VIVA Cruises makes it easy to ‘enjoy the moment’ onboard its eighth river cruise ship

By Annie Cicvaric

ONBOARD VIVA TWO — A relative newcomer to the river cruise scene, VIVA Cruises recently debuted its newest shining star and flagship of the fleet, the Viva Two.

Travelweek was onboard Viva Two last month, to explore the brand new river ship and experience VIVA’s unique offerings first-hand on a scenic seven-night Danube sailing.

Based in Dusseldorf, the luxury brand is a stand-alone under the parent shipping company, Scylla, which has provided river cruise ships for brands like Tauck and Riviera River Cruises for many years.

Reaching a milestone with its second new build, Viva Two increases VIVA’s fleet to eight. And with the appetite for river cruising on the rise, the line is keen and well-poised to make waves in the industry.

So, what’s the appeal?

Guests prefer to unpack once and effortlessly step off into the heart of Europe’s magical historical cities, less the crowds and worries.

Moreover, cruisers like VIVA Cruises’ fresh take on river cruising, with a luxurious yet relaxed style.

SHIP INTERIOR & STATEROOMS: WHAT TO EXPECT?

Making a wow statement is Viva Two’s innovative open-plan lounge split between two decks which connects to a spiral staircase.

The unconventional open level design create a sense of spaciousness and light.

In addition, a subtle colour palette and natural materials throughout the ship’s interior create a distinct contemporary ambiance.

The ship hosts 190 guests with 95 staterooms, including eight well-appointed luxurious suites with French balconies.

All staterooms include a walk-in shower with premium beauty products, plenty of wardrobe space, large flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a Nespresso machine.

For guests seeking the sun, loungers beckon on the top deck alongside a whirlpool and putting green.

While on the main deck, you can find a fitness room and wellness area with a steam bath and an infrared sauna.

Active-minded guests seeking to explore Viva Two’s ports of call independently can reserve a bicycle, complimentary.

Dining Scene

As Viva Two cruises Europe’s rivers, local sourcing is integral to menu planning, reflecting regional specialties and local wines for the ships’ restaurants.

The Viva Two is the first in the fleet to debut a new and third eatery venue, Moments, with an open kitchen and where wine pairings are a highlight.

Guests can enjoy a different dining experience in the Bistro, Riverside and Moments restaurants serving up delicious modern interpretations of classic favourites.

All dining options are part of the Viva all-Inclusive product.

Big On Green

While charting a course to sustainability is a top priority for cruise lines today, VIVA Cruises might have this area cornered.

Respecting the environment and being mindful of its footprint is central to the brand’s mission, and it begins with economic route planning and continues onboard.

In addition to biodegradable fuel, a catalytic converter, a particle filter for the exhaust system, and 76 solar panels add to the ship’s eco-friendly credentials.

All guests receive a reusable water bottle with refilling available at several water dispensers and there are no single-use plastics aboard.

Like all VIVA’s vessels, Viva Two uses shore power during in-port moorings.

Equally focused on protecting the environment, Viva Two has been awarded the gold certificate by the independent Green Award Foundation.

Expanding Markets

Although VIVA Cruises is a German-based cruise company, Andrea Kruse, COO of VIVA Cruises, quickly points out that they are an international river company with guests currently sailing from key markets of Europe, Scandinavia, the UK and Israel.

“We are still young, turning five this year - and we have a pretty brilliant product. So enjoy the moment,” added Kruse.

What’s next on the horizon? VIVA intends to expand its reach into North America this year and grow its market share by 10%.

John Dennis, VP of Sales & Marketing, North America, made clear their commitment to working with the travel agent community. Travel advisors will be paramount in the line’s expansion success, he said.

“The travel agent community is significant to us, and we see them as the primary source of passenger booking for VIVA,” said Dennis.

“The goal is to grow with the advisor and the agent network as best we can; although we’re a very small brand, we feel there is a place for us.”

For 2023 the trade can expect a multi-tier approach through trade marketing, training and roadshow events in Canada and the U.S. over the next few months.

A call centre is open and ready for bookings, with commissions starting at 15%.

ALL-INCLUSIVE MEANS ALL-INCLUSIVE

Viva Two will mainly sail the Danube, a longtime favourite for river cruisers, with five-day or seven-night cruises from Passau or Vienna. The program will also include a 16-day voyage in the summer.

Currently, the line is the only river cruise offering to sail year-round.

Prices include an entire board, gratuities, a refreshed minibar and a selection of alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day, free WiFi, tips and gratuities.

And for the North American product offering, VIVA Cruises features one exciting shore excursion in each port of call -all at the initial cruise cost.

To Sum Things Up

VIVA Cruises’ rapid growth illustrates that river cruising and this young, vibrant brand are on the up.

It’s a winning formula for guests, particularly foodies, who love the dining options, light, spacious ships, and relaxed vibe where one can simply ‘enjoy the moment’ on a VIVA Cruise sailing.

For more information on VIVA Cruises, visit www.vivacruises.com or call 1-833-YES-VIVA (937-8182).

Airlines

The Air Canada Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) has provided a notice to bargain to Air Canada management. The union says it is anticipates scheduling its first bargaining meeting with the airline in the coming weeks. WestJet pilots are also members of ALPA. Last month, WestJet and ALPA reached a tentative consensus on their second collective bargaining agreement, narrowly averting a strike. The deal included a 24% wage increase over four years. The Air Canada pilots announced their new membership in the ALPA, also last month, and invoked a clause to end its 10-year collective agreement a year early and launch negotiations over a new one.

Both Air Canada and Air Transat were honoured at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held at the Paris Air Show. Air Canada took the prize for the World’s Most Family-Friendly Airline, and the Best Airline in Canada. Air Canada employees won for Best Airline Staff in Canada, and Air Canada Rouge was declared the Best LowCost Airline in Canada. Meanwhile Air Transat came out on top once again at the Skytrax Awards, taking home the ‘World’s Best Leisure Airline’ award for the fifth time. “Receiving this award for the fifth time illustrates their exceptional contributions, which are at the heart of our success,” said Transat’s President and CEO, Annick Guérard.

Policies

New legislation has been introduced by Ottawa to bolster accountability at airports and create a transportation sector that’s more efficient and transparent. Bill C-52, tabled in the House of Commons and announced by Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, would pave the way for new rules requiring airports and other airport operators to create service standards and publish data that can be compared against those benchmarks. Ottawa says these standards could track outcomes ranging from security screening wait times, to how long it takes luggage to reach the carousel.

Cruise

VIVA Cruises will debut a third new-build ship, Viva Enjoy, set to launch in September 2024. With a similar design to VIVA Cruises’ second new-build ship, Viva Two, the Viva Enjoy will mainly sail on the Danube from September to December 2024. Itineraries are now open for booking. The new vessel will set off on its 12-night maiden voyage on Sept. 22, 2024, from Frankfurt to Vienna. The river cruise brand launched sales to the North American travel market in 2022, backed by its cruise-pioneering parent Scylla. VIVA Cruises itineraries are commissionable to travel advisors starting at 15% and increasing based on bookings.

Sustainability

Silversea has become the first tour operator to gain certification in environmental management in the Galapagos Islands. According to the ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, it is the first operator to divert all waste from landfill disposal in the Galapagos. Silversea classifies and sorts all waste generated aboard Silver Origin, before transporting all but organic waste out of the Galapagos Islands to the mainland to be recycled or processed in line with regulatory procedures. The cruise line receives a traceability document that verifies the responsible movement and disposal of all waste.