Viva Cruises reveals first ever Venice river ship

European river cruise brand, VIVA Cruises, has announced the launch of brand-new roundtrip itineraries sailing from Venice onboard premium ship VIVA UNIQUE, launching in May 2027.

Sailings will all be seven nights, journeying along Italy’s longest river, the River Po, as well as the lagoons surrounding Venice.

The launch marks a significant expansion of VIVA Boutique – VIVA Cruises’ more luxury sub-brand – as VIVA UNIQUE will be the second boutique ship following VIVA BEYOND, which launches in 2026 on the River Seine.

VIVA UNIQUE’s Italian voyages will be themed around culinary, culture, lifestyle and art, each designed to showcase the best of Northern Italy’s heritage and flavours.

VIVA UNIQUE will sail several itineraries that are set to give guests a taste of La Dolce Vita both on land and on the water, blending small-town Italy with the buzz of some of the country’s most significant cities. Itinerary highlights include the beautiful lagoon island of Mazzorbo Burano, with excursions to the island of Murano, famed for its centuries-old heritage of glass blowing, and Torcello – home to Byzantine mosaics and a basilica dating back to 639 AD. 

Guests will also be able to take in the historic fishing town of Chioggia; the quaint town of Polesella with an optional excursion to Verona or Bologna, and the rural community of Taglio Di Po, which has remained an unchanged agricultural town for hundreds of years. 

There’s also the chance to join an excursion to the UNESCO site of the Po Delta, a protected area celebrated for its biodiversity and unique landscapes that are comprised of coastal dunes, lagoons and wetlands. 

With all VIVA UNIQUE itineraries sailing roundtrip from Venice, there will also be plenty of time for guests to explore the world-famous city at their own pace, taking in the jade green canals by gondola, stopping for cicchetti and an Apreol, and soaking in the magnificent feats of architecture.

Other itineraries include calls in Cremona, a city famous for its violin heritage, and excursions to Mantua, surrounded by three impressive lakes and brimming with renaissance architecture. A seven-night cruises start at £2,350 per person (cruise only).

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VIVA UNIQUE is designed to blend contemporary aesthetics with the charm and spirit of Italy, spread over three decks with a total of 52 cabins.

Onboard, three distinct dining venues come in the form of Italian-inspired fine dining restaurant Moments, casual dining venue Trattoria, where Mediterranean dishes will be served in a laid-back setting, as well as the main Riverside restaurant, where international gourmet cuisine and regional specialities will all be served with panoramic riverside views.

Accommodation aboard VIVA UNIQUE is equally impressive. As with VIVA BEYOND, over half of the cabins are suites. Other features include a spacious wellness area, a modern fitness room and a sun deck with a pool from which you can paddle and sunbathe, all against the backdrop of the Venetian Lagoon and the picturesque towns along the stunning Po River.

All itineraries are all-inclusive as standard for every guest, which includes high tea, full board dining, high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minibar, beauty products, Wi-Fi and all tips and gratuities.

Boutique bonuses

A range of exclusive services tailored to each cabin category will be available throughout sailings: Those staying in twin cabins and junior suites will receive a VIVA Boutique gift, enjoy a themed excursion and benefit from complimentary laundry service, for example, while suite guests will be welcomed with priority embarkation, an aperitif and access to airport transfers from Venice.

For those in the premium Unique Suites, in-suite breakfast, seasonal culinary treats, priority dining reservations, special Unique Suite Experience and an aperitif with the captain and hotel manager are on offer.

On the ship’s launch,  VIVA Cruises CEO, Andrea Kruse commented: “Italy has always held a special place in my heart. 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.”

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