VIVA Cruises is entering the expedition market with the SeaVenture in May 2021, according to a company statement.

The Scylla-owned brand will make the transition from rivers to oceans with a four-star expedition product aboard the former Bremen, which it takes delivery of in 2021 from Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

A ten percent early booking discount is valid on all expeditions booked before the end of February 2020; and commissions from ten percent are available to the travel trade with group allocations and net rates available.

The ship’s first voyage will leave from Amsterdam on May 15, 2021, arriving in Hamburg on May 21. From there, the ship will sail 13 cruises  including deployment in the Baltic, Iceland, Spitsbergen, Greenland, Canada/Quebec, a trans-Atlantic crossing as well as South America.

Andrea Kruse, COO of VIVA Cruises, said: “We have always aimed to offer our customers a different perspective on the destinations they visit and the launch of our expedition cruises takes this one step further.  We will be offering a truly unique small ship experience without compromising on quality or our high standards.  Our itineraries offer something very different for travellers who want to get close to some of the most breathtaking scenery and nature on earth.”

Among the itinerary examples is a 17-day trip to the Western Arctic and Labrador, leaving from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and arriving in Quebec. Prices start from $12,150 per person.

Along with 12 zodiacs for passenger landings, the company is offering what it calls unbeatable value with an all-inclusive product available on all itineraries. This includes: full-board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus) and snacks; a gourmet restaurant with fine dining; and high-quality alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (mineral water, soft drinks, juices, various coffee specialties, tea, sparkling wine, aperitif, house wines, selection of beers, long drinks, cocktail of the day). Tips and gratuities are also included.