VIVA Beyond

The 2006-built (as Swiss Emerald) cruise ship VIVA Beyond joined Scylla’s fleet in 2008. The riverboat’s sisterships are the fleetmates Swiss Jewel, Swiss Sapphire, Esprit, and VIVA Treasures.

Before 2026, the shipowner Scylla chartered Swiss Emerald to the USA-based cruise travel company Tauck Tours.

Since 2026, the boat has been operated exclusively by Scylla's subsidiary and travel brand VIVA Cruises (established in 2021). VIVA Beyond was deployed on the Seine River in France following a major refit and refurbishment.

The vessel (ENI number 07001825) is Switzerland-flagged (MMSI 269057212) and registered in Basel.

In March 2025, VIVA Cruises announced the planned launch of its premium sub-brand, VIVA Boutique. Its official introduction was scheduled for May 10th, 2026, with the VIVA Beyond ship. The news marked Scylla's expansion into Europe's luxury river cruise market.

“VIVA Boutique” is a premium sub-brand/product line focused on luxury and boutique-style river cruising above VIVA's standard offering. The new branding represents a strategic move by VIVA Cruises to cater to discerning clientele seeking a more personalized and luxurious cruise travel experience. With the redesigned VIVA Beyond, the fleet's first ship presenting the new VIVA Boutique product, the company aims to set a new benchmark in upscale river cruises along the Seine.

The ship's christening ceremony is scheduled for May 8th (2026), to be held on the Seine in downtown Paris. The special event is arranged as both a traditional and official naming ceremony and a broader acknowledgement of leadership within the international travel sector, with particular emphasis on the role of women across the cruise industry. Proceedings will be conducted by Annamette Fuhrmann (Danish journalist), joined by Andrea Kruse (VIVA Cruises' CEO and co-founder) and Cecilie Kopperud (Escape Travel Norway) serving as the boat's godmother.

Decks and Cabins

A comfortable mini-suite (17 m2) and 11 double cabins (14 m²) are located on Emerald Deck. Ruby Deck features 20 suites (21 m2) and 2 mini-suites (17 m2). Diamond Deck offers 14 master suites (28 m²), 2 mini-suites, and 2 double cabins (14 m2).

All passenger staterooms are outside and include a minibar, electronic safe box, TV, individual air-conditioning, hairdryer, shower, and WC.

Middle and Upper Deck cabins are fitted with French balconies, and the entire Upper Deck consists of suites.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The riverboat features a stylish lounge with a dance floor and panoramic bar, along with an additional comfortable aft bar, all situated on Diamond Deck.

The entrance hall houses the Reception, Travel Desk, and Boutique Shop.

VIVA Beyond has three dining venues.

The RIVERSIDE Restaurant (a full-capacity main dining room) offers buffet-style breakfast and waiter-served lunches and dinners (with a multi-course menu).

The MOMENTS is a specialty restaurant at the stern (aft on Diamond Deck).

VIVA's Brasserie at the front (forward on Diamond Deck) is an alternative dining venue serving dinner (to the RIVERSIDE).

Other facilities and amenities include a wellness complex (fitness center with professional gym equipment/treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine, free weights, and a spa room for massages), a sundeck (with a whirlpool), Wheelhouse/Navigation Bridge (telescopic), and free rental bicycles.

An elevator connects all decks except Emerald Deck.

Note: You can find CruiseMapper’s full list of river cruise ships and riverboats in the “Itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.