VIVA Cruises

The VIVA Cruises brand was launched in 2019, and already has nine ships. A 10th – as well as an entirely new sister brand – is on the way. While the line might be a relative newcomer on the river cruise scene, the company behind it has an impressive pedigree. VIVA is the river cruise arm of Swiss shipping company Scylla AG, which currently owns a fleet of 40 cruise ships that it charters out to lines such as Tauck and Riviera River Cruises. 

VIVA Cruises' ships range from refurbished vessels to newbuilds that sail on Europe's most popular rivers in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and, since 2024, Portugal with the launch of Porto Mirante. In 2026, the line is launching an offshoot called VIVA Boutique with 112-passenger ship VIVA BEYOND, which will be based on the Seine. The all-suite ship, with amenities like a sun deck pool, complimentary laundry, and early boarding, will include 10 master suites, a new class of cabin for VIVA. The master suites come with extra perks, such as in-room breakfast, preferred table dining reservations, and a cocktail reception with the captain.

VIVA is the only river cruise line headquartered in Düsseldorf, and it offers a variety of itineraries that showcase this lesser-known German city. Additionally, it offers themed cruises such as German Christmas market and Dutch tulip-timed sailings, wellness itineraries, crime thriller cruises with guest authors, and itineraries that coincide with colorful annual events such as Rhine in Flames, a firework spectacle in various locations along the Middle Rhine Valley that celebrates the German wine harvest.

Guests can expect high levels of service and all-inclusive itineraries that don't feel overly organized, allowing passengers to choose when they want to eat and what they want to do. This builds on the company tagline, "Enjoy the Moment."