Another cruise ship crash?

Sad story... But it doesn't mean that people had to be at homa and avoid cruises. Such situation can happen even in the native country.

Recent information coming up about the massive pollution produced by thos massive ships, and the amount of rubbish thrown into the Oceans- has put me off totally.

Asking for a recommendation does not mean having a guarantee of enjoyment, surely. But thanks.

The more I think about it, the more I actually think it is not for me/us - as we like to turn left, turn right, go behind the scenes, and change plans if and when it feels right.

jura2. There are quite a few companies offering smaller ships from about 900 passengers down to a handful. Depends on what you want to see, to pay, or where you want to go. I'm wary of making a particular recommendation in case you don't enjoy it!
We went on one very small cruise in France which only had 6 passengers. It was so bad that we could only laugh about it, grit our teeth and endure it! A Viking Ocean cruise was easily the best we've done - however, it was identical to the one that had to have passengers airlifted off.

Think of the pollution that these giants give off !

" Friends of the Earth " should be gathered around the ports protesting about them being built and polluting the seas.

Jane10, any recommendation for those smaller ships? Thanks.

I agree. Poor Venice. It can't be wise to allow these massive ships to sail right down the canal to moor.

I don’t think these huge cruise ships should be allowed to dock near these wonderful cities. It’s destruction waiting to happen, never mind the environmental impact.

Not all cruise ships are massive jura. We've been very happy with one company which has smaller ships, is simply furnished, no casinos and pubs etc just good food and good company. Plus the smaller ships can get into smaller and more interesting places. Cruising doesn't have to be in those floating blocks of flats!!

Ah thanks for that Jane. So probably will not happen.

For me, the massive frustration would be, I think, is getting off ship to visit a town with 1000s of others and having to get back for a certain time- when I want to go and see those back streets, or hills just beyond.

We didn't enjoy our Douro cruise as much as others we've done. Geography rather claustrophobic somehow. Buses every day to get anywhere. We like being able to get off the ship and just wander into little towns. Didn't seem possible on that one.
Liked the Grand France one best. It was great. We won't do any more river cruises now as there are just too many boats now. Double docking is grim. You open your curtains to see where you are and look straight into the cabin of the ship right next door! Frights on all sides!

Was truly shocked, as I thought that battle had been won, and Cruise ship had to dock on the outside of lagoon??? Is that not the case? Cruises would still come, surely- and people must realise that such a fragile and endangered City cannot sustain the massive water movement these ships cause.

Never fancied a cruise - and recent events confirm this. But for me, the even more important factor is the humongous pollution created by those massive boats.

A river cruise, now yes, on bucket list. Portugal and Duro Valley, out of season.

Yes they will bring in lots of income, but perhaps they should have to moor outside the lagoon?

There was a campaign a while ago to try to get them banned from Venice but obviously they bring a lot of income to the city.

I too was in Venice when a cruise ship started its propellors as we were in a " water- taxi " leaving the port for the canals. The waves from the ships rudders etc could easily have turned over one of these water-taxi's and I remember saying to my friend back in the 90's that even then the cruise ships shouldn't be allowed in those waters.

We've been to Venice a few times. It's our favourite place but the sight of those massive cruise ships docking is truly scary. They are far to big. Venice has always seemed totally unsuitable for these massive vessels. (What do we know). We saw one trying to turn once and were convinced its was going to come crashing onto the streets.