Passengers disembarking Norwegian Pearl in Ravenna, Italy, should budget extra time and money for ground transportation, as the port continues to struggle with limited taxi availability. Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced a $23-per-person transfer service to Ravenna's train station in response to two-hour waits that have plagued previous visits. The service costs less than the typical taxi fare of around €50 (approximately $58), making it a bargain for solo travelers or couples, though larger groups may find a shared taxi more economical.
The core issue stems from Ravenna's geography and limited transportation infrastructure. The cruise port sits roughly 8 miles from the train station and 12 miles from the airport. More significantly, Ravenna is often confused with Venice by cruise passengers, though the two cities lie 90 miles apart, with a three-hour drive between them. The train station is critical for onward travel, as it connects to Venice and other Italian destinations. Royal Caribbean faced regulatory sanctions in 2023 for marketing Ravenna and Venice interchangeably, a decision the UK's Advertising Standards Authority ruled constituted misleading advertising.
Norwegian Pearl operates 7-night itineraries from Athens (Piraeus) to Ravenna, stopping at Greek and Adriatic ports before arriving in Italy. The ship continues these sailings through November 1, 2026, after which it redeploys to Philadelphia for Caribbean voyages. Norwegian Viva also regularly calls at Ravenna on longer Mediterranean itineraries. Passengers booking this route should reserve the train station transfer aboard ship before the noon deadline on the day before disembarkation. Existing Venice airport transfers remain available as well.
For cruise travelers planning a post-cruise stay in Venice, Ravenna's distance means advance coordination is essential. Booking the new transfer service online eliminates the gamble of lengthy taxi queues and provides peace of mind, particularly for guests unfamiliar with Italian transportation systems. Those with flexible schedules may still opt for a direct taxi, but the guaranteed service offers real value given the documented delays at this port.
Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Calvin Musquez (August 18, 2026).
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