European river cruise brand VIVA Cruises announced the release of a new line-up of cruises for 2023 along with the launch of its second new-built ship, Viva Two. On the heels of the company’s the official launch of sales in the North American travel market, VIVA is expanding its contemporary premium all-inclusive river cruises by including experiential shore excursion in each port of call as part of its cruise offering.
VIVA is a favorite across Europe, backed by its cruise-pioneering parent Scylla, which shares its tradition of excellence in river and expedition cruising since 1973. Following the launch of VIVA One earlier this year, VIVA Two will be the line’s second new-build ship. It will feature 95 cabins, including eight suites, which will reflect the casual yet chic lifestyle of VIVA Cruises.
VIVA Two will features three restaurants: VIVA’s Bistro, offering a casual atmosphere and a wide selection of snacks and smaller dishes available from early morning until late at night, as well as a prime view from the back of the ship; Riverside, the main restaurant, serving a wide selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus; and Moments, the place to go for top-flight specialty food accompanied by light entertainment.
All dining options will be included in the cruise package as part of the VIVA all-Inclusive product, which also features snacks, full board, high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, self-service coffee stations and water stations, minibar, beauty products from the Rituals lifestyle luxury cosmetic brand, free Wi-Fi, and all tips and gratuities. In addition, as part of the North American product offering, all cruises will feature one shore excursion in each port of call.
VIVA Two’s seven-night maiden voyage will set sail from Frankfurt on April 1, 2023, heading upstream along the Main River. Passing through such cities as Bamberg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg, the maiden voyage will take travelers exploring along the Danube to the three-river city of Passau, the itinerary’s final destination. Pricing for the maiden voyage will start at $2,350 per person.
“After the launch of VIVA One this year, the launch of our second new-build ship, VIVA Two, is another important highlight in the history of VIVA Cruises,” said Andrea Kruse, chief operating officer of VIVA Cruises. “We are truly delighted to be celebrating this exciting milestone for the company and look forward to welcoming travelers aboard our nine ships available in 2023.”
From 2023, VIVA Cruises is also set to expand its extensive offering on the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhône, Seine, and Baltic Sea. Sailed by VIVA Tiara, new routes will be offered including a 10-night cruise between Dusseldorf and Regensburg in Germany, passing through the Rhine, the Main and the Danube rivers. VIVA One and VIVA Moments will also be expanding their itineraries with one-way services from Düsseldorf to Basel, Basel to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Basel and Basel to Düsseldorf.
In addition to VIVA Cruises’ classic river routes, 2023 will also see the comeback of the company’s “themed cruises” running from January to March. These include VIVA’s wellness itineraries featuring lower carb meals, a complimentary 30-minute massage, and unlimited use of fitness facilities; city trips to Belgium and the Netherlands; and “Crime Mystery Cruises” to Berlin and Düsseldorf. VIVA Cruises will be also offering Advent, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve short excursions showcasing such seasonal elements as locally acclaimed Christmas Markets.