When Italy’s striking transportation workers threatened to spoil the plans of those visiting the country, many travelers were left scrambling. Those counting on public transportation may have had long-planned travel dreams spoiled. But those visiting Venice this week via Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Breeze came out unaffected, thanks to some quick-thinking by the cruise line.
With just hours until Carnival Breeze was to arrive in Venice, Italy, word came of a strike by transportation workers that would affect the cities vapporetto (water taxi) workers.
“We have been informed by our port agents in Italy that a national transportation strike will take place on June 22, 2012,” said Captain Vincenzo Alcaras, Captain of the Carnival Breeze in a letter placed in the cabins of all passengers.
Set to stop work just before the ship’s arrival in Venice, cruise line officials went to work looking for alternatives. What they came up with was a plan using private contractors, not public water taxi drivers, to fulfill the needs of over 4000 passengers on Carnival Breeze.
We were booked on the Venice On Your Own tour, basically a ride to and from town with time in-between to experience the iconic destination. Our tour was unaffected and we did not have to do anything special to enjoy the day.
Others, not already booked on tours, lined up for hours, waiting first to buy tickets then later for the limited number of water taxi’s available.
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- Carnival Breeze Begins Inaugural Voyage Today(chriscruises.net)
