VIVA MOMENTS River Ship. Photo by Sapir Peretz European River Cruise might sound like a retirement plan for grandparents, but after spending a few days on the deck of the VIVA MOMENTS ship cruising the Waal, Rhine, and Mosel rivers in the Netherlands and Germany, it can be confidently said – it's probably the most luxurious, relaxing, and unexpectedly refreshing vacation style – exactly what the soul needs these days, regardless of one's biological age.
We set out to see what it's like cruising on an organized river cruise to the North Rhine area initiated by Gordon Tours Group, between picturesque cities and towns in the Netherlands and Germany – where there's no need to worry about a hotel, luggage, or navigation apps. Just board, breathe deeply, and flow with the river.
The ship Viva. Photos: Sapir PeretzHere, it's not about mega-ships with huge dining rooms, dazzling entertainment halls, and everything we're used to seeing on large ocean cruise liners. Here, it's something entirely different – intimate, calm, and perfect for those who don't need all the excess and attractions of giant ships.
The VIVA MOMENTS ship offers just that: a quiet, luxurious, and pampering cruise experience with high-level service on Europe's rivers.
The VIVA MOMENTS ship was launched in 2018 and underwent upgrades about a year ago.
Length and Width: 135 meters / 11 meters.
Number of Decks: 3.
Maximum Capacity: 176 passengers.
Number of Crew Members: 48.
The ship's lounge - enjoy sitting here with a cup of coffee or cocktail
When boarding a river cruise ship, you find you don't have to compromise on comfort and design. The guest rooms on the ship are relatively spacious and all are designed with elegant European lines and a panoramic window showcasing the changing scenery, with small indulgences that make all the difference: from a double bed to a minibar always stocked with your favorite drinks (included in the cruise price), espresso machine with plenty of capsules, a bottle of wine (upon check-in), TV screen, safe, shower and toiletries from the RITUALS brand, hairdryer, and air conditioning.
The VIVA MOMENTS ship has a total of 88 such guest rooms in three main categories:
Suites with Private Balcony: 4 suites, 24 square meters with a balcony.
Junior Suites: 19 square meters with a large screen window.
Standard Cabins: 16 square meters with a window.
We stayed in a Junior Suite room, and it was a pleasure to return to it repeatedly after each tour outside the ship.
Comfortable double bed
Room seating areaForget about the buffet. Except for breakfast, the other meals – lunch and dinner – are served personally at the table by a waitstaff that is unmatched in service speed and courtesy. They even know you by your first name and culinary preferences by the second day.
Breakfast offers everything an European breakfast would, and then some. From scrambled eggs, sausages, and bacon to various cheeses, pancakes, and a variety of juices. At lunch and dinner – excellent chef dishes rotate next to fine wine or a plethora of cocktails and alcohol to choose from (included in the price).
The food is excellent, plated superbly, and in a portion size that satisfies but doesn’t overwhelm. Each meal includes a cold starter, a soup dish with bread and butter; the main course changes daily and includes fish, meats, and vegetarian options and everything is very tasty; the desserts are also wonderful and vary with each meal. Fresh fruits are also served. You won’t leave hungry or disappointed.
Gourmet dishes
A different dessert every dayFor those looking to burn off all the calories, the ship has a small gym with a few treadmills and weights. Additionally, bikes are available for rent on the upper deck, allowing you to venture out at ports where the ship docks.
Additionally, there is a sun deck featuring a small plunge pool and plenty of comfortable sun chairs. It is an ideal location to view the panoramic scenery and enjoy the sun rays during non-rainy days this season.
Bikes for everyoneRiver cruising not only offers breath-taking views, picturesque cities, and an unmatched feeling of tranquility – but also entertainment shows that enrich the sailing experience and turn every evening into a cultural celebration.
In our cruise, performances were given by Suzie Miller (known as Suzie Surprise from educational television) and Moni Arnon, both former members of the "Brothers & Sisters" band. They were accompanied by the fantastic accordionist, Israel Sorin-Rosen, who delighted passengers with Israeli songs and popular international tunes.
Evening entertainment showsShore excursions led by Israeli guides (experienced guides with extensive knowledge and a warm approach) were one of the pleasant surprises of the organized river cruise by Gordon Tours – the moment to leave the ship, inhale the air, and set out to discover local magic up close. Whether it's picturesque towns or historical sites, a good shore excursion adds an authentic touch to the adventure when you just need to enjoy and capture. But it wasn't always so. Rainy weather this season may sometimes hinder enjoyment, requiring a flexible alternative plan for such days or on Sundays when many sites are closed.
In conclusion, VIVA MOMENTS is not just a ship – it's a capsule of calm in the heart of Europe offering a classic vacation for those who understand that luxury is in the quiet and tranquility.
The author was a guest of Gordon Tours.
For more articles on river cruises and cruises, visit PassportCruise
