Viva Cruises holds christening for first Boutique collection ship

Viva Cruises has marked “a new chapter” with a naming ceremony in Paris for the first ship in its Boutique collection.

Viva Beyond, the newest addition to the European specialist’s fleet, was commemorated with an event on the River Seine with a traditional champagne bottle-smashing on the ship’s hull by godmother Cecilie Kopperud.

The gathering, attended by 160 media and travel trade partners from around the world, also included an eight-course gala dinner by Michelin-starred chef David Görne and a sunset acrobatic performance.

Viva Beyond has capacity for 112 passengers across 56 cabins, of which half are suites, and will sail three itineraries on the Seine.

Chief executive Andrea Kruse said: “With Viva Beyond, we’re elevating river cruising to the next step.

“We already have a fantastic product so this is an addition to that, where aesthetics and design take centre stage.

“I am so proud to see our vision for Viva Boutique come to life here in Paris, surrounded by partners from across the globe and of course Viva Cruises’ amazing and dedicated team.”