VIVA Cruises and Fortuna Düsseldorf: A New Alliance on the Rhine and the Pitch

Bild: Peter Smith - Flickr: 0908280073
Düsseldorf-based river cruise operator VIVA Cruises is breaking new ground, becoming the first company in its industry to enter into a sponsorship deal in German professional football. For the upcoming season, a strategic partnership has been formed with the historic club Fortuna Düsseldorf. This collaboration ensures the company a comprehensive presence, ranging from sideline advertising and the resulting television exposure to activities in the stadium's business areas.

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However, the partnership extends beyond traditional sponsorship. Joint events are planned to connect the worlds of river travel and football. A special highlight of the cooperation will be the "F95 Business Forum," which is set to take place on board a ship from the VIVA Cruises fleet in the future.

Local Commitment with an International Focus

"Despite our international orientation with guests from Germany, Northern Europe, and North and South America, a strong connection to our home port of Düsseldorf is very important to us," explains Managing Director Andrea Kruse. "Our commitment to the city extends far beyond our corporate headquarters and the moorings on the Old Town embankment. This is also why we actively support the Düsseldorf Carnival, for example."

Fortuna Düsseldorf is also looking forward to the partnership. Tim Hanné, Manager of Sponsorship Sales at Fortuna Düsseldorf, emphasizes the common ground: "With VIVA Cruises, we are gaining a partner from a new and exciting industry for us, who is also firmly rooted in our city. But what connects us most of all is the ambition to create unforgettable moments for people."

About VIVA Cruises

Founded in 2018 and based in Düsseldorf, VIVA Cruises has established itself as Europe's most modern river cruise operator. As a premium brand, the company is part of the renowned Swiss shipping company Scylla AG, which boasts a fleet of soon to be more than 50 river vessels.

Under the motto "Enjoy the Moment," VIVA Cruises offers its international guests a travel experience in an elegant yet casual atmosphere. The all-inclusive concept includes multi-course gourmet menus, high-quality drinks from the entire bar menu, a daily restocked minibar in every cabin, as well as Wi-Fi and gratuities. The ships navigate Europe's most important waterways year-round or seasonally, including the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Elbe, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and Douro.

A special focus is placed on sustainability. The fleet is powered by synthetic GTL fuel (switching to HVO from 2026) and additionally uses shore power and solar panels for its energy supply.

With the introduction of VIVA Boutique, the company will expand its offerings with a second product line starting in 2026. This line will feature elegant boutique ships with a higher proportion of suites, fewer guests, and an even more upscale culinary experience. The first ship in this new fleet, the VIVA BEYOND, will operate on various routes from Paris starting in spring 2026.