The Port of Venice expects to see an 11 percent increase in its cruise traffic in 2009, to 1,350,000 passengers, compared to 1,215,088 in 2008, and 1,003,529 in 2007.

In addition, there are 574 cruise-ship calls scheduled for 2009, compared to 535 in 2008.
This year, the Costa Luminosa will be homeporting in Venice, along with the Fortuna, Victoria and Serena. Other homeported ships in 2009 include MSC’s Musica, Poesia, and Armonia, and the Crown, Ruby, and Grand Princesses.

The Port of Venice will be opening a new two-story terminal in April located along Isonzo quay, which will provide simultaneous berthing for two large ships, according to a spokesperson for the port.

Venice has a total of 12 cruise ship berths located at four different terminals, and can accommodate ships up to 967 feet in length.