VIVA Cruises Unveils 2028 European Boutique Sailings

VIVA Cruises has revealed its 2028 program for the VIVA Boutique brand, featuring river cruises in France and Italy.

Operating for 11 months of the year, the program will offer itineraries ranging from three to seven nights aboard Viva Beyond in France and Viva Unique in Italy.

Viva Beyond began sailing on the Seine in May 2026, while Viva Unique is scheduled to enter service in 2027.

VIVA Cruises said its 2028 season will place an even greater emphasis on wine, with Romana Echensperger, one of only a small number of Masters of Wine worldwide, leading the program.

Echensperger will curate the wine selections aboard both vessels, matching wines with onboard menus as well as the destinations visited during each itinerary. She will also personally join selected cruises to lead exclusive wine tastings and masterclasses for guests.

Among the itineraries planned aboard Viva Unique is “Italy for All the Senses,” a seven-night roundtrip cruise from Venice. Departures begin in March 2028, with the itinerary exploring the art, food and culture of the Venetian Lagoon.

Another highlight is “La Grande Cucina,” a new seven-night culinary voyage sailing from Venice to Cremona from October 1 to 8, 2028. The cruise will explore the culinary traditions of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna, giving guests opportunities to experience Italian specialties including Amarone, Parmigiano Reggiano and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale.

Guests on selected Viva Unique departures from Venice will also have the option of adding a two-night stay in Verona. The extension includes two nights at an exclusive hotel with breakfast, along with a guided walking tour, dinner and tickets to the opera in Verona.

In France, Viva Beyond will offer “A Taste of Normandy,” a seven-night roundtrip voyage from Paris beginning in May 2028. The itinerary will focus on the food and flavors of Normandy.

Another seven-night itinerary, “In the Light of the Impressionists,” will begin operating roundtrip from Paris in April 2028. The cruise follows the Seine through destinations and landscapes associated with Monet and other Impressionist artists.

Viva Beyond will also introduce its first “Champagne & Sparkling Cruise,” sailing along the Seine from July 29 to August 5, 2028. During the voyage, guests will explore Champagne, Crémant and cider through tastings, masterclasses and specially paired menus alongside Romana Echensperger. The itinerary will also feature excursions to the Champagne region, Monet’s garden at Giverny and the Normandy coast.