I will be arriving into Venice by train the day my cruise leaves. Which Venice train station do I want? There are two? Also, how do I then get from the train station to the cruise terminal.

Thanks!

Be sure to end up in Saint Lucia station which is in Venice proper - the other is on the mainland. The pier is right near the train station. After you leave the train go across the canal to Piazzale Roma and from there most cruise lines run shuttle busses on the day of depature.

Let me add confusion. We took a cruise ship out of Venice several years ago and took the train from Milan. We were advised by the cruise ship rep to get off at the main station on the mainland and not the end of line (St. Lucia). We then took a taxi to the terminal. It work well and fairly cheap.

junebride,

I don't know if it is better that you get off in Venezia- Mestre and then take a land taxi from there to the pier.
I think there are different places for cruise ships to dock. You should ask the cruise line for the name of the terminal/ dock where the ship is going to be.

It was suggested and it was wonderful advice that I take the train to Mestre station. There I took a cab to the cruise terminal. He dropped us off just in front of the luggage drop-off building.

If you go to Venice Santa Lucia station you will be dragging your luggage further than you might want to.

Thank you all for your advice.

I found out the cruise terminal information:

Venezia Martittima
Terminal Basilio

The rep thinks I should go to St. Lucia. Is anyone familar with this terminal. Going to Mestre and taking a land taxi sounds easier, but I am open to everyone's feedback.

Thank you!

Having read posts on www.cruisecritic.com bypeople who took the train to Santa Lucia station and had quite a long and tedious time dragging their luggage, I went with the suggestion to get off the train at Mestre and take the taxi.

We did not have the option of the shuttle on the day that we were arriving. If that is the option that you choose, check first to find out if it is running on the day that you will require it.

I don't think that you want to start your cruise tired and sweaty. I wouldn't want to have my photo taken then either.

We've done this twice and gotten off at Mestre both times. The taxi ride was short and you don't have to worry about dragging your luggage through crowds and over bridges.

It's my understanding that the larger ships dock closer to the Mestre station.
We are on a Costa cruise in october, and will use the mestre station.

It is not a function of where the ship is docked. It is a function of land access and taxis from Mestre and only water or walking at Santa Lucia.