Discovering VIVA Cruises
A river cruise is a wonderful way to explore Europe’s historic cities, picturesque towns and beautiful landscapes, combining sightseeing with the comfort of a luxurious floating hotel. Our experience aboard VIVA Enjoy exceeded our very high expectations, with stylish surroundings, excellent dining, attentive service and a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere. From the panoramic lounge to our comfortable French balcony cabin, the ship offered plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the Danube.
Who are VIVA Cruises?
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, VIVA Cruises is a premium river cruise operator offering itineraries across some of Europe’s most beautiful waterways. Its approach combines luxurious ships, high quality cuisine and friendly service with an extensive all-inclusive package, creating a comfortable holiday experience. VIVA Cruises is backed by Scylla AG, a Swiss family-owned shipping company established in 1973. With decades of experience in river cruising, Scylla specialises in ship operations, technical management and onboard hospitality, providing the expertise behind VIVA’s modern fleet.
VIVA Enjoy
VIVA Enjoy is a five star river cruise ship designed to accommodate up to 190 passengers. With three passenger decks, a choice of dining venues and a spacious sun deck offering an appealing balance of comfort, sociability and relaxation. Accommodation ranges from lower-deck cabins with fixed picture windows to French balcony cabins with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and suites, offering additional living space and private balconies. The contemporary interiors feature calming neutral tones and useful storage. Whether choosing a standard cabin or a more spacious suite, guests can enjoy comfortable accommodation designed to make the most of life on the river.
Diamond Deck: The lounge, entertainment and VIVA’s social heart
The Diamond Deck was one of our favourite areas of the ship. Its split-level lounge, enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary furnishings created a wonderfully inviting space in which to sit back and enjoy the river views.
Tastefully furnished with comfortable sofas, armchairs and coffee tables, the lounge had a relaxed elegance that worked equally well for a quiet morning coffee or a cocktail later in the afternoon. The panoramic windows ensured that the scenery was always part of the experience, whether the ship was gliding past wooded riverbanks, historic towns or rolling countryside. We found ourselves returning to the lounge throughout the day as it was the perfect place to relax between excursions, chat with fellow passengers and simply watch the world drift by.
The lounge bar and evening entertainment
As the day drew to a close, the lounge developed a livelier atmosphere. Shortly before dinner each evening, canapés were served, adding a lovely touch of luxury and creating a sociable pre-dinner gathering.
The entertainment was another highlight. Each evening, Roger, VIVA Enjoy’s talented pianist, played the grand piano, treating guests to a varied repertoire ranging from timeless classics to contemporary favourites. His performances provided a wonderful soundtrack to the evening that encouraged guests to get up and dance.
The programme extended beyond the piano performances, with additional entertainment on selected evenings. Professional dancers delivered impressive routines featuring daring acrobatic feats, while a concert by musicians forming part of a Slovakian orchestra was particularly outstanding. The quality of the performance made it a memorable evening and added welcome variety to the onboard programme.
There was also plenty of opportunity simply to relax with a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. A wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included throughout the day as part of VIVA’s all-inclusive offering, while cakes are served alongside tea between 3 pm and 5 pm. These thoughtful touches help made the experience feel indulgent without requiring guests to worry about extra costs.
VIVA Bistro: An alternative dining experience
Located towards the rear of the Diamond Deck, VIVA Bistro is an intimate alternative to the main restaurant and one of the ship’s additional dining venues. The bistro offers a different menu for lunch and a more specialised dining experience in the evening. Lunch is particularly convenient for guests who prefer something a little more relaxed, with no advance reservation required. Dinner, however, requires a free reservation, so it is worth arranging a table in advance.
We enjoyed dinner there on both the second and final evenings of our cruise. The more intimate surroundings made it a welcome change from the main restaurant, while retaining the high standards of food and service that we experienced throughout the ship.
Having different dining venues to choose from added flexibility to the holiday. It was a pleasure to have the option of a traditional restaurant meal one evening and a more intimate dining experience the next.
Diamond Deck also accommodates some of the ship’s French balcony cabins and private balcony suites. The suites provide additional living space, with a separate lounge area and the added luxury of a private balcony.
Ruby Deck: Reception and the Riverside Restaurant
Ruby Deck forms the central hub of VIVA Enjoy, with the reception area providing a convenient point of contact throughout the cruise. Two desks serve different purposes. The hotel reception team deals with matters relating to life on board, including cabin queries and reservations for speciality restaurants whilst the Cruise Director’s desk is the place to enquire about shore excursions, activities and entertainment.
We found all the staff we encountered to be helpful, efficient and approachable. Questions were answered willingly, and the team seemed genuinely keen to ensure that everyone was enjoying their holiday. This level of service contributed significantly to the welcoming atmosphere on board. Alongside reception was a small boutique selling gifts and souvenirs and a useful place to browse for a memento of the cruise or a last-minute gift before returning home.
Riverside Restaurant: Dining throughout the day
The elegant Riverside Restaurant is the focal point of Ruby Deck and the ship’s principal dining venue, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a light, contemporary feel, with an open-plan layout that flows naturally from the bar area. Its spacious design and large windows created a bright, welcoming environment, and we never felt that the restaurant was overcrowded.
Tables generally accommodate four or six guests, which encourages a sociable dining experience. We particularly enjoyed sharing meals with other passengers, exchanging stories about the day’s excursions and discovering where everyone came from. These conversations became a lovely part of the holiday, giving us the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and travel experiences.
Breakfast offered an impressive choice, combining an extensive buffet with freshly prepared dishes cooked to order. The buffet included fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, cold meats, cheese and a selection of hot breakfast favourites, ensuring there was something to suit different tastes and appetites. We followed this up with made-to-order options, our favourites being eggs Benedict and avocado on toast topped with poached eggs. Lunch was equally varied, with a selection of starters and desserts available from the buffet, while soups and main courses were served to the table. This arrangement worked particularly well after a morning exploring ashore.
Dinner was a real highlight of our cruise. The menus combined classic international dishes with regional specialities inspired by the destinations along the itinerary, giving the culinary experience a welcome connection to the places we were visiting. All dishes were beautifully presented and expertly prepared, with attentive staff providing friendly service throughout. As the cruise progressed, the team quickly learned our preferences for wine and coffee, adding a personal touch that made each meal feel special. A selection of quality regional wines was available, complementing the food and providing another opportunity to discover local flavours. With drinks served in both the restaurant and bar included in the cruise fare, we could enjoy an aperitif, a glass of wine with dinner or an after-dinner drink without worrying about the bill accumulating. Overall, dining in the Riverside Restaurant was consistently enjoyable. The combination of varied menus, thoughtful service and a relaxed atmosphere made every meal something to look forward to.
Our French Balcony Cabin: A Boutique Hotel on the River
Our French balcony cabin on Ruby Deck exceeded every expectation. Although categorised as a standard cabin, it felt spacious, bright and exceptionally well designed. It was a comfortable retreat that combined the practicalities of a cruise cabin with many of the touches we would expect from a five star boutique hotel. The décor was elegant and calming, with soft neutral tones, quality fabrics and attractive wood finishes.
The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors were one of our favourite features. Opening them allowed fresh air to flow into the cabin and we adored watching the ripples of the river as our ship gilded along, creating a wonderful sense of connection with the river beyond. Watching the countryside, vineyards and charming riverside villages drift past from the comfort of our cabin became one of the most memorable aspects of the cruise.
Storage was excellent, with generous wardrobes, numerous drawers and cleverly designed cupboards that made it easy to unpack completely. Our empty suitcases fitted neatly beneath the beds, keeping them out of sight during our week-long cruise and leaving the cabin feeling uncluttered. The large bed could be configured as twins if preferred, and the comfortable mattress ensured a good night’s sleep.
A range of thoughtful amenities made the cabin particularly practical. These included bedside wireless charging points, reading lights, a desk and comfortable chair, a fully stocked complimentary mini-bar that was replenished daily, a kettle, Nespresso machine, a safe and a large television. Additionally, all guests received a welcome bottle of Prosecco to start the holiday in style. There were two stylish water bottles which could be taken home as souvenirs and refilled during the cruise from the on board water station on our deck.
The bathroom was equally well designed, featuring a spacious walk-in rainfall shower, a heated towel rail, an illuminated mirror and quality Rituals toiletries. Housekeeping was impeccable throughout the voyage. Our cabin was beautifully presented whenever we returned from an excursion and the evening turndown service whilst we were enjoying dinner was a particularly thoughtful touch with fresh towels, curtains drawn and chocolates left on the pillows.
Emerald Deck: Wellbeing, relaxation and additional dining
The Emerald Deck is primarily dedicated to accommodation, fitness and wellness facilities, with an additional restaurant providing another dining option. Although it is the lowest passenger deck, the area never felt gloomy or enclosed. The light décor and thoughtful interior design maintained the contemporary feel found throughout the ship.
Cabins on Emerald Deck feature fixed picture windows positioned closer to the waterline, rather than the opening French balcony doors found on the decks above. Guests staying in these cabins benefit from the same general style of furnishings, comfortable beds and well-appointed bathrooms, making them an appealing option for those who intend to spend most of their time in the ship’s public areas.
Fitness and wellness facilities
The Emerald Deck is also home to the ship’s compact gym, equipped with modern cardio and resistance equipment. Although not a large fitness centre, it provides a useful opportunity to maintain a regular exercise routine while travelling. Adjacent facilities include a massage/treatment room and a yoga studio, offering opportunities to stretch, exercise or unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Massages and treatments are available at an additional charge and although we did not use these facilities ourselves, we spoke to fellow passengers who had enjoyed a massage and reported that the experience was of a high standard, comparable to what they would expect from a hotel spa.
Moments Restaurant: A special dining experience
Moments Restaurant is another of VIVA Enjoy’s dining venues and provides a different setting in which to experience the ship’s cuisine. An evening reservation is required with the restaurant offering a more intimate atmosphere than the main Riverside Restaurant. One particularly appealing feature is the open kitchen, where guests can watch the chefs preparing the dishes. This gives a glimpse of the skill and attention involved in producing the food.
We found Moments to be another highlight of the cruise. The opportunity to enjoy a different dining environment helped make the overall culinary offering feel varied and special. This restaurant is also opens for breakfast, offering a selection of dishes similar to those available in the Riverside Restaurant. We took the opportunity to enjoy breakfast there on one morning, appreciating the change of setting and the more intimate surroundings. With several dining options available, VIVA Enjoy allows guests to vary their onboard experience throughout the week rather than following exactly the same routine every day.
Sun Deck: Panoramic views and peaceful moments
The Sun Deck was another favourite place to spend time on board, particularly during the warm, sunny weather of our cruise. Spacious and inviting, it offered some of the finest panoramic views from anywhere on the ship. Comfortable sun loungers, shaded seating areas and tables positioned along the length of the deck provide plenty of options, whether you want to bask in the sunshine, find a little shade or simply sit quietly and admire the scenery.
One particularly convenient feature was the regular presence of bar staff on the Sun Deck. Rather than having to return to the lounge bar, we could order coffee, a beer or a cocktail while enjoying the views. The small splash pool was another welcome addition during the hot weather. It offered a refreshing way to cool down when the sun was strong, while the surrounding loungers made it easy to spend a leisurely afternoon on deck.
At other times, we simply settled down with a good book or enjoyed a drink while chatting with fellow passengers. The atmosphere was always friendly, making it easy to spend an hour or two outdoors relaxing.
A visit to the wheelhouse
The wheelhouse is situated towards the front of the ship, and on one afternoon while we were sailing, guests had the opportunity to sign up for a small-group visit. This is an experience I would highly recommend to anyone interested in how river cruising works. Observing the captain and wheelhouse team as they navigated the Danube provided a fascinating insight into the skill, concentration and technology required to operate a modern river cruise vessel.
Accessibility and practical facilities
VIVA Enjoy has a lift connecting the passenger decks, with the exception of the Sun Deck. Access to the uppermost outdoor area is by staircase, which is wide and fitted with sturdy handrails. For most guests who are comfortable using stairs, the climb is manageable. However, anyone with significant mobility limitations should bear in mind that the Sun Deck is not lift-accessible. There is an alternative outdoor seating area at the front of the Diamond Deck, accessible from the lounge bar, which provides an opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and views without needing to climb the stairs.
Numerous free to use bicycles are also available for guests wishing to explore independently when the ship is in port. Cycling can be a wonderful way to discover riverside paths and nearby towns, offering a different perspective from a guided walking excursion. Overall, the Sun Deck was a versatile and enjoyable space, equally suited to sunbathing, reading, socialising or simply watching the scenery drift by.
Life on Board: A Friendly, International Atmosphere
One of the aspects of our cruise that we appreciated most was the atmosphere among the passengers. Guests were of varied ages and from all corners of the world, creating a lively, contemporary atmosphere in which it was easy to strike up conversations and make new acquaintances. We particularly enjoyed meeting people from as far afield as Taiwan, Norway and Sweden. Sharing meals, chatting over drinks and exchanging stories about our respective travels became a fun part of the holiday.
The ship’s layout helped encourage this sociability. The lounge offered a natural gathering place before dinner, while the shared restaurant tables made it easy to meet other passengers. The Sun Deck also provided another relaxed setting in which conversations could continue while enjoying the scenery.
At the same time, there were plenty of opportunities to find a quieter corner. Whether relaxing in our cabin, sitting by the panoramic windows in the lounge or enjoying a peaceful moment outdoors, we never felt obliged to join in with activities if we preferred some time to ourselves.
The All-Inclusive Experience: Excellent Value and Convenience
An important part of the VIVA Cruises experience is its all-inclusive approach. Meals are served throughout the day and the included selection of drinks meant that guests could enjoy coffee, wine, beer, cocktails and other beverages without constantly checking prices or signing for individual orders. The additional dining venues, afternoon tea and cakes, onboard entertainment and thoughtful cabin service all contributed to a first class experience.
Our Overall Verdict: Did VIVA Enjoy Exceed Expectations?
Without hesitation, VIVA Enjoy exceeded our expectations. From the stylish interiors and exceptionally comfortable cabin to the varied dining options, engaging entertainment and attentive service, the ship delivered an experience that felt consistently thoughtful and well considered. For anyone considering a premium European river cruise, VIVA Enjoy offers a combination of modern comfort, quality cuisine, welcoming hospitality and beautiful scenery proving that a river cruise can be every bit as enjoyable for the time spent on the ship as for the destinations visited along the way.
Would we sail with VIVA Cruises again? Absolutely. Our experience aboard VIVA Enjoy was a thoroughly enjoyable one, and we would happily recommend the ship to travellers seeking a stylish, sociable and relaxing river cruise with a genuine touch of luxury. VIVA Cruises truly lived up to its motto: Enjoy the moment. To find out more and book a river cruise click here.
We were guests of VIVA Cruises, and as always all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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