Sinking Cities

The Detriment of Cruise Ships to the City of Venice, Italy

Abstract

Venice, Italy, a city renowned for its historical significance and fragile lagoon environment, is facing increasing threats to both its physical and economic stability. While climate change and natural subsidence have long posed risks, this paper argues that modern commercial cruise ships are now a central contributor to the city’s decline. Through an interdisciplinary analysis of environmental science, tourism impact data, and economic trends, this essay demonstrates how cruise ships accelerate shoreline erosion, overburden local infrastructure, and contribute extensively to both water and air pollution. These ships not only destabilize the city’s foundations by disrupting delicate aquatic vegetation and increasing wave action but also strain local resources by introducing unsustainable levels of mass tourism. Although cruise tourism is often perceived as economically beneficial, findings reveal that short-term visits generate minimal local revenue while undermining long-term economic viability by displacing residents and eroding public services. The essay concludes by advocating for a ban on cruise ships docking in Venice as a necessary measure to preserve the city’s environmental integrity, cultural heritage, and quality of life for remaining residents.