VIVA Cruises has confirmed a second ship will join its new Boutique river fleet in May 2027.
The 104-passenger Viva Unique will be a sister ship to Viva Beyond, the first in the fleet, which will launch next May.
The second ship in the new, upscale VIVA Boutique fleet will sail out of Venice along the Venetian Lagoon and the River Po, while the 112-guest VIVA Beyond (pictured above) will cruise exclusively along the Seine, to and from Paris.
Both ships will offer three different themed cruises: art; culinary; and culture and lifestyle. A ‘signature experience’ is included on every cruise, such as a city tour in a 2CV in Paris, and a pasta-making class and private concerts in Venice.
Viva Boutique, which is a completely refurbished ship from Viva’s parent company Scylla, will have 52 cabins, over half of which will be suites, including 12 Unique Suites offering up to 30 square metres of space. There will also be junior suites, plus double or twin cabins.
Head of Marketing Patrick Ell (above) said: “Our suites are always booked first because our guests are looking for something special, rather than just a regular cruise experience.”
VIVA UNIQUE guests will receive a range of exclusive services tailored to their cabin category. Those staying in double or twin cabins and junior suites will receive a gift, a themed excursion and complimentary laundry service.
Suite guests will also receive priority embarkation, an aperitif and access to airport transfers from Venice.
In addition, Unique Suites guests will benefit from in-suite breakfast, ‘seasonal culinary treats’, priority dining reservations, exclusive experiences and an aperitif with the captain and hotel manager.
VIVA UNIQUE will have three restaurants, a wellness area, a modern fitness room and a sun deck with a pool.
All its itineraries will include VIVA Cruises’ all-inclusive product, with high tea, full board, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minibar, beauty products, wi-fi and all tips and gratuities included in the fare.
VIVA Cruises, which has 10 river ships in its core fleet, launched in 2018, followed by its more elevated brand VIVA Boutique in 2024. “We really want to cater to guests who want a bit more space and an elevated experience,” said Patrick. “It is not about butler service or lobster dinners, it is about little surprises you don’t expect.”
The launch of VIVA UNIQUE marks a personal milestone for VIVA Cruises CEO Andrea Kruse, whose passion for Italy has inspired the new offering. “Italy has always held a special place in my heart,” said Andrea. “With VIVA UNIQUE, we’re not just launching a ship – we’re creating a floating experience that celebrates the soul of Italian culture, cuisine and craftsmanship. It’s about offering our guests something truly personal, immersive and unforgettable.”
In 2028, VIVA UNIQUE will include the Venice Carnival.
Itineraries are on sale now.
