MS Michelangelo
The 158-passenger _MS Michelangelo, r_un by France-based CroisiEurope, may have French roots but it also has plenty of Italian influences. The vessel sails Italy’s Po River and the Venetian lagoon with Murano-glass chandeliers and carnival mask decorations, Carnival-themed quizzes and trivia, and piccata and tiramisu on theme-night dinner menus. Still you won't forget that this is a French line: We especially love the French fare, which includes magret de canard, île flottante, and fois gras.
What We Love
Small Excursion Groups: On many sailings, English speakers are the minority, which means that when divided into language-based groups for the outings, you'll get treated to a smaller-group size.
A Gorgeous Gala Dinner: The foie gras with brioche, succulent rack of lamb, Taleggio puff pastry, and (for the grand finale) baked Alaska flambéed in Grand Marnier — are elegantly presented.
Soft Décor: Look for Impressionist-style paintings, striped curtains, and floral bedspreads.
The Mask Atelier: One of the tours in Venice takes you to an artisan’s studio, where you’ll do a deep dive into the mysteries of Venetian masks, and marvel at the craftsmanship involved in their creation, from hand-sculpting the mold to painting the finishing touches.
Best Known For
Venetian Lagoon Cruises: Few companies run Venetian lagoon itineraries, particularly in the off-season. If you want to book a cruise to Venice during Carnival, for example, CroisiEurope will be your only choice.
Value Fares: While not high end, offers a combo of comfort and convenience at a competitive price that includes shore excursions, meals, and beverages, including wine, beer, and alcohol.