VIVA Cruises expands boutique brand with new Italian river ship
VIVA Cruises has confirmed plans to launch a second boutique river ship, VIVA Unique, which will begin sailing in May 2027 on Italy’s River Po and Venetian Lagoon
The move marks an expansion of VIVA Boutique, the line’s boutique brand it launched last year. The first vessel in the new initiative, VIVA Beyond, will debut in 2026.
VIVA Unique‘s itineraries will be themed around culinary, culture, lifestyle and art, each designed to showcase Italy’s heritage and flavours. A seven-night cruise starts at £2,350 per person.
The ship will sail several itineraries taking in sights such as the lagoon island of Mazzorbo Burano, with an optional excursion to Murano and Torcello; the fishing town of Chioggia; Polesella with an optional excursion to Verona or Bologna; and the agricultural town of Taglio Di Po.
VIVA Cruises CEO, Andrea Kruse, said: “Italy has always held a special place in my heart. 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.”
Onboard, guests will find three dining venues, the Italian inspired fine dining restaurant Moments; Trattoria, which will offer Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed setting; and the main Riverside restaurant featuring international gourmet cuisine and regional specialities.
Over half of the cabins on VIVA Unique will be suites, including the newly introduced Unique Suites offering up to 30 square metres of space. The ship also features a wellness area, a fitness room and a sun deck with a pool that offers views of the Venetian Lagoon and the Po River.
Guests staying in Twin Cabins and Junior Suites will receive a VIVA Boutique gift, enjoy a themed excursion and benefit from complimentary laundry service. Suite guests will be welcomed with priority embarkation, an aperitif and access to airport transfers from Venice.
For those in Unique Suites, in-suite breakfast, seasonal culinary treats, priority dining reservations and an aperitif with the captain and hotel manager will be available.
All itineraries will also feature VIVA Cruises’ VIVA All-Inclusive product, which includes high tea, full board, high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minibar, beauty products, Wi-Fi and all tips and gratuities.
