VIVA Cruises has officially christened VIVA Beyond in Paris, the first ship within the new VIVA Boutique label. With this new premium line, the cruise company aims to reinvent the traditional river cruise by combining the intimacy of a boutique hotel with high-end gastronomy, design, and themed travel experiences.
The christening ceremony took place on Friday 8 May in a sun-drenched Paris, in the presence of more than 160 partners and journalists. CEO and co-founder Andrea Kruse led the event together with godmother of the ship Cecilie Kopperud, Head of Ocean Cruise Department at Escape Travel Norway.
According to Kruse, the introduction of VIVA Beyond marks an important new phase for the company and for the river cruise sector. “With VIVA Beyond we are creating a place where aesthetics and experience take centre stage, and where we as a company dare to set a clear direction. It is a particularly proud moment for me to see our vision for VIVA Boutique come to life here in Paris.”
Cecilie Kopperud also highlighted the innovative nature of the concept. “It is a great honour to be godmother of VIVA Beyond. I have worked in the travel industry since the 1980s and have dedicated my career to travel on the water. It is remarkable to see how VIVA Boutique adds a refined new dimension to river cruises while also appealing to a broader, younger audience.”
Boutique approach on the water
Since the founding of VIVA Cruises in 2018, the company has launched a new ship almost every year. At the same time, internal ambitions grew to develop a more luxurious product alongside the traditional river cruises, with fewer passengers, more suites, and a stronger focus on gastronomy and experience. This has now resulted in VIVA Boutique.
VIVA Beyond is, at 110 metres, deliberately more compact than the traditional VIVA ships on the Rhine and Danube. The vessel accommodates 112 guests in 56 cabins, of which almost half are suites. Ten of these are so-called Beyond Suites with panoramic views. This clearly targets travellers who value comfort, tranquillity, and personalised service.
The interior also sets itself apart from the classic fleet. The familiar VIVA blue has been replaced by warm dusty pink tones and a more refined design style that aligns with the boutique concept.
Culinarily, VIVA Beyond also raises the bar. On board are three restaurants, including the fine dining restaurant Moments. There, chefs trained by German Michelin-star chef David Goerne serve refined French dishes with a contemporary twist. In addition, the ship features the main restaurant Riverside and VIVA Brasserie. The entire offering is included in the company’s all-inclusive formula.
Three routes around the French soul
On Sunday 10 May, VIVA Beyond departed for its first official cruise on the Seine. From Paris, the ship offers three themed routes, each focusing on a different aspect of French culture.
Art and Impressionism
The first route focuses on the world of the Impressionists. Travellers visit, among other places, Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his final months. Giverny, with Claude Monet’s iconic gardens, is also included as an optional excursion.
Culture and lifestyle along the Seine
The second route revolves around French elegance, history, and lifestyle. The highlight of the journey is Château de La Roche-Guyon, which majestically overlooks the Seine valley. The Palace of Versailles and the Sacré-Cœur in Paris are also included. Guests can visit historic towns and soak up the atmosphere in local markets.
The cruises include multiple overnight stays in Paris, allowing travellers ample time to explore the capital at their own pace, while enjoying a café au lait on a terrace.
Gastronomy of Normandy
The third route is aimed at food lovers, with culinary discoveries along the Seine and the Normandy coast. From baguettes in Paris to cider, calvados, camembert, and fish dishes in Normandy: gastronomy is the common thread.
An included excursion takes guests to Château Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart, followed by a visit to an authentic apple farm where local products take centre stage. Other ports of all include cities such as Rouen and Le Havre, and excursion options to picturesque Honfleur.
International ambitions
By choosing Norwegian Cecilie Kopperud as godmother, VIVA Cruises also underlines its growing international profile. According to the company, 55% of guests now come from outside Germany, with strong growth in Scandinavia. VIVA Cruises has also recently opened an office in India and maintains representation in the United States.
According to Patrick Ell, Director Marketing & Digital, VIVA’s audience is primarily driven by quality and transparency. The all-inclusive concept plays a crucial role, as guests know exactly what is included, from meals and drinks to excursions within VIVA Boutique.
Ell also notes a clear rejuvenation of the audience, with active guests in their fifties often travelling as couples and later returning with friends or family.
Further expansion planned
The launch of VIVA Beyond is only the beginning of the boutique strategy. In 2027, a second ship within the label will follow: VIVA Unique, which will sail on the Po in Italy. The vessel will have a capacity of 104 passengers and 30 crew members.
Later in 2026, VIVA Cruises also plans to introduce winter cruises of three to five nights, as well as city trip concepts with VIVA Beyond remaining permanently moored in Paris.
For 2028, VIVA Cruises is planning another vessel for 160 guests, which will operate on the Rhône in France.
Pictures CruiseToTravel.
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