Have you been on a cruise to Venice at all? If you did, did you love how close the ship got to the city, including St Mark’s Square, and how it felt like you were right at the heart of it? If you did, then I’ve got some bad news for you I’m afraid.
Cuts to the number of ships permitted in the Venice Lagoon are being implemented, with a complete ban on ships of 96,000 GT or more completely banned by this time next year (November 2014).
There have been calls for months and indeed years now to limit the water traffic that was entering the city, for a number of reasons. There are concerns that the huge behemoth ships are actually damaging the foundations of the islands, and they’re also often an unwelcome sight, providing a looming white backdrop which can ruin the charm of the city’s architecture.
And I have to say, I agree with the move, even as someone who should be on the side of the cruise ships and passengers. I’d argue though that you want to see destinations at their best – not some commercialised hub spoiled by invaders. So even if it’s your ship, surely you’d rather see quaint streets lined with beautiful buildings without the large white vessel sitting in the background.
The mayor of Venice, Giorgio Orsoni, said “Finally the trend towards gigantic ships in the lagoon has been turned around. We’ve had enough of these mega cruise ships just metres away from San Marco; from now on there will be clear limits on the size of the ships that can enter Venice.”
The changes will apply to ships over 40,000 GT, so it will have an effect on many of the Six Star cruise lines that we work with. But in order to preserve this magnificent city, and the charm that it holds, it’s a necessary move. Or do you disagree? If you do, let me know in the comments.
By Ian Lewis
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