The city has always been in symbiosis with the sea and owes to it its past wealth and power. Nowadays the Republic is no more, but it continues to take advantage of its maritime location. Many cruise ships frequently arrive and depart from Venice to destinations once under the Republic control or a trading partner. For details of tours to Croatia, the Greek islands and Turkey, check out the Venezia Terminal Passeggeri web site.
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Venice can be accessed by sea by entering into its harbour: the Port Channel of Lido and the Port Channel of Malamocco are signalled off the coast by approach and introduction buoys. The three separate harbour entrances offer very important guarantees for boater safety and permits a more rational organization of traffic according to the type of ships and places of approach and introduction. Currently there are three harbour entrances that give access to the lagoon of Venice: the inlet of Chioggia allows access from the south, the inlet of Malamocco at the centre of the lagoon and the inlet of Lido allows access from the north. The harbour inlets of Lido and Malamocco represent the starting point of a dense network of interior channels that extend over 96 km and whose depths vary from 14.5 m to 10 meters under sea level. These smaller channels allow boats entrance to the harbour in the historic centre of Venice and the mainland. Passenger cruise ships normally dock in the areas of San Basilio or Riva degli Schiavoni, near St. Mark's Square. EMERGENCIES AT SEA: Emergency phone 1530 - if you call using a cell phone, you will be connected directly with the Operating Centre of the General Headquarters of the Harbour Authorities - Coast Guard, that will implement first aid and rescue operations; if you call from a fixed phone line, you will be connected directly to the Harbour Authority having jurisdiction. On your arrival in Venice, we can arrange for your transportation to your hotel or apartment; our local escort will meet you by the harbour, take you to a reserved water taxi and accompany you to your destination within the city. The cost is €100 for up to 6 people. |