Cruises return to Venice after more than a year without travel due to pandemic restrictions | Scientist

The cruises have returned to Venice, in ItalyAfter more than a year without travel due to pandemic restrictions. COVID-19.

With the return of the big ships, the debate over the effects on city preservation has gained repercussions, and demonstrations were scheduled for Saturday (5), the day the MSC Venice Philharmonic departs.

The ship, which arrived empty at dawn on Thursday (3), from the Greek port of El Piero, is scheduled to leave on Saturday afternoon with 650 passengers on board. The ship will stop at Bari, Corfu, Mykonos and Dubrovnik.

Cruises return to Venice after more than a year without travel due to pandemic restrictions in this June 3, 2021 photo – Photo: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters

Passengers must submit a negative test for Covid-19, at least 96 hours before boarding the flight. They will undergo another test upon arrival.

The cruise is allowed to board at a maximum of half of its capacity (3,000 people).

The presence of Venice cruises once again raises controversy over the preservation of the flooded city. Photo on June 3, 2021. – PHOTO: Manuel Silvestri/Reuters

A strong debate has been created between people concerned with the impact of large ships on the city’s heritage and the environment, and advocates of cruises.

This activity represents an important contribution to the economy of Venice, which survives mainly from tourism and which has been severely affected by the epidemic.

Two demonstrations, one for and one against, were scheduled for Saturday.