VIVA Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe with Viva Cruises. Our river cruises offer an intimate, immersive experience, where the paths of the majestic Danube or the enchanting Seine unveil a world of picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich history.
With Viva Cruises, enjoy exceptional value where every detail is taken care of. Our all-inclusive European river cruises provide luxurious accommodations, seamless transportation, gourmet meals, and world-class entertainment, ensuring you have everything you need for the perfect getaway. Step aboard and “Enjoy the Moment” with Viva Cruises.
VIVA ALL-INCLUSIVE
With VIVA Cruises, “all-inclusive” means you can sit back, relax and enjoy. Your physical well-being is taken care of with exclusive dining and drinks, allowing you to indulge in luxury and convenience with the following inclusions:
- Gourmet Dining: Enjoy full board with a breakfast buffet, lunch, and a multi-course dinner served at your table, complete with flexible dining times and your choice of seating.
- Beverages All Day: Quench your thirst with high-quality, non-alcoholic drinks available throughout the day, including mineral water, soft drinks, various coffee specialities, teas, and cocoa. Alcoholic selections include sparkling wine, aperitifs, a range of wines, champagne, various beers, long drinks, cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs.
- High Tea Experience: Once per cruise, indulge in exquisite sweet and savoury delights such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates, macarons, and exclusive teas.
- Comforts of Home: Find your cabin’s minibar always stocked and enjoy exclusive beauty products from premium brands like Rituals.
- Stay Connected: Complimentary WiFi keeps you connected, whether streaming, browsing, or sharing your experiences with friends and family back home.
Introducing Andrea Kruse
Born in Bremen, Germany, I bring over 20 years of experience in the cruise industry, complemented by a degree in Economics and Foreign Languages. With a diverse international background, I’ve had the privilege of living and working across Europe, shaping my global perspective on hospitality and travel.
My career began at TrancOcean Kreuzfahrten in Bremen, where I started in Customer Service and Group Department. This foundation led to several years abroad in Greece and Cyprus, where I worked as a Public/Guest Relations Manager at renowned 4- and 5-star hotels.
Returning to Germany in 2004, I rejoined TransOcean Kreuzfahrten, moving into Sales and later becoming Director of Sales and Marketing from 2010 to 2013. I continued to expand my expertise in the cruise industry as Director of Sales at A-ROSA Flusskreuzfahrten from 2013 to 2015, followed by a role as Director of Sales for DACH at Silversea Cruises from 2015 to 2017.
In 2018, I co-founded VIVA Cruises in Düsseldorf with Arno Reitsma, owner of Scylla AG, with a vision to redefine river cruising. Today, I continue to lead VIVA Cruises in shaping the future of the industry, offering exceptional travel experiences to our valued guests.
Discover VIVA Cruises
A New Era in European River Cruising
By 2026, VIVA Cruises will operate 8 dedicated VIVA ships, with 6 cruising for 11 ½ months each year. Currently, 50% of our guests are international, and we expect that to rise to 60% by 2025. Our focus is on the international market, offering exceptional experiences that cater to guests from across the globe.
VIVA Cruises offers an unparalleled way to explore Europe – through exceptional company, unique perspectives, and award-winning service. We understand that every guest is different, which is why we’ve designed our cruises to offer greater flexibility, choice, and ease. With decades of experience navigating Europe’s most iconic rivers, we take pride in delivering a cruise experience that enriches, inspires, and renews.
From the Danube and Rhine to the Douro, Seine, and the Main-Danube Canal, our cruises take guests deep into the heart of Europe’s most timeless towns, villages, and vibrant capitals. Whether exploring hidden gems or world-renowned landmarks, each journey offers a new perspective on Europe’s rich cultural heritage.
VIVA Cruises is a proud European Regional Affiliate member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe and a member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA).
ABOUT Whitestar Cruise & Travel
Established in 2004, Whitestar Cruise & Travel has carved a niche as a premier cruise operator in Southern Africa. Based in Johannesburg and expertly led by owner Shaun McCarthy, the company specialises in providing handpicked, world-class cruise experiences representing VIVA Cruises, among others. Known for its personalised service and meticulous attention to detail, Whitestar ensures that each client receives unparalleled support and benefits through strong partnerships with renowned international cruise lines.
