We were four adults who planned this trip just a few months before leaving, so we did not have a lot of time for planning and this was the start of the busy season in Europe. Royal Caribbean arranged our flight from USA with Choice Air and this was a good decision. We booked a place which is called a hotel but is actually an apt. called Ca' dell'arte Suite with two bedrooms, but only 1 bath on first level. It was like climbing a mountain to get up the stairs to enter the apt. However I realize this is not unusual for Europe. I do not recommend it for anyone with difficulties climbing stairs. It included a small kitchen which was nice and to have the somewhat larger refrigerator than what is found in a hotel room. Being four females the bathroom can be a little crowded, but all in all the place was very clean and comfortable.

We had booked a tour with Nadia Danesin from Friend in Venice tours for the afternoon after arriving in the morning. This would have worked out well if it had not been raining non-stop. Even though we had a map we had difficulty finding the apt because no one in Venice goes by addresses and everything is just 3 minutes away from where ever you are. It was difficult getting around in the rain and over the bridges with suitcases. But we managed and finally got to our destination, although tired. When we went on the tour we had a great time with Nadia Danesin who made it enjoyable despite the rain.

Next day was getting to the port via the water taxi and going on the cruise. Our ship Splendor of the Seas was an older ship that does not have all the amenities of the bigger ships. There were four of us in this comfortable suite with the balcony. None of us had been to Venice and it was nice to start the cruise from this port. Read more