If you’re anything like us, you love a good cruise where you can just kick back, relax and not worry about the extras adding up. That’s why we were so impressed by what’s included on a VIVA Cruises river cruise. Whether you're new to river cruising or thinking about trying a new cruise line, this blog breaks down everything you get onboard - and it’s a lot more than you might expect!
Why We Loved Our Time With VIVA Cruises
We’ve had the pleasure of sailing with VIVA Cruises several times, and each time has been fantastic. We’ve cruised the Rhine River aboard VIVA One and explored the Seine River on VIVA Gloria. On both journeys, we were treated to amazing food, friendly service, and well-organised excursions that gave us a real flavour of the local culture and history.
VIVA Cruises really impressed us with their relaxed style and attention to detail. Their all-inclusive approach means you can focus on enjoying the experience, and the overall atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming. Whether you're gliding through vineyard-lined valleys or docking in iconic cities, VIVA makes the journey just as memorable as the destinations.
VIVA All-Inclusive: What You Get
Welcome Drink
As soon as you arrive in your cabin, there’s a lovely bottle of Cava waiting for you. It's a thoughtful touch that sets the tone for the rest of your cruise - relaxing, indulgent and stress-free from the get-go.
All Meals Included
Food is a huge part of any cruise, and VIVA Cruises certainly doesn’t disappoint. Every day is packed with gourmet meals and tasty snacks, all included in your fare:
Buffet breakfast served with a wide variety of choices: fresh fruit, pastries, cooked options, cereals, and healthy choices.
À la carte lunch with salad buffet in the restaurant or a buffet served in the lounge.
À la carte dinner with multi-course menus. Expect dishes inspired by European cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
Special dietary options: vegetarian and vegan menus are available daily, with creative and flavourful dishes.
Flexible meal times: no rigid dining slots - eat when it suits you within generous dining windows.
Free choice of table: dine as a couple, with friends or meet new people; it’s completely up to you.
Snacks throughout the day available in the lounge or bistro.
Dining venues on the VIVA fleet include:
Riverside – the main restaurant with plenty of space and relaxed service.
Moments – an elegant specialty restaurant offering five-course Mediterranean-inspired dinners with wine pairings. Great for a special evening.
VIVA’s Bistro – casual, laid-back dining serving fresh seafood, burgers, and lighter meals. Great views at the back of the ship too.
Both specialty restaurants are included in your fare. You’ll need to make a reservation for dinner, but there’s no extra charge to dine there as many times as you like (menus change seasonally every three months).
All-Day Drinks
You won’t go thirsty onboard! The VIVA Cruises all-inclusive drinks package is one of the best we’ve seen on a river cruise. It covers:
High-quality wines, beers, and spirits
Sparkling wine and Prosecco
Cocktails and mocktails
Soft drinks and juices
Still and sparkling water
Specialty teas and freshly brewed coffee
There’s also a mini bar in every cabin, which is stocked daily with a selection of drinks - again, all included. Whether you fancy a nightcap or a cold drink after a day of exploring, you’re sorted.
And don’t forget about High Tea, served once per trip - think homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate sandwiches, cupcakes, macarons, exclusive teas and other sweet treats. It’s a lovely mid-afternoon indulgence and something we always looked forward to.
Shore Excursions & Transfers
Some cruises include a shore excursion tailored to your itinerary. These guided tours help you discover the best of every port, often with local guides who bring their home city to life. You’ll visit places like:
Paris: City Tour
Conflans: Palace of Versailles
Rotterdam: Walking Tour
Tours are typically relaxed and enjoyable, with plenty of time for your own exploring too. If you prefer to go solo, you're absolutely welcome to skip the tour and do your own thing. For those who want more, optional excursions are available for a small additional charge (starting from £26 per person) and are well worth considering.
Most cruises also include transfers from the airport or train station to the ship, which makes your arrival and departure so much easier.
Wellness & Spa Onboard
One thing that really impressed us was how much VIVA Cruises packs into its ships. On some VIVA ships, you'll find a full spa and wellness area, which is rare on many river vessels. Here’s what’s included:
Massage room – you can book treatments at an extra cost.
Steam room and sauna – perfect after a chilly shore excursion.
Rainfall shower and spa toilet facilities – clean, modern and calming.
Fitness area with treadmill, rowing machine and bike.
Pool
It’s a great space to unwind and refresh, especially if you’re cruising in winter when you might want a bit of warmth and relaxation.
Premium Cabin Amenities
Your cabin is your home away from home and VIVA Cruises makes sure you’re more than comfortable. Every cabin includes:
All outside cabins, ranging from 15–24m²
Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, many with French balconies
Daily restocked mini bar with drinks and snacks
Nespresso machine – and yes, the coffee is very good!
Flat-screen TV, telephone, and entertainment system
Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship
High-quality mattresses, bed linen and plush pillows
RITUALS bath and beauty products in the bathroom
Fluffy bathrobes and slippers for spa days or lounging
Private safe for peace of mind
Air conditioning and good wardrobe space
It’s the small touches that make a big difference - things like refillable water bottles, a well-designed layout, and storage space that makes living out of a suitcase feel easy.
Tips & Gratuities Included
No awkward tipping moments here - all gratuities are included in the cost of your cruise. The crew are brilliant, friendly, and genuinely go out of their way to make your cruise special, so it’s lovely knowing they’re looked after without you needing to worry.
FAQs About VIVA River Cruise Inclusions
What is included on a VIVA Cruises river cruise?
Your fare includes almost everything: full board dining, all-day drinks, a High Tea, daily shore excursions, gratuities, spa access, free Wi-Fi, a daily-stocked minibar, and a welcome drink in your cabin. Plus, RITUALS beauty products, flexible dining, and high-quality accommodation.
Do I need to pay extra for drinks on VIVA Cruises?
No, drinks are fully included. You can enjoy wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks, teas and coffees all day, every day.
Are shore excursions included on VIVA Cruises?
Yes. Every day there’s at least one included excursion, with excellent local guides. Optional premium tours are available for a small extra cost.
Are tips included on a VIVA river cruise?
Yes, tips for the crew are included in your cruise fare—so there’s no extra tipping required.
Is VIVA Cruises suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Absolutely. They offer well-thought-out vegetarian and vegan menus daily, with creative dishes that are anything but boring.
Do you need to book specialty restaurants in advance?
Yes, you should make a reservation for dinner in the Moments or Bistro restaurants. But there’s no extra charge—it’s all included.
Is Wi-Fi really free on VIVA Cruises?
Yes, free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship and in every cabin.
Are drinks in the cabin mini bar free too?
Yes, the mini bar is included and restocked daily with soft drinks and snacks.
Is there entertainment on VIVA Cruises?
While VIVA Cruises focuses more on relaxed, immersive cruising rather than big shows, you’ll often find live music in the evenings, themed nights and informative talks.
Is VIVA Cruises good for couples?
Yes, definitely. With tables for two, romantic scenery, and thoughtful little touches like sparkling wine at breakfast and Cava in your cabin, it’s a lovely option for couples.
If you're after a river cruise that's easy, stylish and packed with value, VIVA Cruises is well worth a look. Their all-inclusive offering takes the stress out of planning and lets you simply enjoy the journey. We loved every moment - and we reckon you will too.
Happy cruising!
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