VIVA Cruises is a river cruise line offering a wide variety of itineraries at affordable prices. Their ships feature everything from standard oceanview cabins to full suites, and in 2026 they’ll debut luxurious master suites aboard the new VIVA Beyond. Dining is also a highlight, with at least one main restaurant per ship, snack bars, and a huge selection of drinks, all included in your fare.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the different stateroom categories available on VIVA Cruises, along with tips and insights about dining and food onboard.
Before we move on, remember that you can always click the Request a Quote button to get in touch with us. It’s free, and better yet, you won’t pay a dime more to book through our services. In fact, you might even save money since our travel advisors often have access to special deals not available anywhere else.
VIVA Cruises Room Options
Room options on VIVA Cruises vary from ship to ship, with newer vessels offering larger suites and more amenities. One of their signature features is the floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows found in many cabins, and most staterooms come with French balconies, perfect for letting in natural light.
Cabin sizes range from about 161 square feet for entry-level staterooms to around 260 square feet for suites. They’re cozy, bright, and inviting, but don’t expect the same spaciousness or high-end finishes you’d find on a luxury line like AmaWaterways. VIVA Cruises is positioned as a premium river cruise line, whereas AmaWaterways caters to the luxury market.
One underrated perk? Every cabin on VIVA Cruises comes with a Nespresso machine, which is perfect for enjoying a quick espresso while taking in views of the Eiffel Tower as you sail along the Seine.
Here’s an overview of VIVA Cruises’ staterooms and what you can expect:
- Exclusively outside cabins and suites that range from 15 - 24 m² (161 square feet to 260 square feet)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, most with French balcony
- Nespresso machine
- Reusable VIVA Cruise water bottle
- Flat screen TV and telephone
- Mini bar freshly stocked daily
- Air condition
- Two single beds or one king size bed
- Hair dryer
- High quality mattresses and the finest bed linen
- Private safe
- Spa bathrobes and slippers
We can divide VIVA Cruises’ cabins into the following categories:
- Oceanview Cabins
- Balcony Cabins
- Suites
Let’s check them out.
Oceanview Cabins
- Good for: You want to save money, don’t see the need for a balcony, and plan to spend most of your time outside your stateroom.
These entry-level cabins feature a fixed window that can’t be opened but still allows plenty of natural light to fill the space. They measure around 161 square feet and include two single beds that can be separated upon request. While VIVA officially calls them Double Cabins, we’ve chosen to refer to them as Oceanview Cabins here to avoid confusion, since some Double Cabins also come with a balcony.
Balcony Cabins
- Good for: Guests who want a balcony (either walk-on or French) to enjoy the views.
Balcony Cabins are also officially called Double Cabins by VIVA Cruises, but you’ll want to pay close attention - some Double Cabins have only a window, while others include a balcony. These rooms typically range from 161 to 182 square feet and offer all the same amenities as an Oceanview Cabin. The difference? Instead of a fixed window, you’ll enjoy either a French balcony or a standard walk-on balcony.
Suites
- Good for: Guests who want the best of the best, if you want extra space, if you like the idea of exclusive perks.
Suites are the largest and most luxurious staterooms on VIVA Cruises, ranging from 193 to 270 square feet. Some Balcony Suites include extra benefits like priority embarkation (one hour before regular check-in), a special welcome aperitif with wine and canapés, and a €50 laundry credit per cabin. Depending on the suite, you may have a French balcony, a walk-on balcony, a king-size bed, or two single beds. For detailed suite information, it’s always a great idea to contact us here at Famvia.
VIVA Cruises Dining Options
VIVA Cruises does a great job with dining, especially since all meals and most alcoholic drinks are included in your fare. Here’s what you can expect:
- Full breakfast buffet, lunch, and dinner (multi-course gourmet menu served at your table), plus snacks, all with free choice of seating and flexible meal times.
- All-day high-quality non-alcoholic drinks, including mineral water, soft drinks, juices, specialty coffees, tea, and cocoa.
Selected alcoholic drinks available all day, such as sparkling wine, aperitifs, white, red, and rosé wines, champagne, various beers, long drinks, cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs. - High Tea (once per cruise) featuring a fine selection of sweet and savory treats like scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates, macarons, and exclusive teas.
- Refillable in-room mini-bar, restocked daily.
Dietary Needs
VIVA Cruises caters to all common food allergies and intolerances. If you haven’t registered your dietary needs before your trip, please notify reception upon arrival so the onboard kitchen can accommodate you. Of course, your friends at Famvia can also assist with this.
Dress Code
There isn’t a strict dress code onboard VIVA Cruises. During the day, you’re free to dress pretty much however you want - just avoid wearing swimsuits inside the Main Dining Room. In the evening, a classic casual style is recommended. For ladies, blouses, skirts, or dresses work well, as do jeans or casual pants. Gentlemen should wear long trousers in the restaurant.
Room Service
VIVA Cruises does not offer traditional room service.
Is there a Main Dining Room onboard VIVA Cruises?
Yes, there is. Every VIVA Cruises ship has at least one Main Dining Room called Riverside. During its opening hours, you can dine at a time of your choice - there are no fixed table times, and you have free seating. Riverside serves a buffet breakfast and multi-course meals for lunch and dinner. This restaurant offers international cuisine and may also change its menu daily to feature regional dishes.
Is there a specialty restaurant onboard VIVA Cruises?
Yes, most of the newer VIVA Cruises ships, such as Viva One, Viva Two, and the upcoming Viva Beyond, offer additional dining venues alongside Riverside. On Viva Two, for example, you can dine at Moments, a restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine. Reservations may be required for specialty restaurants.
Do I need to pay for any restaurant onboard VIVA Cruises?
No, you don’t. While reservations may be required for specialty restaurants, all meals, snacks, and beverages are included in your cruise fare.
Are all drinks included in your cruise fare?
Most drinks are included in your cruise fare. All soft, non-alcoholic beverages, from soda to coffee, are covered, along with a wide selection of champagne, beer, and cocktails. Some specialty alcoholic drinks may incur an additional charge.
Why book VIVA Cruises with us?
At Famvia, we’re true experts when it comes to river cruising. Our team has crafted detailed guides and reviews covering a wide range of cruise lines, from Viking and A-Rosa to American Cruise Lines, AmaWaterways and more. We're also one of the few sources with an early guide ready for Celebrity River Cruises, set to debut in 2026.
Our expertise extends well beyond river cruising. We’ve worked closely for years with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury and premium cruise lines, including Silversea, Holland America, Explora Journeys, Celebrity Cruises and others. This deep knowledge of luxury travel makes us especially well-equipped to help you plan the perfect VIVA Cruises experience.
Ready to get started? Just click the Request a Quote button and send us a message. It’s completely free to reach out, and booking through us doesn’t cost a thing. In fact, you may even unlock exclusive deals available only through our travel advisors. Let us help you choose the right itinerary, ship, and sailing so you can enjoy the river cruise of a lifetime with VIVA Cruises.
