Come on board and discover new destinations on our unique routes and enjoy unforgettable moments!
Photo: Papenburg Marketing
Do you love travelling in comfort and ambiance with exclusive services and excellent cuisine? Then welcome aboard the SWISS RUBY! Our “little boat” not only feels at home on big rivers, she can also navigate narrower waterways and offers new ways to see the world that remain hidden from others.
The ”culture ship” from VIVA Cruises is characterised by unique routes and perfectly matched supporting programmes both on board and on land: trips and excur sions provide authentic insights into the typical features of the various regions, while exciting lectures and discussions on board expand your knowledge. Which travel destination you explore aboard the SWISS RUBY depends entirely on your personal preferences.
Discover Amsterdam from the water, let yourself be captivated by the natural beauty of North Frisia or follow in the footsteps of the Hanseatic League in Northern Germany and learn everything you need to know from a real Hanseatic expert. Unique natural paradises await you on the North Sea island of Texel, where you can experience seals up close and personal, as well as Europe‘s last free-roaming herd of wild horses in the Merfelder Bruch. An experience that is particularly moving. No matter whether you’re headed to the big city or a tranquil wine-growing town, the SWISS RUBY will show you world-famous sights and lead you to cultural unimaginable treasures.
A top tip for all wine lovers: our tours along the Rhine, Moselle, Saar and Neckar, allow you to experience all the pleasurable facets of German viticulture and expand your understanding of grape juice and its cultivation in discussions with experts. Discover the highlights of the individual routes on the following pages.
• full board, with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served on site) and snacks served at the table) and snacks, with free choice of table and flexible meal times
• high-quality, non-alcoholic drinks all day (mineral water, soft drinks, juices, a variety of coffee speciali ties, tea, cocoa)
• all-day choice of alcoholic beverages (sparkling wine, Aperol, white wine, red wine, rosé, champagne, various beers, long drinks, cocktails, spirits, liqueurs)
• high tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savoury treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates, macarons and exclusive teas
• daily, freshly-stocked mini-bar and reusable water bottle in your cabin
• welcome champagne in the cabin
• exclusive beauty products from Rituals
• Wi-Fi and gratuities
Away from the daily routine, an on-board world awaits you that you can enjoy with all your senses: Enjoy stimulating conversa tions with like-minded people, a glance at the excellent menu or reaching for a tasty treat in your mini-bar. Some call it exclusivity at no extra cost. We call it VIVA All-Inclusive – so you can fully enjoy your river cruise, and all at the best value!
vegetarian cuisine
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vegan cuisine
With VIVA Cruises, you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands, right from the very beginning. That‘s why our service is not restricted to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your journey. Exclusive moments, already upon arrival, with your private transfer and chauffeur. With SIXT, you will be comfortably transferred to the VIVA ship from the train station, airport, or your home.
North Sea
Oudeschild/ Texel
Coast Canal Prinses-MargrietCanalNorth Holland Canal
Groningen Papenburg Oldenburg
Weser
Alkmaar
Amsterdam Rotterdam
Waal
IJssel Arnhem
Dordrecht Nijmegen
Gorinchem Schelde Antwerp Gent
Venlo Roermond Maastricht
Duisburg
Maas
Ems
Elbe
Hamburg Berlin
Leine Aller Mittellandkanal
Mittelland Canal Weser
Lippe Ruhr Eder
Brandenburg Braunschweig
Elbe Spree Spree
Münster
Leine
Havel-Seen
Wolfsburg Potsdam Dortmund-Ems-Canal
Elbe
Havel Düsseldorf Cologne Coblenz
Moselle
Rhine
Trier
Rhine Nahe Saar
Saarbrücken
Heidelberg
Climb aboard and join us on an unforgettable jour ney that guarantees memories for years to come.
Neckar
Heilbronn
Stuttgart
Our tip: combine the individual routes with each ot her and benefit from our 5% combination discount.
Excitement returns to the SWISS RUBY in 2023. Captivating readings and puzzling crime mysteries are performed between Düsseldorf and Berlin when selected authors are invited to read from their works. Listen to individual chapters, immerse yourself in another world far away from everyday life and take the opportunity to talk to the authors personally.
Our crime cruises are hosted in cooperation with the Gmeiner publishing house, which specialises in German crime novels. So, what could be more fitting than visiting the original locations during the trip, allowing the stories to come to life? Exclusive specials await crime fiction fans: learn more about the work of a criminal profiler or enjoy first-class entertainment at the crime theatre. Find out which guests and highlights await you on board on our website at www.viva-cruises.com/crime-cruises.
· captivating readings
· mysterious criminal cases
original locations
What would Amsterdam be without its canals? Hardly any city is better suited to be explored from the water. Exquisite scenery flits past, while you glide in relaxation over the evening water: our “little boat” takes you through the heart of the city to its final port of call on this fascinating journey. The Dutch capital is not the only stop that will delight you on this trip.
Be inspired by modern architecture of Rotterdam and take in the surroundings of Europe‘s largest port. Heading down canals and narrow waterways you’ll also reach smaller places that only a few ships can call at.
Take a break in one of the cosy cafés during a stroll through the student-haunt of Maastricht, experience for yourself how Gouda is much more than a tasty cheese - and don‘t forget to try Belgium’s much-loved fries in Hasselt, Antwerp. or Ghent.
· through canals and waterways
· classic and quaint destinations
· many stops in just a few days
· perfect balance between travel and relaxation time
From capital to capital, past islands and lakes, between the past and present - on your river cruise from the canal city of Amsterdam to the vibrant metropolis of Berlin, you will experience a rich tapestry of sea and in land waterway travel. From the coast, the journey takes us across the Ijsselmeer to Friesland, home to many traditional crafts. On the way you will experience many different waterways as we navigate small and large canals such as the Ems Canal and the Elbe-Havel Canal, pass important waterway crossings and pass impressive swinging, lifting, folding and floating bridges.
We recreate that special maritime atmosphere on board, which is still alive and kicking in the shipbuilding city of Papenburg and in the Hanseatic city of Bremen: an exciting lecture from our seafaring expert will take you back to times long since past and bring the history of the Hanseatic League to life.
· canals and coasts
· frisian Lakeland
· hanseatic City of Bremen
shipbuilding in Papenburg
horse town of Oldenburg
Germany‘s north is inextricably linked to the history of the Hanseatic League. Even today, the medieval trade association is cause of great fascination and casts its alluring charm of life at sea. Experience these exciting stories on board! We always invite very special guests: a captain who recounts his voyages on the high seas, an expert musician who plays atmospheric sea shanties on the accordion, or a Hanseatic expert who is brimming with all kinds of interesting facts.
In keeping with the maritime flair on board, you will witness idyllic rivers and artificial waterways between Hamburg and Berlin, that are testimony to the impressive art of engineering. Green land scapes along the Havel and beautiful architectural treasures, such as those found in Braunschweig and Potsdam, await you between the cosmopolitan cities of Hamburg and Berlin.
· modern cosmopolitan cities
· Wolfsburg, the automotive city
· royal times in Potsdam
· The Havelland’s natural beauty
We leave the world port of Hamburg in the direction of the small Hanseatic city of Uelzen. From here you have the opportunity to explore the medieval town of Lüneburg and learn more about the importance of salt production. From then on, we continue in the footsteps of the Hanseatic League to Minden. This is where the Mittelland Canal and the Weser meet spectacularly: in a waterway crossing, the canal passes over the river in a series of trough bridges almost 400 metres long. A city tour gives you the opportunity to learn more about the technical masterpiece before we continue our journey to Munster through the Weserbergland.
On foot or by bike - or as the people of Münster say: the Leeze - you can reach the old town with its Prinzipal markt, Lambertikirche and town hall or even the green oasis in the heart of the city, the idyllic Aasee. From Münster you can take the bus leisurely through the countryside to the Meerfelder Bruch, home to Europe’s last herd of wild horses. Before leaving your floating hotel in Düsseldorf, experience how industry blends into nature and cultural treasures in the Duisburg Landscape Park.
Salt town of Lüneburg
horses in Dülmen
and culture in the Ruhr
The Frisians are certain that they live in the most beautiful province in the Netherlands - and that’s probably due, in no small part, to the sea that surrounds the Frisian islands. Did you know that Friesland consists of more than 50% water? The landscape and life in the region that you’ll explore with the SWISS RUBY is characterised by the North Sea, as well as its streams, rivers, lakes and canals. Let yourself be astonished by the untouched beauty of the North Sea island of Texel. During a trip to the seal sanctuary, you can observe first hand how the animals are cared for, up close and personal, while they sunbathe and play.
Amsterdam’s cityscape is also unmistakably associated with water, join residents and other visitors as they enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Long ago, its canals earned the Dutch capital the nickname “Venice of the North”. While houseboats rock leisurely on the water here, you’ll find gigantic ocean-going vessels under construction in Papenburg in Lower Saxony. A visit to the Meyer shipyard affords you the opportunity to witness modern shipbuilding in action.
Highlights
· untouched beauty on Texel
· Wadden Sea World Heritage Site
· Harlingen, a treasure trove of naval heroes
· Experience seals up close and personal
· Shipbuilding in Papenburg
Did you fall in love with Bremen at first sight? Would you like to linger here a little longer? This trip offers you plenty of time to get to know the charming Hanseatic city better. A must for every city tour: a visit to the Town Musicians of Bremen, the city’s adorable landmark. Cast in bronze, these fairy tale heroes can be found right in front of the town hall, which itself is a sight to behold, and not far from St. Peter‘s Cathedral.
A visit to Bremen‘s oldest district with its medieval lanes and colourful houses, the “Schnoor” is also a must, as is a trip to the “Viertel” with its colourful culture and pub scene. We then continue onwards to the green university town of Münster over the Weser and tranquil canals, with an excursion to the Meerfelder Bruch wild horsesand the Ruhr region. There, you can experience an exclusive blast furnace tour in the DuisburgNord natural park, which combines industry and nature in a unique way, marking another highlight of your river cruise.
· extended stay in Bremen and Münster
· half-timbered and Weser Renaissance
· Wild horses of Dülmen
· Industry and culture in the Ruhr
Born in Hamburg, he is an expert musician and actor. In addition to countless Hamburg dialects, Ben will present his solo programme on the accordion, the “Singing Emergency Rescue Drill“. Everyone is invited to sing along. A programme that invites you into a long forgotten and romanticised maritime world.
Captain Stefan Schmidt will join us and offer his expertise on seafaring. Captain Schmidt sailed the Seven Seas on cargo ships for many years and ended his captain‘s career on the rescue ship “Cap Anamur”. In 2004, he became known for rescuing 37 people in distress at sea. Our captain on board will not only report on his experiences at sea, but also provide us with an insight into the art of seaman‘s knots and the “language of sailors”.
on board: RUBY37/38/39/46 on board: RUBY36/37/40/46
On this tour, we will also enjoy the pleasure of having on board an expert on the Hanseatic to tell us all about the trade relations of that bygone era. Learn background information and discover fascina ting facts about this league of cities that came together to usher in a new era, not only economically but also culturally. In its heyday, the league comprised of almost 300 inland and coastal ports. Angela Huang is a Hanseatic and economic historian whose special focus is the textile industry. Since 2017 she has been the head of the research centre for the history of the Hanseatic League and the Baltic Sea region located at the European Hanseatic Museum. After studying in Erlangen, she wrote her dissertation at the University of Copenhagen.
on board:
Dr. Rolf-Barnim Foth has been fascinated by distant lands since his early youth and, while studying Russian and English philology in Kiel, London and Moscow, has often hosted guided tours through the former Soviet Union and China. After working for a global student travel organiser, he worked as a diplomat in Paris, Brussels and Moscow. Experience another point of view; “Google Earth in the 19th century” accompanies boat trips on the Rhine, Moselle and Main with bird’s eye panoramas and sets the scene for tourism upriver. How did they come about and what’s left of them in the landscape today? As you roam through these panoramas on the Ruby, Dr. Rolf-Barnim Foth will recount the history of Friedrich Wilhelm Delkeskamp, the inventor of the travel companion.
on board:
Let Sonja Heinz guide you through the world of herbs and show you the everyday life of a modern miller. She grew up in the Vogelsang mill in the narrow valley of Ehrenburg, surrounded by its unique natural beauty. For generations, the family has shared a love of nature and native plants. As a herbal expert and herbalist, she acquaints visitors with the local herbs on hikes as well as in the kitchen, together with her husband Christian, who is passionate about bringing the culinary side of the historic walls to life. She also combines herbal recipes with amusing anecdotes from the mill on the Ehrbach. Let yourself be whisked away by their stories and smell and taste nature on board the SWISS RUBY.
He manages the wine production, hosts wine tasting and introduces wine lovers to the “beginning of our wines” on his vineyard hikes. With flair and sensitivity, Christoph Müller is dedicated to the careful cultivation of individual wines. Christoph Müller will tell you personally how a high-quality wine was made from what was originally a traditional mixed farm with arable farming, animal husbandry and fruit production. Discover the vision of modernisation in viticulture with sustainable and ecological methods and how passion and joy in wine produce can produce a fine glass or two. „Wine should be fun and bring a smile to your face.”
on board: RUBY42/44/45 on board: RUBY42/43/45
Axel Petermann, born in 1952, is one of Germany’sbest-known case analysts or – in modern German – criminal profilers. He has been a permanent advisor to the Bremen homicide division since 2000 and acts as an advisor to published authors on the details of crime. In addition, four of his cases were dramatised in the Frankfurt Tatort series featuring Nina Kunzendorf and Joachim Król and were watched by an audience of millions. His books based on true cases: “On the Trail of Evil”, “In the Face of Evil” and “The Profiler” made the Spiegel bestseller list. Since 2016 he has been moderator and case analyst for the programme “Autopsie - Der Profiler” and since 2018 he has been analysing spectacular criminal cases together with psychologist Katinka Keckeis for the ZDFinfo series “Aufklart”.
on board: RUBY33 (25.02), RUBY34 (04.03)
She was born in Hamburg. She became a writer after studying cultu ral studies in Lüneburg. She worked in radio, wrote for newspapers, finally decided to go into advertising copywriting and also worked as a ghostwriter. However, her passion is pure storytelling, in which she likes to combine fiction with real events. That’s why she has been working as a freelance author in her hometown since 2014. Kathrin Hanke is a member of the Syndicate, a group of authors of German-language crime literature, and of the Murderous Sisters.
on board: RUBY33 (25.02.)
These and other protagonists are waiting to greet you on board. Subject to change.
Kathrin HankeThe best time for a river cruise on the Rhine, Moselle or Saar is when the forests along the banks of the river burst into colour and the vineyards on the slopes are reflected in warm red tones in the water. Treat yourself to a break in one of the largest wine-growing regions in Germany, which is renowned for coupling tradition and modernity in the art of winemaking. Most prized and the undisputed king of white grape varieties, Ries ling is grown on these sun-kissed slopes.
See for yourself just how excellent the quality is by joining selected excursions and tasting sessions. Remar kable architectural features also await you: be awed by the impressive Roman architecture of the imperial city of Trier, and walk in the footsteps of the legendary French monarch Louis XIV in Saarlouis. The Saar, or “little sister” of the Moselle, is full of surprises as it meanders peacefully past wooded slopes and reveals a million-year-old natural wonder in the form of the Great Bend.
· Roman Trier
· the Great Bend in the Saar
· Home of vintners
· wine festivals and peach harvest
“Blessed land! Where no hill grows without vine...”. These words by the poet Friedrich Hölderlin, who was born in Lauffen, wonderfully describe the beautiful landscape around Neckarstadt. Embark on a journey back in time through the region’s viticulture and climb the wild and romantic Krappenfelsen to take in fantastic views over the Neckar Valley and the most expansive slopes in the Baden-Württemberg area.
In addition to vineyards shedding their autumnal colour, impressive castles such as the baroque residential palace at Ludwigsburg, Hirschhorn Castle on the Neckar Bend and the famous Heidelberg Palace, line the banks. These majestic ruins made of red sandstone form the landmark of the popular student city. Enjoy the tranquillity of the Neckar before it flows into the mighty Father Rhine. Linger a while in Eltville, before the World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine Valley opens up in full. Our Ruby moors close to renowned Rüdesheim, in a much quie ter but just as beautiful wine village. Your journey continues on to traditional wineries and steep slopes via the Moselle and Saar. Enjoy wine at literally every stop on these four rivers.
On board the Ruby, we’ll recast the landscapes that unfold before your eyes in a new light: how were those landscape panoramas, that also depict the Rhine and Moselle, drawn in the 19th century – both artistically and in terms of the perspectives that can be as achieved today using modern technology? Learn from the “Master of Panoramas”.
They belong to the unique fauna of the wild and romantic North Sea island: around 10,000 seals live in the Wadden Sea around Texel. Animals that need help are looked after in the Ecomare. Here, they are nursed until they are strong enough for life in the sea – or are found a permanent home if they can no longer survive on their own. An unforgettable animal encounter, rounded off with a panoramic trip over the wild North Sea island.
Price: 59€ per person
Wild horses have lived in Merfelder Bruch for many centuries.
Today, the nature reserve, which isgood three square kilometres in size, is home to the last herd of wild horses in Europe. Here they live in the wild all year round. Travel in comfort by bus from Münster through the picturesque landscape towards Dülmen. A guided tour will allow you to observe these fascinating creatures up close and learn everything there is to know about the herd.
Price: 35€ per person (incl. souvenir)
ca. 4,5 hours bus/by foot
ca. 4,5 hours bus/by foot
Wild horses in Merfelder Bruch
Wolfsburg and Volkswagen are inextricably linked, because the factory and the city were created at the same time in the late 1930s. Today the VW factory, located in the automotive city of Wolfsburg, is the largest in the world and home to a 28-hectare theme and adventure park. Take a guided tour and experience a journey through automotive history. Particularly worth seeing: over 260 vehicles showcasing car design from chic old-timers to the latest technological wonders.
Price: 28€ per person
Ships have been built in Papenburg since 1795. Small river cruise ships, as well as ferries and large luxury liners for international shipping companies, are built in the huge production sheds and dry docks. An impressive exhibition in the visitor centre details the many original components – from ship propellers to complete cabins. An exclusive tour gives you the opportunity to learn everything about modern shipbuilding and take look behind the scenes of one of the largest and most modern shipyards in the world.
Price: 29€ per person
ca. 3,0 hours bus/by footca. 3,0 hours bus/by foot
Meyer Shipyard – from small ships to ocean liners Wolfsburg Papenburg Photo: Papenburg Marketing GmbH German engineering
The former residence of the Prussian kings will fascinate you with its wealth of architectural wonders, many of which go back to Frederick the Great. Discover the exquisite buildings of Potsdam‘s city centre on this city tour. The City Palace, the Barberini Museum, Neue Market one of the best-preserved baroque squares in Europe and the Marstall, which is well worth a visit – formerly a stable for riding horses , today a film museum – are among this excursion’s highlights.
The city walk takes you to the best and most important sights of
Rotterdam such as its spectacular cube houses, the old harbour, the Maritime Museum and the impressive indoor market. With a covered floor the size of a football field full of stalls selling fresh fish, meat, vegetables and delicacies. Ideal for real gourmets. The Rotterdam
Market Hall consists of 100 different stalls, 15 food stores and 8 restaurants. From fresh bread to delicious cheese, fish and poultry to flowers and plants, you will find everything under one roof.
Price: 25€ per person
ca. 4,0 hours bus/by footca. 2,5 hours by foot
Like no other company, Villeroy & Boch has enriched the everyday lives of countless generations with its stylish and beautiful things. A visit to the Old Mettlach Abbey, the headquarters of the company founded in 1748, promises to be a very special kind of journey of discovery. Experience the world of the Villeroy & Boch brand with its seasonal or thematically decorative tableware. Embark on a journey through time from the Baroque period to the present day, from tile painting to shapes and decorations. Stop in the museum cafe and enjoy a cup of tea in the shape of the famous Dresdner Molkerei.
Price: 28€ per person
Did you know that horses and humans were once shod by the same “shoemaker”? During this extraordinary visit you can learn why that was essential and why the idea of making shoes out of wood first came about. The filigree decorations, which distinguish today’s wooden shoes from the purely functional clogs of the 16th century, are also exceptional. Take time to admire the special “Diamond Clog”, designed by Amsterdam artist
Jan Roedema, which is a highlight of one of the largest clog collections in Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands. Jan Roedema, whose work is a centrepiece of one of the largest clog collections at Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands.
Price: 39€ per person
ca. 3,0 hours bus/by footca. 2,0 hours bus/by foot
Photo:“The former sparkling wine cellars in Coblenz look back on more than 200 years of history. Originally founded as a wine shop by Johann Friedrich Deinhard on May 1st, 1794, sparkling wines were produced here from 1843 using the traditional bottle fermentation process. But how do grapes become sparkling wine? During our tour, you will learn how wine and sparkling wine are made using original equipment. Here, the focus will be on the Champagne process.
Price: 28€ per person (incl. sparkling wine tasting)
ca. 2,0 hours bus/by foot
Learn interesting facts about the vine, the work of the vintner today and in the past, as well as typical Lauffen grape varieties such as Schwarzriesling and Trollinger. From the vantage point atop the “Krappenfelsen”, a wildly romantic rock tower nestled between shell limestone terraces, a wonderful view opens up over the Lauffener wine landscape. Refresh your taste buds with two seasonal tastings before arriving at the fully excavated foundations of a Roman estate (Villa Rustica), where a very hospitable Roman lady waits to greet you. Before departing, why not accept her invitation to try some delicious delicacies from her Roman kitchen.
Price: €29 per person (incl. tasting)
ca. 2,0 hours by foot
Photo: HeilbronnSaarburg is not only known for its eponymous castle or the waterfall that falls 20 metres right in the heart of the city. Wine has been cultivated in the region for more than 2,000 years. This adventure tour gives you unique insights into the tradition of Saar wines as a time machine accidentally catapults Lady Katie into the 21st century. As the wife of an English wine agent, she is very familiar with the secrets of the Saar wine of her time.
Join Lady Katie on an exciting journey of discovery through Saarburg in 1910.
Price: 28€ per person (incl. wine tasting)
ca. 1,5 hours by foot
How was Little Käthchen’s life – did she really live? Would you ike to know what the girl from poet Heinrich von Kleist’s drama of the same name is all about and also get to know Heilbronn at the same time? Then join the city’s mascot and a city guide on an entertaining journey through the city.
Price: 22€ per person
Discover even more shore excursions online at www.viva-cruises.com. Subject to change.
ca. 2,0 hours bus/by foot