I will be in Venice for a Thursday through Sunday stay (however I am getting married on Friday so there will be little touring that day). Does anyone know on which day that the cruise monsters typically appear? I would like to plan on avoiding the the San Marco area on that day, if there is a typical day.

Much thanks

When we were there recently, we arrived on a Tuesday and there were two ships in port. We also saw one show up on Saturday. My honest opinion, although I didn't see the cruise terminal daily, is that there are probably ships in port for daytrippers on most days.

We renewed our vows on a gondola while there, so I know where you are coming from. BTW - trust me, you will LOVE getting married in Venice. It's the most magical and romantic city I've been to, IMHO.

We noticed San Marco to be quite crowded during the day everyday, but we went early one morning around 8 a.m. and practically had the place to ourselves. It's also less crowded after 6 p.m. when the daytrippers leave. Most attraction lines don't start getting long until about 9 a.m.

Be sure, if you can, to get some photos in San Marco after your wedding. We did that around 7 p.m. and had no real problems with other people in our photos. The entire piazza, not to mention Basilica and other great buildings make a lovely setting for photos, if you can swing it.

Have fun and congrats!

We arrived in Venice on a Sunday last May and there were two ships in port but one was HUGE. It was much quieter when the big one sailed away early evening.

Seemed to me that crowds in the San Marco area BEGAN to head back to their ships around 4pm...so, give them a bit of time & then reclaim the Piazza!

Agree that early morning and evening/night are the most magical times in Venice.

Whether cruise ships are in port or not San Marco is usually crowded in the high season. Agree that the most magical time is very early in the morning (feed the pigeons) or in the evening after the (other) tourists have gone.