Viva Cruises is undergoing significant changes, focusing on river cruise expansion while parting with its lone expedition vessel, Seaventure.
- Scylla, Viva’s parent company, has sold the Seaventure to an unnamed international buyer as part of their strategic shift.
- The sale includes plans to introduce 12 new river ships over the next four years, showcasing a major commitment to river cruising.
- Porto Mirante on the Douro River is the first of these new ships, with Viva Enjoy scheduled to launch this November.
- Scylla’s fleet, which marked its 50th anniversary last year, will enhance its capacity as it adapts to evolving market demands.
Viva Cruises is set to revolutionise its operations by shifting focus entirely to river cruising, following the sale of its sole expedition vessel, the Seaventure. The Seaventure, accommodating 220 passengers and familiar with routes in the Arctic and Antarctic, will transfer to a new unnamed international owner by the end of this year. This decision underscores Viva Cruises’ strategic pivot towards enhancing its river cruise offerings.
Scylla, the Swiss entity behind Viva Cruises, confirmed this bold step as a reflection of its long-term vision. The company plans to launch a fleet of 12 new river ships by 2028, reinforcing its commitment to expanding within the river cruising market. Among these, the Porto Mirante is poised to embark on its maiden voyage along the Douro River, setting sail for new horizons in the river cruise sector this year.
Following shortly after, the Viva Enjoy is planned to join the fleet in November, further signalling Scylla’s accelerated growth trajectory. These new vessels are not only representative of Scylla’s positive outlook on the river industry but also its adaptability to the changing preferences of cruise enthusiasts. The fleet, recognised for its extensive 50-year legacy, continues to evolve and diversify, encompassing nearly 40 vessels including those chartered to other operators.
Scylla’s Chief Executive, Arno Reitsma, expressed confidence about the direction of the company, stating, “The sale came as a surprise and went faster than expected. We have big growth plans for river cruises and are very proud to be launching a total of 12 newbuild ships by the end of 2028.” This statement encapsulates a strong forward momentum, indicating robust development potential in the coming years.
This pivotal transformation by Viva Cruises signifies a strategic enhancement of its river fleet, marking a new era in its cruising venture.
