Dayenu

We both have walking issues, but did not seem to have many problems in Venice. With vaporetto passes, we took rides, got out at stops, looked around, back on the water bus, to another stop - this helped to avoid many bridges.

Getting on/off vaporetto is farely easy, if you husband has a cane, somebody will get up to vacate a seat for him. At some stops there is one step, some walkways are not steady, they move and wobble under your feet.

Don't remember many cobblestones, my experience was the opposite. One the newer bridges the steps are wide and short, not difficult to walk, and nobody will make him go fast, he can rest after a few steps.

There are canes with 4 points at the bottom, those give better balance support. Try to stay close to vaporetto stops for rest as benches or places to sit are not easy to find.

"People are very patient with those who need extra help getting on and off." - sorry, but this was not my experience. I've noticed, the local older people got off their seats way before the stop to have enough time to walk off.

Honestly, I didn't feel Venice being difficult. If your husband tolerates boat motion well while seating, he should be find. I suffered more in Copenhagen on those cobblestones. Venice was much easier, but we didn't have set plans. Mostly
"let's get off at this stop and see what's around, how far we can walk"

Venice is a city not to be missed!

I also think you are confusing gondolas (expensive private boats) and vaporetti (water buses) - don't know much about gondolas except seeing them in Venice.

ellenem

" "People are very patient with those who need extra help getting on and off." - sorry, but this was not my experience. I've noticed, the local older people got off their seats way before the stop to have enough time to walk off."

I was referring to directly in the on-and-off area of the boat, not inside the cabin. I often saw the gatekeeper and others give a hand to people in need of help as they stepped on and off the boat. Getting up a stop or two before your stop is a good idea for anyone, not just someone with walking issues, since the cabins can be crowded and tricky to pass through quickly. I am physically able and I always do this.