Luxury cruise operator Azamara Cruises has announced that the line will return to Venice, Italy in April 2023.
From 3 April 2023, Venice will feature as a port of call on several of the line’s iconic itineraries once again, beginning with the hugely popular 12-night “Best of the Med” sailing, which explores iconic cities across an array of popular destinations, including Spain, France and Croatia as well as Italy.
In response to Italy’s Decree-Law No. 125, which declared the Venetian Lagoon a National Monument and banned large ships from entering in 2021, Azamara replaced all calls to Venice with visits to Ranevva. The floating city has been battling rising water levels for centuries, with protestors claiming that large ships contribute to the erosion of the city’s foundations.
However, from next spring, the line’s four ships – which have a maximum capacity of 680 guests – will be able to enter the Venetian Lagoon via the Chioggia and Fusina ports, providing opportunities to explore Venice more freely once again.
“Thanks to our longstanding relationship with the local officials and port authorities of Venice, we are thrilled to not only bring our guests back to this historic canal city but also to allow them to discover the wonders of neighbouring towns such as Chioggia, which only smaller ships can visit”, said Mike Pawlus, Director of Strategic Itinerary & Destination Planning at Azamara. “We look forward to once again immersing our guests in the rich local culture and amazing historical cities that the destination has to offer.”
The small town of Chioggia has recently seen a rise in tourism, with people travelling far and wide to experience the flourishing bàcari (bars that serve wine and small snacks and side dishes known as Cicchetti) along the central canal. This little town just 15 miles south of Venice is also home to charming canals, historic churches and a beautiful sandy beach.
Throughout 2023, Azamara will operate more than 40 voyages to Italy, with numerous calls to Venice and opportunities to dive deep into the City of Water. Highlights include a seven-night “Amalfi & Dalmatian Coasts” voyage, with an overnight stay in Venice, and a seven-night “Croatia Intensive” itinerary, which starts and ends in the iconic port.
The leader in Destination Immersion® experiences will also offer an array of exciting shore excursions, highlights of which include:
- An intimate evening gondola ride accompanied by a local singer and an accordionist – a classic and romantic Venetian experience
- A motorboat ride to the neighbouring isles of Murano and Burano, where guests will enjoy a tour of an acclaimed glass-blowing factory and a demonstration of traditional lace-making techniques
- A guided walking tour, with visits to the beautiful church of Saint Rocco and Campo San Polo, one of the oldest squares in Venice
Find out more
From now until 15 December 2022, guests can save up to 15% on selected European voyages with Azamara, many of which include calls to Venice. To find out more or to enquire about a future sailing, please call our Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677.
Head to our blog for our top five things to do in Venice.
