How to See 8 Iconic Sights the Right Way

by John Roberts | May 13, 2016

There are some places that you just can’t miss while in port, and that goes not only for you but everyone else on your cruise ship (and other ships that happen to be docking at the same time). Don’t feel like you have to miss out. For some attractions there are ways to avoid the crowds, while at others it’s worth just turning into the skid and going along for the ride with the mob. Take our advice on these eight attractions at ports around the world.

Gondola under Rialto Bridge in Venice / iStock / bluejayphoto

Photo: A quiet canal in Venice / iStock / valio84sl

1. Gondola Ride in Venice

Romantic? Hmm. Expensive and a hassle to haggle? Definitely. The official price for the gondola ride is regulated by the city (80 euros for 40 minutes), but at the main gondola pier, tourists are quoted prices well in excess of 100 euros.

Our Advice: The Grand Canal and its side canals can be incredibly busy with other gondolas crammed around you and people constantly snapping pictures from the bridges of your private ride, so it’s worth it to get away from the crowds first and find a quieter area before you choose a gondola.