Beautiful escape... Cruising the Danube
If you're considering a river cruise that combines culture, stunning landscapes in a premium setting, then you’ll love the VIVA CRUISES experience.
This time, our brand director and columnist, Ruxandra, took her first ever cruise on the Danube River.
With a range of excursions, delectable cuisine, and exceptional service, this cruise promised an unforgettable journey right from the start and it’s all inclusive !
The VIVA TWO is a very new ship within the fleet of VIVA Cruises, featuring 95 cabins that can accommodate a maximum of 190 guests.
On the Diamant Deck there are eight luxurious suites, which with 24 m² in size and a French balcony invite you to enjoy the beautiful view. On the Diamond Deck as well as on the Ruby Deck there are 15 m² 2-bed cabins, which have a French balcony.
On the Emerald Deck, the 2-bed cabins have windows that cannot be opened. All cabins are perfectly equipped with flat screen TV, included mini-bar, Nespresso® machine, beauty products from RITUALS®, hairdryer, safe, air conditioning, shower and toilet and leave nothing to be desired.
VIVA Cruises has departures on the Danube all year long, most of them from Passau, but also from Vienna.
The cruises from Vienna in 2025 will be on the VIVA ENJOY which is being christened in January. The ship is exactly the same as the VIVA TWO.
What to expect from your VIVA experience?:
• Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at your seat) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times
• All-day high-quality, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from the entire bar menu (including soft drinks, juices, a variety of specialty coffees, tea, cocoa, sparkling wine, Aperol, white wine, red wine, rosé, champagne, various beers, long drinks, cocktails, spirits, liqueurs)
• High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates, macarons and various teas
• Daily freshly stocked mini-bar in the cabin
• Greeting champagne in the cabin
• Reusable VIVA water bottle
• WIFI and gratuities
## Explore the Itinerary
While the onboard experience is remarkable, the excursions are a highlight of the journey.
You can always enhance your experience by taking different optional excursions that are available to guests ( with a local guide); it allows passengers to visit several iconic cities and charming towns, ensuring that each day is filled with new adventures...
Each day the ship docks to a new city and you can either choose to go by your own and do a little city trip or book an excursion. Our itinerary covered popular European cities like Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Krems or Vienna.
So you’re always seeing something new, different cities and different countries even. Your adventure thus includes exploring historic cities, local cultures, and stunning landscapes, making it ideal for travelers seeking both relaxation and enrichment.
VIVA Cruises proposes different cruises on different rivers in Europe. You may find all the information on their website.
## Culinary Delights Onboard
One of the standout features of the VIVA Cruises experience is the dining.
Guests can look forward to a range of culinary options that showcase daily specialties and international cuisine. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients and exquisite presentation, the food on board is nothing short of exceptional. They have 3 restaurants on board: the RIVERSIDE restaurant, which is the default restaurant for all meals, the Bistro which is a more secluded dining space at the back of the ship and the MOMENTS which is a themed restaurant.
## Exceptional Service
From the moment you step aboard, the staff at VIVA Cruises is dedicated to providing top-notch service.
Many past travelers praise the crew for their attentiveness, friendliness, and willingness to cater to every need.
This commitment to guest satisfaction ensures that your cruise experience is not only comfortable but also memorable.
## Amenities and Comfort
The ships are designed with comfort in mind, featuring modern cabins that offer beautiful views of the river and landscapes. Public areas, including lounges and dining spaces, are elegantly designed to make you feel right at home while you sail through picturesque regions.
The ship boasts a small but very practical fitness center with a treadmill, stationary bike, rowing machine, and free weights, along with a lovely wellness area that includes a steam bath and an infrared sauna.
Guests can enjoy a refreshing plunge in the plunge-pool located on the sun deck and take advantage of complimentary bicycle rentals to explore the surroundings. Additionally, there is an elevator providing easy access between the Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond decks.
## Conclusion
A river cruise on the Danube with VIVA Cruises is more than just a vacation; it's an experience that engages your senses and allows you to explore the beauty of Europe from a unique perspective. With daily excursions, top-notch dining, and a staff committed to making your experience sublime, this cruise offers a premium and unforgettable getaway.
More info about VIVA?
Visit their website and book your new week-end for a wonderful cruise along magical Danube and his wonders!