European river cruise specialist VIVA Cruises recently released its 2026 programme, full of exciting news. 

VIVA Cruises chief executive Andrea Kruse said: “2026 will be another milestone for VIVA Cruises. We are so pleased about the fact that guests from around the globe have embraced our concept so strongly that we will be operating six ships all year round for the first time in 2026. This will also include the new VIVA ENJOY, launching in January 2025, which will set sail from Vienna for short cruises on the Danube.”

VIVA Cruises’ 2026 programme will include a total of 325 river cruises on eight modern ships, all of them featuring diverse international guests and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. 

Six of these eight ships will offer cruises all year round, including themed cruises from January to March, such as VIVA Cruises’ popular “wellness cruises”.

These include the newly announced VIVA Boutique premium line; a float of six ships operating all year round; and the use of HVO fuel on all ships.

Launched earlier this year, VIVA Boutique is VIVA Cruises’ own boutique brand, aimed at offering a premium experience to guests. 

These include an extended VIVA All-Inclusive package, exclusive experiences, outstanding local onboard entertainment and an even greater culinary offer.

A different approach to luxury cruising

VIVA BEYOND will be VIVA Cruises’ first VIVA Boutique ship. With a spacious sun deck and a high-quality treatment area, relaxation and well-being will be ensured for the ship’s 116 passengers. 

Guests will have access to three restaurants, state-of-the-art fitness equipment as well as massages and wellness offers.

The new addition to the family will have more suites than any other ship in the VIVA Cruises’ fleet. 

Guests will be able to choose from twelve suites, four junior suites and, for the first time, ten spacious master suites. 

VIVA BEYOND’s maiden voyage will take place on the picturesque Seine in May 2026 with 25 departures scheduled for the year.

New ports in view

In addition to the new VIVA BEYOND’s Seine programme for 2026, guests can anticipate new routes and ports, along with extended departures of popular cruises. 

Guests can discover the charm of the Rhine, Moselle and Main aboard one of VIVA Cruises’ smallest ships, VIVA TIARA.

VIVA ONE and VIVA MOMENTS will continue to offer a range of shorter cruises on the Rhine, perfect for those new to river cruising. 

Due to popular demand, the number of 7-night cruises on the Danube will also be increased in 2026. 

VIVA TWO and VIVA ENJOY will provide year-round cruises departing from Passau and Vienna, respectively. 

With 13 departures on VIVA VOYAGE, VIVA Cruises will have their largest offering on the Rhône since 2018.

For the first time, a winter programme on the Seine with VIVA GLORIA will be available in January and February 2026, featuring 3-night city stays in Paris and 4-night cruises, which can be combined into a 7-night Seine experience. 

PORTO MIRANTE will offer additional departures on the increasingly popular Douro river to meet growing demand. 

Fully integrated into the VIVA Cruises fleet in 2026, VIVA RUBY will continue to provide relaxed itineraries on smaller rivers and canals for seasoned travellers from February to December.