Sea Cloud Cruises fleet will again steer a course for Venice Italy's historic downtown in 2023.
Unlike large vessels, Sea Cloud's tall-sailing ships are still permitted to navigate in the Venice Lagoon and dock in the city.
Back in 2021, the Italian government refused access to the majority of cruise liners. The only exceptions are riverboats and smaller-sized vessels (like Sea Cloud's tall ships), matching the backdrop of the medieval trading town.
This summer, the Sea Clouds will head to Venice City a dozen times. Guests onboard are among the few travelers able to enjoy a view of the unique old town. The windjammers of Sea Cloud Cruises are among the few vessels allowed to pass through Giudecca Canal in front of St. Mark’s Square.
Sea Cloud Cruises has been committed to the principles of soft tourism for 40+ years. Its philosophy includes respectfully treating the people and nature in the regions it visits. A good example is the relationship maintained by the company with Venice’s city/port authorities. Tall ships are welcome there because their appearance enhances the ambiance of the city. The shipping company was one of the few operators to support Venice following the flood disaster back in 2019.
Image: Port of Venice (Marghera, Italy)
To protect the old town, standing on thousands of wooden posts in the lagoon, the Italian government severely restricted shipping traffic after the disaster. Liners measuring 180+ m (590 ft) in length may only sail into the industrial port of Marghera on the mainland via Canale dei Petroli on the lagoon's western edge, intended for oil tankers.