Sea Cloud ships will once again steer a course for the historic center of Venice this year.

Unlike large international cruise ships, the windjammers from Sea Cloud Cruises are still permitted to dock in the heart of the lagoon city. In 2021, the Italian government refused access to the vast majority of cruise liners. The only exceptions are ships like the traditional Sea Cloud Cruises tall ships, which match the backdrop of the medieval trading town.

Guests on board are among the few travellers who will be able to enjoy a direct view of the unique old town from the waterside. Sea Cloud Cruises’ windjammers are among the few ships allowed to pass through the Giudecca Canal in front of St. Mark’s Square.

Like Venice, more and more port cities along the Mediterranean are reacting to an influx of mass tourism from the sea. Dubrovnik was the first to take measures four years ago, and since then, a maximum of just two large cruise ships have been allowed to dock there per day. A similar regulation is in place in Barcelona and, since the beginning of this year, Palma de Mallorca. This trend has now reached the Caribbean. From mid-April, the tiny island of Bonaire will only admit one ship carrying no more than 700 passengers per day into the port to prevent being overrun by visitors.

Sea Cloud Cruises has been committed to the principles of soft tourism for more than 40 years. Its philosophy includes respectfully treating the people, their culture, and nature in the regions it visits. An example is the good relationship maintained by Sea Cloud Cruises for many years with Venice’s city and port authorities. Tall ships are also welcome there because their magnificent appearance enhances the city ambiance. The shipping company was one of the few cruise operators to support Venice after the flood disaster in 2019.

To protect the old town, which stands on thousands of wooden posts in its lagoon, the Italian government also severely restricted shipping traffic there after the disaster. Cruise liners measuring over 180 m (590 ft)  in length may only sail into the industrial port of Marghera on the mainland via the Canale dei Petroli on the western edge of the lagoon, which is intended for oil tankers.

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