FORT LAUDERDALEV — VIVA Cruises has begun the countdown to the inaugural voyage of VIVA BEYOND, its newest river ship and the first vessel in the company’s VIVA Boutique collection.
Purpose-built for the Seine River, VIVA BEYOND is scheduled to debut in May 2026 and will sail a series of seven-night itineraries focused on culture, cuisine and slow travel through France.
The new ship represents what VIVA Cruises describes as its most sophisticated expression of boutique river cruising to date, combining design-forward spaces with immersive itineraries and the line’s premium all-inclusive experience. VIVA BEYOND will operate exclusively on the Seine, offering guests a contemporary and highly curated way to explore France.
“As we begin this four-month countdown, VIVA BEYOND represents more than a new ship – it represents our vision for the future of boutique river cruising,” said Andrea Kruse, CEO of VIVA Cruises. “The Seine is a river of extraordinary emotion, history, and beauty. With VIVA BEYOND, we have created a ship and a collection of journeys that allow our guests to experience France in a deeply personal and inspiring way.”
ON BOARD AMENITIES
Accommodations are suite-forward, including Junior Suites, Suites and the new Beyond Suites, many featuring panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and enhanced in-room amenities. The ship also offers open-plan public spaces with expansive views and a warm residential feel aimed at guests seeking comfort, space and cultural depth.
With more suites than any other vessel in the VIVA Cruises fleet, the ship is designed to create a more personalized and unhurried onboard atmosphere.
WEEK-LONG VOYAGES
Upon launch, VIVA BEYOND will offer three seven-night itineraries, each highlighting a different aspect of French culture. ‘In the Footsteps of Impressionism’ focuses on the landscapes that inspired artists such as Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh, with visits to destinations including Giverny, Rouen and Auvers-sur-Oise. ‘Culinary Delights of Normandy’ centres on regional cuisine, featuring visits to local markets, orchards and farms paired with onboard dining experiences. ‘Pure Culture Along the Seine’ offers a broader cultural overview, tracing France’s heritage from Paris through Normandy.
Each sailing includes the line’s VIVA All-Inclusive offering, covering all meals, premium beverages, excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi and onboard experiences.
ITALY EXPANSION
Looking beyond France, VIVA Cruises has also confirmed plans to expand its VIVA Boutique concept into Italy in 2027 with the launch of VIVA UNIQUE, a sister ship to VIVA BEYOND that will deliver a similar boutique experience on Italy’s waterways.
“VIVA Boutique is a key pillar of our long-term growth strategy,” Kruse said. “We’re excited to bring this refined, culturally rich travel style to even more destinations across Europe. This expansion reflects our commitment to thoughtful growth, exceptional design, and immersive destination-focused travel.”
VIVA BEYOND’s inaugural season begins in May 2026, with bookings now open for its Seine River itineraries. To learn more or book VIVA BEYOND’s 2026 sailings, visit www.viva-cruises.com/en-us or call 1-833-YES-VIVA (937-8482).
