Most ships can’t dock in Venice anymore. Here’s one that can
If sailing a luxury yacht from Venice is on your travel wish list, take note.
For the first time ever, Sea Cloud Cruises' newest and largest vessel, Sea Cloud Spirit, will launch sailings from Venice beginning in the summer of 2025.
While many cruise lines claim itineraries departing from Venice, few cruise ships can actually sail from the city's historic center. Venice began restricting large ships in 2021 to protect the fragile local environment and temper overtourism. Larger vessels have since been diverted to cruise ports outside of Venice, such as Ravenna, Trieste and Marghera (the latter is a different borough of the larger city of Venice). Only ships under 590 feet long and measuring less than 25,000 tons are permitted to dock within the historic center.
Luckily for luxury lovers, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit falls within those parameters. The ship will berth at San Basilio Terminal, in the city's historic area, providing cruisers easy access to the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and other Venice landmarks. (Other cruise lines still permitted to sail from San Basilio Terminal include Windstar Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club.)
A full-rigged, three-masted sailing yacht, Sea Cloud Spirit is driven by 28 huge sails unfurled by hand by a team of deckhands. Two diesel-electric engines power the vessel when it's not sailing. While Sea Cloud Spirit is modeled on classic sailing ships of old, it features all the modern conveniences you would expect on a new cruise vessel — elegant cabins, upscale dining and modern amenities such as a spa and a fitness center with a sea view.
Sea Cloud Spirit will sail four round-trip, nine-night voyages, including an overnight in the City of Canals. These "Enchanting Croatian Coast" itineraries feature ports of call in Sibenik, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, Vis and Rovinj in Croatia, as well as two days under full sail in the Adriatic Sea.
Related: 8 best Italy cruises for a Mediterranean vacation
The 2025 nine-night sailings depart July 24, Aug. 2, Aug. 11 and Aug. 20. Passengers on the Aug. 2 sailing will enjoy a special cabaret-inspired theme while on board. Called the "Cabaret Cultivated Journey," the cruise will feature exclusive performances from notable cabaret, concert and recording artist Travis Moser.
Rates for Enchanting Croatian Coast sailings start from $8,545 per person (based on double occupancy). Beyond accommodations, gratuities and all meals, fares include a complimentary stocked in-room minibar (sodas, wines and other alcoholic beverages), free access to the ship's thermal spa and 1 gigabyte of Starlink Internet (per passenger). Some shore excursions are also included in the fare.
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