As of September 2021, large cruise ships (over 40,000 gross tons) are no longer allowed to enter the Venetian Lagoon in Italy. The Italian government made this decision after years of controversy and protests over the impact of cruise ships on the city of Venice, including concerns over environmental damage, safety, and overcrowding.
Instead, these ships will now dock at the industrial port of Marghera, located on the mainland, and passengers will be transported to Venice by smaller boats or buses. This new arrangement is expected to significantly reduce the environmental impact of cruise ships on the lagoon and provide a safer and more sustainable alternative for tourism in Venice.