Most ships will no longer be able to dock in Venice. Here’s one that can

If a luxury yacht cruise from Venice is on your travel wish list, beware.

For the first time, Sea Cloud Cruises’ newest and largest ship, Sea Cloud Spirit, will launch sailings from Venice from summer 2025.

Although many cruise lines say itineraries from Venice, a few cruise ships can depart from the city’s historic center. Venice began restricting large ships in 2021 to protect the area’s fragile environment and overcrowding. Larger ships have since been diverted to cruise ports outside of Venice, such as Ravenna, Trieste and Marghera (the latter being a separate area of ​​the metropolitan city of Venice). Only ships less than 590 feet in length and weighing less than 25,000 tons are allowed to dock within the historic center.

Fortunately for luxury lovers, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit falls within those limits. The ship will dock at the San Basilio Terminal, in the historic center of the city, giving passengers easy access to the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs and other landmarks of Venice. (Other cruise lines still operating from the San Basilio Terminal include Windstar Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises and SeaDream Yacht Club.)

A three-masted full-rigged sailboat, Sea Cloud Spirit is driven by 28 main sails that are hand-furled by a team of riggers. Two diesel electric motors power the vessel when stationary. Although the Sea Cloud Spirit is modeled on classic sailing ships, it includes all the modern amenities you would expect from a new cruise ship – elegant cabins, fine dining and modern amenities such as a spa and fitness center with ocean views.

Sea Cloud Spirit will sail four round-trip, nine-night cruises, including an overnight stay in the City of Canals. This “Enchanting Croatian Coast” tour includes the ports of Sibenik, Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar, Vis and Rovinj in Croatia, as well as two days under full sail on the Adriatic Sea.

Related: 8 of Italy’s best yachts for a Mediterranean vacation

The 2025 nine-night sailings depart on July 24, August 2, August 11 and Aug. 20. Passengers on Aug. 2 cruises will enjoy a special cabaret-inspired theme while on board. Called “The Cultivated Cabaret Tour,” the tour will include special performances from cabaret legend, a concert with recording artist Travis Moser.

Cruise prices on the Enchanting Croatian Coast start from $8,545 per person (based on double occupancy). Besides accommodation, allowances and all meals, the fare includes a fully stocked mini bar (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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