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September 15, 2025

Welcome aboard, fellow explorers! I’m Stefanie, a passionate cruise blogger from Germany with over a decade of experience and 380 nights spent at sea. I’ve cultivated a deep-seated love for the maritime world and the privilege of immersing myself in the wonders of cruising, each voyage offering a unique tapestry of experiences and discoveries.

In June, I embarked on the brand-new Viva Enjoy for a 7-night Rhine Discovery North cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. Together with a close friend, I set out to explore charming historic towns and riverside panoramas of the Rhine while enjoying the warmth and light of a perfect summer week.

Join me as I recount this voyage with a blend of culture, UNESCO World Heritage sites and the relaxed tempo of river cruising across four countries.

Basel: Embarking on Viva Enjoy

Our journey began with a train ride to Basel, followed by a short taxi transfer to the port. With the sun shining and summer in full swing, it was the ideal start to our cruise. In the early afternoon, we stepped aboard Viva Enjoy. Launched at the end of 2024, this 135-meter-long vessel accommodates up to 190 guests in 95 cabins, including 8 suites.

As an avid cruise blogger, eager to uncover hidden gems and share insights, I couldn’t wait to embark on this brand-new river cruise ship. First we settled into our cabin on the Ruby Deck, which featured a French balcony, a Nespresso machine, a daily-restocked minibar and Rituals amenities. Then it was time to explore every corner to familiarize ourselves with the ship. Spread across three decks – Emerald, Ruby and Diamond – Viva Enjoy offers elegant, daylight-flooded spaces with natural tones and materials that reflect the surrounding river landscapes. Guests can enjoy a fitness studio, massage room, yoga area and a spacious Sun Deck with a pool. Together with VIVA Cruises’ all-inclusive concept – à la carte dining in three restaurants, premium drinks, complimentary Wi-Fi and reusable water bottles – it all creates a premium floating hotel atmosphere.

After the initial overview of the ship, local friends met us at the ship and guided us through Basel’s charming old town. We strolled past the Basel Minster, the historic Town Hall and enjoyed the views along the scenic Rhine promenade. Returning to the ship, the day continued with a warm Welcome Reception in the Panorama Lounge, where the crew set the tone for the memorable journey ahead.

On board, VIVA’s dining concept perfectly matches the relaxed pace of river cruising. Guests can choose between three venues: Riverside, Moments and VIVA’s Bistro. Breakfast is offered in both Riverside and Moments, while lunch and dinner are available across all three restaurants. Riverside stands out with a daily changing menu, featuring regional specialties and international creations. By contrast, Moments and VIVA’s Bistro maintain a consistent menu throughout the voyage: Mediterranean cuisine in Moments and seafood along with comforting classics in VIVA’s Bistro. For dinner, same-day reservations are required in Moments and VIVA’s Bistro, while lunch remains open seating. For our first evening, we opted for VIVA’s Bistro located on Diamond Deck at the stern and offering panoramic views of Basel.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gently set sail from Basel, watching the city lights fade into the distance. Close to midnight, we reached the impressive Kembs lock complex on the Grand Canal d’Alsace. The canal itself diverts much of the Upper Rhine to improve navigation and to host several run‑of‑river power stations. Passing through at night offered a fascinating glimpse into how industry and river travel coexist along this scenic route.

Breisach: Discovering Colmar’s Charm

We arrived early in the morning at Breisach, a small town on the German side of the Upper Rhine. Due to the regional holiday of Corpus Christi in Baden-Wuerttemberg, all shops were closed, making it ideal to join VIVA’s shore excursion to Colmar on the French side of the Rhine, where normal business continued.

After a scenic coach ride through the Alsace countryside, we arrived in Colmar and set off on a guided walking tour of its medieval old town. Cobblestone lanes, colorful half-timbered houses and peaceful canals combined everything we’d expect from this charming region. Our guide brought the city’s history to life with fascinating stories and pointed out hidden details we might have easily missed on our own. The leisurely pace gave us time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the unique blend of French and German influences that reflect the characteristic charm of the region. Colmar is also notable for its historical link to the Statue of Liberty: the town is the birthplace of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor behind the iconic monument in New York. We passed by his original birth house, now a museum preserving his sketches and maquettes. The tour ended with some free time to explore the old town individually. Before returning to the ship in Breisach in the early afternoon, we passed by a 12-meter-high resin replica of the Statue of Liberty situated in a roundabout on the outskirts of Colmar, a symbolic homage to Bartholdi’s legacy and the Franco-American cultural link.

Back on board, we decided to enjoy lunch in the Riverside Restaurant located on Ruby Deck, which – unlike Moments and Viva’s Bistro – offers an à la carte menu that changes daily. The venue offered a fresh and inviting atmosphere with made-to-order dishes complemented by a market buffet selection of starters, salads and desserts. Afterwards we set sail from Breisach, heading north towards Strasbourg along the Rhine’s scenic corridor. During the afternoon, we enjoyed the views from the Sun Deck and relaxed by the pool as the landscape of vineyards and gentle hills slowly drifted by.

Tonight we had dinner at Moments, the ship’s Italian restaurant. Here, guests were invited to start their meal with a traditional Italian antipasti buffet served family-style. Main courses were prepared live in the open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the culinary process. A buffet-style dessert selection completed the dining experience.
After dinner we arrived in Strasbourg just as the sun was setting and moored overnight at Port Autonome, which is located several kilometers from the city center.

Strasbourg: The Capital of Alsace

After the overnight stay in Strasbourg, our day began with a scenic bus drive from the port to the city center, accompanied by interesting commentary from our guide. Along the way, we passed through the Quartier de l’Orangerie, a residential area famous for its numerous stork nests. Since the 1960s, efforts have been made here to reintroduce white storks, and today, their presence in the treetops is a unique sight.

Upon arrival in the city center, the guided shore excursion took us on a comprehensive walk through Strasbourg, showcasing the main landmarks and rich history of this Alsatian gem. Inside Strasbourg Cathedral, the guide provided insights into the cathedral’s famous astronomical clock, a masterpiece of Renaissance technology. This clock not only tells the time but also displays astronomical information, including the position of the sun and moon, and features an intricate procession of figures that perform at specific times of the day, attracting visitors from all over the world. Following the cathedral visit, we explored the well-known Petite France district, wandering through its cobblestone streets and enjoying views of the quaint canals. After the tour, we had some free time to explore Strasbourg further before heading to the Place de l’Étoile, where our bus awaited us for the return trip to the ship.

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing on the Sun Deck and by the pool, enjoying the hot summer weather. Tonight’s dinner in Moments Restaurant was followed by the Sail-Away from Strasbourg during the enchanting blue hour. The evening ended with live music in the Panorama Lounge.

Mannheim: Gateway to Heidelberg

We arrived in the morning in Mannheim, where our shore excursion took us to the historic city of Heidelberg, often considered one of Germany’s most picturesque towns. The scenic combination of the Heidelberg Castle, the charming old town and the Neckar River surrounded by hills has inspired poets and artists of the Romantic era and continues to captivate millions of visitors worldwide. After a short funicular ride up to the castle ruins, perched 100 meter above the Neckar, we explored the castle grounds. Our guided walk lasted about an hour, during which we explored highlights such as the Great Vat, a giant wine barrel that can hold over 220000 liters of wine, the castle gardens and the panoramic terrace. Afterwards, we took the funicular back down and enjoyed some free time to explore Heidelberg’s historic streets on our own before returning by bus to Mannheim.

Back onboard, we decided to enjoy a late lunch at Moments Restaurant, located on Emerald Deck. The buffet offered a daily selection of fresh salads and appetizers, complemented by the soup of the day. The highlight was the “Pasta alla Ruota” live cooking experience, where pasta was freshly prepared in the open kitchen and tossed in a whole wheel of Parmesan cheese.

In the evening Cruise Director Kay hosted an entertaining “Quiz Bingo” in the Panorama Lounge. It was a fun mix of Trivia – from the Roman name of Paris to the Titanic’s birthplace and even what Cadillac has to do with French wine – and a clever twist on classic Bingo. As we sailed away from Mannheim during the Summer Solstice, the sun slowly set behind the city. Being the longest day of the year, the evening light lingered long, allowing us to savor cocktails on the Sun Deck until darkness fell.

Cruising through the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley

We arrived just as the first light broke over Ruedesheim. This charming town, located in Hesse, is best known for its wine culture, the historic old town, cobblestone lanes and half-timbered houses.

As the sun slowly rose higher, the vineyards above the town were bathed in a golden light. A hike up to Abbey St. Hildegard, perched on the hills overlooking the river, offered breathtaking views of the Rhine valley. Although the impressive monastery was only built in the early 20th century in neo-Romanesque style, it was dedicated to the legacy of the famous medieval abbess, Hildegard of Bingen. Her original convent on the Rupertsberg near Bingen was destroyed centuries ago, but the new abbey was founded to continue her spiritual and cultural heritage. The abbey is home to Benedictine nuns and despite its relatively young age, the building’s Romanesque Revival style makes it appear centuries older, perfectly blending into the historic landscape. A stroll through Ruedesheim wouldn’t be complete without visiting the world-famous Drosselgasse, where countless traditional wine taverns line the narrow street and make it easy to see why this romantic town is a highlight on any Rhine itinerary.

After lunch it was already time to set sail again, because we had one of the most scenic stretches of the entire journey ahead of us: Cruising through the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley on the hottest summer day in June. This section is famed for its romantic river landscapes, dotted with vineyards and castles. One of the highlights was passing the Loreley Rock, a 132 meter slate cliff steeped in legend above the narrowest part of the river. According to folklore, a siren named Loreley would sat atop the rock, combing her golden hair, distracting sailors with her song and causing them to crash on the cliffs below. Today, a bronze statue at the riverbank keeps the myth alive.

In the afternoon, VIVA Cruises treated us to High Tea in the Panorama Lounge, offered once-per-cruise. An elegant selection of sweet and savory treats awaited us, from scones and sandwiches to pralines, cupcakes and macarons, all served with sweeping views of the passing landscape while cruising towards Koblenz.

By the time we reached Koblenz, the ship sailed from the Rhine into the Moselle at the Deutsches Eck, where the two rivers meet beneath the imposing equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. We docked on the Moselle side for the night, giving us the perfect opportunity to explore the city by ourselves in the evening. We borrowed VIVA’s complimentary bicycles and cycled to the Deutsches Eck for a closer look at the impressive monument. As the sun set, the sky glowed above the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, towering 120 meters above the Rhine. Built in its current form in the 16th century, it remains the second-largest preserved fortress in Europe, a fittingly grand sight at the meeting point of two of Germany’s famous rivers. Back onboard, we enjoyed this spectacular summer night on the Sun Deck, sipping cocktails and soaking in the warm breeze.

Cologne: Iconic Cathedral and Rhine Views

We left Koblenz in the morning, with final views of the Deutsches Eck, Emperor William National Monument, Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the cable cars gliding over the Rhine.

Mid-morning, I received a special invitation from the Captain to visit the ship’s bridge. While we sailed past Bonn, once the capital of West Germany, he explained the ship’s instruments and shared insights into the nuances of river navigation. A river cruise ship constantly adapts to water levels and the narrow riverbed. Depending on the water level, the ship may have to adjust speed and even draft to pass under low bridges or through shallow sections. It was impressive to learn how much precision and expertise are required to maneuver a vessel of this size.

Around midday, we arrived in Cologne. After a short ride on the local tram, we set out to explore the city on foot. The highlight, of course, was the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece, whose construction began in 1248 and was completed only in the 19th century, is one of Germany’s most visited landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its twin spires dominate the skyline and can be seen from far along the river. We also walked through the Domplatte and the surrounding city center.

Back on board, we set sail again in the evening. Dinner that night was a very special occasion, which is only offered once per cruise: the Gala Dinner at the Riverside Restaurant. Guests were encouraged to dress a little more elegantly and the entire atmosphere felt festive. The tables were beautifully decorated, with napkins folded into tuxedo shapes complete with tiny bow ties reading “Bon Appétit”. The set menu combined careful presentation with attentive service.

As dusk approached, the sky glowed in hues of orange and pink. We witnessed a gorgeous sunset, as we sailed past the skyline of Dusseldorf, with its modern architecture, the Rheinturm, a 240-meter-high TV tower and the striking Oberkasseler Brücke. A perfect reminder of one of the advantages of river cruising: always being close to the landscape.

Amsterdam: Art, History and Canals

The morning began relaxed with a beautiful sunrise over the river. Later, we cruised along the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal, a 72-kilometer waterway connecting the Rhine to Amsterdam and one of Europe’s busiest canals. It offered a unique perspective on the Dutch countryside and industrial areas alike. After lunch, the Panorama Lounge hosted a delightful Ice Cream Party. Shortly after, we arrived in Amsterdam, where the ship remained overnight.
Our guided excursion celebrated Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary, combining a panoramic bus tour with a visit to the renowned Rijksmuseum. Our guide highlighted masterpieces by Rembrandt, including the famed Night Watch, which is currently being meticulously restored in a specially designed glass enclosure, allowing visitors to observe the ongoing conservation work – removing old varnish, analyzing Rembrandt’s painting techniques and ensuring the artwork’s long-term preservation. Seeing this process added a fascinating dimension to our visit, highlighting both the artistry and the care involved in maintaining such cultural treasures. Other notable works by Vermeer, Hals and contemporary Dutch masters were also featured, providing a comprehensive insight into the artistic heritage of the Netherlands.

Along the way back to the ship, we passed landmarks such as Centraal Station, the Heineken Brewery, the historic Jewish Quarter, the Maritime Museum and modern highlights like the Eye Filmmuseum and A’DAM Lookout. Back on board, the Captain hosted a Farewell Reception in the Panorama Lounge. The entire crew was introduced by Hotel Manager Orhan, rounding off the week with warm farewells.

After dinner, we explored the Netherlands’ capital on foot during sunset, taking advantage of the ship’s central berth. Our walk took us from the Basilica St. Nicholas, an impressive neo-Baroque and neo-Renaissance church near the Centraal Station to the old Stock Exchange, a historic building reflecting Amsterdam’s rich trading past and reached Dam Square, the bustling heart of the city. The Royal Palace, with its classical façade, dominates the square and stands as a reminder of Amsterdam’s centuries-old governance and culture. Continuing, we visited the Nieuwe Kerk, a Gothic-style church famous for royal ceremonies and exhibitions, followed by the Anne Frank Monument and the Anne Frank House, poignant reminders of history and human resilience. We then walked past Westerkerk, the city’s tallest church tower, before strolling through the iconic canal belt lined with its gabled houses, returning to the ship under the final glow of the evening light.

Amsterdam: Disembarking Viva Enjoy

After breakfast, we disembarked and walked straight from the ship to Amsterdam Centraal Station for our onward train journey home. With that, our summer voyage along the Rhine river came to an end – a week that had taken us through four countries, from Basel to Amsterdam. Along the way we celebrated the summer solstice, explored charming ports and enjoyed the comforts of VIVA Cruises’ all-inclusive concept. Thanks to the attentive crew and smooth organization, this river cruise left us with lasting impressions.

Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews of Viva Cruises on Cruising Journal, with photos, videos, and cruise deals.

Stefanie Tietze-Haeberlein

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