Getting to Italy’s cruise ports can sometimes feel like part of the adventure itself, especially when your planned embarkation point has changed. That was certainly the case for us this past summer when we discovered our Royal Caribbean cruise would be departing from Ravenna, Italy, not Venice as we had initially booked. While the cruise line now refers to Ravenna as the “Venice” cruise port, it’s important to know that the historic city of Venice is about a 90-mile drive away. This shift offers a different perspective on the Adriatic coast, and figuring out the best way to reach the Ravenna port from the nearest major airports in Venice or Bologna became our first planning task.
Navigating to Ravenna Cruise Port
When Venice banned large cruise ships from its lagoon in 2021, it reshaped itineraries for many European cruises. Royal Caribbean adapted by redirecting departures to Ravenna, a port that’s now a key European embarkation point. For passengers like us, flying into either Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is common, but the logistics of reaching Ravenna require a little planning. It’s crucial to understand the travel times and options, especially if you’re arriving on embarkation day.
Royal Caribbean Shuttle Services
The most straightforward approach, and one that Royal Caribbean facilitates, is their shuttle service. This option is designed to make the transition from airport or city to the tender of your cruise as seamless as possible.
Shuttles from Venice
If you’re flying into Venice, Royal Caribbean offers shuttle services from two key locations. For those arriving directly on embarkation day, the shuttle from Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is a convenient choice. As of 2023, this service cost around $45 per person and takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the Ravenna port. Given this travel time, it’s essential to ensure your flight lands well before 11 AM on embarkation day to avoid any last-minute stress. We opted to arrive a day early to explore Venice a bit before heading to the port, which I highly recommend, especially with the kids.
Alternatively, if you’ve spent a few days in Venice before your cruise, you can catch a shuttle from Tronchetto. This is a major parking and bus station located within the historical city. The price for this shuttle was slightly higher, around $58 per person in 2023. Tronchetto is accessible from the heart of Venice, either by a short walk from Piazzale Roma or via a convenient people mover for a small fee. These shuttles, whether from the airport or Tronchetto, must be booked directly with Royal Caribbean or your travel agent, and it’s wise to confirm the latest schedules when making your reservation.
Shuttles to Venice
On disembarkation day, Royal Caribbean also provides shuttle services from the Ravenna cruise port back to Venice. For those flying out of Marco Polo Airport, the shuttle service is available for flights departing after 11:45 AM. This remained priced at $45 per person in 2023 and also requires about 2.5 to 3 hours of travel time. For anyone planning to spend more time exploring Venice after the cruise, the shuttle that drops you off in Tronchetto might be more suitable. This service was around $58 per person in 2023 and offers a good connection point for further travel or exploration within Venice.
Train Travel to Ravenna
For travelers who prefer the flexibility and experience of independent travel, taking the train is another viable option. It offers a different pace and allows for a glimpse into the Italian countryside.
Trains from Venice
Departing from Venice’s Santa Lucia train station, you can travel to Ravenna by train. The journey typically takes a little over three hours and costs around $40 per person. It’s important to note that this is not a direct route; you’ll need to make a train change, usually in Bologna or Ferrara. While changing trains might sound daunting, Italian train stations are generally well-signed and easy to navigate. When purchasing tickets, you won’t see “Ravenna” listed directly on the platform screens from Venice as your primary destination; instead, focus on your specific train number. If your transfer is in Bologna, you’ll first board a train bound for Bologna, and then connect to a train to Ravenna from there. Tickets can be booked in advance online through platforms like Trainline or directly at the station, though booking ahead is often recommended, especially during peak travel times a few years ago.
Once you arrive at Ravenna’s train station, you have a couple of options to reach the cruise port. You can choose to pre-book a Royal Caribbean shuttle from the station or take a taxi. A taxi ride from the Ravenna train station to the cruise port typically costs around €25. If you prefer the shuttle, information and booking can usually be arranged through Royal Caribbean or your travel agent.
Trains from Ravenna
For your return journey, Royal Caribbean provides a shuttle service from the Ravenna cruise port to the Ravenna train station, which takes about twenty minutes. This shuttle costs $10 per passenger and can be arranged onboard your ship at Guest Services. From the Ravenna train station, you can then connect to trains heading anywhere in Italy. To travel back to Venice, you’ll again involve a change in cities like Bologna or Ferrara. The transfer times are usually around half an hour, offering a comfortable buffer for connections. This train option is particularly convenient if your plan is to explore Venice further after your cruise, as the Santa Lucia station drops you right into the historical center.
Flying into Bologna
While Royal Caribbean markets Ravenna as the “Venice” cruise port, it’s worth considering Bologna as an arrival or departure hub. Bologna is located only about an hour’s drive or direct train journey from Ravenna, making it potentially a more convenient gateway than Venice for many travelers.
Bologna as a Gateway
Flying into Bologna can simplify your journey to the Ravenna cruise port considerably. The proximity means less transit time and potentially fewer logistical hurdles. For us, this felt like a more efficient option than dealing with the longer transfer from Venice, particularly when we had young children with us.
However, a downside to flying into or out of Bologna is that direct flights to the United States are less common compared to Venice, often requiring a connection. Venice, on the other hand, does offer direct flights to several East Coast cities, potentially saving you time on international travel. The choice here depends heavily on your flight origins and preferences.
Bologna Port Transfers
From Bologna, you can connect to the Ravenna cruise port through either Royal Caribbean’s shuttle service or by train. In 2023, the shuttle service from Bologna Airport to the Ravenna cruise port was priced at $40 per person, and it was scheduled for flights departing after 10:50 AM. This is a good option if you’re flying in on embarkation day and prefer a direct transfer.
Alternatively, a shuttle was also available from the cruise port to Bologna’s train station for $30 per person. This is ideal if you plan to travel onward within Italy by train after your cruise. Another route from Ravenna to Bologna involves taking the $10 shuttle from the cruise port to the Ravenna train station, followed by an approximately one-hour train journey to Bologna, costing around $10. This combines shuttle and rail for a cost-effective transfer, and it also provides a chance to see more of the Emilia-Romagna region.
Exploring Ravenna
Choosing to arrive a day early or stay a day later in Ravenna itself can be a rewarding experience. Unlike the bustling crowds of Venice, Ravenna offers a more laid-back, authentic Italian charm. It’s a city rich in history and art.
Ravenna’s Historical Significance
Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the Byzantine Exarchate. This history has left an indelible mark on the city, particularly in its stunning mosaics. Walking through the city center, you’ll find incredibly preserved Byzantine architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring some of the most beautiful mosaics outside of Italy.
Mosaic Masterpieces
The Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are must-see sites. The intricate mosaics inside these structures are breathtaking, depicting biblical scenes and imperial figures with incredible detail and color. It was truly awe-inspiring to see these ancient artworks, and even my children, who are usually restless, were captivated by the shimmering colors and stories they told. It’s a different kind of sightseeing than the typical tourist crush you might find elsewhere.
Culinary Delights
Ravenna is located in the Emilia-Romagna region, often called Italy’s gastronomic heartland. This means you can expect exceptionally fresh and delicious food. Think handmade pasta, local cured meats, and regional specialties.
Local Flavors
We found some wonderful trattorias near our hotel that served simple yet incredibly flavorful dishes. tortellini in brodo (tortellini in broth) and lasagne alla Bolognese, though originating from nearby Bologna, are perfected here. The focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients makes every meal a delight. Sampling local wines and enjoying a leisurely pace of dining is part of the charm of experiencing this part of Italy.
Whether you’re arriving early or staying late, Ravenna offers a unique cultural and culinary experience that perfectly complements the start or end of a Mediterranean cruise.