Venice - What to do pre-cruise?

[cruisin'sz]

We will have a few hours before our cruise leaves to "explore" Venice a little - any suggestions (some of us have been there before)? Is there a shuttle service to/from the ship, which would make it easier to explore in the short time we will have? Any must try restaurants/gelaterias? Thanks for your help.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

Take a taxi to the port- this is not the cheapest but the fastest and most comfortable means. Then explore on foot or use the 8 Euro (each way) shuttle from the port to St. Mark's Square (right at the port). It's really nice going down the basin- scenic and pretty. With limited time- this would be the best means IMO. If you do the vaporettos down the Grand Canal- will be much slower.