European river cruise specialist, VIVA Cruises has announced world-renowned wine expert Romana Echensperger as its own Master of Wine – acting as the company’s fleet-wide wine consultant.
She brings a wealth of expertise, passion and prestige to VIVA Cruises. During her collaboration with the river cruise specialist, she will be responsible for curating and redesigning the onboard wine selection, training crew members, and hosting exclusive wine events and themed cruises.
“We are thrilled to welcome Romana Echensperger to the VIVA Cruises family,” said Andrea Kruse, CEO of VIVA Cruises. “Her collaboration with VIVA Cruises marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing the best possible culinary and cultural experiences onboard.”
Ms Echensperger will make her debut appearance aboard VIVA ENJOY, the newest ship in the fleet, during VIVA Cruises’ first-ever Gourmet Cruise from 20-24 November 2025.
This four-night culinary journey along the Danube celebrates Austria’s rich and modern cuisine. Guests will enjoy immersive experiences including:
Wine pairings curated by Romana Echensperger
- A private dinner at Vienna’s Albertina Museum of Art
- A gourmet tram tour through Vienna
- A visit to the Sandgrube 13 winery in Krems
- Talks and tastings hosted by culinary experts including a bread sommelier and master coffee roaster, Johanna Wechselberger
VIVA ENJOY has three restaurants, a wellness area, and solar-powered sustainability features. As with all VIVA Cruises itineraries, guests onboard the Gourmet Cruise will enjoy the 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.
Earlier this month, VIVA announced the appointment of former Riviera Travel man Stephen Sands as consultant to accelerate its growth in the Irish market, where he will be working with Michelle Daniels, VIVA’s country manager for the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
