Help for Venice

[sk8beaker8]

Hi!

 

We are struggling with what to do in Venice? Royal Caribbean excursion vs just roaming around in Venice ourselves.

 

How difficult is it to get from the ship to St. Marks Square?

 

THanks and advice welcome!!

[mskaufman]

Getting to St. Marks is easy. Take the People Mover to Plaza Roma and catch the No. 1 or No. 2 vaparetta and it will take you there. I was on Princess so I am not sure if RCI offers a shuttle. Either way, Venice is one of the easier places to DIY.

[softail]

Hi!

 

We are struggling with what to do in Venice? Royal Caribbean excursion vs just roaming around in Venice ourselves.

 

How difficult is it to get from the ship to St. Marks Square?

 

THanks and advice welcome!!

 

This is a great city to just get lost in. Not sure if you are staying overnight or not. If you are then you may want one of the 24 or 36hr Veparatto passes.

[paul929207]

It is an easy walk from the end of the people mover to San Marco. Signs on most corners pointing the way.

[mapleleaves]

Is your ship docking for the day or overnight?

RCI probably offers a shuttle from the pier to St Marks. If so, check to see if it's unlimited rides or just one RT. The shuttle won't take you down the Grand Canal so taking the People Mover and Vaporetto is a GREAT sightseeing option.

The People Mover is 1E for the 3 minute ride to Piazzale Roma, and the vaporetto is 7E each way. Compare to the RCI shuttle price.

 

The hoho water bus is an option too. It leaves from the train station which is across the Canal from Piazzale Roma. 25E I think.

http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/vaporetto-dell-arte.htm

 

Venice is very small ... you could walk from the pier to St Marks in an hour, assuming you don't get lost.

 

If you don't know what to see and do, borrow a Venice travel book from your library to get some DIY ideas? or buy Rick Steve's cruise book and take it with you as a resource for each port.

This web site has lots of helpful info (and an orientation map) . http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/

[helpthejuggler]

If you just wish to get to San Marco and back Alilaguna operate an alternative water bus for 8€ each way or 15€ return.

 

Ticket booths at the port and it runs from next to the ships.

 

We prefer having the freedom of a timed ACTV vaporetto pass. Taking the #2 route down the Grand Canal is an impressive way to first experience Venice. If you do this consider the Vaporetto Dell'Arte (extra 10 €) to run alongside your standard pass.

 

You could just but a single Vaporetto ride from P. Roma to San Marco for 7 ir 8€ and plan to walk back through the City.

 

I bought a plastic covered map from P.Roma fire 3 € a few years ago. Money well spent after a few visits.

 

Search for "Toms port guide" online for some photos of what to expect. The pdf download contains good photos.

[KirkNC]

No need to take the ships tour, it is easy as others have explained. Try and do more than just St Marks, that is the touristy part of Venice. Don't be afraid to explore some other less crowded areas.