Take your cruise ship and go away

Not everyone is happy to see the cruise industry make a return to European ports.

In Venice, the first major cruise ship arrival in more than a year was met by protesters out in force, Travel Mole reported.

The visit of the MSC Orchestra (above) - ironically from an Italian-owned cruise line - reignited long-time tensions as it was circled by demonstrators in small motorboats.

Protesters argued that cruise ships bring "hit and run" tourism that bring minimal benefit to the city.

MSC Orchestra set sail from Bari with fewer than 1,000 passengers marking the return of cruise ships to the city after nearly 18 months.

The Italian Government has vowed to remove cruise ships from Venice lagoon to a new dock but a new permanent home for cruise ships could take years.

Cruise Lines International Italy said that Venice's economy had suffered a €1 billion hit due to Covid-19.

"We don't want to be a corporate villain," said Francesco Galietti of CLII.

"We don't feel we should be treated as such. We feel we are good to the communities."

The Government has said it will issue a request for proposals soon for bids to construct a terminal outside the Venice lagoon, while a temporary dock will not be ready until at least next year - and possibly much longer.