MSC's official website shows very poor information on the disembarkation process at Venezia Marghera. When MSC Armonia arrived at Venezia Marghera in April, 2024, all the passengers had to use the tender boats to go to Venezia Marittima Terminal. Tender boating started at around 9:30 am and ended at around 11:35 am. Priority went to the transfer users going to VCE airport or Venezia-Mestre train station (9:30), MSC Diamond members (9:45) and the guests using the highest deck (9:55). The higher decks they used, the faster they got on the tender boats. The guests using the lowest deck were the last groups (11:25, 11:30 and 11:35).
At Venezia Marittima Terminal, they had around five options.
First, they could purchase the transfer services, in advance at the ship's excursion desk, bound for either VCE airport or Venezia-Mestre train station. The passengers using these transfer services could get on the first tender boat at 9:30 am which arrived at Venezia Marittima Terminal at around 10:10 am. I collected my luggage, got on the bus for Venezia-Mestre train station, waited a bit for the other transfer users and arrived at the station at around 10:40 am. The bus for the airport might have arrived at VCE at around 11:00 am. This was an extremely lucky case. There were so many variables that could delay the tender boat and transfer processes.
Second, they could join some excursions (purchased in advance) at Venezia Marittima Terminal.
Third, they could take the free port bus for a short ride to the entrance of Venezia Marittima Terminal where they could take local buses or walk on the bridge.
Fourth, they could go to Venezia-Piazzale Roma bus station or Venezia-Santa Lucia train station or nearby water taxi/bus stations on their own.
Fifth, they could wait for taxis or use their own private transfers at Venezia Marittima Terminal.
