More than 250 ships sail The Danube, so you could be forgiven for asking if we need any more. VIVA Cruises answers the question with a resounding affirmative.
The christening of VIVA TWO in Düsseldorf, in March 2023, demonstrates that demand for river cruises continues to grow. Guests like to unpack just once, then effortlessly cruise into the heart of Europe’s great cities with no worries about traffic, parking, or hotel reservations. Moreover, cruisers like VIVA Cruises’ luxurious but relaxed style.
Before the champagne had even dried on the bow, before the christening cake had even been cut, VIVA Cruises joyously announced that the christening of VIVA THREE was already pencilled in for September 2024. The champagne also celebrated VIVA Cruises’ fifth anniversary and their second new ship within the year.
Interestingly, the English name reveals the international mix of VIVA Cruises’ guests in addition to the fact that both English and German are spoken on the ship.
The ship
Hosting 190 guests in 95 state rooms, spread over three decks, VIVA TWO is a mere 135 metres long. That is a modest size by river cruiser standards, giving a quieter and more intimate ambience than on some of VIVA TWO’s competitors.
A catalytic converter and a particle filter have been added to the exhaust system and 76 solar panels also add to the ship’s eco-friendly credentials. Referring to the ship’s low draught design, economical route planning and autopilots, Captain Golubovic stated: “The cleanest energy is the energy that you don’t use.”
Experienced river cruisers noticed less vibrations and commented on how quietly the engine ran. “The most modern ship on the Rhine,” Captain Golubovic proudly added.
The staterooms
Spread over the lower Emerald, middle Ruby and top Diamond decks, the décor is light and welcoming. A light palette of beiges, greys and pinewood creates a distinctly contemporary feel.
Spacious cabins on the Ruby and Diamond decks have cabin-width, floor to ceiling French balconies. All staterooms have a coffeemaker, 32-inch flatscreen TV and minibar refreshed by the twice daily room service.
Push-button rainfall or directional, full-bathroom width showers with double doors, are the highlight of a bathroom equipped with Rituals toiletries.
Bar, restaurants and facilities
The ship’s bar boasts panoramic windows, which provide spectacular river views from the open-plan lounge which leads into an oval bar.
As VIVA TWO cruises Europe’s rivers, local sourcing will provide regional specialities and matching wines at the ship’s restaurants. Riverside is the largest restaurant providing flexible timing and free-choice of seating, while, from morning to evening, the Bistro provides a relaxed ambience with wide rear views. In the evening, the menu is fish themed, so expect crayfish cocktail, lobster bisque, pan-fried plaice or a paella-style seafood risotto. MOMENTS is VIVA TWO’s stylish speciality restaurant providing fine dining with Mediterranean inspired menus.
Up on the sun deck, sun-loungers await alongside a whirlpool and putting green. A gym houses a bike, treadmill, and selection of weights whilst the wellness area offers treatments, a steam bath and infrared sauna. Providing guests with great freedom, a dozen bikes are available, free of charge, for guests to independently explore VIVA TWO’s ports of call.
The cruises
Andrea Kruse, VIVA Cruises COO, states many guests no longer see river cruises as the poor step-sister of ocean cruising.
Demand for cruises along the scenic Danube, sailing through centuries of history, past capitals, castles, churches, monasteries, and palaces is greater than ever before. Travellers’ enthusiasm for art galleries, great museums, Mozart arias, Strauss waltzes and some of Europe’s finest architecture grows unabated.
Consequently, for 2023, VIVA TWO will largely offer five-day short trips or seven-night cruises on the Danube, beginning from either Vienna or Passau. Though some grand 16-day cruises exploring the Danube Delta are scheduled for summer.
Returning to its home port of Düsseldorf for January, February, and March in 2024, VIVA TWO will sail four-night city trips to Belgium and the Netherlands.
All-inclusive
Prices include full board, gratuities, a refreshed mini bar and a selection of alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
As VIVA TWO will provide a great variety of shore excursions from city walking tours through to cookery classes and wine tasting, these events are charged as taken.
In a nutshell
VIVA Cruises’ rapid growth illustrates that both river cruising and this young vibrant brand are on the up. Guests, particularly foodies, love the light and spacious ships. It is a winning formula and VIVA Cruises have few changes planned for VIVA THREE.
Factbox
An Emerald Deck Cabin starts from £1,250 per person for the seven-night Danube Panorama cruise.
The 15-night 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.
More details at viva-cruises.com
Photography courtesy of VIVA Cruises
