VIVA Cruises will launch its newest luxury ship, VIVA UNIQUE, in May 2027. The boutique vessel is designed for travelers seeking intimacy, refinement, and authentic experiences along Italy’s most enchanting waterways. Its itineraries will trace the Po River and the Venetian Lagoon, immersing guests in Italy’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
VIVA UNIQUE embodies the VIVA Boutique brand, renowned for modern design, culinary excellence, and immersive itineraries. Every detail on board is inspired by la dolce vita. From suites with panoramic river views to dining rooms overlooking passing vineyards, the ship blends contemporary luxury with timeless Italian style.
Redefining the Art of River Travel
Unlike large ships, VIVA UNIQUE offers a small-ship atmosphere with limited guest capacity. This ensures personal service and a community feel, where staff anticipate individual preferences and guests enjoy meaningful connections.
The interiors echo modern Italian design. Lounges are finished with warm woods, suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and dining venues highlight local ingredients. Cuisine pays tribute to regional traditions, with menus celebrating Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. Guests can enjoy handmade pasta, fresh cheeses, and carefully paired wines that tell the story of the land.
The ship also offers activities designed to enrich every journey. Guests can take part in cooking workshops, wine tastings, and evening performances. On the sundeck, morning yoga and photography sessions align with the day’s scenic highlights. Each program ensures the cruise is not just a journey but a cultural immersion.
Sailing the Po River
The River Po offers a rare perspective on Italy’s heartland. As it winds from the western hills across the peninsula, it passes historic towns and Renaissance cities. Guests aboard VIVA UNIQUE will explore Ferrara, with its fortresses and elegant streets, and the Po Delta, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere filled with birdlife and natural beauty.
Each stop along the Po invites deeper cultural connections. Travelers can taste regional wines in local vineyards, cycle along shaded river paths, or join guided tours of historic towns. These excursions highlight the heritage of the region while supporting local communities.
Discovering the Venetian Lagoon
The Venetian Lagoon offers one of the world’s most iconic cruising experiences. Guests will glide through Venice’s canals, explore St. Mark’s Basilica, and walk across the Rialto Bridge. Excursions extend beyond the main city to Murano and Burano. Murano’s glassmakers continue centuries-old traditions, while Burano enchants with pastel houses and lace craftsmanship.
By navigating these waterways on a boutique vessel, travelers enjoy a unique perspective. Smaller ships can access intimate canals and hidden corners that larger vessels cannot. This allows guests to experience Venice and its lagoon as locals do, with a sense of authenticity and charm.
Conscious Travel with Refined Comfort
VIVA UNIQUE is designed with sustainable practices in mind. The ship minimizes its ecological footprint while maximizing guest comfort. Local partnerships ensure that shore excursions support artisans, winemakers, and cultural custodians. Educational programs on board introduce guests to Italy’s biodiversity and traditions, fostering appreciation as well as enjoyment.
Facilities on board are designed for both relaxation and indulgence. A yoga terrace, spa, and infinity pool provide serene spaces to unwind, while elegant lounges encourage connection. With fewer than 100 passengers, the atmosphere remains intimate, and service feels personal at every moment.
A Boutique Approach to Exploration
VIVA UNIQUE is not about rushing from port to port. Instead, it focuses on slowing down, savoring each destination, and embracing authentic experiences. Guests will enjoy sunrise serenades in hidden canals, twilight wine pairings in Verona, and private tastings under vineyard pergolas. Every itinerary is carefully curated to bring the spirit of Italy to life.
The ship’s design mirrors this philosophy. Suites feature generous balconies and Italian-inspired decor, transforming each room into a personal retreat. Public spaces encourage conversation and reflection, while curated activities create lasting memories.
Italy’s Rivers as a Cultural Tapestry
The combination of the Po River and Venetian Lagoon forms a rich canvas of Italian culture. On one side lie Renaissance cities and rolling vineyards, on the other the shimmering waters of Venice. Together, they offer travelers a journey that blends history, art, cuisine, and nature in one seamless experience.
VIVA UNIQUE ties these threads into a single voyage. Guests will return not just with photographs but with a deeper connection to Italy’s landscapes, traditions, and people.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for VIVA Cruises
The launch of VIVA UNIQUE in 2027 signals a new era for Italian river cruising. By blending boutique luxury, sustainable practices, and immersive itineraries, VIVA Cruises has crafted a vessel that redefines how travelers experience the Po River and Venetian Lagoon.
With its intimate scale, personalized service, and focus on cultural authenticity, VIVA UNIQUE will attract discerning travelers seeking more than just a cruise. It offers an awakening to Italy’s essence, carried gently on its storied waterways.
For travelers who dream of la dolce vita, VIVA UNIQUE promises an unforgettable passage into the heart of Italy, where every detail is crafted for discovery, elegance, and timeless beauty.
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