VIVA Cruises Guide: Ships, Destinations, What’s Included & Who It Suits
Who are VIVA Cruises?
VIVA Cruises is one of the newer names in European river cruising, but the company behind it has considerably more experience than the age of the brand might suggest. VIVA launched for the 2018/19 winter season and is the in-house river cruise operator of Swiss shipping company Scylla AG, which has been operating river vessels in Europe for decades. Headquartered in Düsseldorf, VIVA has developed quickly from a relatively small operator into an increasingly visible name across Europe’s rivers. That background is important. VIVA may be a young cruise brand, but it was created by a company with extensive experience owning and operating river ships.
Since its launch, the fleet has continued to grow and VIVA has increasingly introduced ships designed specifically around its own style and onboard experience. VIVA ONE became the first purpose-built VIVA ship in 2022, followed by VIVA TWO in 2023 and VIVA ENJOY in 2024. More recently, the company has expanded again with its VIVA Boutique concept, including VIVA BEYOND on the Seine and VIVA UNIQUE, which is due to begin sailing in Italy in 2027.
What makes VIVA Cruises different?
VIVA sits in an interesting part of the river cruise market. Its onboard product is relatively inclusive, with drinks throughout the day, gratuities, Wi-Fi and flexible dining included, but its approach to sightseeing is noticeably different from many other river cruise operators. Shore excursions are generally not automatically included within the standard fare. Instead, guests can decide whether they want to book an organised excursion, explore independently or simply enjoy more time onboard. That flexibility can be particularly appealing to experienced river cruisers who may already have visited destinations such as Vienna, Amsterdam, Cologne or Budapest several times. Rather than paying for a sightseeing programme they may not use, they can choose how they want to spend each day.
The newer VIVA ships also have a distinctive look. One of the things we notice immediately is the clean, minimalist design. There is almost a Scandinavian feel to ships such as VIVA ONE, VIVA TWO and VIVA ENJOY, with light woods, neutral colours, simple lines and plenty of natural light.
For guests who enjoy contemporary hotels and less traditional interiors, the newer VIVA ships can be particularly appealing.
VIVA Cruises ships explained
The VIVA fleet is varied, and that is worth understanding before you choose a cruise. Some vessels were already part of the wider Scylla fleet, while VIVA has also introduced a newer generation of ships designed specifically for its own brand. The onboard experience can therefore vary depending on the individual vessel.
- VIVA ONE entered service in 2022 and carries up to 176 guests.
- VIVA TWO followed in 2023 with space for up to 190 guests, while VIVA ENJOY joined the fleet in 2024 with a similar capacity.
These newer ships most clearly reflect VIVA’s contemporary style. VIVA TWO and VIVA ENJOY also offer three dining venues, giving guests more choice than on many traditional river vessels.
The wider fleet includes smaller ships as well:
- VIVA RUBY carries just 80 guests and its size allows it to operate on smaller rivers and waterways that some larger ships cannot reach.
- PORTO MIRANTE accommodates up to 120 guests and operates on Portugal’s Douro.
Other vessels including VIVA TIARA, VIVA MOMENTS and VIVA VOYAGE add further variety across rivers including the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube. For that reason, we always recommend looking at the individual ship as well as the itinerary.
A sailing aboard VIVA TWO can feel quite different from a cruise aboard one of VIVA’s smaller vessels, even though both operate under the same brand.
What is VIVA Boutique?
VIVA Boutique is the company’s more premium concept, built around smaller ships, a high proportion of suites and an increased emphasis on dining and destination experiences.
VIVA BEYOND became the first VIVA Boutique ship when it began sailing the Seine in 2026. The 110-metre ship carries just 112 guests in 56 cabins, with half of the accommodation made up of suites. It also features three restaurants and a larger wellness area.
VIVA Boutique expands again in 2027 with VIVA UNIQUE. Carrying 104 guests in 52 cabins and suites, VIVA UNIQUE will sail through the Venetian Lagoon and along Italy’s Po River. More than half of its accommodation will be suites, while the dining programme will have a stronger Italian influence.
The arrival of VIVA Boutique means there is now even more variation within the VIVA fleet. Choosing a VIVA cruise is increasingly about deciding not only which river you want to explore, but also which style of ship best suits you.
Where do VIVA Cruises sail?
VIVA now operates across a broad range of European rivers and waterways. Its programme includes:
- Rhine
- Moselle
- Main
- Danube
- Seine
- Rhône
- Douro
- Elbe and Spree
- Smaller European rivers, canals and tributaries
- From 2027, the Po River and Venetian Lagoon
The larger ships operate many of the classic Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube itineraries, while smaller vessels allow VIVA to offer some less familiar routes. On the Seine, VIVA BEYOND brings the newer Boutique concept to Paris and Normandy. Portugal’s Douro is served by PORTO MIRANTE, while VIVA RUBY can operate across smaller waterways including the Elbe and Spree.
For 2027, VIVA is also introducing routes such as Basel to Brussels, Dresden to Prague and Amsterdam to Nuremberg, alongside the arrival of VIVA UNIQUE in Italy.
Another feature of VIVA’s programme is the length of its season. The cruise line operates a substantial year-round programme, including winter sailings and Christmas-market cruises as well as the traditional spring, summer and autumn river cruise season. That combination of familiar rivers, shorter cruises, unusual routes and year-round departures can make VIVA particularly interesting for repeat river cruisers looking for something different.
Themed cruises and something a little different
VIVA is also worth considering if you want more than a traditional river cruise itinerary. Alongside its regular programme, the cruise line offers a selection of themed and special-interest cruises throughout the year. These can include wellness-focused sailings, cultural journeys and other themed departures built around particular interests rather than simply the destinations being visited.
VIVA Boutique is developing that concept further too. On the Po from 2027, VIVA UNIQUE will offer different itinerary styles focused around Italian food, culture and art. We like this side of VIVA because it gives experienced river cruisers another reason to return. If you have already sailed a particular stretch of river, choosing a cruise built around food, wellness, culture or another interest can make the experience feel very different. It is also another example of VIVA being willing to experiment with routes and ideas that you do not necessarily see across every river cruise operator.
What is included with VIVA Cruises?
One of VIVA Cruises’ strongest features is its VIVA All-Inclusive concept. Standard onboard inclusions generally include:
- Breakfast, lunch and multi-course dinner
- Snacks during the day
- Flexible dining times and free choice of table
- A wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day
- Welcome sparkling wine
- A minibar in the cabin, replenished daily
- A reusable water bottle
- High Tea once during the cruise
- Wi-Fi onboard
- Selected toiletries
- Gratuities for the onboard crew
The drinks inclusion is particularly notable. Some river cruise operators limit complimentary wine and beer to lunch and dinner. VIVA includes a broad selection of drinks throughout the day, including selected wines, beers, sparkling wine, cocktails, spirits and non-alcoholic options.
Flexible dining
The relaxed approach continues into the restaurants. There are no fixed dining sittings or assigned tables. Guests can dine during restaurant opening hours and choose where they would like to sit.
On newer ships with several restaurants, there is also more choice over where to eat. This fits well with the overall VIVA style: contemporary, relatively informal and designed to give guests more flexibility over how they spend their time.
Are excursions included with VIVA Cruises?
Generally, shore excursions are not included within VIVA’s standard cruise fare. This is one of the most important differences to understand when comparing VIVA with other river cruise operators.
VIVA offers a programme of excursions which guests can choose and book separately. Alternatively, you can explore independently, revisit somewhere you already know or simply spend more time onboard. We think this approach can work particularly well for experienced river cruisers. Someone returning to Vienna for the third time may have very little interest in another introductory city tour. They may instead prefer to visit a particular museum, find a favourite restaurant or simply explore independently. VIVA gives guests that choice.
There is another side to the comparison, however. If you prefer taking an organised excursion in every destination, those additional costs need to be considered when comparing VIVA with a cruise line where sightseeing is already included in the fare. Selected itineraries and VIVA Boutique programmes can have different excursion arrangements, so we always recommend checking the particular cruise rather than assuming every sailing works in exactly the same way.
Is VIVA Cruises really all-inclusive?
For the onboard experience, we think VIVA’s description is fair. Meals, all-day selected drinks, minibar, Wi-Fi and gratuities are included, leaving relatively few onboard extras to think about. The important distinction is that VIVA All-Inclusive does not generally mean all-inclusive sightseeing. Whether that is an advantage or disadvantage depends entirely on how you like to travel.
What is it like onboard VIVA Cruises?
The overall atmosphere is relaxed, contemporary and international. VIVA attracts guests from a range of countries, giving the ships a more cosmopolitan feel than cruise lines focused predominantly on one national market.
The dress code is informal too. Casual clothing is appropriate during the day, while evenings tend to be smart-casual rather than formal. There is no expectation for traditional formal evening wear. That relaxed atmosphere works particularly well with the contemporary design of the newer ships and the flexible approach to dining.
Who does VIVA Cruises suit?
We think VIVA occupies an interesting position within the premium river cruise market.
It can be particularly well suited to:
- Experienced river cruisers who have already visited many of Europe’s major ports
- Independent travellers who enjoy exploring destinations themselves
- Guests who prefer choosing which excursions they pay for
- Travellers who value all-day drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi being included
- Those who prefer flexible dining to fixed sittings
- Guests who like contemporary, minimalist ship design
- Travellers looking for a relaxed rather than formal atmosphere
- People who enjoy travelling with an international mix of guests
- River cruisers interested in shorter voyages, unusual routes or travelling outside the traditional summer season
VIVA can also work well for someone taking their first river cruise. If you like contemporary ships, flexible dining and plenty included onboard, it can be an appealing introduction.
The main consideration is sightseeing. For confident independent travellers, being able to choose your excursions may be an advantage from the outset. For someone who wants every day organised and an excursion automatically included in most ports, another cruise line may initially feel more straightforward. Neither approach is necessarily better. It depends on how you prefer to travel.
How does VIVA Cruises compare with other river cruise lines?
We would place VIVA within the premium part of the river cruise market. Its onboard inclusions are strong, particularly all-day drinks, gratuities and the replenished minibar, while its newer ships have a polished contemporary feel.
The biggest difference when comparing VIVA with operators such as Viking, Emerald Cruises, Riviera Travel or Travelmarvel is the excursion policy. One cruise line may include more sightseeing, while VIVA may include more onboard. That is why we do not recommend comparing river cruises purely on their headline price. The best-value option is the one that includes the things you will actually use.
What should you consider before booking?
There are three things we would look at particularly carefully.
(1) The ship - The VIVA fleet is varied. Newer ships such as VIVA ONE, VIVA TWO and VIVA ENJOY offer the most contemporary version of the product, while smaller vessels can provide a different onboard experience and access to more unusual waterways.
(2) The itinerary - VIVA offers everything from classic Rhine and Danube routes to smaller rivers, short city-focused cruises and newer destinations such as the Po.
(3) How you want to explore ashore - If you prefer organised sightseeing most days, factor excursion costs into your comparison. If you enjoy exploring independently, VIVA’s flexibility may be one of its strongest advantages.
For us, choosing the right VIVA cruise is therefore less about asking whether VIVA is a good cruise line and more about finding the right combination of ship, itinerary and travel style.
Can The River Cruise Company arrange flights and transfers?
Many VIVA Cruises are sold on a cruise-only basis, but that does not mean your holiday has to begin when you step onboard the ship.
At The River Cruise Company, we can build the travel arrangements around your chosen VIVA cruise.
For customers travelling from the UK, we can combine the cruise with suitable flights and transfers to and from the ship, creating a complete river cruise holiday rather than leaving you to organise each element separately.
If you are travelling from elsewhere in the world, we can also arrange the cruise on its own and add transfers where required.
This flexibility can be particularly useful with VIVA because its programme includes such a wide variety of embarkation points, shorter cruises and less familiar routes. Whether you want a straightforward cruise-only booking or would prefer us to put the travel arrangements around it, we can tailor the booking to suit where you are travelling from.
Our View
We think VIVA Cruises is one of the more interesting river cruise operators to have developed in Europe over recent years. Although the brand itself is relatively young, the experience of Scylla behind it gives VIVA a strong foundation. More importantly, it has developed its own identity. The combination of contemporary ships, flexible dining, strong onboard inclusions and optional shore excursions differentiates VIVA from many established river cruise operators.
We particularly like the flexibility for repeat river cruisers. If you already know many of Europe’s major cities, not having an excursion automatically built into the fare can be a genuine advantage.
The newer ships are another strength, particularly for guests who prefer modern, minimalist interiors to more traditional river cruise design. However, the fleet is varied, so we would always recommend choosing the individual ship carefully rather than assuming every VIVA experience will be identical.
Overall, we see VIVA as a particularly good option for travellers looking for a premium river cruise without too much formality and who value being able to decide for themselves how much organised sightseeing they want.
If VIVA Cruises has caught your attention, speak to our team at The River Cruise Company and we can talk you through the different ships, destinations and itineraries available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns VIVA Cruises?
VIVA Cruises is the in-house river cruise operator of Scylla AG, a Swiss shipping company with decades of experience owning and operating river vessels in Europe.
When did VIVA Cruises start?
VIVA Cruises launched for the 2018/19 winter season.
Is VIVA Cruises all-inclusive?
VIVA operates its VIVA All-Inclusive concept, which includes meals, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day, Wi-Fi, minibar and gratuities.
Shore excursions are generally not automatically included.
Are drinks included with VIVA Cruises?
Yes. A broad selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is included throughout the day rather than only during meals.
Are gratuities included?
Yes. Gratuities for the onboard crew are included within the standard fare.
Are excursions included with VIVA Cruises?
Generally, no. Guests can book VIVA’s organised excursions separately or explore independently. Selected itineraries and VIVA Boutique programmes can have different arrangements, so check the individual sailing.
Where does VIVA Cruises sail?
VIVA operates on rivers including the Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Elbe and Spree, as well as smaller European waterways. From 2027, VIVA UNIQUE will also sail through the Venetian Lagoon and along Italy’s Po River.
Does VIVA Cruises offer themed cruises?
Yes. Alongside its regular programme, VIVA offers selected themed and special-interest cruises, which can include wellness, culture and other interest-led sailings.
Which are VIVA Cruises’ newest ships?
VIVA ONE entered service in 2022, VIVA TWO in 2023 and VIVA ENJOY in 2024.
VIVA BEYOND introduced the newer VIVA Boutique concept on the Seine in 2026, with VIVA UNIQUE following in Italy in 2027.
What is VIVA Boutique?
VIVA Boutique is VIVA’s more premium concept, featuring smaller guest numbers, a high proportion of suites and an increased emphasis on dining and destination experiences.
Is VIVA Cruises formal?
No. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, with casual clothing during the day and smart-casual dress in the evening.
Who travels with VIVA Cruises?
VIVA attracts an international audience, contributing to a relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere onboard.
Is VIVA Cruises suitable for first-time river cruisers?
Yes, particularly for travellers comfortable choosing their own sightseeing and who like the idea of a contemporary, flexible river cruise experience.
Which VIVA Cruises ship should I choose?
That depends on the river and style of experience you prefer. For a contemporary minimalist feel, look particularly at VIVA ONE, VIVA TWO and VIVA ENJOY. For a smaller, more premium experience, VIVA BEYOND and VIVA UNIQUE form part of the VIVA Boutique collection. Other vessels offer access to smaller waterways and different types of itineraries.
Can The River Cruise Company arrange a complete VIVA cruise package?
Yes. For customers travelling from the UK, we can combine selected VIVA cruises with flights and transfers. For customers travelling from elsewhere, we can arrange cruise-only bookings and add transfers where required.
Our team can help you compare the ship, itinerary, cabin, inclusions and excursion options and build the arrangements around the way you want to travel.