Sponsored by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
It’s 8am in Venice, Italy. Most tourists in this vibrant hotspot are waking to the sound of busy vendors opening their shutters and the large groups of sightseers jostling for prime position in queues around the iconic landmarks.
But Louisa Warman is waking to the sound of water lapping outside, chefs preparing fresh breakfast made to order, and the aroma of fresh espresso being poured.
She is on board the S.S. La Venezia, the only river ship in the world permitted to dock in the Venetian Lagoon, a stone’s throw from some of the most breathtaking views on earth. Louisa is not a guest, but this floating boutique hotel is her second home, and this is a view she wakes up to more than 22 weeks of the year.
Louisa is cruise manager for luxury river cruise line, Uniworld, and every day she brings the world’s most improbable city to life for her guests. When she left her home country of England for the ornate gold and lush velvet fairytale of Italy’s Venice, she fell in love with the city that she now calls home. “Living in Venice, the city surrounds you… a whole 360 degrees. There’s no way of avoiding it, it’s just so unique. When you walk through Venice you are constantly communicating with the city.”
While the bigger cruise ships are no longer permitted to cruise through the Giudecca Canal in Venice, being a compact ship with only 128 guests, the S.S. La Venezia is the only luxury cruise ship to be seen.
“There are other cruise lines that park on the outskirts of the city, but they are not permitted into the Lagoon. We are the only one that has the docking permission as a 5-star river cruising ship. I’m really excited that we are still here.
“Being on a small and intimate river ship floating around the world’s most famous lagoon brings us close to this city. We commune with the city. We respect it and we visit in a most graceful way. It’s harmonious.”
It’s not just the access to the Lagoon that makes Uniworld exclusive. S.S. La Venezia claims its place as the most desirable hotel and restaurant in the entire city.
“The very best view of Venice is found from our sundeck – we have the best rooftop bar in all of Venice and with an Aperol Spritz in hand, it’s the best place to be for scenic sailing. Our onboard restaurant, Ristorante Rialto, not only serves some of the finest Italian cuisine, it also offers the finest viewing spot in Venice – every night you have dinner with an incredible view! From the colourful homes on the Island of Burano, to San Giorgio Maggiore, to sailing past Doge’s Palace and the Ponte dei Sospiri… even the best restaurants in Venice don’t have those views!”
The ship is a destination in itself. It has been refurbished to the highest standard with decor inspired by Mariano Fortuny and his home, Palazzo Orfei, the most iconic design house of the early 20th century.
The result is opulent velvet fabrics, hand-printed silk lining the corridors, artworks adorned with gold and, of course, the epitome of Venetian art – Murano glass. The lobby features hand-painted wallpaper with luxurious tones, paintings, statement lamps and soft couches.
It’s authentically Venetian. “It’s also comfortable and highly functional,” Louisa says. “Guests have never seen anything like it. They are literally stunned when they step aboard. From the sculptures to the upholstery, the incredible Fortuny lamp, black lacquer and gold. It is a striking ship.”
With the city as its backdrop, the ship cruises through the best parts of the Venetian Lagoon with port stops to islands only accessible by water – colourful Burano, authentic Chioggia and beachside Torcello some of the highlights. Add a pre-cruise stay in Slovenia on the popular new 11-day itinerary, with spectacular stops along the way to wineries and towns, artisans, canals and country estates.
Cruising in Venice starts from $3289 per person twin share with itineraries from 8-19 days, adding in optional extensions on land or via luxury rail.
But the city of Venice is the centrepoint of the cruises. “Our private visit to the Doge’s Palace before it is open to the public is a highlight of our cruise. We enter through the governmental door away from the crowds. It’s quiet and peaceful and the most incredible way to visit the Palace. In the stillness of being there without the crowds, we are taken behind the velvet rope – the most privileged way to see this city.
“It’s those moments when we take people beyond the tourist attractions, we go past the crowds, that’s the best side of my job.”
Louisa becomes sentimental when she recounts a day in her life as cruise manager. “I love witnessing the reactions from our guests when we show them something money can’t buy. There are often tears, often silence. When we enter St Mark’s Basilica through the exclusive Porta dei Fiori (Gate of Flowers) on the northern facade of the church, we invite our guests into the nave of the chapel where we sit in total silence, taking in the history, the mosaics, the feeling.
“For me we take our guests beyond tick-box tourism; we give them privileged access. Once you’ve experienced Venice in this way, you will never want to do it any other way.”
Book your next Uniworld Journey Now and Save
2027 is shaping up to be Uniworld’s most extraordinary year yet; new ships, new Cruise & Tour journeys, new destinations and a collection of itineraries spanning from the Swiss Alps to the Indonesian archipelago.
The world is waiting. The question is simply: where will you go first? See all of Uniworld’s offers HERE
For more information and to book, visit Uniworld.com, call 1300 370 792, or contact your preferred Travel Advisor.
