VIVA Cruises, Europe’s renowned all-inclusive river cruise specialist including the Danube, Elbe, Moselle, Rhine, Rhône, Seine and the Main-Danube Canal has launched its new VIVA Boutique cruise line and its first premium ship, VIVA BEYOND, due to sail her maiden voyage in 2026.
With VIVA Boutique, VIVA Cruises is aiming to raise the bar on passenger exclusivity with this brand-new premium product. VIVA BEYOND will be the operator’s first boutique river ship launching in May 2026 and sailing down the Seine.
VIVA Boutique is looking to combine the features of a boutique hotel with the diverse experiences of a luxury river cruise, as well as appealing to the senses.
“VIVA Boutique marks another important milestone in the success story of our young company. The development of our own boutique brand was a project close to our hearts, which we will offer to those guests who want to experience the extraordinary. VIVA BEYOND’s maiden voyage will take place on the picturesque Seine in May 2026. The new ship combines the best of both worlds: the comfort of a boutique hotel with the diversity of a river cruise,” says VIVA Cruises CEO, Andrea Kruse.
VIVA BEYOND, part of the Scylla shipping company’s fleet, will undergo a comprehensive renovation in early 2026 to align with the new premium brand. With a spacious sun deck and a high-quality treatment area, relaxation and well-being are also ensured for the ship’s 116 passengers. Guests will have access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment as well as massages and wellness offers.
The new addition to the family will have more suites than any other ship in the VIVA Cruises’ fleet. Guests will be able to choose from twelve suites, four junior suites and, for the first time, ten spacious master suites.
VIVA BEYOND will set off on its maiden voyage in May 2026, with an eight-day cruise taking her from Paris via Normandy to the Atlantic coast, and back to the French capital. On board, passengers will experience the flair and spirit of all things France and all guests on the maiden voyage will enjoy two shore excursions on the theme of “Impressionism” included in the price.
Travellers staying on a master suite will enjoy additional benefits, including the possibility of having breakfast in their cabins, seasonal delicacies, and a personal aperitif with the captain and hotel manager – accompanied by champagne and fine canapés. They will also receive the best choice of table in the restaurants and an exclusive shore excursion, included in the tour price.
Art, culture and culinary delights in harmony
VIVA Cruises’ new premium travel experience will begin on the river. VIVA BEYOND guests will have the chance to immerse themselves deeply in the world of art, culture and culinary delights of France – whether through the curated signature excursions of or the upscale ambience onboard.
Within the new VIVA Boutique concept, guests will be able to choose from tours dedicated to the three main themes of “Impressionism,” “Culture & Lifestyle” and “Culinary”. Art lovers will experience the era of Impressionism in the footsteps of great masters such as van Gogh and Monet. Culture enthusiasts will enjoy exploring castles, palaces and fascinating cities along the Seine; while foodies will be treated to VIVA Boutique’s exquisite delicacies, regional wine specialities and a chat and drink with renowned top chefs.
Unique experiences on land and on board
Also new are three signature excursions. VIVA Boutique offers hand-picked excursions that combine art, culture and culinary delights with the charm and sophistication of the French lifestyle.
The first of the hand-picked tour (“Culinary”) will take guests to the impressive castle ruins of Château Gaillard – built by Richard the Lionheart. After their guided visit, guests will be able to enjoy local delicacies on a traditional apple farm.
Another signature excursion (“Culture & Lifestyle”) will have the Renaissance castle of La Roche-Guyon, near the Seine, as centre stage. A tour of the former fortress will reveal an impressive variety of architectural styles, accompanied by stories of the different eras that shaped the building.
The third signature excursion (“Impressionism”) is about Auvers-sur-Oise, a village where impressionist artists such as Cézanne, Pissarro and Henri Rousseau spent significant time in.
To book your trip on VIVA BEYOND please visit VIVA Boutique
For more information on VIVA please visit VIVA Cruises
