European river cruise specialist VIVA Cruises is promising a new era in luxury river cruising, with the announcement of its first high-end boutique river ship, the VIVA Beyond. On offer will be an exclusive travel experience that marries the elegance of a boutique hotel with the immersive experience of river cruising.
Slated to make its maiden voyage in May 2026, the VIVA Beyond will sail down the Seine River, from the heart of Paris to the Atlantic coast via Normandy. The company says it will move away from traditional formats to create a ‘holistic and sensory-driven experience’, both on and off the water.
As the centrepiece of the new VIVA Boutique brand, the VIVA Beyond will undergo an extensive renovation in 2026. The ship, which will accommodate 116 passengers, will feature a vast sun deck, perfect for taking in the stunning landscapes along the Seine, as well as a state-of-the-art wellness area with access to the latest fitness equipment.
There will be a choice of 12 suites, 4 junior suites, and for the first time in the VIVA fleet, 10 master suites. The suites will include extra perks such as in-room breakfast, seasonal culinary delights, and a personal aperitif with the captain and hotel manager, accompanied by champagne and fine canapés.
As the centrepiece of the new VIVA Boutique brand, the VIVA Beyond will undergo an extensive renovation in 2026…
Immersive travel from Paris to Normandy
The ship’s maiden voyage will take travellers on an eight-day tour from Paris along the Seine, stopping at destinations in Normandy before reaching the Atlantic coast and returning to the capital. Guests can expect specially curated shore excursions that reflect the themes of Impressionism, culture, and gastronomy.
For art lovers, signature excursions will explore the era of Impressionism, taking in Auvers-sur-Oise, the village where masters like Van Gogh and Cézanne once lived and worked. Food enthusiasts can look forward to discovering local culinary treasures on an apple farm near the Château Gaillard, a majestic castle built by Richard the Lionheart.
History buffs can marvel at the Renaissance castle of La Roche-Guyon, exploring the layers of history that shaped this stunning fortress by the Seine.
The VIVA all-inclusive experience
VIVA Cruises has long been known for its all-inclusive approach, and the VIVA Beyond will offer the most comprehensive package yet. The ship will be home to three first-class restaurants, including Moments, which will serve French specialities such as crêpes, macarons, and croissants.
In keeping with the spirit of luxury and exclusivity, a VIVA Signature Experience will also offer a chance to connect with local artisans, chefs, and cultural experts during shore excursions.
Barcelona is preparing to celebrate a major milestone in the long history of the Sagrada Família, with the completion of its central towers, including the Tower of Jesus Christ. The project fulfils a key part of Antoni Gaudí’s original vision and establishes the basilica as the tallest of its kind in the world. The occasion…
It’s dusk on the western coast of Mauritius, and I’m standing on my private villa terrace watching something extraordinary unfold above me. Huge fruit bats, with wingspans wider than you’d ever imagine, are gliding silently from the trees as darkness settles across the gardens, cutting shapes against the sky. I haven’t moved for fifteen minutes.…
One of Italy’s most legendary wine dynasties is taking over a Belgravia pub for one night only – and the menu sounds outrageously good. On Thursday 4 June, Prince Arthur will partner with iconic Italian wine producer Marchesi Antinori for an intimate tasting dinner pairing some of Tuscany’s most celebrated wines with a decadent Basque-inspired…
The Luxe Review 
European river cruise specialist VIVA Cruises is promising a new era in luxury river cruising, with the announcement of its first high-end boutique river ship, the VIVA Beyond. On offer will be an exclusive travel experience that marries the elegance of a boutique hotel with the immersive experience of river cruising.
Slated to make its maiden voyage in May 2026, the VIVA Beyond will sail down the Seine River, from the heart of Paris to the Atlantic coast via Normandy. The company says it will move away from traditional formats to create a ‘holistic and sensory-driven experience’, both on and off the water.
As the centrepiece of the new VIVA Boutique brand, the VIVA Beyond will undergo an extensive renovation in 2026. The ship, which will accommodate 116 passengers, will feature a vast sun deck, perfect for taking in the stunning landscapes along the Seine, as well as a state-of-the-art wellness area with access to the latest fitness equipment.
There will be a choice of 12 suites, 4 junior suites, and for the first time in the VIVA fleet, 10 master suites. The suites will include extra perks such as in-room breakfast, seasonal culinary delights, and a personal aperitif with the captain and hotel manager, accompanied by champagne and fine canapés.
Immersive travel from Paris to Normandy
The ship’s maiden voyage will take travellers on an eight-day tour from Paris along the Seine, stopping at destinations in Normandy before reaching the Atlantic coast and returning to the capital. Guests can expect specially curated shore excursions that reflect the themes of Impressionism, culture, and gastronomy.
For art lovers, signature excursions will explore the era of Impressionism, taking in Auvers-sur-Oise, the village where masters like Van Gogh and Cézanne once lived and worked. Food enthusiasts can look forward to discovering local culinary treasures on an apple farm near the Château Gaillard, a majestic castle built by Richard the Lionheart.
History buffs can marvel at the Renaissance castle of La Roche-Guyon, exploring the layers of history that shaped this stunning fortress by the Seine.
The VIVA all-inclusive experience
VIVA Cruises has long been known for its all-inclusive approach, and the VIVA Beyond will offer the most comprehensive package yet. The ship will be home to three first-class restaurants, including Moments, which will serve French specialities such as crêpes, macarons, and croissants.
In keeping with the spirit of luxury and exclusivity, a VIVA Signature Experience will also offer a chance to connect with local artisans, chefs, and cultural experts during shore excursions.
This luxury Barcelona hotel is the place to stay for the Sagrada Família Tower opening
Barcelona is preparing to celebrate a major milestone in the long history of the Sagrada Família, with the completion of its central towers, including the Tower of Jesus Christ. The project fulfils a key part of Antoni Gaudí’s original vision and establishes the basilica as the tallest of its kind in the world. The occasion…
Maradiva Villas, Mauritius review: I checked into the most luxurious private resort in Mauritius – where privacy, giant bats and the finest food on the island await
It’s dusk on the western coast of Mauritius, and I’m standing on my private villa terrace watching something extraordinary unfold above me. Huge fruit bats, with wingspans wider than you’d ever imagine, are gliding silently from the trees as darkness settles across the gardens, cutting shapes against the sky. I haven’t moved for fifteen minutes.…
This Belgravia pub is serving a £200 Antinori wine feast – and it sounds worth every sip
One of Italy’s most legendary wine dynasties is taking over a Belgravia pub for one night only – and the menu sounds outrageously good. On Thursday 4 June, Prince Arthur will partner with iconic Italian wine producer Marchesi Antinori for an intimate tasting dinner pairing some of Tuscany’s most celebrated wines with a decadent Basque-inspired…
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