"Royal Caribbean" A Lovely Vacation But A Cruise From Hell.

Firstly, let me say that this blog started as a commercial review of Royal Caribbean and their Holy Land Cruise aboard Vision of The Seas in October 2010. The review is not to be published as my integrity as a journalist would be compromised if I were to put into print the disgusting treatment my wife Lucy received at the hands of the senior officers of Royal Caribbean. The story started in Venice where the 110 Euro ride from the airport to our hotel ended several Piazzas short of our hotel due to the phase of the moon, a high tide and an onshore wind. The water taxi could not get under some of the bridges so dropped us at a hotel some blocks away from our own hotel. Smiling, dragging and bumping both of our 66 pound suitcases over bridges through the maze of backstreets of Venice was an excercise and an adventure but eventually we arrived at our hotel. Exhausted but determined to enjoy.

Finding the hotel "Relais Venezia" was difficult as we were expecting a grander entrance and water taxi access. As stated, we arrived at high tide with an onshore wind and St. Marks Square flooded so the bridges were not high enough for taxis to get under. The hotel is known to both water taxis and Gondoliers and is at the canal end of Cassellaria. It is in a prime location unless nature conspires against you. We arrived in good shape, both well exercised and in good spirits and found the hotel. What a jewel. Spartan but nevertheless a jewel. The staff were more than accommodating and full of helpful tips. This hotel is a small hideaway in Venice midway between St. Marks Square and the Rialto Bridge within five minutes stroll from each. Tastefully renovated with silken draperies, exposed 17th century beams and Murano lighting fixtures, the overall impression of the hotel was really good and it's proximity to many inexpensive eateries was convenient. We were even given a Murano glass rememberance of a restaurant close by at the end of our memorable meal. Beer is more expensive than wine in Venice so go without your Bud Light and go for a good Merlot instead. If we return to Venice, this is where we'll stay, if they will have room for us, as it is a very small hotel. The elevator only goes up to the lobby from street/canal level and I believe I counted 53 white marble steps between the lobby and our top floor room. The top floor gave us a view over the rooftops of Venice to the Dolomites on the horizon. Thankfully our hosts carried our heavy suitcases both up and down for us but we managed the climb to our room several times a day and considered it a useful cardio-vascular workout as we are in our sixties. Overall we rate this hotel highly and would reccomend it to anyone who doesn't expect or demand the Waldorf Astoria. Read more