scylla tours basel

Quality, our passion.

Since 50 years, your professional partner for premium river cruises.

We are pioneers in the industry and offer all services under one roof; from ship design, crewing, route planning, excursion and event management to outstanding cuisine, we have it all covered!  Since 1973, hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic passengers have experienced the subtle difference:  Quality is our passion.    Lots of satisfied guests and long-term partnerships prove that we are able to live up to this claim, which we live by daily.  

50 years of quality

Scylla's track record.

Years of experience

Cruises per year (2023)

Active charter partners

River cruise ships

From pioneer to companion

What our partners say.

"What began as a dream has eventually become our credo "Quality, our passion". We strive to become that little bit better every day, with every ship and each new route, and this is still the case today. But we could not have done this without all the longstanding partners and customers, with whom we have always had the privilege of developing and implementing new ship concepts, meaning our history has changed for the better!" - Arno and Robert Reitsma

Thurgau Travel

“We have worked together for more than 30 years and have always been able to rely on Scylla’s partnership and capabilities to consistently deliver high quality.”

“When looking for a partner, we chose a family and a company that shared our long-term vision of quality, innovation and service. For 20 years, we’ve led the industry in creating the best for our guests and being the best place to work for our team.”

“When you’re looking for a success story in the river cruise industry, then look no further than the partnership between Scylla and Phoenix!

Our partners

Our long-standing partnerships with renowned tour operators reflect the high level of satisfaction of our customers - something we are proud of. When can we welcome you?

and many more

Spectacular landscapes

Regions we visit.

Discover new horizons: We head for the most beautiful rivers and spectacular landscapes in Europe for you and your guests. Scylla was the first provider of cruises on the Main-Danube Canal and Italy’s longest river, the Po. In keeping with our pioneering spirit, we regularly expand our “sphere of influence” in order to be able to offer you new destinations time and again.

From Northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean

Portugal’s finest of romance and rough nature.

From the city of love to le Havre

The famous Seine in la douce France.

Gates to historical landmarks

The tributaries of the Rhine

Romantic cruises through a varied landscapes.

From the tulip blossom to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.

The Netherlands and Belgium

Experience an unforgettable cruises on canals, rivers and waterways.

The beautiful north

Northeast Germany

River cruises through Germany beyond the Rhine

Where history meets water

Drive from Switzerland to Holland via Germany

Idyllic wine villages and fields full of lavender

The Rhône and Saône

A dream cruise under the Mediterranean sun.

Between Franconia and Hungary

The Danube and the Main

A thousand years of history and culture.

Career at Scylla

Your career at scylla.

We invest in our employees and help them develop and grow within our company. From sailor to captain, from waiter to maître or hotel manager. If you are motivated and inquisitive, Scylla is happy to provide you with the tools and guidance you need to pursue your chosen career path.

Difference MICE & Charter Business

Due to the diversity of customers and their different needs, our offer includes two options.

Charter business

Especially suitable for tour operators who want to charter for a whole season or even several years.

Hotelschiff &MICE​

Suitable for private and business customers, the boat rental for a few days for private or business events as well as MICE.

River cruising pioneer in Europe

Finally, on September 3, 1973, it’s “Cast off!” for Scylla: With Scylla Tours AG, André and Martha Reitsma found the family business in Basel and thus a true pioneer of the river cruise industry. The MS Scylla, the company’s first passenger ship, began her maiden voyage in March of the following year. The rest is history. And one that goes back exactly 50 years, which we would like to celebrate with you on the following pages. Come aboard – and cast off with us!

Do you have general questions our company? Get in contact with our administration team for more information.

• [email protected]
• +41 (0) 58 218 18 50
• [email protected]

Scylla Tours AG | CruiseShipJobs.com

Scylla tours ag.

Uferstrasse 90 Postfach CH-4019 Basel Switzerland

Phone: +41 (0)61 638 81 81

Company Website:  www.scylla.ch Employment Website:   Job Offers

The Swiss shipping company Scylla AG began in the 1974 season with the MS Scylla. Today they have a fleet of luxurious and modern river cruise vessels that cruise the major waterways of Europe.

They own 17 river cruise ships, but often charter them out to other cruise lines and tour operators. Depending on the tour operator who has chartered the ship for the particular cruise, the language on board is German or English. All the Scylla ships are registered under the Swiss flag.

Fleet of Cruise Ships

Alina Entered Service: 2011 Length: 135 m Total Passengers: 220 Total Crew: 45

Amelia Entered Service: 2011 Length: 135 m Total Passengers: 220 Total Crew: 45

Aurelia Entered Service: 2007 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 159 Total Crew: 43

Saxonia Entered Service: 2001 Length: 82 m Total Passengers: 89 Total Crew: 23

Swiss Carona Entered Service: 2004 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 155 Total Crew: 36

Swiss Crown Entered Service: 2000 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 154 Total Crew: 36

Swiss Crystal Entered Service: 1995 Refurbished 2007 Length: 101 m Total Passengers: 125 Total Crew: 31

Swiss Diamond Entered Service: 1996; Refurbished 2006 Length: 101 m Total Passengers: 123 Total Crew: 31

Swiss Emerald Entered Service: 2006 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 124 Total Crew: 36

Swiss Gloria Entered Service: 2005 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 153 Total Crew: 36

Swiss Jewel Entered Service: 2009 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 124 Total Crew: 36

Swiss Pearl Entered Service: 1993 Refurbished 2006 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 123 Total Crew: 32

Swiss Ruby Entered Service: 2002 Length: 85 m Total Passengers: 88 Total Crew: 23

Swiss Sapphire Entered Service: 2008 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 124 Total Crew: 36

Swiss Tiara Entered Service: 2006 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 153 Total Crew: 36

Treasures Entered Service: 2011 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 124 Total Crew: 36

Vista Prima Entered Service: 2010 Length: 110 m Total Passengers: 158 Total Crew: 36

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Scylla Cruises

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

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•   Itinerary
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Scylla Cruises fleet

Ms viva enjoy, ms seaventure, ms porto mirante, ms viva two, ms viva one, ms geoffrey chaucer, ms lord tennyson, ms andorinha, ms george eliot, ms william wordsworth, ms viva moments, ms emily bronte, ms oscar wilde, review of scylla cruises.

Scylla Cruises is a shipowner that charters its riverboats to major river cruise operators (travel agencies) , including Riviera Travel UK, Tauck Travel USA, Thurgau Travel Switzerland.

Scylla Cruises (scylla.ch/en) is a brand and subsidiary of the Basel Switzerland -headquartered passenger shipping company SCYLLA AG. Scylla was established in 1974. Its cruise brand enjoys a large number of repeat customers and constantly expands its fleet.

As river cruise line , Scylla started shipping operations with MS Scylla (riverboat) on Rhine River. Curiously enough, the industry's first vessel deployed on itineraries transiting Rhine-Main-Danube Canal was a Scylla boat. The same goes for the first ship deployed year-round in Italy, on Po River.

Currently, Scylla Tours Holding AG is owned by the brothers Arno and Robert Reitsma.

SCYLLA AG is managed by two directors - Robbert Verbeek (CFO-chief financial officer) and Andreas Wandinger (CCO-chief commercial officer). Scylla's current CEO is Arno Reitsma.

Scylla's subsidiary and luxury river travel brand "VIVA Cruises" was established in 2018 and inaugurated in 2019.

VIVA Cruises (Scylla Ocean)

On January 15, 2019, was announced that Scylla AG purchased the ocean liner "MS Bremen" from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises - subsidiary of Hapag-Lloyd AG (German-Chilean shipping company, one of the world's oldest). The vessel was officially delivered to the new shipowner in May 2021. Bremen ship's sale price was not disclosed. As of 2019, Scylla owned 31 riverboats, most of which are chartered to different European cruisetour companies.

In November 2019, Scylla announced the launch of its new (ocean cruising) brand "VIVA Cruises Expeditions". The new brand started operations in May 2021 with MS SeaVenture (fka MS Seascape / MS Bremen) . VIVA Expeditions operate in the regions of Northern Europe, the Arctic (Europe and Canada) and Antarctica . For season 2021-2022 (starting in November 2021) SeaVenture was chartered to Polar Latitudes for voyages to Antarctica. SeaVenture officially started operations for VIVA Expeditions on May 15, 2021, with a 7-day maiden voyage from Amsterdam to Hamburg (homeport).

As of 2019, Scylla's fleet included 32 fully-owned passenger ships, the latest being Anna Katharina (2019new -built and chartered to Phoenix Reisen ).The 

Scylla fleet's smallest vessel is Swiss Ruby (88 pax) while the largest are the sisterships Alina and Amelia (220 pax each).

Scylla fleet's newest riverboats are the sisterships VIVA One (2022), VIVA Two (2023) and VIVA Enjoy (2024).

VIVA's 2024 European river cruise brochure listed a diverse collection of 85 different itineraries and 280+ voyages across its fleet of 8 boats.

VIVA Cruises' COO is Andrea Kruse.

Scylla river cruise ship charters

A unique offer is the Scylla AG's river cruise ship charterers marked by absolute flexibility. Other companies can charter a Scylla boat for a period ranging from 1-night to a week, a month and even for a whole season. The company also provides the English-speaking crew, the hotel staff, gourmet cuisine options, specifically-tailored tours and excursions ashore. Individual requirements are also met.

Private ship charters also offer customized cruise itinerary (route and ports of call) and all the cruise arrangements, including food and beverage provision (and with port authorities - boat registration and berth reservations (moorings). Scylla also will organize the charter's shore excursion program to fit its exact needs.

The onboard dining options include cold and hot buffet breakfast, dinner menus with several courses, lunch and dinner buffets, the Captain's Gala Dinner event. On chartered cruises, the company provides customized menus according to particular preferences, including vegetarian, Asian cuisine, kosher food, themed buffets.

Scylla boats can also be chartered as "hotel ships" docked in many big European river ports, like Basel, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hannover. This way the boat may become a location for special events and celebrations, corporate meetings, exhibitions, employee training sessions, annual events, team building, and incentive programs. The boats also can be individually furnished and with the customer's own branding.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Scylla's main boat charterer - Riviera Travel UK - suspended fleetwide its passenger shipping operations between March 15, 2020, and early-July 2021. Tauck Travel canceled all river cruises and tours with departures through August 31, Thurgau Travel - through July 31.

All affected bookings received a full refund in FCC (future cruise credit / Refund Credit Notes), including on prepurchased through the company packages and services. The cruise rebooking must be made before December 31, 2020.

Itinerary of Scylla Cruises

The line's current fleet includes the impressive number of 23 beautiful, spacious and modern-designed river cruise ships (including "Suite Ships") sailing exclusively on the European waterways. All Scylla ships are Swiss-flagged.

The Scylla cruise line company owns and operates the following riverboats:

• MS Edelweiss
• MS Jane Austen
• MS Lord Byron
• MS Swiss Crown
• MS Swiss Crystal
• MS Swiss Diamond
• MS Swiss Emerald
• MS Swiss Jewel
• MS Swiss Pearl
• MS Swiss Ruby
• MS Swiss Sapphire
• VIVA Gloria
• VIVA Inspire
• VIVA Moments (fka MS Robert Burns)
• VIVA Treasures
• VIVA Voyage (fka MS Swiss Corona)

The fleet's newest vessels are the sisterships VIVA One (2022), VIVA Two (2023) and VIVA Enjoy (2024).

Some Scylla ships are often chartered by travel companies like Tauck (USA) and Phoenix Reisen (Germany).

Riviera Travel (UK cruise brand company/tour travel agency) exclusively charters the following Scylla-owned newbuild riverboats :

• Lord Byron (2012)
• William Shakespeare (2014)
• Charles Dickens (2015)
• Jane Austen (2015)
• Thomas Hardy (2016)
• Emily Bronte (2017)
• Oscar Wilde (2017)
• George Eliot (2019)
• William Wordsworth (2019)
• Geoffrey Chaucer (2020)
• Lord Tennyson (2021)

Scylla Cruises related cruise news

Riviera River Cruises’ MS Lord Byron sets sail with upgrades for 2024 season

Riviera River Cruises’ MS Lord Byron launched her 2024 season following extensive refurbishments to her public areas, cabins, and aft Bistro...

Tauck Travel unveils 2025 river and ocean cruises with new itineraries and training initiatives

Tauck Travel USA (Scylla Cruises' charterer) has announced ambitious plans for 2025, featuring a range of captivating river and ocean cruising...

VIVA Cruises offers new Seine River cruises (ship VIVA Gloria) in winter 2024

The new European river cruise brand VIVA Cruises (owned by Scylla) is set to launch a series of new Seine River voyages in November and December 2024...

VIVA Cruises to present flagship VIVA ONE at Amsterdam conference

The Scylla-owned European river cruise company and travel brand VIVA Cruises is set to participate in the CLIA RiverView Conference 2024, scheduled...

Riviera Travel UK releases 2025 European river cruise program

The UK-based company Riviera Travel/fleet has unveiled its 2025 European river cruise program. The itinerary collection is now open for booking and...

VIVA Cruises confirmed as River Cruise Operator of CLIA Europe

The European luxury river travel brand VIVA Cruises/fleet has officially been recognized as a River Cruise Operator by Cruise Lines International...

VIVA Cruises' 2024 program features 3rd newbuild riverboat Viva Enjoy

VIVA Cruises/fleet, a specialist in European river cruises, has unveiled its 2024 brochure featuring an impressive selection of 280+ voyages along...

MS VIVA Two christened at VIVA Cruises' home port of Dusseldorf (Germany)

A 2nd ship in a year was named by VIVA Cruises (fleet) with a 3rd new riverboat scheduled to enter service in September 2024. The 190-guest VIVA Two...

Shiri Gordon to serve as the godmother of MS VIVA Two

River cruise specialist, VIVA Cruises (fleet), announced it will christen its new flagship VIVA Two on March 23rd, 2023. Following the launch of its...

VIVA Cruises to christen VIVA Two riverboat in March 2023

Scylla's luxury river cruise travel brand VIVA Cruises (fleet) announced the expansion of its 2nd build ship, MS VIVA Two, in 2023. Following the...

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Scylla AG Cruises

Cruises with the shipping company scylla ag.

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Anna Katharina

nickoVISION

Porto Mirante

Swiss Crystal

Thurgau Prestige

Thurgau Saxonia

VIVA GLORIA

VIVA MOMENTS

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Rhine Cruise - from Basel - 97812

10 days with the edelweiss.

Moselle Cruise - from Basel - 97811

9 days with the edelweiss.

Rhine Cruise - from Basel - 97810

Danube Cruise - from Passau - 85532

8 days with the annika.

Danube Cruise - from Vienna - 87563

8 days with the viva two.

Rhine Cruise - from Basel - 74711

4 days with the edelweiss, danube cruise - from passau - 74490, rhine cruise - from cologne - 94996, 6 days with the anesha.

Rhine Cruise - from Basel - 87496

6 days with the thurgau prestige.

Benelux Cruise - from Cologne - 94994

8 days with the alina.

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Similar Companies in Switzerland

• Maestro Shipping SA
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Viva Two: Diverse Fun “On the River”

“Five Years of Viva Cruises” marks the anniversary that the Düsseldorf-based company celebrates this year. Launched in 2018, Viva Cruises is supported by the Swiss navigation company Scylla – formerly known as Scylla Tours, which is also celebrating a “big birthday” in 2023: the company was founded 50 years ago by the Dutch Reitsma family in Basel. For a long time, Scylla didn’t offer cruises, but leased its 40 ships to tour operators worldwide. Notable brands utilizing Scylla’s ships include Phoenix Reisen and Nicko cruises in the German market, while internationally, Tauck in the United States and the British cruise specialist Riviera River Cruises.

After Viva Cruises began in 2018 to market Scylla’s ships outside of their own charter trips, the start of the 2020 season was met with a setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Viva Cruises reacted swiftly and introduced an effective hygiene protocol that allowed for short trips in Germany and on the Danube from the end of June 2020.

Viva Two Bar

Viva Tiara was the company’s first owned ship, sailing exclusively under the Viva flag. In 2021, a second ship, only a few years old, was added. Originally, Viva One was also supposed to be put into operation in the same year. The decision to delay its launch and instead utilize the available ships turned out to be correct, especially considering the challenges of completing new construction projects during a pandemic. The second new build, Viva Two , was eventually completed in the following year and set sail for its inaugural voyage in March 2023, rather than the initially planned July 2022. With Thomas Hardy, part of the Scylla fleet, the planned voyages for 2022 were still carried out.

Viva Two’s hull was built at the Vahali Zasavica shipyards in Serbia and was transported to the Netherlands between April and May 2022 through the Sava, Danube, Main-Danube Canal, and Rhine for final outfitting. On March 23, 2023, the ship’s christening ceremony took place at Viva Cruises headquarters in Düsseldorf. The godmother was Shiri Gordon, co-owner of the Gordon Travel Group based in Tel Aviv, whose cruise division, Gordon Cruise, regularly brings groups of Israeli travelers aboard Viva Cruises ships. From the outset, Viva has been open to an international audience. German and English are the onboard languages, and menus, daily programs, announcements, etc., are substantially bilingual.

Viva Two interiors

With a length of 442.91 feet and a width of 37.56 feet , the new vessel accommodates 190 passengers. Unlike Viva One , Viva Two features three continuous passenger decks. Only the bar area at the front of the bow is positioned halfway between the middle and upper decks (Ruby Deck and Diamond Deck). Consequently, the ship’s galley is located below between the lower and middle decks (Emerald Deck and Ruby Deck). On Viva One , there’s a deck jump between three cabin decks and two decks with public areas (restaurant and lounge) on the level of the lobby. This allows for designing a slightly lower outdoor area with lounge furniture in front of the helm, which in many cases can remain open when passing under low bridges. However, this is not the case for Viva Two , where the helm is located much further forward.

Nevertheless, the different deck layout lends a very open and bright appearance to the public areas, and the ship also features three restaurants. Inside, the prevailing tones are blue, gray, and earthy, in line with the current zeitgeist. The design is maritime, though not necessarily warm. The light tones of the wood blend well into the overall picture.

The two-story lobby hosts a small onboard shop on the lower level, in addition to the reception and tour guide counter. All cabin decks, but not the sun deck, are accessible via an elevator. However, the staircases to the Diamond and Emerald decks are quite steep and narrow. In the foyer gallery, there’s a drinking water station for refilling bottles and a coffee machine that can be used free of charge at any time.

Viva Two Cabin

At the front, on the Diamond deck , the panoramic lounge is located. It offers seating with comfortable chairs and sofas, as well as high and cocktail tables. From the deck below, the bow bar area is accessed via a wide staircase that continues down to the Riverside restaurant beneath the lounge. The gap between the restaurant level and the lounge level creates an unusual feeling of space on the river, but it also takes up some space, especially in the Panorama Salon. While music softly plays here at different times of the day, the front bar area is much quieter, with a broad view of the bow, where there’s an outdoor terrace that can be used even when temperatures are low, thanks to heaters. This area is also frequently visited by smokers. By the way, smoking is strictly prohibited inside the ship, and there are only ashtrays on the deck on certain tables, which should stay there. Smoking areas are thus limited to a few outdoor spots, in line with the idea of protecting non-smokers.

From the bow terrace, the sun deck is accessed via long but easily accessible stairs. On the sun deck, which extends for almost the entire length of the ship, there are lounge areas with outdoor chairs, loungers, and sunbeds. There are also shaded areas. There’s a small pool near the stern. Here, stairs lead to another small outdoor terrace that encloses Viva’s Bistro on three sides. Viva Cruises deserves special praise for the integrated deck lighting in the railing underneath. There are no glaring lights that disturb evening walks on the deck; instead, it’s optimally illuminated.

Viva Two Lounge

The clever lighting concept, which integrates both direct and indirect light, is also prominently evident in the naturally windowless cabin corridors. This continues in the approximately 15 m² cabins – from the indirect “nightlight” in the bathroom to the lit lockers, which are illuminated by LEDs. Overall, the cabins are modern and fresh. Particularly noteworthy are the beds with high-quality mattresses. The large drawers and adequately sized wardrobe provide plenty of storage space. It’s a pity that there’s only enough space for one armchair. There are ample outlets for chargers, cell phones, and the like, and there are also USB charging ports near the bed. The minibar is restocked daily and is included in the cruise price as part of Viva Cruises’ “All Inclusive” concept, as is the use of the Nespresso machine. Cabin amenities also include a clock with Bluetooth speaker function and the option of wireless charging for compatible cell phones, individually adjustable air conditioning, a hairdryer, and a safe. In the bathroom, quite spacious for a river ship, the beautiful shower stands out. In addition to a handheld showerhead, it also features a ceiling rain shower, both individually controllable via the thermostat with a simple push of a button. As customary with Viva Cruises, the care products come from the well-known Rituals brand.

Regarding the culinary experience, Viva Two offers a variety of options that few other river ships can match. In the Riverside restaurant, all meals are served at the table with open seating. In the morning, a rich buffet is available, and egg dishes and porridge are also served at the table. For lunch and dinner, high-quality multi-course menus are served, different every day. Below the Riverside, the Moments restaurant does not offer river views through large windows, but it’s an excellent alternative for breakfast to the main restaurant, which is usually much busier.

Viva Two Riverside Restaurant

The Moments exudes the atmosphere of a refined bistro. At lunchtime, freshly prepared Mediterranean dishes from a fixed menu are available. These include a plate with Spanish and French sausage and cheese specialties, beef tartare, and lasagna – but also an excellent Mediterranean-inspired hamburger in focaccia with arugula and mozzarella. In the evening, almost every day, a gourmet dinner with wine pairing is served. This requires a reservation but is included in the price. The Viva’s Bistro at the back is also open for lunch and dinner. Fish and seafood are always present on the menu. At lunch, you’ll find rustic dishes with various fish rolls and shrimp, baked squid rings, and fish & chips, while in the evening, there are Finkenwerder-style plaice, tuna steak, and lobster bisque. No reservation is required for the bistro. All meals in the three restaurants are always included in the travel price, and all three are excellent.

Viva Two Moments Restaurant

However, Moments and Viva’s Bistro haven’t been well presented. The “advertisement” for these alternative dining spots onboard could certainly be more accentuated. They weren’t even mentioned at the onboard event at the beginning of the journey. Also noteworthy, especially with Viva’s Bistro, is that a pure “fish restaurant” won’t naturally convince all travelers. While it’s nice from a passenger perspective to be the only guests at the restaurant, this isn’t in the interest of Viva Cruises . A gala dinner is also scheduled onboard, but in line with Viva’s concept, you can leave your formal attire at home!

If you want to shed the pounds gained from the excellent cuisine, you’ll find a small fitness room on the Emerald Deck and a small wellness oasis with a sauna and steam bath right across. There’s also a massage room, and a wellness therapist is onboard for each journey. Alongside shore excursions and a very few exclusive beverages, this is one of the few optional services not covered by the all-inclusive plan but must be paid for separately. The prices for various massage offerings are reasonable.

Viva Two Vivas Bistrot

Like Viva One , Viva Two also features solar panels on the deck to cover at least a small part of the onboard energy requirement. Liquid gas fuel is used for propulsion. These are liquid hydrocarbons produced from natural gas processing. They burn more efficiently and, compared to petroleum-based fuels, practically release no soot particles, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.

“Enjoy the moment” is Viva Cruises ‘ motto, and the young company is visibly trying to help modernize the image of river cruising, which is still much behind ocean travel. At the same time, however, they must continue to cater to the interests of the best agers, who still make up the majority of passengers in this travel segment. A certain balance is inevitable. Some innovative concepts, like the offering in VIVA TWO’s two alternative restaurants, will probably undergo changes to increase popularity, especially among this older clientele. Viva Cruises and their new flagship offer a top-class product that combines modern and comfortable cabins, excellent and friendly service, and great cuisine. Alongside popular “standard destinations” on the Rhine and Danube, the program also includes alternative routes and less frequented destinations.

Viva Two Danuve

After its first season on the Danube, Viva Two will open the 2024 season with short trips to the Netherlands and Belgium – and this already in January! Viva Cruises has also opened up new horizons with this extension of the typical river cruise season, which usually ends at the latest with the New Year’s cruise and starts again no earlier than mid-March. In the spring of 2024, Viva Two will return to the Danube, where, in addition to one-week cruises, selected trips to the Iron Gate and the Danube Delta are planned.

Stay updated with Viva Cruises’ news, updates, and reviews on Cruising Journal , featuring photos, videos, and discounted cruises.

Raoul Fiebig

Latest Reportages

Luxury river cruising on board the riverside debussy, marella discovery 2 to head east, azamara pursuit: the south africa intensive voyage, ponant: expedition cruising a la francais, vista’s maiden call on new york.

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Ms viva one, ms annabelle, ms geoffrey chaucer, ms andorinha, ms anna katharina, ms george elliot, ms william wordsworth, ms nicko vision, ms robert burns, ms oscar wilde, ms emily bronte, ms thomas hardy, ms jane austen, ms treasures, ms swiss emerald, ms swiss ruby, ms swiss crown, ms swiss diamond, ms swiss crystal.

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Scylla, Our European River Partner

Ready for river cruising

“Europe’s rivers are calling, and are more wonderful than ever…” – that’s the message from our our longtime riverboat partner, Scylla, owned by the Reitsma family. We’re pleased to bring you a special video message from the team aboard ms Emerald , our wonderful riverboat cruising the Seine. They send a preview of what to expect – along with a special recipe for Lavender Cheesecake, provided by Delio Vargas, Scylla’s Corporate Pastry Chef. In the chef’s words: “Lavender desserts pair to perfection with Riesling, which has a sweet taste and flowery aroma, and delicately will let the lavender’s fragrance grow on the palate.”

We extensively searched to find the right company to partner with on Europe’s rivers, a company that would share our values and our commitment to do the right thing by our guests – and we found it in family-owned Scylla. Based in Basel, Switzerland, Scylla is involved in the design, construction, outfitting and operations of our riverboat fleet. Together, we have custom-crafted all of our riverboats, working with an amazing group of international engineers, designers, electricians, mechanics and craftsmen to bring these wonderful vessels to life… to transport guests on unique, innovative, immersive, and authentic travel experiences in towns, villages and cities found along the great rivers and waterways of Europe.

Lavender Cheesecake

Cheese cake

4.5 oz / 130 gr Philadelphia cream cheese 1.5 oz / 40 gr Liquid Eggs or a small egg 1.25 oz / 35 gr Granulated Sugar 1.75 oz / 45 gr Sour cream Pinch of kosher salt .25 oz / 8 gr Vanilla pudding power .25 oz / 7 gr Lavender paste 1 tsp / 0.2 gr ground vanilla

2 oz / 50 gr Butter cookies ground .50 oz / 15 gr Egg white 1.25 oz / 35 gr Butter / melted 1/2 tsp / 0.1 gr Ground cinnamon

Lavender sauce

2 fl oz / 60 ml water .25 oz / 7 gr glucose 1 tsp / 2 gr Lavender paste Pinch of violet color Pinch of cornstarch for thickener

Preparation for cheese cake

Whip the cream cheese and half the sugar together. Add the egg, vanilla seeds, salt, sour cream, and Lavender paste and whip thoroughly, scraping the bowl. Take the cheese mixture and very gently pour into a prepared spring-form pan. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes at (145°C, 290°F). Remove, cool on a rack, and then refrigerate for 12 hours.

Preparation for crust

To make the crust, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, egg white, pinch of cinnamon until well blended. Press the mixture into an 8-inch (20 cm) spring-form pan, ensuring a thin, consistent layer, and bake at (160°C, 320°F) for 7 minutes. Leave to cool, and then chill for an hour

Note: To cover the lavender cheese cake use top glace coloring with lavender paste and a pinch of violet color.

Related Journeys

Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy

Savoring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence

The Blue Danube

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We have taken six Tauck/Scylla river cruises. They have been magical. Of course, the Tauck directors are first rate. We have been extremely impressed by the Scylla staff on each and every cruise. Believe me, they take care of you. We were lucky enough to meet some of them again on another cruise and they welcomed us like old friends.

Category: Alina (ship, 2011)

• Länge/Length/Longueur: 135,00 m
• Breite/Beam/Maître-bau: 11,40 m
• Passagierkapazität/Passenger capacity/Passagers: max. 220
• Leistung/Power/Puissance: 2 x 783 kW
• Baujahr/Year built/Année de construction: 2011
• Bauwerft/Boatyard/Chantier naval: VAHALI Shipyard, Gendt (NL) and Belgrade (SRB)
• European Number of Identification: 07001934

Media in category " Alina (ship, 2011)"

The following 53 files are in this category, out of 53 total.

• Ships of Scylla AG
• River cruise ships of Phoenix Reisen
• Passenger ships of Switzerland
• ENI 07001934
• River cruise ships
• Ships registered in Basel
• Ships named Alina
• Uses of Wikidata Infobox
• Ships by name (flat list)

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