VIVA Cruises Christens First Boutique Brand River Ship

VIVA Cruises officially welcomed its first boutique brand ship, VIVA BEYOND, into the fleet during a christening ceremony in Paris on May 8.

Danish journalist Annamette Fuhrmann hosted the ceremony which was attended by more than 160 key travel partners and top executives from VIVA Cruises, including CEO and Co-founder Andrea Kruse, as well as the ship’s godmother travel industry executive Cecilie Kopperud.

“We are so excited to launch the next step in our company’s growth with the christening of VIVA BEYOND,” said Kruse. “In keeping with its name, this ship is beyond anything we have offered before and, as the first ship in our exciting new VIVA Boutique line, marks another important milestone in the success of our young company. Cecilie Kopperud is a wonderful Godmother choice as we celebrate our progressive leadership in the industry. Cecilie epitomizes the passion we share for excellence in river cruising.” 

VIVA BEYOND is the ninth ship in VIVA’s growing fleet, but the first in its all-new Boutique line, which has been designed as a floating boutique hotel. With a length of 360 feet, VIVA BEYOND offers space for 112 guests in 56 cabins, half of which are suites measuring up to 323 square feet.

Onboard guests can indulge in one of three complimentary restaurants onboard including MOMENTS, with its menu created by Michelin-starred Chef David Görne and the VIVA Cruises culinary team. Other onboard amenities include a fitness room with space for massage and wellness sessions, a spacious sun deck, and more.

VIVA BEYOND offers three itineraries built around art, gastronomy, and culture, each designed to immerse guests in the essence of northern France.

“In the footsteps of Impressionism” invites guests into the landscapes that inspired Monet and Renoir, with visits to Giverny and its iconic gardens offering a particularly strong draw for travelers with a love of French art and culture. Optional excursions include visits to Monet’s famous garden, as well as museums and historic sites showcasing Impressionist masterpieces and the creative spirit of the era.

“Culinary delights of Normandy” take guests through one of France’s richest gastronomic regions, from local producers to historic châteaux and coastal towns, combining authentic food experiences with a deeper understanding of the region’s culinary traditions.

“Pure culture along the Seine” provides a slower, more atmospheric journey, blending Parisian landmarks with everyday French life—from gallery visits to café terraces and riverside moments.