Viva Cruises has officially welcomed its first new-build ship, Viva One, to the fleet.

The 176-guest river ship was christened in a ceremony at its homeport of Dusseldorf.

Those in attendance included Andrea Kruse, COO of Viva Cruises; Arno Reitsma, CEO of Swiss shipping company, Scylla AG, Viva Cruises’ parent company; Josef Hinkel, mayor of Dusseldorf, and Judith Rakers, a German journalist and TV presenter who is the ship’s godmother.

Viva One will operate a variety of five and seven-night itineraries on the Rhine and Moselle rivers in 2022 and 2023, with a majority departing from Dusseldorf.

Viva Cruises outlines sustainability measures

Viva One is using hybrid technology to reduce its impact on the environment. The ship has 68 solar cells distributed on the sun deck and uses sulphur-free GTL (gas to liquid) fuel, which reduces CO_² consumption and emissions, according to the cruise line.

On board, there is a dedicated wellness area and two restaurants, Riverside and Viva’s Bistro.

Kruse said: “After lots of hard work and a couple of uncertain years, we are thrilled to have launched our first ever new-build ship.

“Viva One has been carefully designed using Viva Cruises’ ethos and environmentally friendly technology to bring unique moments and exclusive experiences to our guests – without forgetting our Viva all-inclusive product.

“We are truly looking forward to welcoming British people on our new ship – they will have a whole new river cruise experience like never before.”

All Viva One itineraries will feature the line’s all-inclusive product, which includes snacks, full board, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, self-service coffee stations and water stations, minibar, beauty products, wifi and all tips and gratuities.