A new cruise terminal will be coming to Ravenna, Italy, and Royal Caribbean Group will build it.

The Ravenna Port Authority announced it has awarded tender to construct and operate a new cruise terminal and the concession of its cruise operations in Porto Corsini to RCL Cruises Ltd., a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group.

Royal Caribbean Group promises a "innovative new cruise terminal", which will be complete in spring 2024.

The new cruise terminal will showcase integrated landscaping, spanning 12 hectares, with public green spaces, pedestrian and cycling pathways, and entertainment areas for residents and visitors, all celebrating the surrounding natural coastal environment.

Prior to the cruise industry shutdown in 2020, Royal Caribbean was positioned to move its ships from Venice to Ravenna.

Sustainability is a critical aspect of this new terminal, as it has for LEED certification focusing on water and energy efficiency, renewable energy production, recycling and waste management, and sustainable sourcing of materials.

In addition, shore power will be available on the docks to enable ships in port to turn off their engines. To support these efforts, the Port Authority has obtained 30 million euros in funding from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza, PNRR).

When the terminal is fully operational, the total number of guests is expected to increase to over 300,000 per year, most of whom will begin and end their cruises in Ravenna.

The company believes Ravenna's proximity to Venice, as well as nearby airports in Bologna, Forlì, and Rimini make it ideal for a a significant economic boon with pre- and post-cruise visitors.

Royal Caribbean Group believes a new terminal at the Port of Ravenna will allow for an expansion of options for cruise travelers in the Adriatic region and throughout the Mediterranean. This major infrastructure investment and partnership with the Port Authority is part of the Port Hub marine project which will allow access to a greater number of ships through the North Inner Port area.

"We are so honored to partner with the Ravenna Port Authority on this exciting cutting-edge project which will return growth to Ravenna and bring a new era of cruising to the region. Royal Caribbean has assembled a world-class team that is committed to a high-quality experience through sustainable development while embracing the extraordinary natural beauty and warm hospitality this region has become so well known for. There is a wealth of opportunities for visitors to discover the rich historic and cultural treasures, art and antiquities, the thrill of motor racing, unspoiled nature and beaches, international nightlife and Italian culinary tradition,” said Joshua Carroll, vice president, Destination Development at Royal Caribbean Group.

"We thank the Port Authority, the Municipality of Ravenna, the Emilia Romagna region and the entire port and city community that have welcomed us and supported our project. We are also pleased to partner with our investors at VSL Club in Italy who will join us on this adventure."

On days without ships at berth, the terminal and its walkway over the sea is accessible to both public and private events such as sport competitions, artistic and literary presentations, and much more. Sizable ground floor spaces are suitable for trade fairs and other large gatherings.

Royal Caribbean has sent letters to guests booked on sailings from Venice, Italy in summer 2021 that their cruise will now depart from nearby Ravenna, Italy.

Citing "increased concerns regarding the future of cruising in Venice", emails sent to travel agents and guests booked on Rhapsody of the Seas sailings that depart from Venice in 2021 an update that the cruises will now depart and end in Ravenna.

"There have been increased concerns regarding the future of cruising in Venice, Italy due to port congestion and the ability to control port traffic. And, while it's not yet clear how cruise operations will be affected there, it's important to us that we continue to do everything we can to provide you with a great experience and plan ahead, whenever possible."

"As a result, instead of Venice, we've changed our departure and arrival ports to Ravenna, Italy - a city located just a couple hours south of our original cruise port. We're terribly sorry for any inconvenience caused by this change. However, to ensure you have the smoothest experience possible and that you still get to experience Venice as planned - we're providing complimentary shuttle services before and after your sailing."

Guests who already purchased airfare will be able to take advantage of complimentary shuttle services both before and after your sailing. Guests an optionally purchase transfers leaving directly from the airport or pier. The trip will take us around 2 ½ hours, depending on local traffic.

On embarkation day, the complimentary shuttles will be waiting at the Arrivals area of the Venice Marco Polo Airport. 

Once the cruise is over, after collecting luggage, guests proceed to Customs and then will be directed to board either a complimentary shuttle bus headed to the Venice Marco Polo Airport, or to board a pre-purchased transfer headed directly to the next destination. 

Future of cruises from Venice

There has been speculation and discussion of banning or limiting cruise ships from Venice for years.

In late 2019, an accident involving a MSC Cruise ship in Venice sparked a new backlash against cruise ships. 

While policies have not shifted, Royal Caribbean decided to make the proactive change to guard against the possibility of a new ordinance or prohibition.

Photo by italyheaven

A positive start to the season for Splendour of the Seas, her first year season cruising from Venice and she is ready to go. Splendour of the Seas is the first ship of Royal Caribbean's fleet to dock at the port of Venice in 2011 and opened a major new cruise season for the brand.

At Movimenterà alone, nearly 60,000 passengers embarked from the port of Venice 29 times for 10 and 11-night cruises to Greece and Croatia until November 2011. Voyager of the Seas arrives on May 21, Brilliance of the Seas May 25. From April to November, there will be seven ships of Royal Caribbean that pass through the capital of Veneto, for a total of 113 airports and handling over 320,000 passengers.

"Year after year, Venice increasingly consolidates its leading role in planning for Royal Caribbean - says Lina Mazucco, CEO Cruises Ltd RCL Italy -. 2011 in particular will be a golden year for the former Maritime Republic, which will nearly double the flow of Royal Caribbean cruise: from about 170,000 last year, we expect to reach over 320,000 this year. "