In this footage filmed on June 5, a cruise ship, the MSC Orchestra, sails through Venice, surrounded by protesters and environmental groups.

This was the first time after 17 months that a cruise entered the city.

At least 4,000 people protested on their boats as well as on the streets and called on the government to stop cruises from entering the city.

Pro-cruise demonstrators also took part in the rally to underline the economic impact of this industry.

The Italian Government is now trying to find a solution to this issue, which has been discussed by ministers and mayors for the past nine years.

The clip was filmed in front of the island of Giudecca, Venice.

This footage was filmed and produced 5 June 2021

Anti-cruise ship campaigners in Venice claim they were “deceived” by the Italian government as hundreds protested against huge vessels docking in the historic city’s port on Saturday.

Residents were caught by surprise on Thursday when a cruise liner sailed into the lagoon city for the first time since the pandemic began, despite prime minister Mario Draghi’s government declaring that the ships would be banned from the historic centre. The 92,000 tonne ship MSC Orchestra collected 650 passengers before leaving for Bari, in southern Italy, on Saturday.