A Cruise Passenger's Guide To Exploring Venice

Hi, I'm Ralph Grizzle, and I'm in Venice, Italy. In this video, we're going to look at some of the arts and crafts that have kept this city alive and that give Venice its life. I hope that on your next cruise to or from Venice, you'll take time to visit some of these hidden gems. If you really experience Venice, you could not do better than meeting the people who make up this great city's cultural heritage. They are the merchants of Venice, the artists and craftsmen. Their shops are all within easy reach of the Venice Passenger Cruise Terminal, and you'll enjoy getting to their workplaces as much as you enjoy meeting the people who create Venice's greatest treasures. You can visit textile shops that boast the world's finest fabrics; glass artists who carry on one of Venice's finest traditions; lace makers who artfully needlework intricate designs to create world-renown Venetian lace; ;the master craftsmen who build gondolas and the accessories that steer the gondolas; you'll meet mask makers and costume makers; and artists who work with paper as well as silver and glass. These are just a few of the people who make Venice so special. And by visiting their shops and purchasing their goods, you support local artisans and craftsman, so you can feel good about how you spend your time and money in Venice. If you're staying in Venice before or after your cruise, I recommend the newly opened Molino Stucky Hilton. A long-neglected 19-century flour mill, the much-loved landmark was transformed into a luxury hotel. The Molino Stucky is a good base to begin your adventures in Venice, and it's right next door to the first of our featured artists.