Viva Cruises – Discover Europe’s Waterways in Style

Miles Willis
Nov 11
4 min read

Viva Cruises – Discover Europe’s Waterways in Style with CruiseWorld

There’s something timeless about exploring Europe by river. The gentle rhythm of the water, the changing scenery outside your cabin window, and the thrill of waking up each morning in a new destination — it’s a way of travel that feels both luxurious and effortless. And when it comes to European river cruising done right, Viva Cruises stands out as one of the most exciting and best-value cruise lines available today.

At CruiseWorld, we’re proud to partner with Viva Cruises to bring South African travellers a range of unforgettable river journeys across Europe. Whether you dream of sailing down the romantic Rhine, exploring the castles of the Danube, or tasting fine wines in the south of France, Viva Cruises offers a modern take on river cruising — one that’s elegant, inclusive, and full of personality.

The Viva Cruises Difference

Viva Cruises is based in Düsseldorf, Germany, and operates a fleet of sleek, contemporary river vessels designed to blend comfort, style, and value. Each ship has a boutique-hotel feel — with light-filled interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious cabins, and a friendly, international atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home.

What truly sets Viva Cruises apart is its “Viva All-Inclusive” concept. This means you don’t have to worry about hidden extras — your cruise fare includes:

All meals and snacks, prepared by expert chefs
A wide selection of wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, and barista coffees
Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Use of onboard wellness facilities
Gratuities and tips

It’s transparent, relaxed luxury — with all the essentials built in, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

Explore Europe’s Most Beautiful Rivers

Viva Cruises offers a wide range of itineraries covering the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Seine, and Rhône Rivers — plus special themed voyages throughout the year.

Here’s a taste of where you could sail:

🚢 The Romantic Rhine

Travel between Amsterdam and Basel, passing through storybook scenery filled with castles, vineyards, and medieval towns. Highlights include Cologne, Rüdesheim, and the stunning Loreley Rock.

🌍 The Danube Discovery

Cruise from Passau to Budapest, exploring Europe’s imperial heart. Visit Vienna’s grand palaces, Bratislava’s old town, and Budapest’s illuminated skyline. Ideal for first-time river cruisers who want a mix of culture and scenery.

🍷 The Moselle and Main

A favourite for wine lovers, these itineraries glide through some of Germany’s most picturesque wine regions. Stop in Cochem, Bernkastel, and Würzburg — sampling Riesling wines along the way.

🎶 The Seine & Rhône

For a taste of France, sail along the Seine River from Paris to Normandy or explore southern France along the Rhône, visiting Avignon, Arles, and the lavender-filled countryside of Provence.

Each itinerary is carefully crafted to blend sightseeing with relaxation — perfect for travellers who love history, art, food, and authentic local culture.

Comfort, Cuisine & Carefree Cruising

Onboard a Viva Cruises ship, every detail is designed for comfort and ease. Cabins are stylish and well-equipped, with most offering panoramic windows or French balconies. You can watch the world drift by as you sip morning coffee in your room or unwind after dinner with a glass of wine on deck.

Dining is one of the highlights of a Viva cruise. Expect freshly prepared cuisine, often inspired by the regions you’re sailing through. From breakfast buffets to multi-course dinners with local ingredients, the culinary experience is central to the journey. And with open seating and flexible dining times, it’s easy to relax and enjoy at your own pace.

Unlike ocean cruising, river cruising feels more intimate — typically fewer than 200 guests onboard. That means no crowds, no queues, and no stress. You dock right in the heart of Europe’s most charming towns and cities, often just steps away from cafés, shops, and landmarks.

Why Viva Cruises is Great Value for Money

When comparing European river cruises, Viva consistently comes out ahead on value. Their all-inclusive pricing makes it easier to budget, with fewer extras to worry about once you’re onboard.

For South African travellers, Viva Cruises offers one of the best-value options in the market — combining 4-star comfort with 5-star inclusions. Whether you’re new to river cruising or a seasoned traveller looking for a refreshing alternative to the big ocean liners, Viva delivers affordable luxury with no compromise on quality.

Many itineraries also include shorter 4- or 5-night cruises, ideal for those wanting a taste of river cruising without committing to a long voyage.

Why Book Your Viva Cruise with CruiseWorld

At CruiseWorld, we specialise in helping South Africans explore the world by sea — from European river cruises to ocean voyages across the globe. When you book your Viva Cruises holiday through us, you’ll enjoy:

✅ Exclusive South African rates and special promotions✅ Expert guidance on the best itineraries for your travel style✅ Assistance with flights, transfers, and pre/post-cruise stays✅ Personalised service from a team who understands what local travellers want

Our cruise specialists have first-hand experience with the Viva product, so we can match you to the right ship, season, and route — making sure you get maximum value from your time in Europe.

We take care of all the logistics, so you can simply look forward to boarding your ship, unpacking once, and letting Europe unfold before you.

The Verdict: Effortless Elegance on Europe’s Rivers

Viva Cruises represents everything that’s special about modern river cruising — elegance without formality, quality without pretense, and value without compromise. It’s the perfect choice for travellers who want to experience Europe’s culture, cuisine, and scenery in comfort and style.

From the vineyards of the Rhine to the romance of the Danube, Viva Cruises takes you deeper into Europe — docking where ocean liners can’t go, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

For discerning South African travellers looking for an exceptional river cruise experience at the right price, Viva Cruises is a name to remember.

Let CruiseWorld make it happen — your trusted partner for unforgettable journeys on Europe’s most beautiful rivers.