Jane Wilson floats through Germany and France on a 4-night Wellness Cruise
The sun sparkled on the River Rhine as I watched hilltop castles float by from my prime spectator viewing seat on a sun-lounger with a choice of a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, a frothy cappuccino or a jug of healthy crystal water on offer, setting the scene for this spring river cruise
I was sailing for four nights with VIVA Cruises on their ship, aptly named ENJOY. Recently launched, its neatness and elegance travelled along the decks, complete with geometric patterns on freshly laid carpets with that springy bounce and paintings you believed had just been framed.
Travelling in the month of March, this river journey on ENJOY was themed as a wellness cruise, guided by Ann Smets, the Wellness Coach, who directed a holistic health programme for the journey. My first day began at 7:30 in the morning when I chose to learn the basics of qi gong and try out standing yoga, which is no small feat on a moving ship. These proved popular especially as the classes were taught in German and repeated for the few of us English-speaking guests. A blissful 30-minute complimentary massage was given to each guest during the cruise. There were three treatment rooms with a menu of therapies including its one-hour signature “Shinetsum,” which involved a massage that focuses on the abdomen and acupuncture points. Close-by, a small but compact gym and studio. And as we sailed past meadows and sleepy villages which carpeted the slopes, we listened to fascinating workshops on aromatherapy and the benefits of essential oils as well as a presentation on the healing qualities of water, which seemed especially relevant as we sailed on the picturesque Rhine.
A healthy appetite gave appreciation to three restaurants on board, a unique feature of this river cruise. Each one with a distinct atmosphere and diverse menu. Draped in greenery, Moments served authentic Italian fare with pizzas at lunchtime while the main restaurant, the Riverside Restaurant, which offered an international menu, was spacious with an attractive spiral staircase from the bar and lounge above. At the stern was The Bistro with that gastro-pub feel with a limited but quality choice of dishes including Burgers and Tiger Prawns, and followed by generous desserts which could all be savoured while watching the river in its wake
The dishes were presented with elegance, not heavily laden, with diverse options each day. A healthy buffet was laid out for breakfast and lunch, while hot dishes were cooked to order. I found the wellness menu to be nourishing and varied to support the wellness theme of the river cruise. They offered detox drinks, fresh juices, jugs of water in crystal stones and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks from the beverage menu.
More wellness opportunities were available through the excursions, such as a visit to ancient thermal baths, Nordic walking along scenic pathways by the river’s shore, and biking for those who preferred travelling on two wheels to explore independently.
The itinerary complemented the slow and relaxing atmosphere of the journey from Frankfurt. We strolled into the idyllic towns of Mainz and Speyer and Strasbourg, which is known as the Christmas capital. Strasbourg features a notable Gothic cathedral with daily shows from its astronomical clock and Petit France, a district often compared to a little Venice.
With 95 stylish cabins, including eight suites, most with French balconies spread across three decks to accommodate up to 190 passengers, the VIVA ENJOY is a floating premium hotel which does not disappoint. Cossetted in contemporary elegance and a comfortable space, the ship includes an open-plan lounge, spacious sun deck, and a lift for those with mobility requirements which operated between deck 1 and 3.
ENJOY certainly lived up to its name, as I disembarked feeling relaxed with the sun still gleaming on the Rhine for the spring river cruise, dripping in wellness and oozing with that feel-good factor.
All VIVA Cruises itineraries feature VIVA Cruises’ signature VIVA All-Inclusive product, which includes high tea, full board, high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, minibar, beauty products from cosmetic brand, Rituals, Wi-Fi and all tips and gratuities. Wellness cruises operate between January and March 2026 and travel on the Upper Rhine and on the Middle Rhine. They start and end in Frankfurt.
In line with VIVA Cruises’ commitment to sustainability, VIVA ENJOY employs eco-friendly technologies, including the use of sulphur-free GTL and biofuels, responsible route planning and reliance on shore power whenever possible. These energy-efficient practices meet the requirements of the Green Award certification, which recognises the use of sustainable technologies and quality measures. VIVA Cruises is launching a second product line, VIVA Boutique, in 2026: elegant boutique ships, mostly with suites, fewer guests and an even more sophisticated culinary offering. The first ship in the VIVA Boutique fleet will be VIVA BEYOND, running various routes from Paris from spring 2026.
About VIVA Cruises
VIVA Cruises, founded in 2018 and based in Düsseldorf, is a European modern river cruise line and a premium provider under the renowned Swiss shipping company, Scylla AG, which will soon have over 50 river ships. Following the motto ‘Enjoy the Moment’, guests from around the world enjoy daily multi-course gourmet menus and an all-inclusive offer with high-quality wines and spirits from the entire bar menu. Additionally, coffee machines are included in all cabins and minibars are always stocked. Following all the greatest rivers – including the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube as well as the Seine, Rhône and Douro – guests have access into the heart of timeless towns and villages as well as the world’s most thriving capitals. The VIVA Cruises fleet continues to grow dynamically every year. All ships are fuelled with synthetic GTL fuel, and from 2026 will run entirely on HVO fuel, using shore power and solar panels for energy supply.
Jane was a guest of VIVA Cruises VIVA Cruises: https://www.viva-cruises.com/en-gb
