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.
The Mayfair Chippy has swapped cucumber sandwiches and cakes for oysters, crab and king prawns with its gloriously savoury ‘Afternoon Sea’. There are certain things we expect from a London afternoon tea. Finger sandwiches. Tiny cakes. Scones accompanied by the inevitable debate over whether jam or cream goes first. A towering platter of oysters, crab…
There are probably faster ways to travel, but the Nubia Dahabeya makes a strong case for slowing down, to better take in Egypt’s ancient landscapes as you journey between Luxor and Aswan. Newly refurbished and available exclusively as a four-night private charter for up to 12 people, Nubia Dahabeya was originally conceived not as a…
The first of Taiwan’s new generation of high-speed trains has left Japan, marking the latest chapter in a rail partnership inspired by the world’s original bullet train. Built by the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium, the first 12-car trainset has been shipped from Hitachi’s Kasado Works to Taiwan ahead of testing and eventual passenger service. It’s…
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.
Forget The Scones – This Savoury London Afternoon Tea Is A Seafood Lover’s Dream
The Mayfair Chippy has swapped cucumber sandwiches and cakes for oysters, crab and king prawns with its gloriously savoury ‘Afternoon Sea’. There are certain things we expect from a London afternoon tea. Finger sandwiches. Tiny cakes. Scones accompanied by the inevitable debate over whether jam or cream goes first. A towering platter of oysters, crab…
Boutique charter Nubia Dahabeya offers a luxurious new way to explore the Nile
There are probably faster ways to travel, but the Nubia Dahabeya makes a strong case for slowing down, to better take in Egypt’s ancient landscapes as you journey between Luxor and Aswan. Newly refurbished and available exclusively as a four-night private charter for up to 12 people, Nubia Dahabeya was originally conceived not as a…
Taiwan’s next-generation bullet trains begin their journey from Japan
The first of Taiwan’s new generation of high-speed trains has left Japan, marking the latest chapter in a rail partnership inspired by the world’s original bullet train. Built by the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium, the first 12-car trainset has been shipped from Hitachi’s Kasado Works to Taiwan ahead of testing and eventual passenger service. It’s…
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