Uniworld has unveiled its reimagined S.S. La Venezia – featuring legendary luxury textiles producer and design powerhouse Fortuny – enveloping guests in the beauty, tradition, and artistry of its Northern Italian itinerary.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has unveiled its much-anticipated first look of the S.S. La Venezia, one of the newest Super Ships in its award-winning fleet of floating boutique hotels.
Sailing Northern Italy, the completely reimagined ship embodies the country’s timeless beauty, its artisan’s commitment to enduring quality and the passion Italians bring to food, art, and living well.
According to Uniworld CEO and President Ellen Bettridge, the new design led by Uniworld’s artistic directors Toni Tollman and Brian Brennan, was inspired by the work of celebrated Italian artist and textile designer Mariano Fortuny.
“We are absolutely thrilled to share details of the S.S. La Venezia, inspired by the incredible artistry and vision of Mariano Fortuny,” said Bettridge.
“Over a century after its founding, Fortuny continues to prize originality, made only possible by artisans deeply committed to their craft. This speaks to the Uniworld philosophy. For our guests, this means a setting and style of service that is wholly immersive in the enduring fascination and magic that is Venice; and is born from more than 100 years of experience.”
Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld CEO and President
Exquisitely designed
Much of the design and décor aboard S.S. La Venezia was influenced by local Venetian design house, Fortuny, renowned for their handmade fabrics whose creation is still a closely held company secret. “There is a mystery to the quality and beauty of Fortuny fabrics that are still made in Giudecca,” said Tollman. “We appreciate the reverence they bring to their craft that is so much a part of the Venetian way and sought to carry that care and attention to every guest touchpoint.”
Tollman notes that like all Uniworld ships, the S.S. Venezia is unique, ‘a work onto itself’ that was designed to complement and enhance its carefully curated Venetian itineraries.
“Mirroring our ships to reflect the destinations they sail is an exclusive Uniworld feature that our guests have come to know and love. We’re certain they will delight in the S.S. Venezia where every space has been crafted to expressly celebrate Venice.”
Toni Tollman, Uniworld artistic director
“Guests will enjoy the artistic touches of the ship as they stroll the marble, or brass-inlaid parquet floors. They will see echoes of the portico of the landmark bridges in the patterns of the fabrics or a reference to the local fish dishes, the basis of classic Venetian cuisine, and enjoy the unmistakable swirls and pops of colour of Murano blown glass, another signature craft of Venice.”
Local cuisine
S.S. La Venezia’s restaurants and bars are culinary celebrations, bringing the local gastronomy to life with ingredients sourced straight from the local markets.
• Rialto’s is a warm and cozy restaurant, offering traditional Venetian fare.
• Hari’s Bar and Lounge is a more relaxed affair, with live music, cocktails, and an impressive champagne list.
• La Cantinetta is the most intimate of the ship’s venues. Offering private dining with expert wine pairing, guests are invited to start their La Cantinetta experience earlier in the day accompanying their chef to source ingredients at the famous Rialto food market. The delicious ingredients are then masterfully prepared in the demonstration kitchen to create a mouth-watering repertoire of traditional Italian dishes.
• Cielo’s Pizzeria is a vibrant al fresco dining spot, serving wood-fired pizzas, hot from the oven along with fresh accompaniments from the salad bar.
Exclusive itineraries
Once she makes her debut, the S.S. La Venezia will uncover the magic of the Venetian Lagoon during her signature 8-day Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary, with guests experiencing a private evening opening and lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica, the peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello and the famed cities of Bologna and Padua.
Three additional itineraries will be offered throughout 2021 and 2022, including the 10-day Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy; and recently launched 12-day Cruise & Rail: Venice & the Swiss Alps and the 14-day Cruise & Rail: Milan, Venice & the Swiss Alps.
Pricing starts at $4,049 per person, based on double occupancy.
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