VIVA Cruises has unveiled its 2028 programme for its two VIVA Boutique ships, with new Champagne and culinary-themed sailings on the Seine and Po River, plus a Venice Carnival ‘floating hotel’ city stay.
The 112-guest VIVA BEYOND will sail the Seine from February to December, while 104-guest VIVA UNIQUE will operate in Italy across the Po River and Venetian Lagoon.
New for 2028 is the seven-night ‘Champagne & Sparkling Cruise’ aboard VIVA BEYOND, sailing roundtrip from Paris on 29 July. It includes a full-day in the Champagne region, alongside calls at Conflans, Rouen, Le Havre, Caudebec and Vernon.
VIVA’s master of wine Romana Echensperger will host tastings, masterclasses and paired menus, with prices from £3,150pp including excursions.
VIVA BEYOND will also offer a seven-night ‘Culinary Cruise France’ departing 13 May, featuring dinner at Michelin-starred chef David Görne’s Manoir de Rétival. The sailing will also include food walks, tastings and wine experiences led by Romana, with prices from £3,395pp.
Other VIVA BEYOND itineraries include ‘Savoir-Vivre on the Seine’, ‘In the Light of the Impressionists’ and ‘A Taste of Normandy’, alongside three and five-night sailings from Paris.
VIVA UNIQUE will introduce a ‘Venice City Stay’, with the ship remaining in the heart of Venice as a floating boutique hotel. The three-night stay will operate in February and March, including during Venice Carnival, as well as November and December, from £750pp.
The ship will also offer ‘Gourmet Cruise’, a seven-night sailing from Venice to Cremona departing 1 October. The itinerary includes calls at Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po, Polesella and Boretto, with Romana joining onboard. Prices start from £3,395pp including excursions.
VIVA Cruises Director of Sales, UK & Ireland and Australia & New Zealand Michelle Daniels said: “Our 2028 Boutique programme brings together new itineraries, themed cruises and regional experiences across France and Italy.
“From sparkling wines on the Seine to celebrated culinary traditions in Northern Italy, our itineraries offer guests the opportunity to explore each region in depth.
“With enhanced experiences, new extensions and a wealth of onboard extras, we’re continuing to develop a more personalised and immersive way to discover these regions.”
Both VIVA Boutique ships have more than 50% suite accommodation, with guests receiving an included signature shore excursion and access to three onboard restaurants. Suite guests also receive airport transfers, priority boarding, in-suite breakfast and a personal concierge.
VIVA BEYOND launched earlier this year, while VIVA UNIQUE is due to enter service from May 2027.
Alongside its Boutique programme, VIVA Cruises has also launched its biggest-ever 2028 river cruise programme, with 332 departures across seven ships. The programme, which goes on sale on 15 October, covers European rivers including the Rhine, Douro, Danube and Dutch Waterways.
