Viva Cruises
River Cruising
Viva is the best river cruise line most Australians haven't heard of yet. Backed by Scylla, which has been building and operating river ships since 1974, the product punches well above its weight — three full restaurants on a 190-guest ship is unheard of, and the all-inclusive package genuinely covers everything including the minibar. The international passenger mix and the boutique-hotel design give it a very different feel to the American-dominated lines. Watch for their new VIVA Boutique offshoot on the Seine in 2026.
Viva Cruises may be a relatively new brand — it launched in 2018 — but the expertise behind it runs deep. Parent company Scylla AG has been building and operating river ships from its Swiss base since 1974, and that half-century of know-how is evident in every aspect of the Viva product. The fleet sails primarily on the Rhine and Danube, with itineraries themed around Christmas markets, Dutch tulip season, wellness retreats and even crime-thriller voyages with guest authors. The newest vessel, Viva Enjoy, debuted in 2024 and carries 190 guests in a design that has earned consistently strong reviews.
What sets Viva apart from more established competitors is its approach to onboard space and dining. An innovative half-deck design redistributes interior volume to create impressively tall public areas anchored by statement chandeliers and panoramic windows. Three full-service restaurants — the main dining room, Moments and the Viva Bistro — offer unrestricted complimentary dining throughout the day, a remarkable feat for a ship of this size. The all-inclusive fare also covers premium beverages, the minibar, Wi-Fi, gratuities, one guided excursion per port, and bicycles for independent exploration ashore.
The wellness thread runs throughout the experience. Onboard facilities include a fitness centre, a dedicated wellness studio, massage rooms and a sun-deck hot tub, while Nordic walking sticks and bikes encourage active port visits. Daily surprises — canapés at sunset, late-night snacks, chocolates on the pillow — add a personal touch that passengers frequently cite in reviews. The crew delivers attentive, warm service without the formality of some luxury competitors, and the international passenger mix creates a convivial, cosmopolitan atmosphere conducted in both German and English.
For travellers seeking a boutique European river cruise that delivers genuine all-inclusive value, excellent dining and a contemporary design sensibility without the premium price tag of the market leaders, Viva Cruises is a compelling and increasingly well-regarded choice. The upcoming launch of VIVA Boutique and the all-suite VIVA Beyond on the Seine in 2026 signals a brand with serious ambitions.
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