VIVA Cruises launches its largest river cruise program to date. Available for booking from October 15, 2026, the program will run from January to December aboard seven ships and will travel along major European rivers, including the Rhine, Douro, Danube, and the waterways of the Netherlands.
It also includes four new itineraries:
- 'Grand European Journey to Budapest', a 14-night cruise aboard the VIVA ENJOY, departing from Amsterdam with stops in Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz, Wertheim, Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Departure on May 25.
- 'Meuse Moments in the Netherlands', a seven-night cruise aboard the VIVA TIARA, departs from and returns to Düsseldorf with stops in Nijmegen, Maastricht, Roermond, Venlo, Gorinchem, Dordrecht, and Utrecht. There will be three departures in June and July.
- 'Enchantment on the Ijsselmeer', a seven-night cruise aboard the VIVA ONE, departs from and returns to Düsseldorf with stops in Amsterdam, Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Willemstad, Dordrecht and Arnhem. There will be four departures in June, July and August.
- 'Wine Journey Between Basel & Nancy', a 10-night cruise aboard the VIVA RUBY, departing from Basel and stopping in Breisach, Strasbourg, Speyer, Bingen, Koblenz, Cochem, Bernkastel, Trier, Metz and Nancy. Departure on October 5th.
In addition, the 2028 season will include themed proposals focused on wellness, jazz, gastronomy and wine.
Throughout the season, VIVA will visit four new ports of call: Bingen and Glückstadt in Germany, and Medemblik and Lemmer in the Netherlands. New excursions include a wine tasting at the Disibodenberg Monastery ruins in Bingen and a visit to the village of Giethoorn during the stop in Lemmer.
Michelle Daniels, Sales Director for the UK and Ireland and Australia and New Zealand at VIVA Cruises, said: “Our 2028 program represents a significant step forward, with more sailings than ever before and an incredibly diverse range of itineraries designed to offer something for every type of river cruise passenger. From our new Grand European Journey and the picturesque Dutch waterways to a dedicated wine itinerary between Basel and Nancy, we are expanding the possibilities for our guests to discover the wide variety of destinations that can be explored by river.”.
“The addition of new ports, experiences and themed cruises also allows those who have already traveled with us to discover something different, with itineraries that highlight the culture, gastronomy, landscapes and character of each destination.”.
VIVA Cruises' all-inclusive experience includes all meals, flexible dining options at up to three restaurants, and a selection of premium beverages, including wine, spirits, and cocktails. Passengers also enjoy a complimentary High Tea once per cruise, a daily replenished minibar and in-cabin Nespresso coffee machine, a welcome bottle of prosecco, Rituals toiletries, plus included Wi-Fi and gratuities.
VIVA Cruises has also unveiled its 2028 programs for its two VIVA Boutique ships, VIVA BEYOND and VIVA UNIQUE. These include a new Champagne cruise, specialized sailings focused on gastronomy and culture, and the addition of a city break option during the Venice Carnival.
The VIVA BEYOND, with a capacity for 112 passengers, will operate on the Seine from February to December, while the VIVA UNIQUE, with a capacity for 104 passengers, will sail around Italy from February to December, with itineraries along the Po River and the Venetian Lagoon.
VIVA BEYOND
The VIVA BEYOND will offer a combination of three, five, six, and seven-night itineraries, including:
- The 'Paris City Stay' is a three-night package where the ship will be docked in the heart of Paris and operate as a floating boutique hotel. It is available from February to March and from November to December, with prices starting from £750 per person.
- The 'Seine from Paris' is a five-night cruise departing from and returning to Paris, with stops in Les Andelys, Rouen, and Conflans. It is available from February to March and from November to December, with prices starting from £1,350 per person.
- The seven-night 'Culinary Cruise France' departs from and returns to Paris, with stops in Vernon, Les Andelys, Rouen, Caudebec, Le Havre, and La Roche-Guyon. It includes an exclusive dinner at Manoir de Rétival, helmed by Michelin-starred chef David Görne, as well as the expertise of VIVA's wine expert, Romana Echensperger, who will lead tastings, masterclasses, and paired menus. Departure is on May 13th, with prices starting from £3,395 per person, including all excursions such as food tours and tastings.
- A new seven-night Champagne & Sparkling Cruise departs from and returns to Paris, with stops in Conflans, Rouen, Le Havre, Caudebec, and Vernon. Romana Echensperger will lead tastings, masterclasses, and paired menus. A full day exploring the Champagne region is also included. Departing on July 29, prices start from £3,150 per person, including all excursions such as food tours and tastings.
- 'Savoir-Vivre on the Seine', a seven-night cruise departing from and returning to Paris with stops in La Roche Guyon, Rouen, Le Havre, Les Andelys, Vernon, and Conflans. Departures from March to September, with prices starting from £1,995 per person.
- 'In the Light of the Impressionists', a seven-night cruise departing from and returning to Paris with stops in Conflans, Rouen, Caudebec, Le Havre, and Vernon. Departures from April to October, with prices starting from £1,995 per person.
- 'A Taste of Normandy', a seven-night cruise departing from and returning to Paris with stops in Les Andelys, Rouen, Caudebec, Le Havre, and Vernon. Departures from May to October, with prices starting from £1,995 per person.
VIVA UNIQUE
The VIVA UNIQUE will offer a combination of three, five, six, and seven-night cruises:
- The 'Venice City Stay' is a three-night package where the ship remains in the heart of Venice and operates as a floating boutique hotel. It's available from February to March—including during the Venice Carnival—and from November to December, with prices starting from £750 per person.
- The five-night 'Lagoon Love & Dolce Vita' cruise departs from and returns to Venice, with stops in Mazzorbo and Chioggia. Available from February to March and November to December, with prices starting from £1,350 per person.
- 'Culture and the Sweet Life in the Lagoon', a seven-night cruise departing from and returning to Venice with stops in Mazzorbo and Chioggia. Departures in July and August, with prices starting from £2,250 per person.
- 'Italy for all the Senses', a seven-night cruise departing from and returning to Venice with stops in Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po, Polesella, and Chioggia. Departures from March to September, with prices starting from £2,250 per person.
- The seven-night 'Gourmet Cruise' departs from Venice and stops in Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po, Polesella, Boretto, and Cremona. It departs on October 1st, with prices starting from £3,395 per person, including all excursions such as food tours and tastings. Wine expert Romana Echensperger will be on board.
- 'Venice to Cremona', a seven-night cruise departing from Venice with stops in Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po, Polesella, Revere, and Cremona. Departures from April to October, with prices starting from £2,250 per person.
Michelle Daniels, Sales Director for the UK and Ireland and Australia and New Zealand at VIVA Cruises, stated: “Our Boutique 2028 program brings together new itineraries, themed cruises, and regional experiences in France and Italy. From the sparkling wines of the Seine to the renowned culinary traditions of Northern Italy, our itineraries offer guests the opportunity to explore each region in depth. With enhanced experiences, new extensions, and a wide range of additional onboard services, we continue to develop a more personalized and immersive way to discover these regions.”.
VIVA Boutique ships feature over 50% suite accommodations and offer additional amenities such as an exclusive complimentary shore excursion, three onboard restaurants, and Michelin-inspired cuisine at MOMENTS restaurant. Suite guests also enjoy services including airport transfers, priority boarding, in-suite breakfast, and a personal concierge.
In general terms, VIVA's all-inclusive experience includes all meals, flexible dining options at up to three restaurants, and a selection of premium beverages, including wine, spirits, and cocktails. Passengers can also enjoy a complimentary High Tea once per cruise, a daily replenished minibar and Nespresso coffee machine in their stateroom, a welcome bottle of prosecco, Typology toiletries, as well as included Wi-Fi and gratuities.
The VIVA BEYOND began operations earlier this year, while the VIVA UNIQUE will begin sailing in May 2027.
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