23 September 2026 – VIVA Cruises has unveiled its 2028 programme for VIVA Boutique, expanding its France and Italy offering with new culinary and cultural experiences aboard VIVA BEYOND and VIVA UNIQUE.
The programme will operate from February to December 2028 and includes shorter Christmas and New Year sailings alongside themed voyages. VIVA BEYOND will sail in France, while VIVA UNIQUE, which joins the premium line in 2027, will have an expanded programme in Italy during its second year of operation.
Champagne-themed sailing joins VIVA BEYOND programme
A new Champagne & Sparkling Cruise aboard VIVA BEYOND will operate on the Seine from 29 July to 5 August 2028.
The week-long sailing will focus on Champagne, Crémant and cider, accompanied by French cuisine. Master of Wine Romana Echensperger will lead tastings and masterclasses, alongside specially curated menus, during the voyage.
Echensperger is also responsible for the wine selection aboard the VIVA Boutique ships, coordinating wines with onboard menus and the regions visited, as well as training crew members on wine origins, grape varieties and food pairings.
The itinerary includes an excursion to the Champagne region around Reims and Épernay, together with visits to Monet’s garden at Giverny and the Normandy coast. Onboard elements will include a French Dine Around and traditional sabrage on the sun deck.
Returning Gourmet Cruise focuses on Normandy
VIVA BEYOND will also operate a returning Gourmet Cruise along the Seine from 13 May 2028, with a programme centred on Normandy’s regional food and drink. Activities will include food walks, visits to regional producers and Champagne and Calvados tastings, with Romana Echensperger accompanying the sailing.
The programme also features an exclusive dinner for all guests at Manoir de Rétival, where Michelin-starred chef David Görne will serve a menu of regional ingredients paired with selected wines.
VIVA UNIQUE adds Northern Italy Gourmet Cruise
In Italy, VIVA UNIQUE will introduce a new week-long Gourmet Cruise from 1 October 2028.
The sailing will travel from the Venetian Lagoon through the culinary regions of Veneto and Emilia-Romagna, with the programme featuring regional products including Amarone, Parmigiano Reggiano and Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale.
Visits to selected wineries and regional producers will be combined with corresponding menus and wines aboard the ship.
VIVA UNIQUE will operate between Venice and Cremona, with its 2028 programme expanding the ship’s combination of culinary, cultural and artistic experiences in northern Italy.
Verona extension adds included opera experience
Selected cruises from Venice can also be combined with a new three-day Verona extension. The extension includes two nights in an exclusive hotel, a guided walking tour and an evening at the Arena di Verona, with opera tickets included.
Across the wider VIVA Boutique programme, VIVA All-Inclusive includes a welcome glass of sparkling wine, full board with multi-course gourmet menus, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, free Wi-Fi, selected toiletries, a daily replenished minibar and gratuities. A signature excursion is included for all guests on every voyage.
Suite guests also have access to a personal Boutique Experience Concierge throughout their cruise, including assistance with restaurant reservations, excursions and personal recommendations along the route.
The VIVA Boutique 2028 programme is now available to book.
Source: Official Press Releases from VIVA Cruises, 23 September 2026
