VIVA Cruises has launched its first ship in the VIVA Boutique collection, VIVA BEYOND, on the River Seine in Paris. The christening event on 8 May featured a gala dinner by Michelin-starred chef David Görne and showcased the ship's design-led approach to river travel. The ship aims to elevate river cruising by blending culture, cuisine, and art in an intimate setting.

The VIVA BEYOND, with a capacity of 112 guests and 56 cabins, half of which are suites, offers a boutique hotel experience on water. The ship's interiors are inspired by art, featuring a calming colour palette that reflects the river and surrounding landscapes. Andrea Kruse, CEO and Co-Founder of VIVA Cruises, stated, “With VIVA BEYOND, we’re elevating river cruising to the next step. We already have a fantastic product, so this is an addition to that, where aesthetics and design take centre stage.”

The ship offers three themed itineraries focusing on art, gastronomy, and culture, providing guests with immersive experiences in northern France. Highlights include visits to Monet’s gardens and Normandy's culinary delights. Onboard, guests enjoy all-inclusive dining across three restaurants, including MOMENTS, a fine dining venue curated with chef Görne.

VIVA BEYOND's launch marks a new direction for river cruising, combining the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the dynamic backdrop of the Seine. This innovative approach offers UK travellers a fresh way to explore France beyond traditional city stays

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