Our goal was to live in Venice for a couple of days after flying in from San Diego before our cruise. We knew we’d be jet-lagged so wanted nothing to go wrong—and nothing did. The airport is not on the island of Venice. Roberto (part of Anna’s team) had texted us the directions: get off at San Samuele stop. When we landed, we had a text waiting from him: please text when we get on the boat. We’d booked a boat transfer with Venice Link, and also booked their meet and greet service (as well as transfer from the apartment to the Cruise Ship two days later). When we had our luggage, we walked through the doors and there was a representative waiting for us. They wanted to be sure where we were to be dropped—San Samuele.They helped with the luggage and whisked us to a waiting car and drove us about 10 minutes to the boat docks. There was a very slick speed boat awaiting us. This is a common design: the back 3/4 of the boat is covered and has padded seats (likely holds 6-8). Our baggage was loaded into the driver’s area, which is covered by a canvas roof. There were windows all around and the back 1/3 of the roof was glass and could be retracted. We texted Roberto we were on the boat and sat back and enjoyed the 20-minute ride. Roberto replied that we’d be met by Caterina, another team member. We confirmed the 1PM pickup two days later with the Venice Link driver.
The boat pulled up to the dock, and Caterina was waiting. She and the boat driver helped get us and our luggage off the boat. The apartment was about 100’ down the street. We got there and were shown the apartment—exactly like the photos—except it seemed larger! Everything worked, was very clean, and very comfortable. We asked Caterina for places to eat and a store—both are about another 150’ down the same road. We also asked for help in bridging the gap between checkout at 10AM and our Cruise Ship check-in at 1:30. She said we had to leave by 10:30, but could come back and pick up our bags as long as they were gone by 12:30. Perfect. Caterina left and we were on our own.
We unpacked a bit, then walked ~200’ down to the local wee tiny store and bought cheese, Coke, and refill pods for the coffee maker (four were provided, but we drink a lot of coffee). We found an Osteria (a small restaurant) right across the street from the store. They didn’t open until 6:30, so we went back and unpacked. Then returned for a great dinner. Of course, we crashed after that. The next day we decided to see if we could get lost in all the narrow walkways. Nope, but we found a square with several restaurants, an old church, and a few stores. We returned later that evening and ate at a different Osteria.
The following day, departure day, I emailed Venice Link to confirm a 1:00 pickup. They responded promptly: No, we are picking you up at Noon, like we told you in the email yesterday. Our son had made the reservation but had not checked his email. Turned out noon was even better. We returned to the apartment about 11:30, got our bags, and went down to the San Samuele stop. About 5 before 12, a taxi showed up and called out our names. This was the same kind of boat, just happened to be a taxi. The driver helped load us and the bags and we headed for the ship. The back third was open and we acted like tourists and took a movie of the trip to the cruise ship (about 20 minutes). When we got there, we were surprised to be met by another representative of Venice Link who escorted us to the place to check the bags. She asked us to wait as there was a second couple coming (which is why our time had been changed). Then she walked us to the Cruise Ship Terminal for check in (this was part of their meet and greet service). We were on board by 12:30 and the rooms were ready for passengers at one.
I cannot think of any way this could have been done better. Roberto, Caterina, and Venice Link were all 100% oriented to making our experience easy and comfortable. If we had to do it again, the only thing we’d change is—we’d stay longer! Thanks to all!