Sea Cloud, the company which runs a small fleet of traditionally designed sailing cruise ships reports that it has been granted permission once again to steer a course for the historic centre of Venice this year.
These luxurious windjammers have been given the green light again to dock in the heart of the lagoon city. This is in contrast to the huge international cruise ships, some of which to be honest can be something of a blot on the landscape.
It says “Since 2021, the Italian government has refused permission to access Venice to the vast majority of cruise liners. The only exceptions are ships like our traditional Sea Cloud Cruises tall ships, which match the backdrop of the medieval trading town”.
Sea Cloud 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 subsequently severely restricted shipping traffic here.
Like Venice, more and more port cities along the Mediterranean are also 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.
But Sea Cloud Cruises says it 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.
The good relationship maintained by Sea Cloud Cruises for many years with Venice’s city and port authorities is such an example. Tall ships such as their fleet also remain welcome in this iconic location because their magnificent appearance enhances the city ambiance.
Whereas 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.
Since 1979 SEA CLOUD CRUISES has been one of the world’s top names in cruises. The 92 year old four-masted barque SEA CLOUD, her younger sister the SEA CLOUD II and the new SEA CLOUD SPIRIT combine the experience of traditional seamanship with the ambience and luxurious charm of classically elegant private yachts. In harmony with nature and the interests of the people in the destination areas, the sea voyages under sail follow courses away from well-worn cruise routes. SEA CLOUD and SEA CLOUD II are regularly voted among the top five cruise ships in the world by the Berlitz Cruise Guide.
For more information visit www.seacloud.com
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You can read more about this cruise company from a feature in Premier Magazine autumn 2021
