Destinations

Ship review: Viva Enjoy

Discover all there is to know about Viva Cruises’ Viva Enjoy

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Overview: Viva Enjoy is Viva Cruises’ third new-build river ship, following on from Viva One and Two. Why is it not called Viva Three? Because Enjoy sums up what cruising with Viva is all about, explains the line’s chief executive, Andrea Kruse. She may be biased – but the sentiment is spot on.

The vessel is decked out in pale wood that gives it a light, bright, modern look and the atmosphere is relaxed. It was named in Dusseldorf in January, holds 190 passengers and is sailing four to 10-night cruises on the Rhine and Danube this year.

Cabins: Rather than follow the trend among some river cruise lines for step-out balconies, Viva has opted to maximise space inside the cabins on Enjoy by sticking with French balconies (floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a rail). The exceptions are 16 cabins on the lower deck, which have a window that doesn’t open.

In all there are 95 cabins, most at a comfortable 15sq m, while for those who want more space, eight suites measure 24sq m. All rooms have sizeable bathrooms with glass–enclosed showers, plenty of storage, safes and Nespresso machines.

Food & drink: Whether clients fancy served multicourse dinners, intimate bistro dining or Italian cuisine, they can savour it on Viva Enjoy, which has three full-sized restaurants included in the price.

The main restaurant has buffet breakfasts and lunches then served dinners; there’s a speciality venue (see below); then the bistro is open for lunchtime salads, burgers and fish and chips, while evening fare ranges from lobster bisque to a surf-and-turf platter of beef, lamb and prawns.

Facilities: There are yoga and massage rooms (massages from €55 for 45 minutes), a small gym and top-deck pool. Bikes on board can be borrowed for free (alternatively, English-speaking tours are available at extra cost). A bar sits in a nook a few steps down from the front of the lounge.

USP: It wasn’t so long ago that river cruise lines were notable for adding a second restaurant to their vessels yet Enjoy, like its sister Viva Two, goes one better – literally – with a third full-sized eatery, Moments. It has the feel of a leafy Italian piazza, with a lunch menu of pizza and pasta, while dinner offers everything from antipasti to risotto and veal.

Book it: A seven-night Danube Discover round-trip from Vienna on Viva Enjoy departing November 1 costs from £1,450, including all meals, drinks, tips and Wi-Fi.
vivacruises.com

Reviewed by Jane Archer

VIVA ENJOY_Suite (2)

PICTURES: Viva Cruises

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