VIVA Cruises

VIVA Cruises is a river cruise brand and tour operator run by VIVA Cruises GmbH, based in Düsseldorf. Its offering began at the start of the 2018/2019 winter season. As a tour operator, VIVA brings European river cruises together under its own brand; the Swiss company Scylla AG describes VIVA as its own tour operator.

Brand, program and onboard offering

VIVA promotes an all-inclusive offering and trips to European destinations. The brand profile also includes daily-changing vegetarian and vegan menu alternatives. The company also highlights its route planning, which is intended to save nautical miles. According to the company, engines are switched off in many ports in favor of shore power. These features reflect the program’s overall focus, while the specific elements of a trip depend on the departure in question.

The brand’s role as a tour operator should be distinguished from the provision of shipping services. Scylla provides ships and crew to tour operators; its services also include route planning, excursions and events, as well as onboard catering. Ships can be chartered for a season or for several years. For travelers, this model explains why the brand featured in the travel offer and the company behind the ship and crew may have different names. When ships are provided seasonally, ownership, chartering and operation are distinct responsibilities. VIVA is responsible for the tour operator role and the travel offer; Scylla’s charter service combines ships with crew and onboard services. This division of responsibilities also distinguishes the shipping company, operator and brand.

Scylla, the shipping partner

The Scylla AG has a history of its own, predating the VIVA brand. André and Martha Reitsma founded Scylla Tours AG in Basel in 1973. The company’s first passenger ship, the MS Scylla, was created by converting the tug DAMCO 21. It began its maiden voyage in March 1974. Today, Scylla combines this long history in shipping with charter services for tour operators; VIVA was added as a standalone brand in 2018/2019.

Ship sizes also vary: VIVA’s current fleet page lists capacity for 80 passengers on the VIVA Ruby and 190 on the VIVA Two. The VIVA ONE is listed there with capacity for 176 guests; its profile describes it as the brand’s first purpose-built vessel. The brand’s offering therefore includes more than one ship size.