VIVA Cruises is a major player in the European river cruise scene, operating ten ships that sail along some of the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Seine, Rhine, Danube and Douro. Designed for 90 to 190 guests, these ships offer a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for travelers, often 50 and older, seeking peace, quiet and beautiful journeys through Germany, Portugal, France and the Netherlands.
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Let’s take a look at VIVA Cruises’ current fleet, including the year each ship was built and some of their main features.
- Viva Beyond (2026; Pool, three restaurants, more suites, fitness center, wellness area)
- Viva Enjoy (2024; Pool, fitness center and wellness are; Speciality restaurant Moments)
- Porto Mirante (2024; Pool and fitness center)
- Viva Two (2023; Pool, fitness center and wellness are; Speciality restaurant Moments)
- Viva One (2022; Pool, fitness center and wellness area)
- Viva Moments (2018; Pool and putting green on the sun deck; fitness center)
- Viva Tiara (2006; Pool and putting green on the sun deck)
- Viva Voyage (2005; Pool and putting green on the sun deck)
- Viva Gloria (2005; Pool on the sun deck)
- Viva Ruby (2002; library)
What are the main features of VIVA Cruises ships?
Here’s what you should expect when traveling on a VIVA Cruises ship:
- As is the case with most river cruise lines, VIVA Cruises offers ships that focus on a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. These ships carry fewer than 200 passengers, ensuring there’s never too much noise at any time of day.
- Almost every VIVA Cruises ship has a swimming pool - in fact, only the VIVA Ruby from 2002 lacks one on the top deck. There are no whirlpools on any VIVA Cruises ship.
- Activities and entertainment onboard are limited, which is standard for river cruises. Most entertainment revolves around piano bars and the fitness center, with occasional lectures about specific destinations.
- Their newer ships, like VIVA Two, have two restaurants - Riverside, the Main Dining Room, and an Italian specialty restaurant called Moments. Older ships, like VIVA One, feature just one Main Dining Room but also have a space called VIVA’s Bistro, which serves as an alternative dining venue.
- VIVA cruise ships are luxurious, but they aren’t quite on the same level as AmaWaterways or Viking. That’s understandable, especially since VIVA’s fares are generally lower than the competition. Staterooms tend to be smaller, and many VIVA ships feature French balconies rather than full-sized standard balconies.
- VIVA Beyond launches in 2026 and is set to be the most advanced ship in VIVA Cruises’ history. It will feature three specialty restaurants, a master suite, more than 50% suites overall, and more amenities than ever before. It will start its journeys along the Seine, and your friends at Famvia can help you secure a spot onboard.
VIVA Cruises Destinations
VIVA Cruises currently operates only in Europe, offering numerous itineraries along some of the world’s most popular rivers, such as the Rhine and the Seine. Germany is definitely their most popular destination, with several cruises including stops in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Hungary. If you’re planning to explore Germany in detail - beyond just its exceptional rivers - VIVA Cruises is an excellent choice.
Here are the countries they visit and the main rivers they sail:
- Germany (Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle)
- France (Seine, Rhône)
- Netherlands (Rhine)
- Portugal (Douro)
Germany
- Starting Price: $510 for a 2-Night Cruise and $1,000 for a 4-Night cruise.
- Main Destinations: Dusseldorf, Cologne, Bonn, Passau, Berlin, Frankfurt, Amsterdam.
Germany is one of VIVA Cruises’ main destinations, which makes sense since the brand originates there. They offer more than 90 itineraries across the country, with prices starting at around $510 per guest. For those curious about river cruising, VIVA even has short 2- and 3-night sailings in Germany, perfect for getting a taste of the experience. Some itineraries even stretch into the Netherlands and Belgium.
France
- Starting Price: $690 for a 3-Night cruise.
- Main Destinations: Paris, Les Andelys, Rouen, Le Havre, Vernon, Lyon.
VIVA Cruises sails along the Rhône and the Seine in France, offering about 25 different itineraries each year. Many focus on Paris and the timeless beauty of the City of Light, while others take a more ambitious route - like cruises that depart from Vienna, visit Budapest, and end in Paris. One standout is the 7-night “From Vienna to Paris – 4 Capitals in 8 Days,” which visits Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, and Paris, starting at $2,600 per guest.
Netherlands
- Starting Price: $1,000 for a 3-Night Course To The North cruise that starts in Dusseldorf.
- Main Destinations: Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Enkhuizen, Rotterdam.
Most cruises that sail through the Netherlands actually begin in Germany, typically from Düsseldorf or Frankfurt. Only a handful depart directly from Amsterdam. In fact, the most affordable option starting in Amsterdam is a 7-night Rhine cruise priced from $2,700 per guest. Several of the Germany-based cruises, however, include stops in the Netherlands, with visits to Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Portugal
- Starting Price: $3,500 for a 7-Night Cruise
- Main Destinations: Porto, Pinhao, Regua.
VIVA Cruises isn’t a major player in Portugal, but they do have one ship dedicated entirely to the region - the Porto Mirante. It offers two itineraries, both focused on the Douro River and the charms of Portugal, with stops in Pocinho, Pinhão, and Régua. These cruises are all about exploring vineyards, wandering through coastal villages, and trying local cuisine… and trust me, Portugal knows how to deliver when it comes to food.
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.
