I really can’t think of a more perfect way to visit Venice staying onboard Uniworld’s floating boutique hotel, S.S La Venezia, which not only gives you walkable access to Venice’s amazing sites such as the Grand Canal, St Mark’s Square, The Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge, to name a few, but also the hidden gems of the lagoon such as Burano Mazzorbo Torcello and Chioggia.

Uniworld really does look after you from the meet and greet at the airport right through to your transfer back. If you are considering doing this cruise my advice is… 

Don’t hesitate, you will not be disappointed.

The lobby is opulent, luxurious and has a circular seating area beautifully decorated with Murano glass mirrors and lighting – features throughout the ship. Hari’s Bar, which is the main focal area, leads off the main reception area and towards the rear you will find Panini Bistro which serves snacks throughout the day.

There are double doors either side of the reception area which lead to stairs to the top deck and Cielos Pizzeria, which has a beautiful panoramic view.

Two decks down from reception, on Mazzorbo Deck, you will find the intimate La Cantinetta, where a chef creates traditional Italian dishes paired with fine regional wines. You will also find a small, yet perfectly adequate gym with Life Fitness equipment which is perfectly adequate… Well, that’s what my husband told me! The Serenity Spa, also on this floor, offers therapies using beautiful Rituals products.

The ship is full of little surprises. As you approach what looks like a cupboard you will also find a 24-hour tea and coffee station with amazing cookies and water for refilling your water bottle. I’d heard from Visit With Us’s Rich and Helen about Uniworld’s cookies – they are absolutely amazing. They did not disappoint. 

Elsewhere on the ship there are complimentary guest laundry facilities, a lift between all three accommodation decks, and beautiful corridors featuring strip floor lighting, Morano glass mirrors and ornate decoration. The main restaurant is very light and airy with opulent gold leather chairs and booth-style seating options; tables for two or four either side of the buffet station in the middle. The top deck is strewn with sunbeds for catching rays with sofas and chairs under canopies, if you want more shade.

When not exploring the city ourselves, we spent many an hour watching the hub of activity on the Canale Della Giudecca and the many vaporettos, water taxis, gondolas and other boats speeding past.

The staterooms are luxurious and have the most comfy Handcrafted Savoir® beds, high quality Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets and there is lots of built-in closet space, a plug-in hair dryer, complimentary safe, air conditioning and wall mounted flat-screen TV.

You are also provided with comfortable bathrobes and slippers. The marble bathroom has complimentary Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, a heated mirror and a backlit magnifying mirror. Luxurious.

Finally, the food is of excellent quality and there is lots of choice. Breakfast and lunch is buffet-style and dinner is a la carte. I cannot compliment the waiters highly enough, they are friendly and very attentive. Red and white wines that compliment the dishes are offered during lunch and dinner and are topped up regularly.

I loved this ship and we had the time of our lives for just one week in the baking Venetian sun. To anybody who is thinking about sailing this ship, do not hesitate.

You will never forget your time on board the Uniworld S.S La Venezia. I certainly won't.

If you want to experience Venice in the best way possible with Uniworld, get in touch with the Panache Cruises team today on 0161 513 8200 to find out more!