RCI-Royal Caribbean emailed all booked passengers on roundtrips from Venice Italy in 2021, stating that their cruise will instead depart from Ravenna.
Via emails to customers and travel agents with bookings on Rhapsody of the Seas Mediterranean cruises from Venice in 2021, RCI cited that "increased concerns regarding the future of cruising in Venice" were the reason for the itinerary change.
"There have been increased concerns regarding the future of cruising in Venice, Italy due to port congestion and the ability to control port traffic. And, while it's not yet clear how cruise operations will be affected there, it's important to us that we continue to do everything we can to provide you with a great experience and plan ahead, whenever possible."
"As a result, instead of Venice, we've changed our departure and arrival ports to Ravenna, Italy - a city located just a couple hours south of our original cruise port. We're terribly sorry for any inconvenience caused by this change. However, to ensure you have the smoothest experience possible and that you still get to experience Venice as planned - we're providing complimentary shuttle services before and after your sailing."
Customers who already purchased airfare are able to take advantage of complimentary shuttle services before and after the sailing. On embarkation day, the complimentary shuttles will be waiting at the Arrivals area of the Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Once the voyage is over, after collecting luggage, passengers proceed to Customs and are then directed to board either a complimentary shuttle bus headed to Venice Marco Polo Airport or a pre-purchased transfer headed to the next destination.