How many people can the boat hold?

La Serenissima carries a maximum of 12 people per charter.

Is food included in the charter price?

Food and drink are not included unless arranged in advance; bottled water is provided.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The boat is not wheelchair accessible, but ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome—please contact the operator about accommodations.

What happens in bad weather?

Full refunds are available with seven days’ notice or in the case of extreme weather or unsafe river conditions.

Are pets allowed on board?

Pets and service animals are allowed; confirm arrangements with the operator prior to booking.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is on Maidenhead Road, Windsor—arrive 15 minutes early to check in with LUXE staff.

La Serenissima Thames Cruise: Restored Italian Vaporina Charter in Windsor

Step aboard La Serenissima and let the Thames slow to a private pace. Moored off Maidenhead Road in Windsor, this restored Italian vaporina brings Lake Como craftsmanship to English waters for intimate, open-air cruises that suit anniversaries, proposals, and sundown sails. The boat’s polished woodwork and curved lines are the first note; the second is the river—meandering stretches of the Thames framed by willow-lined banks, riverside estates, and the silhouette of Windsor a short glide away. The experience is simple and ceremonial. A professional skipper handles navigation and berthing while guests settle into rear bench seating beneath a removable canopy that lets the sun in or the stars out. La Serenissima is small—maximum twelve people—so the atmosphere feels private even on daytime charters. The vessel’s provenance matters: once a pride of Villa d’Este and the social lake culture of Lake Como, she arrives in the UK after a full restoration that preserved original details while updating safety and systems for modern charters. Highlights here are both design and setting. The vaporina’s varnished oak, brass fittings, and low freeboard are architectural reminders of early 20th-century Italian launches. On the water, the Thames rewards slow cruising with close views of riverside trees, seasonal wildflowers, and occasional river birds like herons and kingfishers. Evening trips accentuate quiet—city light fades, reflections sharpen, and a canopy of stars opens above because Windsor’s riverside has lower light pollution than central London. Practicalities are considerate: private charter includes skipper, fuel, insurance, and bottled water; food and transfers are extra. The meeting point is near Maidenhead Road (arrive fifteen minutes early), and the boat is not wheelchair accessible though ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome. Weather can alter plans; the operator offers full refunds with seven days’ notice or in extreme conditions. Why book this rather than a Thames commuter launch? La Serenissima is about ceremony and craft—an object lesson in old-world boating set to the pastoral edges of Windsor. Use it for milestone celebrations, a photographer’s dream session, or a quiet hour to watch the river slow beneath a cooling sky aboard a piece of restored history. It's particularly effective for evening charters: with the canopy retracted, the low engine hum and subtle uplighting let conversation lead while river reflections flash along the hull. On sunny afternoons photographers catch lacquered decks against green towpaths and the odd rowing eight carving a wake. The operator is Blind/Deaf-friendly, accepts service animals, and will discuss accommodations for neurodivergence. Bring layers and a camera; for celebrations arrange catering or a nearby riverside picnic. Observe river etiquette: keep noise low near homes, give way to rowing crews, and follow the skipper’s safety instructions. Bookings fill fast during summer and weekend evenings regularly.

About Luxe Boating

Luxe Boating operates from Henley-on-Thames, England, offering a curated fleet of restored classic launches and electric self-drive boats for river cruises and private events. Guests can choose from hands-on electric self-drive launches or book restored vintage vessels such as Venetian water taxis, 1930s American launches, Edwardian-style launches and celebrated yachts with cinematic provenance. Trips range from short scenic cruises to private celebrations, romantic evenings, and special-event charters along calm British waterways.

Luxe Boating maintains a focus on authenticity, restoration quality and quiet electric propulsion. Each vessel is presented fully restored or undergoing meticulous restoration where noted, with attention to mahogany finishes, period detailing and comfortable layouts for small groups. Safety standards and local licencing are observed for public and private operations on the River Thames and nearby waters.

Bookings accommodate private hire, special occasions and experiential outings, with optional on-board services such as Champagne, canapés and professional stewarding on select vessels. The fleet includes named boats like Sophia, Gatsby, La Serenissima, Patricia, Christina, Miti and the legendary Atlantis, alongside electric self-drive options for independent exploration.

Luxe Boating features on The Adventure Collective, providing added visibility and third-party recognition. Photographic views, seasonal cruising and tailored itineraries help guests create memorable river experiences. Reservations are managed through the operator’s booking channels with clear trip summaries, ensuring customers select the right vessel and duration for their needs.

Customer enquiries commonly request flexible start times, tailored routes and photography-focused cruises, enabling personalised itineraries that suit celebrations, proposals and relaxed weekend escapes along the Thames.