La Bella Vita barge

La Bella Vita barge ship was built in 1960 and launched as sand (cargo) barge under the name "Mery". The vessel hauled bulk cargo along the rivers and canals of Po River Delta in Italy for 50 years. In 2010, it was acquired by the European Waterways travel company, refitted and transformed into a luxury hotel barge.

Today, this elegant river cruise ship offers fully air-conditioned rooms, comfortable cabins (2 upper deck junior suites and 8 lower deck cabins). All staterooms are spacious, equipped with modern facilities and amenities. The boat also has a bright dining room and lounge bar where delicious Italian specialties are served. Louvre doors open onto the outside to give a perfect view of the passing Po River scenery along the itinerary route. Above, there is a sun deck with comfortable loungers to relax.

Food, wine, an open bar, and shore excursions are all included in the cruise ticket price. Tours ashore include Venice's hidden gardens and a visit to Chioggia's fish market. This 140-foot ship also carries 10 bicycles and is crewed by a staff of 7, including the Captain, 4 stewards, chef, tour guide.

The 20-passenger barge cruise ship La Bella Vita was added to the European Waterways fleet in 2010. The itinerary is between Venice and Mantua through Italy's famous Tartaro-Canalbianco-Po di Levante and the Venice Lagoon Islands.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.