The long-running debate about cruise ships sailing through the waterways of Venice, Italy took a turn on March 25 with ministers from Italy agreeing to a temporary ban on large cruise ships docking in the historic city. When the cruise industry returns to service, large ships will divert to a nearby industrial port.

“In order to protect a historical-cultural heritage not only Italian but of the whole world,” the ministers for the environment, culture, tourism, and infrastructure agreed to temporarily divert the cruise ships to the port of Marghera. Located on the mainland, the port is only about 10 miles from the city but passengers will no longer have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic transit of the canal past the famed St. Mark’s Square and other historic locations.