Welcome aboard the VIVA One

A river cruise on the Moselle is an experience at any time of year. Discovering the region’s Christmas markets with their mulled wine and other Moselle specialties is also a special highlight. On board the new VIVA One, we are embarking on a 4-night Moselle Advent Magic cruise departing from Koblenz. On our river cruise, we will travel from Koblenz to Bernkastel, Trier and Cochem, arriving back on the banks of Koblenz on day 5.

The VIVA One

The MS VIVA One was built in 2022 and is currently the newest cruise ship from VIVA Cruises. The company belongs to the Swiss shipping company Scylla AG and is based in Düsseldorf, where the VIVA One was christened. The special feature of the VIVA One is that it is the first newbuild from VIVA Cruises. During construction, for example, many ecological innovations such as solar panels and a modern water treatment system were used. We can draw fresh drinking water from this system at two water stations in the lobby and at the bar. With or without carbon dioxide and as often as you like. There is a drinking bottle for everyone in our cabin.

There are 88 cabins spread over three decks, which can accommodate up to 176 passengers. On the lowest deck, the Emerald Deck, there are cabins with windows and the wellness area. The wellness area includes a sauna, a steam bath, a small fitness room and a massage room. On the Ruby Deck there are cabins with French balconies and the main restaurant RIVERSIDE is located at the bow. Our cabin is located on the Diamond Deck, from where you can quickly reach the Panorama Lounge at the bow and VIVA’s Bistro at the stern. In addition to the cabins with French balconies, there are also some suites with small balconies on this deck. There is also a sun deck with a whirlpool. In good weather, this is also accessible in winter.

The MS VIVA One in Cochem

Restaurants and lounge

The RIVERSIDE restaurant serves three meals a day. Breakfast is served from 8:00 to 09:30, lunch from 12:30 to 14:00 and dinner from 19:00 to 21:00. The times may vary slightly depending on the day and excursion program. You can also have lunch or dinner at VIVA’s Bistro, preferably with a reservation as there are fewer seats here than at RIVERSIDE. The bistro menu includes salads, sandwiches and burgers at lunchtime and a selection of starters, main courses and desserts in the evening. The food and drinks in both restaurants are included and of high quality.

We like the bistro very much, as you can enjoy a fantastic view at the stern of the ship while eating.
The passing Moselle panorama with vineyards and castles is fantastic. Our special highlight at RIVERSIDE is breakfast. Here we can enjoy a freshly prepared omelette with salmon rolls and a glass of sparkling wine. The perfect start to a perfect day for us. But we were also impressed by the 6-course menu, the so-called Chef’s Signature Dinner, on the gala evening.

The Panorama Lounge on the Diamond Deck offers plenty of comfortable seating. After breakfast, we like to sit down in the lounge to have a second coffee, enjoy the view and plan the day. This is also where high tea takes place on our cruise, with a selection of pastries, sandwiches, scones and chocolates. You can also enjoy an aperitif in the lounge before dinner, as small snacks are served with your drink.

Panorama Lounge

VIVA all-inclusive concept

The special feature of VIVA Cruises is the VIVA all-inclusive concept, which has been offered for all river cruises since the 2018/2019 winter season. This includes all meals and a large selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks throughout the day. Amenities in the cabin, which we will go into in more detail, as well as free Wi-Fi and included tips for the crew are also part of the concept. So we can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey. The VIVA Cruises motto is aptly “Enjoy the moment” and promises guests a premium experience on board with the best service.

Our cabin on board the VIVA One

We have cabin 314 on the Diamond Deck.
It is one of the two-bed cabins on deck 3, which is also the top cabin deck. From here we can easily reach both the Panorama Lounge and VIVA’s Bistro. The cabin is about sixteen square meters in size and has a French balcony. In concrete terms, this means that we have a large sliding door that can be opened and in front of which there is a glass balustrade. Here you can enjoy the passing landscapes of the Moselle with the door open, just like on a balcony.

Our cabin is tastefully styled in blue, beige and green tones. The carpet with its diamond pattern gives the modern furniture a sophisticated look. There are two bedside tables with drawers to the left and right of the double bed. The reading lamps by the bed are really practical as they are foldable. The flat-screen TV on the wall opposite the bed is also relatively large and shows not only the TV program but also the on-board program. This is an environmentally friendly way of saving paper, as there is no printed program in the cabins. Restaurant opening times, excursions and the daily program can all be seen on the TV.

In the entrance area of the cabin there is a closet with two doors and space to hang clothes at different heights. In addition to pants and blouses, dresses can also be hung up here without any problems. This is not a matter of course, especially on river cruise ships. The safe is also integrated into the wardrobe. Next to it is a sideboard with the minibar and there are several drawers, so there really is plenty of storage space for two people.

Cabin 314 on board the VIVA One

The all-inclusive concept includes a minibar with soft drinks and beer, a Nespresso machine with capsules and a water bottle where we can get water from the taps. The minibar is refilled daily and each guest can take the water bottle home with them at the end of the trip. A nice souvenir and one of the lovely details on board the VIVA One. Between the bed and the French balcony is a small seating area with a table and an armchair. There is a second chair at the desk.

The temperature in the cabin can be controlled via a thermostat-controlled air conditioning system on the wall at the entrance. There is also a modern audio system that can be easily controlled via a control panel on the wall. The only drawback is that, unfortunately, some morning announcements cannot be switched off with this system either.

The modern bathroom

The modern and spacious bathroom is a real highlight. The bathroom design is dominated by green and beige tiles and offers plenty of space.
There is a large washbasin with mirror and vanity mirror. The spacious shower is modern and equipped with two shower doors and Grohe fittings. You can either use the rain shower on the ceiling or the hand shower. Both can be switched on at the touch of a button. We also love the care products available. Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion from RITUALS are available.

The bathroom in the cabin

Our 3 highlights of the cabin are:

– The included minibar with juice, cola, Fanta and beer

– The water bottle for drinking fresh water on the go or on board

– The spacious shower and RITUALS care products

The VIVA One is a modern river cruise ship with a great all-inclusive concept and spacious cabins. You can slow down wonderfully and enjoy a variety of excellent food and drinks with very good service.

Our journey on board the VIVA One

Many thanks to VIVA Cruises for the cruise aboard the VIVA One. This article is not sponsored, we only report on our own impressions.