VIVA Cruises adds culinary sailings to 2026 programme
VIVA Cruises has confirmed details for two additional culinary-inspired itineraries departing in 2026.
A five-night ‘Culinary Cruise France - A Taste of Normandy’ themed sailing, on VIVA BEYOND, will depart Paris on December 8 and call at Les Andelys, Rouen, Caudebec-en-Caux, Vernon, Poissy and Conflans. Prices start from £1,525pp.
All excursions are included, with highlights comprising:
* Exclusive wine pairings curated by VIVA Cruises master of wine, Romana Echensperger
* Festive fine-dining experience with Michelin-starred chef, David Goerne, in his restaurant G.a, located inside the Manoir de Rétival
* Visit to Château de Chantilly
* Excursion to Ferme des Ruelles, a 17th-century cider farm
An eight-night ‘Culinary Cruise Portugal - Wine & Pleasure on the Douro’, sailing on PORTO MIRANTE, will depart October 6 and call at Leverinho, Regua, Pocinho, Vega Terrón and Pinhao. Prices start from £3,375pp.
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All excursions are included, with highlights comprising:
* Overnight hotel stay in central Porto before the cruise
* Behind-the-scenes visit to a traditional factory producing Portugal’s sardine preserves
* Discovery of olive oil production at Quinta do Tourao
* Authentic wine experience at Quinta do Crasto
* Tour of Taylor’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, with exclusive insight into the production of Port wine
* An evening excursion to the Palácio da Bolsa
Michelle Daniels, director of sales, UK & Ireland and Australia & New Zealand at VIVA Cruises, said: “Food and drink have always been a huge part of the VIVA travel experience, and we’re seeing more guests looking for holidays that reflect their personal passions. These new culinary cruises go beyond simply tasting great local cuisine - they give guests the chance to meet the people behind it, discover regional traditions and enjoy exclusive experiences they wouldn’t normally have access to, from Michelin-starred dining in Normandy to exploring the famous wine and food culture of the Douro Valley.”
VIVA BEYOND is the first ship in the VIVA Boutique brand and will be followed by VIVA UNIQUE in 2027. VIVA Boutique ships feature more than 50% suite accommodation and guests benefit from additional extras such as an included signature shore excursion, three onboard restaurants and Michelin-star inspired options in MOMENTS.
VIVA Cruises’ all-inclusive experience includes all meals, flexible dining across up to three restaurants, and a selection of premium drinks including wine, spirits and cocktails. Guests also enjoy complimentary High Tea once per voyage, a daily replenished minibar and Nespresso coffee machine in their cabin, a welcome bottle of prosecco, Rituals luxury toiletries (and Typology on VIVA Boutique), plus Wi-Fi and gratuities included.
For more information, visit www.viva-cruises.com.