An Irresistible Cruise Journey — First Stop: The Romantic Water City of Venice

Photos & Text /Happy Cloud

A cruise trip is probably one of the dream travel styles for many people. It’s often perceived as an unaffordable luxury, but if you take the time to explore cruise options around the world, you’ll find that a cruise vacation isn’t such an out-of-reach dream after all. Seize the right opportunity, choose a suitable cruise line and itinerary, and you can enjoy an affordable yet envy-worthy getaway.

Oscar Wilde once said: I can resist everything except temptation.
(I can resist everything except temptation.)
And the only way to resist temptation is to yield to it.
(The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.)

I think a cruise trip is just such a temptation — an irresistible dream journey. I thought that after going on one cruise, I could break free from its allure. But the worrying part is, once you give in to this temptation, you’ll fall in love with it and never want to stop. I guess that’s exactly what my Aegean cruise was like. I admit I was hooked. Even before disembarking, I was already thinking about where my next cruise should take me.

For this trip, I chose the Costa Fascinosa, which had just set sail in May 2012. It’s an Italian-style cruise ship. I love this kind of travel — where the cruise isn’t just a means of transportation but also a destination in itself. Onboard, you can enjoy the freedom of doing nothing or the possibility of doing whatever you want. Sailing on this fashionable floating castle, this journey left me with unforgettable memories of the blue Aegean Sea and allowed me to easily visit four countries and more than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

First stop on our journey to the dreamy Aegean: the most romantic water city in the world, Venice (Venezia).
This journey started from Taiwan. The departure and return port for the Costa Fascinosa was the captivating water city of Venice (Venezia). I took a KLM flight with a layover in Amsterdam, then continued on to Venice, arriving at this long-missed city by the most efficient route.

Before the plane landed at Venice Airport, I became even more convinced that choosing this destination was the right decision. I had never imagined how moving it would be to see Venice from the air. Looking out the window at the Ponte della Libertà, the only bridge that allows cars and trains to enter Venice since its inauguration under Mussolini in 1933 — it’s like an umbilical cord connecting Venice to the Italian mainland. I believe it has also brought a fresh vitality to this centuries-old lagoon area, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Taking a bus and a vaporetto along the Grand Canal of Venice, as we wound through the S-shaped waterways, I began to faintly recall the long-forgotten impressions of this city. The buildings along Venice’s Grand Canal are truly spectacular. Back then, I had made a wish that the next time I visited, I would stay on the main island. Little did I know that this wish would come true — albeit more than ten years later.

Perhaps the living conditions on the main island of Venice may not offer the best value for money, but being able to enjoy the tranquility of the island in the early mornings and evenings, when tourists have thinned out, makes you feel that every penny is worth it.

I stayed in Venice for a few days at the century-old four-star hotel Saturnia & International, located near St. Mark’s Square. Before boarding the cruise, I took the chance to revisit this city that had become somewhat unfamiliar.

Sometimes, revisiting a place stirs up complex emotions. During this stay, I felt that the city had become overly touristy. St. Mark’s Square, once hailed by Napoleon as the most beautiful square in Europe...

The seemingly unchanged scene was still crowded with endless streams of tourists and countless fluttering pigeons. On either side of the square are two historic and atmospheric cafés, Caffè Florian and Caffè Quadri. These two café spots on the square, as if by prior arrangement, used to allow travelers to leisurely sip coffee while enjoying the embrace of Venice’s sun and breeze, with romantic melodies drifting through the air. But now, there’s an additional charge — six euros for music appreciation on top of the coffee price. It feels like Venice has become a city spoiled by tourists, lacking the friendliness and warmth of the Italy I remembered.

Venice is definitely a city that couples must visit as a pilgrimage. In recent years, it has also become a popular spot for wedding photos, so it’s easy to spot couples from all over the world taking their nuptial shots here.

They frame centuries-old monuments or Venice’s iconic gondolas in their photos. The strong exotic vibe combined with the newlyweds’ sweet affection makes it easy for passersby like me to sense the overwhelming happiness. Perhaps that’s why Venice attracts countless travelers from around the world, no matter the season.

Aside from the well-known tourist attractions, another draw for visitors is getting lost in the narrow alleys of Venice’s old town and discovering hidden gems. Indeed, as you wander through the lanes and turn a corner, you never know what scenery, shops, or people you might encounter. If you get the chance to visit, let go of all rules and plans, and fully embrace the joy of getting lost.

For more photos of Venice, check out Yun’s album!!!

This 8-day, 7-night Aegean cruise itinerary...
The journey is about to begin...................

Travel information for those who need it — feel free to take it.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: http://www.klm.com/home/tw/tw

Yun took a KLM flight direct from Taiwan to Amsterdam, then transferred to Venice.

Costa Cruises:http://www.costacruise.com/

Yun traveled on the Costa Fascinosa (also known as the Costa Fascinosa).

Phoenix Travel Agency:http://www.travel.com.tw/