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.
Salford Distillery is marking 100 years of Salford’s city status with a limited-edition aged rum inspired by the Caribbean trade that helped shape the city’s industrial history. Blended and bottled at Salford Distillery’s railway-arch home on Viaduct Street, the Salford Centenary Edition Rum brings together a blend of aged Caribbean rums, for a flavour profile…
There are worse ways to spend a Sunday than eating unlimited pizza and pasta while someone dutifully tops up your Prosecco. In fact, forget the Sunday roast. If your idea of a superior weekend involves truffle pasta, wood-fired pizza and a bottomless Aperol Spritz in the middle of Soho, Bocconcino has cracked it. The name…
Looking for Halloween plans with a little more bite? London’s No Escape is turning up the terror this spooky season, with nine horror-themed escape rooms, live actors and some seriously theatrical cocktails. Naturally, we went to investigate. Running from 23rd October to 1st November, No Escape’s Halloween takeover sees its four London venues in Victoria,…
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.
Salford Distillery Centenary Edition Caribbean rum marks 100 years with limited edition bottling
Salford Distillery is marking 100 years of Salford’s city status with a limited-edition aged rum inspired by the Caribbean trade that helped shape the city’s industrial history. Blended and bottled at Salford Distillery’s railway-arch home on Viaduct Street, the Salford Centenary Edition Rum brings together a blend of aged Caribbean rums, for a flavour profile…
Bocconcino review: Unlimited pizza, pasta, prosecco and spritzes? This might be London’s dreamiest Sunday brunch
There are worse ways to spend a Sunday than eating unlimited pizza and pasta while someone dutifully tops up your Prosecco. In fact, forget the Sunday roast. If your idea of a superior weekend involves truffle pasta, wood-fired pizza and a bottomless Aperol Spritz in the middle of Soho, Bocconcino has cracked it. The name…
Looking for a Scare? We tried one of London’s best Halloween escape room experiences
Looking for Halloween plans with a little more bite? London’s No Escape is turning up the terror this spooky season, with nine horror-themed escape rooms, live actors and some seriously theatrical cocktails. Naturally, we went to investigate. Running from 23rd October to 1st November, No Escape’s Halloween takeover sees its four London venues in Victoria,…
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