By Robert Schrader | Published on January 21, 2026
Cruises from Venice open the door to unforgettable European adventures. Before setting sail, explore iconic St. Mark’s Square, the colourful canals of Burano, Italy or the romance of Verona, Italy. From there, a Mediterranean cruise from Venice to Greece or the Adriatic brings you to dazzling ports and breathtaking landscapes, from the Dolomites in Italy to Slovenia’s hidden gems.
Key Takeaways
- ● Start or End in Venice: Use Venice as your gateway to Europe. Arrive early or extend your stay to explore the city and nearby destinations before or after your seven-night cruise.
- ● Explore Burano and Murano: Just a short vaporetto ride from Venice, these islands offer colorful canals, historic sites, lacemaking and world-famous glassmaking demonstrations.
- ● Visit Verona: Step into the world of Romeo and Juliet, enjoy historic architecture and indulge in regional specialties like risotto con tastasal.
- ● Take a Dolomites Road Trip: Discover South Tyrol’s storybook villages, iconic landscapes like Tre Cime di Lavaredo and alpine lakes such as Lake Sorapis. Plan at least one overnight for a full experience.
- ● Discover Slovenia: Venture beyond Italy to Ljubljana, Lake Bled and the Julian Alps for a low-key, authentic European experience or explore Slovenia’s charming coastline in Piran.
- ● Maximize Your European Adventure: Venice isn’t just a cruise port; it’s a launching point for unforgettable day trips, road trips and cultural explorations across Italy and neighboring countries.
- ● Set Sail from Venice: Start your adventure from the heart of Italy and explore Venice, nearby islands and beyond. Book your Venice cruise today!
Getting to Your Cruise Port
Although marketed as cruises from Venice, Italy, most Royal Caribbean sailings actually depart from nearby ports such as Ravenna, Marghera or Trieste.
- ● Ravenna: About 2.5 hours from Venice by train and taxi. This is the primary Venice Trieste cruise port for Royal Caribbean’s 7-night itineraries.
- ● Marghera: Closer to Venice proper, but used less frequently for larger ships.
- ● Trieste: Roughly two hours from Venice by train, offering another gateway to the Adriatic.
What to Expect on a Seven-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Venice
As of 2025, Royal Caribbean offers seven-night Mediterranean cruises from Ravenna (the Venice Trieste cruise port) on board Explorer of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas.
Itinerary
A typical Mediterranean cruise from Venice takes you to some of the region’s most sought-after ports:
- ● Dubrovnik, Croatia: Walk the famous city walls and soak in Adriatic views.
- ● Kotor, Montenegro: Explore medieval streets framed by dramatic fjord-like mountains.
- ● Mykonos, Greece: Relax on golden beaches or wander through whitewashed alleyways.
- ● Santorini, Greece: Experience postcard-perfect cliffside villages and iconic sunsets.
Onboard Experience
Cruise fares generally include main dining and casual meals, entertainment such as theater productions and live music, plus access to pools, a fitness center and family programming. Passengers can also choose extras like specialty dining, spa treatments, curated shore excursions and activities unique to each ship — such as the FlowRider® surf simulator on Explorer of the Seas.
A cruise out of Venice blends cultural treasures on shore with adventure at sea, creating the perfect balance for your European vacation.
Best Time to Go
Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary: Ports and Highlights
Burano and Murano: Colorful Streets and Timeless Glass
When in Venice, a short vaporetto ride from Fondamente Nove pier takes you to the lagoon islands of Burano and Murano — two very different but equally charming escapes.
Burano, Italy is instantly recognizable for its rainbow-colored houses and winding canals. Stroll through the streets, visit the 7th-century Torcello Basilica and explore the small lace museum to learn about the island’s centuries-old craft. Don’t miss a waterside lunch, and if it’s available, try spaghetti al nero di seppia, a Venetian specialty that perfectly captures the local flavor.
On the way back, the vaporetto stops at Murano, Italy, famous for its glassmaking. Step into a workshop to watch artisans transform molten glass into intricate pieces — a fascinating experience even if you don’t purchase anything. Many shops offer worldwide shipping, so you can bring home a keepsake without worrying about packing fragile items for your cruise.
A day trip to Burano and Murano is an easy, memorable Mediterranean adventure before boarding your cruise from Venice, giving you a taste of the lagoon’s culture, color and craftsmanship.
Verona: Romance, History and Local Flavors
About 90 minutes by train from Venice, Verona is famous as the setting of “Romeo and Juliet.” A stop at Juliet’s Balcony and its courtyard is a must, but the city offers so much more for curious travelers.
Wander through the historic Città Antica to see landmarks like the Torre dei Lamberti and Iglesia de Santa Anastasia. For sweeping city views, climb up to Castel San Pietro, where the Adige River winds through postcard-perfect scenery — ideal for capturing the city from above.
Verona’s cuisine is another highlight. Be sure to try risotto con tastasal, a hearty rice dish made with seasoned minced pork, and finish your day with an aperitivo at a local café.
For an extra adventure, take a short train ride to Lake Garda, where the lakeside town of Sirmione offers sparkling waters and mountain views — a refreshing escape before returning to your Mediterranean cruise from Venice.
The Dolomites: Alpine Adventure Just a Drive Away
A short drive from Venice takes you to the stunning Dolomites in Italy, part of the Italian Alps with storybook villages and dramatic peaks. The town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, host city of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, makes a perfect base to explore the region.
Nature lovers can hike around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, whose three towering peaks are among the most photographed in the Alps, or venture to Lake Sorapis for its striking sapphire waters. The trails offer breathtaking views, and while some paths are narrow, they are well worth the effort for the scenery.
Even a short overnight stay in the Dolomites lets you experience alpine charm, local cuisine and the dramatic landscapes — an ideal complement to your Mediterranean cruise.
Slovenia: Hidden Gems Beyond the Border
Just a few hours from Venice, Slovenia offers a quieter, authentic European escape. Many travelers base themselves in Ljubljana, the charming capital, where the medieval Ljubljana Castle overlooks the city and cafés that line the Ljubljanica River.
From here, the Julian Alps beckon. Visit Lake Bled, whose electric-blue waters surround a picturesque island church, and enjoy views from Bled Castle. For a quieter experience, Lake Bohinj offers crystal-clear waters and a more secluded retreat.
Slovenia also boasts a small but beautiful coastline, including the town of Piran, with terracotta rooftops and quiet beaches — a perfect side trip before returning to Venice for your cruise departure.
Venice, Vidi, Vici!
From colorful canals in Burano to historic streets in Verona, the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites and the hidden gems of Slovenia, a cruise from Venice opens the door to unforgettable European adventures. Whether you spend a few extra days exploring onshore or dive straight into your Mediterranean cruise, Venice is the perfect starting point for discovery, culture and adventure!
