We start an October cruise in Chioggia where the Quest docks for two days allowing a full day Venice visit. We have been before and are evaluating the value of taking a ship excursion on the full day in port, day two. We have OBC and have heard from these boards that it can be used in advance to book such excursions.
We have also read that the trip by hired boat into Venice can take up to two hours and disembarks at St Marks Square. The four hours of travel sound something of a trial so am asking for feedback from those who have experienced this excursion. It is not a 'must do', due to former visits, but Venice is such a treasure that one can never tire of it.
Was there high demand for this excursion so that early booking is essential?
How long did this boat journey take in reality and was the boat comfortable and were the usual needed facilities available on board?
Were there several morning sailings to Venice and what timeframe for departure was there? Possible to leave at, say, 10am?
Pick up time for return from St Marks? More that one pick up vessel?
Your overall assessment of this excursion mode, was it worth it?
Other feasible travel options into Venice from Chioggia and back which have been successful and perhaps better ones to consider? But we need to keep things simple so preferably not a series of buses or trains.
Thank you in advance for your experiences.