the Ruby will come with us on that one, too. Love to meet you on the Ruby!
Hi Cindy..finally back on this site. Thanks for your input. We agree..water taxi is the way to go. Hope to meet up with you on board. We are on Baja and will be travelling with 2 other couples. Since you have taken this trip before, would you know of any private drivers for Tuscany(Livorno)?
We are on the Ruby from Barcelona to Venice in June, can’t wait. We were on the ship in Feb. and have the same floor, love it then and will love it again. Anxious to try all the different foods in the many countries we will visit. Will the menu compliment the countries we visit? I hope there will be a little something different each night?
Hi Lisa,
Yes, we will have a different menu each night, and most certainly will feature menu items which will complement the ports for the region you are in.
Hi; We´re taking the Cruise from Venice to Barcelona: We will arrive at Venice a night before, Do you recommend us to board early(boarding starts at 1) and then go back to venice or better to have the complete day at Venice and come to the port later in the evening to board and stay on the ship? What is the best way to get from our hotel to the port? We will be staying at the Luna Baglioni Hotel. Thanks!
Hi Karen,
In regards to transportation to the ship from your independent hotel and when to board the ship, we would recommend that you speak to your travel agent who may know more about your independent travel plans and or personal preferences.
(When deciding when you want to board the ship some of the factors that you may want to take into account is what your plans in Venice are, when you have to check out of your hotel, where you will leave your luggage if you do not go to the ship to board at 1pm, and also whether you want to take one of our shore excursions which are on the evening of July 15 etc.)
Hello Karen,
I did that cruise last August with my family. We arrived the day before and spent the first day walking/eating and resting. We took a motor boat tour in the evening that took us down the Grand canal. The tour was about an hour and reasonable. We signed up at our hotel. The next day (the day we boarded the ship) we went to the Dodges’ Palace and St. Mark’s in the morning before the tour groups. It was fabulous. The hotel held our baggage and our travel agent arranged for a private transfer to pick us up at our hotel. It was pricey but well worth it. We had nice day and headed to the ship around 4pm. By the time we got on the ship it was about 5:30 giving us a quiet evening to settle in and enjoy an casual evening and rest up for a VERY BUSY cruise. Enjoy. It was a trip of a lifetime!
Hi,
We are taking the cruise from Venice to Rome in June but need to get transfer from our hotel in venice to the ship and more importantly from the ship to Rome as we are staying a few extra nights there. I assume we can use the shuttle to the ship . Will there be taxis or some sort of transport from ship into rome and do we have to disembark so early??
Hi Paul,
For our motorcoach transfer information for Venice and Rome, please contact your travel agent. For independent transfers to Rome, there are limited taxis available at the pier in Civitavecchia. There will be a shuttle bus from pier to the port gate where you may walk to the Civitavecchia train station. Disembarkation in Civitavecchia (Rome) will start at approximately 5:30 am, and all passengers are disembarked by approximately 10:30am.
Hello Omar,
Lovely story! We look forward to experiencing our own gondola ride. After reading your comments and that of some other readers’ experiences – I am a bit curious about the price – how much does it cost to ride a gondola down the Grand Canal?
Would there be any way a person in an electric scooter could get around (maybe not doing everything, but see some things) in Venice? Does Princess unload at a Pier or by tender? As a disabled person i know i cannot do everything but on some things there is always a way. did you see curb cuts? ramps? did you see any w/c or scooter users on your cruise getting around?
thanks for your comments.
Hi Rob,
Unfortunately, many countries have not made the sort of arrangements for people with physical disabilities and because of this certain access in ports is very limited. We do not typically tender in Venice, and we do have our Wheelchair Assistance Team available to assist passengers throughout embarkation and disembarkation. We have many passengers cruise with us who use both collapsible wheelchairs and scooters all around the ship. For more information on our Access program onboard please visit:
http://www.princess.com/learn/faq_answer/pre_cruise/prepare.jsp
We are prepareing to a tour from Venice(5/28) to Barcelona(6/9).
Our flight would arrive Venice airport at 11:00AM.
What’s the best way from airport to cruise boarding terminal?
And could we checking while arriving the ship?
Thanks
Hi Winsor,
Princess offers transfers from the airport to the ship on the day of embarkation. For pricing information please contact your travel agent or call Princess directly.
Hi. We were on a Princess Cruise that disembarked in Venice last October so we did exactly what you are planning to do in reverse. Make sure you have some Euro coins before you leave the airport. We caught the bus that takes you to from the airport to the main bus terminal downtown Venice. I think it’s called Piazzale Roma. From there, a 2 minute walk to the people mover which is an overhead monorail that takes people to the mainland. From Piazalla Roma, it’s one stop to the cruise ship terminal. I think it only cost 1 or 2 euro’s for the monorail. I can’t remember how much it was for the airport bus but it was fairly inexpensive. The bus is designed especially for people arriving with luggage so there’s lots of room. You can also catch a water taxi from the airport to the cruise ship terminal but it’s fairly expensive.
FYI to anyone arriving in Venice from the train station. Princess DOES NOT have transfers to the ship terminal from the train station. Online instructions said there would be a water Taxi to the terminal – NOT. We couldn’t find anyone to help us or know how to get there. After dragging all our luggage up and over a large bridge and waiting for over an hour for a Princess bus (that someone said would come but never did) we took a taxi. I LOVE Princess and don’t travel any other cruise line but their reply was, “sorry, most people come by plane”.
We took a honeymoon gondola ride near the Rialto Bridge and first saw Cassanova’s House, then Vivaldi’s House and then Marco Polo’s house. A very nice surprise indeed. Venice is a one-of-a-kind city and definitely an Essential Experience. That is exactly why it made it to my entry in the Princess Cruises Bucket List contest. For anyone who would like to see Venice, Murano and 8 other Italian locations in 2 minutes, check out my video entry. If you like it, please vote/share. Thank you. http://apps.facebook.com/princess_bucketlist/entries/view/1914
a lady passenger on the Ruby Princess died on a snorkeling excursion, can we get her name and address to send sympathy cards to family.
Hi Virginia,
Thank you so much fo r your concern. Unfortunately, we are unable to give out passengers information.
Just finished reading the Venice story and can’t wait for our cruise in October. Our cruise starts in Rome and ends in Venice, wondering if anyone has any great hotels to suggest in Rome? Also, remember in Paris a great way to get around was with a double decker bus that we could hop on and hop off. Anyone know if Rome has this too?
Thanks!
Rome has the hop-on-hop-off buses, too. You get them in front of St. Peter’s. A couple of blocks away you can get the Archeobus that is a hop-on-hop-off bus to sites on the Appian Way. We did the reverse of your cruise summer 2010. It was a wonderful cruise. We started in Venice and ended in Rome. We stayed in a timeshare in Rome, but there were many hotels everywhere. You should have no problem finding a good one. But start looking now. You need to get your reservation soon.
Thanks Genie for the info.
Staying at a timeshare did you have to stay for a full week?
I can’t recommend the Hotel Oceania strongly enough. It’s a favorite of Rick Steves and the location is great. On the 4th floor on a side street, it’s quiet, the rooms are large and comfortible, the hosts are friendly and helpful, and the breakfast is great. It’s two blocks to Piazza Republica metro, and about three more to Termini station (took us 15 minutes dragging luggage). Ask them how to get to Da Giovanni restaurant, a reasonably priced, family cooking sort of place that we eat at often when we’re in Rome.
we just took this trip last year and it was AMAZING!! We stayed at the Atlante Garden Hotel which is just about 2 blocks from St. Peters and all the terrific street restaraunts. They have online specials and also pick you up from the airport for free. Breakfasts are included with your stay. Have a wonderful time!!
We sailed on the Grand onNov 18, 2009. A bunch of CC members stayed at the Aberdeen. It is a clean pleasant hotel, not too noisy and centrally located and reasonably priced. The breakfast was included and good. We would stay ther again!
We stayed @ Fortyseven Hotel. Great location close to the Forum. Easy walking to many shops and restaurants. Beautiful hotel.
Fabulous– I am ready to take a trip to Venice!
Our flight arrives at 10:00am on June 11 for an 11:00pm sailing on June 12. Where would you stay and what would you see, had you almost two days and a night in Venice?
We stayed at Hotel Flora for a night prior to our cruise in 2010 and absolutely loved it!! They are off a little alley way, but once you are inside, it has a very nice courtyard and garden breakfast room. It is an old family run hotel and each room is small (as are all others I hear in Venice). But what it lacked in size made up in charm, hospitality and location. We took local transportation to get to the hotel (bus, vaparetto, etc.) and carried our own luggage to the hotel which is about our version of a block or two from St. Mark’s Square. On our departure, we discovered the porters which will take your luggage for you from the hotel to the vaparetto. This was helpful because you do have to go over one bridge between the vaparetto dock and the hotel.
We stayed at the Abbazio Hotel in Venice. Nice room, great location near train station and not far from bus station to the airport. This hotel was a monastery and has a great courtyard where we had a picnic.
n’envoyez-plus de courriels , je crois et je pense qu’on ne voyagerait plus avec princess cruises,ni cette année et les prochaines années. C’est clair on n’a pas aimé le grand princess. encore une fois on ne veut plus faire afaires avec vous. on n’a pas aimé cela du tout.
Sailed out of Venice on the Ruby Princess last summer. Don’t think there is quite another sail away like that one. Wished I could have been on the other side watching our ship sail out. It must be quite a sight!
Our visit to Venice this past November was a little different than yours but still memorable.
We hit the flood season with the sounds of a air raid going off to warn of high tides in Saint Mark Square with vendor carts surrounded by water.There was raised walkway boards set up to get you around the square and down the side streets to get people around dry and the shops were flooded.
We checked into the hotel just around the corner from the square and yes, that side street to was flooded. In order to keep our shoes and luggage dry we had to take our shoes and socks off, roll up our pants and lift our luggage into the hotel. The hotel provided us with some beauiful plastic bag boots to wear around town to keep us dry for the rest of the day.
We still loved our visit to Venice and this just made it more memorable! Ah, Venice in November!
We were in Venice in November 2001 and had the same experience. It made it more of an adventure. I remember being thankful that we got to see it before it sank because I was certain it would be any day! We are going back September 2011 to board the Ruby Princess. So looking forward to visiting and hopfully not wearing rubber boots!
Loved your story and photos. We’ve been to Venice many times, and will be bringing 140 of our neighbors with us next October for the Ruby Princess Transatlantic. I can hardly wait to see their faces as we sail out past St. Marks – the view is always amazing. But what street or Piazza is Marco Polo’s house on? For many of our friends this will be the first time in Europe, and I’d like to show them the place to get them “into” the history.
Your upcoming trip sounds wonderful. We hope to go on a cruise fall 2012 and I want to take the Barcelona to Venice cruise. Do you feel you have enough time when you are in port to see all you want to see? Thanks! cv
read your comments on upcoming Ruby transatlantic for October…we will be on that sailing as well with friends also. Not 140…are you a travel agent? Or really community neighbors. This trip should be fabulous and hopefully without the floods of the previous commentator. We sailed into Venice 12 yrs ago on the then new Grand Pri ncess. What an amazing feeling and trip it was. …perhaps we shall meet. We are from Texas…you?
Hi Barbara. No we’re not travel agents, but we live in a Florida Active Adult Community (emphasis on the Active). We agreed to be Hosts for our Travel Club thinking we might get 15 or 20 neighbors to join us. Imagine our surprise when we ended up with 140. A number of them have been on the Ruby Princess in the Carib. and loved the ship. Give us a call on the ship – we always love meeting people – it’s a big part of why we cruise.
Hi Cherril. When we’re in port, there is time to see a lot, but not everything. If you haven’t been to that port before, an all-day guided tour is the most time effective. However, if you prefer, as we do, to go on your own, do lots of research in books and on line before you go to know exactly what you want to see and how to get there. HoHo buses are often useful.
Hi. My wife and I were on the Ruby Princess that sailed from Barcelona to Venice last Sept/Oct. Our arrival in Venice was spectacular, bright sunny day, Andrea Bocelli singing over the ship’s loudspeaker and a narrative of the sights as we sailed in. We arrived at noon, had the day to explore and then returned to the ship that evening to stay onboard before disembarking the next morning. We stayed an extra two nights and took a side trip to the other islands of Murano and Burano. Murano was very commercialized with its glass making and shops. Burano was wonderful, the highlight of our 3 weeks in Europe. Colorful buildings, quieter, seafood was wonderful. Highly recommended. We stayed at the Hotel Dragomanni which is off a quiet side street, 10 minute walk to St. Mark’s square and 2 minute walk to the nearest Vaporatto stop. Rooms are quite large for Venice, modernized with a large bathroom. Of all the cities we visited in Europe, Venice was #1. It was more than it’s reputation buiilt it up to be, we were not disappointed at all. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Hi Cindy, Sorry for the delay in responding. We will be glad to give you a call when on the Ruby in Oct. We will be a group of six. and travel well together. met on another cruise and you know the rest…travel again!Iwill keep your name and look you up. We will be on Baja deck…. Looking forward to the trip. regards,Barbara
Hi again Cindy. Since you’ve been to Venice many times…do you have a suggestion for what the best way, easiest way, is to get from the airport to hotel is? We would think, water taxi. I know that would be expensive, but we feel we might get directly to our hotel that way. Any advice? Barbara S
Hi CIndy,
Could you tell me which Florida Active Adult Community you live in????? Sounds very inviting.
Thanks,
Hi Barbara and Cheryl. I messed up and posted a reply to your last on May 19 without hitting the reply button first, so look for my answers to your questions up above as a new post. See you soon.
My family comes from the small city of Belluno, in the Dolomites about 2 hours NW of Venice. They have a pied a terre in Venice, so my wife and I visit that city frequently. For me Granada, Spain and Paris are wonderfully romantic places, but Venice, beautiful, exciting, decaying Venice is surely one of the great places to visit in the whole world. There is no better place in which to stroll aimlesly, daytime or nighttime; it is to turn the clock back hundreds of years.
On our trip to Venice a gondola ride was a must. We were fortunate to have a gondolier who sang to us. He had a beautiful voice and was accompanied by his friend on the accordion. As we floated down the Grand Canal 3 other gondolas joined us and our gondolier was the only one singing. It was a memorable experience. What a beautiful city.
We love Venice too, but that Gondola ride must have equalled your cruise ship fare! Ciao!
We took a ride and the gondolier started singing O Sole Mio and Santa Lucia after which I told him “No more Southern Italian songs, we’re in Venice” Who knows what he switched to. LoL
Last October 2010, we spent four days in Venice at Hotel Diana. The accomomadtions were more than we expected. It was very clean and charming, a friendly, helpful staff and a nice breakfast included in the package. Our gonodola ride at night was the icing on the cake for our 45 anniversary. We embarked the Ruby Princess for a 16 day transatlantic crossing from Venice to Ft. Lauderdale, FL., our home. The encounter was breath taking. We can hardly wait for our next trip to Venice.
Following a land visit to Venice, my wife and I boarded the Crown Princess there and sailed out and passing St. Marks Square while playing Italian music. The view looking down from the highest deck was very impressive and memorable.
My husband and I visited Venice on a day trip from Rimini. The month was October about 30 years ago. The weather was bad and the whole city was flooded! Gondolas were not running and the water taxies were on strike. We walked ankle deep to the piazza. I would love to go again in good weather. It is on my bucket list. Thank you for your story and photos.
I so enjoyed your story — thank you for sharing!
Omar
What a lovely Story. Thank you so much sharing. I’m sure your children appreciate your sharing the history of Marco Polo and Venice with them. Italy is one of my favourite countries and last year I finally was able to see a bit of Tuscany during my transatlantic cruise on the Crown Princess. One day I will try to go and stay longer so that I may enjoy all that is Italy. Enjoy your next adventure with your family wherever it takes you.
LInda
I remember when i was in school, reading books regarding venice, it was really interesting knowing the beauty and history of italy, by reading this article, you remind me again that dreaming is not imposible when you have determination in life, the first time i visited this place is an accomplishment for me that i will still remember while im still here in princess, Thank you sir for the wonderful story of yours……
Your children may not remember all the widgets you’ve bought them, but they will remember this trip forever. Your story reminds me of how important it is to spend quality time with your kids and showing them your heritage and the importance of history is priceless.
Thanks for sharing Omar.
Norma our next cruise will take us to Rome and the topic will be Ceasar.
Thanks for your nice comment.
This past Summer the whole family ended our cruise on the Ruby in Venice. It was our 3rd trip to one of the most lovely cities in the world. I wish there was a longer commentary to bring back more great memories.
Omar,
I really enjoyed reading about your trip. It sounds like it was a fun adventure with your family. They will remember always. I am planning a trip to Europe in 2012.
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Stacey just remember to have plenty of corn for the pigeons they are waiting for you.
Great reading am going to venice in oct for my golden wedding on the Grand Princess, now I am really looking forward to the cruise, staying there over night.
Happy 50th Anniversary enjoy your time on Grand Princess.
I remember reading somewhere that it was Marco Polo who introduced the Venetians to noodles or pasta as it is known in the West.
My wife and I love Venice having stayed there many times.To attend the Opera at Fenice is to experience Italian opera at its most intimate and historic. The hotels on the lido are from La Bella Epocha. Plus it is the most beautiful sail away we know. If you cruise there make sure you are on deck. It’s truly unforgettable
This is what it is all about. Having just got back from a Princess cruise that started in Rome – my first time in Europe; I can see how much more there is out there and will plan further adventures!
Gregg we are looking forward to have you join us again on another adventure.
Having read this article I can’t wait for our cruise in September to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary which concludes in Venice actually on the exact day. What a romantic place!
What a warm feeling this story gave me! I loved the connection between Marco Polo and his father and you and your children. Can’t wait to see Venice again one day. Thank you for sharing your family’s trip with us!
I often think of taking my kids to Europe for an educational experience, just have to save my pennies. Loved this story and reading about your family’s experience.
What a wonderful story about travel, history and a beautiful family. I too grew up as an American in the U.S. with a father who was born in Italy. He, like yourself, was very proud of his heritage and delighted in telling both myself and my brother stories about our culture. Your pictures of your beautiful family and the splendor of Venice are very heart-warming. I am now enthused about planning another trip to Italy and visit Venice and to share this experience with my family. What better way to visit Europe then on a Princess Cruise, where it is very apparent the staff and crew do their research in order to provide the best vacation experience possible. Thanks for the great story and wonderful pictures. Looking forward to your next adventure with your family.
Theresa
Thank you for reading my story. I look forward to reading about your trip to Venice in the future.
Yes I also have wonderful memories of Venice. It was my first holiday abroad in 1987 and spent a whole week in the centre of Venice and not once could I say I was bored. There is just so much to see and do. Visits were made to Murano, the Lido and Verano. Would I go again you bet – in fact I keep promsiing my husband that I will take him as he has never been to Venice. Somewhere everyone should see at least once.
Stella
Stella I agree with you everyone should visit Venice at least once.
Your story brought back so many wonderful memories of this wonderful city of Venice. I can
still remember the first time I stood on the Rialto Bridge gazing down the Grand Canal watching
all of the busy water Taxis. My family is also from Italy in the norther region. My fathers family is from a beautiful beach resort of Viareggio with my Mothers family from the town of Lucca both amazing cities to visit. Your story made me remember the wonderful flavors of good food throughout Italy. Thank you for sharing.
Christine, one of my husband’s very good friends from his time at work is from the lovely town of Viareggio. Now that we are retired we visit often and have lovely memories. We also enjoyed our trip to Lucca. Ciao.