Viva Cruises Unveils Viva Unique: A New Era Of Boutique Italian River Cruising

European river cruise operator VIVA Cruises has announced the launch of VIVA UNIQUE, the second vessel under its exclusive VIVA Boutique brand. The new ship will commence operations in May 2027, introducing a stylish and immersive river cruise experience on Italy’s River Po and the Venetian Lagoon.

This latest addition marks a deeply personal milestone for VIVA Cruises CEO, Andrea Kruse, whose passion for Italy has inspired this elegant new offering. “Italy has always held a special place in my heart,” said Andrea. “With VIVA UNIQUE, we’re not just launching a ship – we’re creating a floating experience that celebrates the soul of Italian culture, cuisine and craftsmanship. It’s about offering our guests something truly personal, immersive and unforgettable.”

Designed for boutique excellence

VIVA UNIQUE will offer seven-night themed cruises with prices starting at £2,350 per person (cruise only). Itineraries will feature a blend of well-known destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems, including:

• Venice, with ample leisure time to explore the iconic city
• Mazzorbo Burano, with optional excursions to Murano and Torcello
• Chioggia, a historic fishing town
• Polesella, with optional day trips to Verona or Bologna
• Taglio Di Po, with access to the UNESCO-listed Po Delta
• Cremona, famed for its violin-making heritage
• Mantua, known for its lakes and Renaissance architecture

Onboard luxury and personalization

In line with the VIVA Boutique philosophy, VIVA UNIQUE blends contemporary design with the charm of Italian Dolce Vita. The ship features three onboard restaurants:

• MOMENTS – a fine dining venue celebrating seasonal Italian cuisine
• Trattoria – a relaxed Mediterranean-style restaurant
• Riverside – an international restaurant offering regional specialties and panoramic views

Also read → VIVA RIVERSIDE Hotelship now open for bookings 

Over half of the cabins onboard are suites, including the new Unique Suites offering up to 30 sqm of space. Additional amenities include a wellness centre, fitness room, and a sun deck with panoramic pool views over the Venetian Lagoon.

Each guest experience is further elevated through a range of personalised services based on cabin category:

• Twin Cabins & Junior Suites: VIVA Boutique gift, themed excursion, and complimentary laundry
• Suites: Priority embarkation, welcome aperitif, and airport transfers from Venice
• Unique Suites: In-suite breakfast, seasonal treats, priority dining, private captain’s aperitif, and exclusive suite experiences

Expanding the VIVA Cruises portfolio

The launch of VIVA UNIQUE represents VIVA Cruises’ strategic push into the Italian river cruise market, leveraging the rising demand for niche, slow-travel experiences that blend luxury with cultural immersion. All sailings will include the brand’s VIVA All-Inclusive offering: high tea, full board, premium beverages, minibar, beauty products, Wi-Fi, and all gratuities.

For tour operators, travel agents, and DMCs, VIVA UNIQUE presents a new product category aimed at high-net-worth individuals, culinary enthusiasts, and culturally focused travellers seeking small-ship intimacy in one of Europe’s most iconic settings.

The article VIVA Cruises unveils VIVA UNIQUE: A new era of boutique Italian river cruising first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.