VIVA Unique

The 2027-built VIVA Unique cruise ship is a newbuild riverboat designed for year-round deployment on the Po River in Italy. VIVA Unique is the second premium boutique vessel in the VIVA BOUTIQUE fleet, following VIVA Beyond (2006-built/2026-redesigned), which is deployed on the Seine in France.

The shipowner is Scylla AG. The exclusive ship operator is Scylla's subsidiary and travel brand VIVA Cruises (established in 2021).

The vessel (ENI number tba) will be Switzerland-flagged (MMSI tba) and registered in Basel.

The VIVA Unique ship project was announced in September 2025.

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 Unique's staterooms (52) are outside and with double occupancy (for 104 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 Unique'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/Bistro and VIVA's Trattoria).

Diamond Deck (3rd floor)

Located forward (bow-facing) is VIVA's TRATTORIA - an Italian specialty restaurant, offering a more intimate and refined dining experience than the other two dining venues (Riverside dining room and the Moments/Bistro). Its menu focuses on regional Italian and international specialties. The venue is complimentary but requires dinner reservations due to its smaller capacity/size. VIVA's Trattoria 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).

The aft MOMENTS (aka VIVA's Bistro) is a more relaxed alternative to the Riverside (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. Moments 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). Moments 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 VIVA's Trattoria's 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 Unique cruises exclusively on the Po River in Northern Italy, and connected Venetian Lagoon routes, with round-trip departures from Venice.

The boat operates between the Venice Islands (main gateway), the Po River Delta, Po River port towns (in Emilia-Romagna/Lombardy), and two Venetian Lagoon settlements - Chioggia (aka Little Venice, a major fishing port) and Mazzorbo (an agrarian island).

The main itinerary (titled "On the Trails of Italian Masters") is a 7-night/8-day itinerary themed on Italy's Renaissance heritage, art cities, and cultural history, with a strong emphasis on Ferrara/Bologna access (via shore excursions). The route includes Po River inland towns and the Cremona region (land extensions).

The 7-night "The Flavours of Italy" itinerary is themed on gastronomy, wine, and regional cuisine, with heavier culinary shore programming (food markets, tastings). The route links Venice with Chioggia and the Po Delta circuit.

The 7-night "A Journey Through Time and Lagoon" itinerary visits historic lagoon towns and is more nature-themed. The route includes short-hopping between the Venetian islands and the Po Delta settlements.

The 7-night "Grand Maiden Voyage of VIVA UNIQUE", the ship's inaugural cruise (May 28th, 2027), visiting Mazzorbo, Taglio di Po, Polesella, and Chioggia.

VIVA Unique's schedule also lists short cruises/city breaks (3-5-night, limited departures from Venice) to nearby lagoon settlements and the Po River's first segment.

The itineraries' Venetian Lagoon and gateway ports include Venice (embarkation/debarkation), Mazzorbo, Chioggia, Burano (excursion-linked), Po River ports (Taglio di Po, Polesella, Revere/extension calls on select itineraries, Boretto/on extended routes), and shore excursion gateways - Ferrara (via Polesella), Bologna (via bus transfers) and Venice City's hinterland cultural excursions.