Culinary Delights of Normandy

Full-board dining is included with breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring multi-course gourmet menus served right at your table

Enjoy a complimentary selection of cold and hot non-alcoholic beverages, as well as a carefully curated selection of alcoholic drinks

Quatre Heure: Indulge in a range of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, or macarons, complemented by an array of tea options, available once per voyage

Welcome champagne, daily replenished minibar in your cabin and a re-usable water bottle to use throughout your voyage

Gratuities for the whole crew

A VIVA Signature Experience with every trip

A VIVA Boutique gift in your cabin

Wi-Fi on the whole ship

Priority boarding –
You can move into your cabin 1 hour before the actual check-in time

Welcome aperitif –
In your cabin with wine and canapés

Laundry service on board –
Worth 50 € per cabin

Breakfast in your cabin –
Decide whether you would like to have breakfast in your cabin or in the restaurant

Little culinary touches –
Enjoy local, seasonal specialties during your trip

An exclusive excursion included –
Join us for an unique experience

Best table choice –
Preferred table reservation in the Moments Restaurant and VIVA's Bistro

Aperitif with the Captain and Hotel Manager –
Get to know your Captain and Hotel Manager personally over champagne and canapés

Three Things,

you should know about the french cuisine.

A veritable World Cultural Heritage
French cuisine – also called “cuisine française” – is known far beyond the borders of France and is divided into the country's unique regions. In addition to Normandy, Provence, Alsace and Brittany are especially popular. A paradise for gourmets, in other words – and rightly one of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritages since 2010.

Quality for centuries
Did you know that the reputation of “cuisine française” developed as early as the days of the French kings, who attached great importance to quality, new recipes, culinary experiments and sophisticated presentations? Although this age is long gone, French cuisine has maintained this discerning standard to this day, has constantly improved and continues to impress with its unique exclusivity, creative compositions and the best ingredients.

Apples and cheese
Normandy has an incredible amount to offer - in addition to castles and palaces, flourishing gardens and impressive architecture, the cuisine from the northern region of the country is also one of the most famous. Besides Calvados and cider, as well as oysters and mussels from the 640 km long coastline, Camembert is also a true classic and is often described as the epitome of Norman gastronomy. So it is hardly surprising that even a village bears the name Camembert. It is said that a farmer’s wife, Marie Harel, made the cheese there for the first time in the 18th century.

Château Gaillard & Apple Farm

You can look forward to an excursion full of contrasts and an exciting symbiosis of history and culinary delights. You will travel by bus from the ship to Château Gaillard, which lies above the Seine valley and the municipality of Les Andelys. The castle, now in ruins, was built as early as the 12th century by Richard the Lionheart, and served to control and protect Normandy. Learn interesting facts about the history of the castle over the years, and walk in the footsteps of the former King of England and Duke of Normandy.

Then, depending on the season, the bus will take you to a typical French apple farm. During a guided tour, you will learn exciting facts about topics such as the harvest and life and work on site, and about local products. The culinary highlight is definitely the tasting of the delicacies afterwards.

Duration: 3 hours

Transportation: bus & on foot

Difficulty: active

Honfleur

Look forward to a day dedicated to enjoyment! The bus takes you to the picturesque fishing village of Honfleur, which is known for its pretty harbor, houses and little alleyways, as well as the sailors' church of Sainte Catherine. Stroll through the village until you reach the famous oyster boat, which tempts you with freshly caught delicacies. The tour continues through the idyllic landscape to a typical apple farm. There you can relax while having a picnic, taste fresh cider and learn interesting facts about the production of the typical local specialty, Calvados.

Duration: 4 hours

Transportation: bus & on foot

Difficulty: active

Palais Bénédictine

In the early hours of the morning, you will set off for the Gardens of Étretat, high above the town that gives them their name. Allow yourself to be captivated by the special atmosphere, wander through the individual areas and discover the contemporary art that can be found everywhere. A particular highlight is the view over the white Alabaster Coast! The bus then takes you to the small town of Fécamp. During a visit to the splendid Palais Bénédictine, you can stroll through the collections of the magnificent building, learn all about the secrets of Bénédictine production and try the fine liquor yourself at the end of your tour.

Duration: 3,5 hours

Transportation: bus & on foot

Difficulty: active