The controversy in Venice began when environmentalists claimed large cruise ships were causing erosion of the city's precious soil — and it is precious. This sounded like a story with some merit.
The criticism escalated when the same committee claimed large cruise ships were traveling dangerously close to small vessels in the lagoon while going to and from the dock that is their port, specifically the Carnival Sunshine. This was vigorously refuted by Carnival. There were witnesses who supported both sides.
Now there is more.
In August, a German tourist died when crushed against a dock by one of the hundreds of water taxis. This tragic accident occurred by the famous Rialto Bridge, in the heart of Venice's canal system. The lobbyists are blaming large cruise ships, or at least inferring this would never have happened but for the big ships.
This is at least a stretch, and perhaps an injustice.
From reading about the death of the tourist, cruise ships are being implicated because of the traffic congestion in the canals. If you've ever been to Venice, you know where the Rialto 
Bridge is, and how many small craft surround it. You also know how congested the canals are, especially that one. Imagine rush hour in a major city, but on water. In tourist season, the canals are congested even if there is no cruise ship going past St. Mark's Square. They are congested even if there is no cruise ship in Venice.
The gondolas and water taxis are at the heart of Venice tourism. More tourists, more passenger boats.
So you can blame the cruise ships for bringing the tourists — but does Venice want tourists to stay home? You can blame the cruise ships for the part they play on soil erosion, or for directly causing or endangering small boats in the lagoon, when validated.
But to suggest cruise ships had a role in a fatality on a canal into which no cruise ship could fit, a fatality that appears to have been caused by boat congestion or driver error, is reaching. If an environmental lobby wants to make its points count, it needs to maintain credibility.
Norwegian Epic
13 nights
October 20, 2013
Barcelona, Funchal, St. Thomas, Miami
Inside: $399
Cost per day: $30
www.ncl.com