VIVA TWO christened for luxury cruising on European rivers /

Blue and silver confetti floated on the Rhine breeze. A bottle of champagne burst on the bow. The ship’s horn sounded through Düsseldorf. “It’s a beautiful day” played on the sound system and VIVA TWO was triumphantly christened.

VIVA Cruises staff embraced and gave joyful high fives during the celebration. Two years ago, this state-of-the-art ship was just a drawing board concept. Now she radiated reality and smelled brand new.

The ship’s godmother, Shiri Gordon, CEO of Tel Aviv-based tour operator The Gordon Travel Group, launched the champagne on the 135-foot river cruiser that can accommodate 190 passengers. She gave words of wisdom to the staff of VIVA Cruises: “Do what you love and love what you do.”

With respect for the environment, VIVA TWO’s design, solar panels and autopilots all have lower energy consumption. As Captain Golubovic says, “The cleanest energy is the energy you don’t use.”

The ship

The captain told invited VIPs that the VIVA TWO is one of the most modern ships on European rivers.

Guests on the ship’s short cruise from Dusseldorf to Nijmegen were impressed by this smooth-sailing vessel with a shallow draft. Experienced cruisers commented on the absence of vibrations commonly found on river cruisers.

For Captain Golubovic, a third-generation sailor, taking the helm of a brand new ship was the pinnacle of his career aspirations. A moment made even more proud by his brother Dragan serving as co-captain alongside him.

Accommodation is spread over three decks. The double rooms on the top two Diamond and Ruby decks have floor-to-ceiling French balconies, while those on the lower deck, Emerald, have non-opening windows.

Soft gray and beige tones, pine fixtures and mini spotlights give the cabins a light contemporary look. Equipped with a 32-inch flat-screen TV, coffee maker and minibar, each stateroom offers exceptional comfort. Individual climate control allows guests to set the temperature for their own personal comfort.

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The bathrooms

Stylishly combining marble, dark gray splash tiles and light cream walls, bright bathrooms have ample space for a couple’s bathroom essentials.

Double salon-style glass doors provide easy access to a large shower, both rain and directional, that spans the full width of the bathroom. Low level night lighting is another thoughtful feature. Rituals provides Sensuous Holy Lotus and White Tea toiletries.

The balcony suites

Eight suites are located on the top Diamond Deck. The wide double bed facing the window can also be configured as two single beds.

The bathrooms have SPA bathrobes and slippers.

to dine

Every meal on board VIVA TWO is a gastronomic experience. You can choose from a buffet and cooked-to-order items for both breakfast and lunch. A French style bakery is a highlight at breakfast.

Menus and the wine list in the Riverside restaurant, the largest of the three dining rooms, adapt to local sourcing as Europe slips by. Perhaps a Wiener schnitzel will appear in Austria or a goulash in Hungary.

MOMENTS, on the Emerald deck, offers Mediterranean favorites, while VIVA’s Bistro, at the back of the ship, has a seafood-themed menu: think crayfish cocktail, lobster bisque, baked cod and skipjack tuna. Think gourmet dishes served impeccably.

A choice of tables and flexible dining times are popular with guests. A gala dinner on the last evening will impress even the most demanding palates.

Services

A touch of Art Deco, reminiscent of the great era of ocean liners, brings spacious elegance to a panoramic lounge and windowed bar.

Cool off with a dip in the small pool by the lounge chairs on the top deck.

A small gym features a rowing machine, stationary bike and running machine – and a selection of weights. While the wellness area features a steam bath and an infrared sauna.

Bicycles are available free of charge for those who want to explore on their own.

The cruises

VIVA TWO will begin its program with a cruise from Frankfurt to Passau on April 1, 2023, followed by a series of Danube voyages for the rest of the year.

Guests can choose from a short Danube Highlights cruise to a Danube Delta Cruise of 15 nights. Before the start of the 2024 season, VIVA TWO will return to Düsseldorf for sailings in January, February and March on VIVA Cruises’ popular four-day city breaks to the Netherlands and Belgium.

Costs

An Emerald Deck Cabin starts from £1,250 per person for the 7 night Danube Panorama cruise.

The 15 night Danube Delta Cruise starts from £2,850 per person for a double cabin on the Emerald Deck. These Danube cruise suites start from £4,695 per person.

Prices include gratuities, full board, soft drinks, minibar and selected alcoholic drinks.

Since there is a wide variety of excursions available, they are charged separately.

The best bit

As VIVA TWO cruises the rivers of Europe, guests have a wide choice of excursions to experience the best of European art, culture and heritage.

For cruisers looking for a private excursion, VIVA Cruises can tailor-make shore excursions to taste, with sufficient notice.

The final verdict

With more than 250 ships sailing the Danube, competition is fierce. No doubt VIVA TWO will appeal to the discerning river cruiser seeking the irresistible combination of impeccable service, contemporary design flair and gourmet cuisine.

As VIVA Cruises’ credo promises, VIVA TWO provides moments to enjoy.

Disclosure: Our cruise was sponsored by VIVA Cruises.