Michael Edwards sails on the christening cruise of VIVA Cruises’ new flagship VIVA TWO
Excitement. Euphoria. Relief. Launching a new ship releases waves of emotions. And that is even before anticipation of the maiden river voyage.
When the champagne cracked on the bow of VIVA TWO, and the confetti fluttered, it was an emotional moment for VIVA Cruise’s staff. They hugged and high-fived in celebration. Even for a cruise line that has built its reputation on the “Enjoy the moment” credo, this was an exceptional moment.
Two years ago, the VIVA TWO concept had only been sketched out on paper. Designers envisaged style options in a trial cabin and steadily the 135 metres long, 190-passenger ship became a reality.
On March 23rd, 2023, invited guests walked the red carpet as the ship’s horn blasted and the sound system played “It’s a beautiful day” to celebrate the christening of VIVA TWO. She had become VIVA Cruise’s prestigious flagship.
In his speech, Captain Golubovic announced that the ship was the most modern on the Rhine. A catalytic converter and a particle filter reduce exhaust emissions whilst 76 solar panels support the ship’s electrical system.
VIVA TWO’s light decor, natural tones and textures, has a contemporary feel. Spacious staterooms, without openable windows, begin on the lower Emerald deck. On both the Ruby and Diamond deck, staterooms have opening floor-to-ceiling windows giving superb views as Europe drifts past. Eight Balcony suites on the top Diamond deck have a spacious lounge area too. All staterooms feature a 32-inch flat screen TV, coffeemaker and frequently refreshed minibar. Individual climate control enables guests to set the temperature to taste.
The gym is equipped with an exercise bike, treadmill, and a selection of weights. As well as providing massages the Wellness area has a steam bath and infrared sauna. On the sundeck, there is a whirlpool for summer days.
For a relatively modest-sized ship, VIVA TWO has big dining options. Riverside’s breakfast offers a mix and match of buffet, boulangerie and cooked-to-order items. Service is impeccable and speedy: coffee cups are rapidly refilled, omelettes quickly delivered, and plates instantly cleared. For lunch and dinner, locally sourced regional specialities will appear on the menu.
Even though there are just 95 cabins, VIVA TWO offers two more eating options in addition to the Riverside restaurant. Throughout the day and evening, the Bistro, with a casual and welcoming atmosphere, gives privileged views from the rear of the ship. MOMENTS is the ship’s speciality restaurant for top-class dining, with white-gloved wine waiters providing paired vintages.
VIVA Cruises’ pricing includes full board, gratuities, refreshed mini bar, soft drinks and selected alcoholic drinks throughout the day. Bikes are available, free of charge, for exploring when VIVA TWO docks. But shore excursions are an extra. Largely as there is such a wide range from walking tours through to cookery courses and wine tasting.
After a maiden cruise from Frankfurt to Passau, VIVA TWO will mainly sail on the Danube, offering five-day short trips or seven-night cruises from Passau or Vienna. In summer, there will be opportunities to take a grand 16-day cruise to the biodiversity of the Danube Delta.
For the start of the 2024 season, VIVA TWO will return to Düsseldorf for January, February, and March sailings on VIVA Cruise’s popular four-night city trips to the Netherlands and Belgium.
Even before the cake was cut to celebrate VIVA TWO’s christening, an announcement was made that the christening of VIVA THREE is pencilled in for September 2024. Such is the growing popularity of river cruises and particularly the demand for VIVA Cruises.
Tell Me More About VIVA TWO
VIVA Cruises, Heerdter Sandberg 30, 40549 Düsseldorf, Germany
T: +44 (0) 330 818 7271
An Emerald Deck Cabin starts from £1,250 per person for the 7 nights Danube Panorama cruise.
The 15 nights Danube Delta Cruise, begins from £2,850 per person for a double cabin on the Emerald Deck. For this Danube cruise suites commence from £4,695 per person.
