podnposie

Several years back I traveled, as a single in her mid 50's, to Antarctica on the HMS Discovery. It carried approx. 250 people mostly British and 55+. I had a grand ole time staying up late with my newfound friends, couples and singles in their 30's, 50's and 60's. A few were even 20 yr. olds traveling with parents. If you are open to meeting new people (and it sounds like you are) you'll have no problem. I doubt very late nights will be happening on this trip though. The touring schedule is quite different than in The Antarctic, where we had afternoon Zodiac trips ashore to see the wildlife and sleeping in was not a problem.

thanks for your help. Does the "Venezia Express" have room for luggage also? How expensive is it? About how much will water taxi cost from Venice Piazzale Roma to hotel along water way? Sorry for all the questions. I just like to plan ahead!!!!

It's been two years but I remember it was easy to find the express bus from the airport to Piazzale Roma. There is a info. desk in the airport lobby where they speak English and can point the way to the bus loading area (right out front). I think it cost less than 10 euros. There are also money conversion booths in the airport. I don't remember the cost of vaporetto (water bus) but I think it's around 7 euro. "livingveniceblog.com" has lots of info on this. They might not allow lots of luggage (more than one piece) so you may have to take the water taxi. I've never taken one but I think it costs a lot more than the water bus... Maybe x4 or x5. Good luck and have fun!

Thanks for the info. On the Marine Traffic/AIS site. The folks we leave behind will enjoy tracking us.

How do you plan to get from airport to ship? I'm arriving a couple days early. Staying at a Marriott in Venice before trip. I'm checking out transportation from airport to hotel. Any suggestions? :confused:

I'm not flying into Marco Polo this time but in the past it's been easy to take the #5 ATVO "Venezia Express" bus from the airport to Venice Piazzale Roma. From there you can take a water bus or water taxi to or near most hotels. If you're willing to spend a lot more you can take a water taxi from the airport right to your hotel.

Altair50 thanks for getting back to me. I've read that one of the Viking Star cruises docked at the S. Basilo pier and now you say your cruise docked at the other. The Venice Cruise Terminal ship listing is no help. Hopefully, my info packet (which is arriving Friday) will let us know for sure. Thanks again.

Trina

I'm excited that we will be sailing on the Viking Sea on Sept. 16. It seems that there are two dock areas, the Marittima basin and the San Basilio pier. Does anyone know at which the Sea will be berthed? We'd like to stay at a B&B fairly close to it.