VIVA Beyond

The 2006-built (as Swiss Emerald) cruise ship VIVA Beyond joined Scylla's fleet in 2008. Swiss Emerald's sisterships and fleetmates were Swiss Jewel, Swiss Sapphire, Esprit, VIVA Treasures. VIVA Beyond's sistership is VIVA Unique (2027).

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 currently Switzerland-flagged (MMSI 269057212) and registered in Basel.

The ship's christening ceremony was held on May 8th (2026), on the Seine in downtown Paris. The special event was 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 were conducted by Annamette Fuhrmann (Danish journalist), joined by Andrea Kruse (VIVA Cruises' CEO and co-founder) and Cecilie Kopperud (Escape Travel Norway), the boat's godmother.

VIVA BOUTIQUE

In March 2025, VIVA Cruises announced the planned for 2026 launch of its premium sub-brand, VIVA BOUTIQUE. Its official introduction was on 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.

Decks and Cabins

All VIVA Beyond's staterooms (56) are outside and with double occupancy (for 112 guests), and ~50% of all accommodations are in suite categories.

Standard/basic amenities provided in all staterooms include twin bed configuration (single beds convertible to double), a 32-inch TV, minibar (replenished daily with bottled water, beer, soft drinks), Nespresso machine, individual air conditioning and heating, digital safe (in the closet), phone, hairdryer, writing desk/table with chairs, wardrobe, under-bed storage, en-suite bathroom with shower, free Wi-Fi.

All passenger accommodations on Ruby Deck and Diamond Deck have French balconies (floor-to-ceiling sliding windows/doors opening to a false balcony). Only Emerald Deck cabins have fixed/non-opening windows) positioned near the ceiling.

The boat has 4 decks, of which 3 have cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Next are reviewed VIVA Beyond's venues, facilities and amenities by deck.

Emerald Deck (1st floor)

The ship's wellness complex consists of a Gym (Fitness Room with professional equipment - treadmill, exercise bike, rowing machine, free weights) and a Spa (a room for massages and treatments, including hairdressing and nail services).

Aft are located staff and crew cabins and the machinery rooms (engines, propulsion).

Ruby Deck (2nd floor)

Forward is the Galley (kitchen and storage rooms for provisions) adjacent to the Main Dining Room - RIVERSIDE Restaurant. The restaurant is complimentary and features large floor-to-ceiling windows and a layout designed for efficiency rather than formality - flexible table arrangements (no fixed seating), modern, understated decor, calm daytime ambiance, and slightly more refined evening service. Filter coffee and tea are served at the table. The breakfast is buffet-style (self-service counter) plus a-la-carte options, with a wide continental selection (pastries, cold cuts, fruit, cereals), and a hot food station (eggs, bacon, pancakes/waffles, etc). The lunch is a light buffet (salads, a selection of meats) plus daily changing warm dishes (pasta, potatoes, a fish, and a meat dish), focusing on casual international cuisine. Desserts range from fresh fruits and sweets to various cheeses. The dinner is the highlight meal, fully served and multi-course, with a daily rotating menu - international dishes (fish, poultry, beef, vegetarian options), regional/itinerary-based specialties and gourmet desserts.

The RIVERSIDE Restaurant feels less intimate than the boat's two other specialty dining venues (Moments and Bistro).

Diamond Deck (3rd floor)

Located forward (bow-facing) is the MOMENTS Restaurant - VIVA Cruises' specialty restaurant, offering a more intimate and refined dining experience than the other two dining venues (Riverside dining room and the Bistro). Its menu focuses on regional and international specialties. The venue is complimentary but requires dinner reservations due to its smaller capacity/size. The Moments Restaurant provides direct access to a Bow Terrace with limited open-air seating and also an outdoor staircase access to the sundeck above.

The PANORAMA SALON is the ship's Lounge & Bar venue featuring contemporary design, large floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable seating. This is a stylish observation lounge that serves the cruise company's daily enrichment program (guest lectures, watching movies). In the evening, the Panorama Salon hosts live entertainment (music, quizzes, dancing, guest performances, crew show).

A traditional pre-dinner event here is the Cruise Director's port talk providing practical travel information and tips on the next-day's scheduled shore excursions and tours.

In the Lobby/Foyer are the Boutique Shop, Travel Desk (next cruise booking, itinerary information), and Reception Desk (24-hour assistance, cashier services, information on the daily program's scheduled activities).

The Shop is a small retail outlet selling travel essentials, toiletries (toothpaste, sunscreen, adapters, batteries, etc.), VIVA Cruises-logoed merchandise and souvenirs (local and regional, related to the cruise itinerary), fashion accessories (scarves, jewelry, handbags, watches).

VIVA's BISTRO (aka VIVA's Brasserie) is a more relaxed alternative to the Riverside Restaurant (dining room), providing casual dining in a smaller and more intimate setting. It is located toward the aft and features a contemporary design and floor-to-ceiling windows. It serves breakfast, light lunch and dinner. The menu focuses on freshly prepared international dishes, lighter fare, and regional/traditional specialties. VIVA's Bistro is a combined Lido Restaurant/Bar Lounge that strikes an appealing balance between convenience, variety, and quality. Due to its small capacity, dinner reservations are required, but dining is still free of charge. The venue opens to an aft-facing terrace (outdoor deck with seating). VIVA's Bistro is served by its own Bar and has its own Galley (kitchen with a dedicated chef), and also doubles as a Library.

An elevator/passenger lift (midship, in the Atrium) interconnects only two decks - Ruby and Diamond (2nd and 3rd floors).

Sun Deck (4th floor)

The Navigation Bridge (on riverboats called Wheelhouse) is passenger-accessible and telescopic (can be lowered for passing under low bridges). By the Wheelhouse, rental bicycles are stored for complimentary use on shore excursions/land tours.

The forward Sundeck Lounge is served with snacks and beverages by the Panorama Salon's and Moments' staff.

The Sun Deck is a spacious outdoor area offering panoramic (top deck) unobstructed views of the passing scenery and ample room for relaxation. It is designed as an open-air retreat, featuring comfortable loungers and patio furniture (all-weather wicker sofas, chairs, low tables), shaded seating areas (covered by retractable awnings), and a small pool/aft whirlpool/Jacuzzi.

In addition to sunbathing and sightseeing, the sundeck hosts a selection of outdoor deck games (giant chess, shuffleboard, putting green).

Itineraries

VIVA Beyond cruises exclusively on the Seine River in France, leaving roundtrip from Paris. The voyages are focused on the Paris Metro region (Normandy and coastal corridor, Seine estuary toward Le Havre). The route visits the historic inland towns of Rouen, Le Havre, Vernon, Les Andelys, and Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (Paris City's northwestern suburbs, ~24 km from the downtown).

The main itinerary (titled"In the Footsteps of Impressionism”) is a 7-night/8-day voyage themed on Monet, Van Gogh, and the Impressionist artists' heritage, with a strong art and museum-driven shore excursion program.

The 7-night "Culinary Delights of Normandy” itinerary is themed on French regional cuisine, wine, and local gastronomy, with stops emphasizing food markets, cider regions, and tasting land tours.

The 7-night "Pure Culture Along the Seine" itinerary is themed on culture and history.

The 5-night/6-day "Seine in a Blaze of Light” itinerary is a short break visiting Normandy's beaches.

Seasonal/themed sailings include "New Year’s Eve a la Seine” (6-night), "Timeless Elegance of Normandy” (4–5-night variants), and “Harmony with the Seine” (7-night extended routing).

In March-April 2017, the riverboat Swiss Emerald underwent a major drydock refit and refurbishment. Passenger capacity was reduced from 118 to 98 (a 17% reduction). The number of staterooms decreased from 59 to 49. The reconstruction created larger public areas and more spacious accommodations. The most extensive changes were made on the Ruby Deck (middle floor), where 30 cabins (14 m2 / 150 ft2) were replaced with 20 larger cabins (21 m2 / 225 ft2). The vessel already featured 14 suites (28 m2 / 300 ft2). After the drydock reconstruction, nearly 70% of all staterooms measured 21 m2.

On the Diamond Deck (upper deck), “The Bistro” restaurant was renamed “Arthur’s” and upgraded with its own galley (kitchen) and a dedicated chef.

Diamond Deck's plan modifications were implemented on the sisterships Swiss Sapphire (in 2017) and, in 2018, on Esprit and Treasures.