7 nights · Germany North Rhine-Westphalia · River cruise · Departs Dusseldorf (Germany) · Visiting Koblenz, Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues, Trier, Metz, Nancy · Aboard Viva Cruises on the VIVA Ruby
Image courtesy of Viva Cruises ©
This river cruise sails the Rhine, Moselle and Marne-Rhine Canal, departing Dusseldorf.
| Cruise line | Viva Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | VIVA Ruby |
| Duration | 7 nights |
| Port calls | 7 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $1,978 per person |
| Year built | 2002 |
| Guests | 88 |
| Cabins | 44 |
| Crew | 23 |
| Length | 85 m |
| Beam | 11 m |
| Cruising speed | 11.0 kn |
Düsseldorf pairs a handsome Rhine setting with a modern, distinctly German edge. From the riverfront, the Altstadt’s narrow lanes lead to historic churches, intimate squares and traditional breweries serving Altbier. Nearby, Königsallee offers elegant boutiques beneath a canopy of trees, while the city’s acclaimed art museums reward a slower afternoon. Come ashore ready to walk: Düsseldorf’s highlights sit close together, and the Rhine is never far from view.
Koblenz stands where the Rhine and Moselle meet, beneath the watchful gaze of the Deutsches Eck. From here, river valleys, vineyard slopes and hilltop castles make an easy day’s exploration. Ride the cable car across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, whose ramparts command sweeping views. The compact old town is readily explored on foot, with cafés and riverside promenades within easy reach.
Cochem makes a strong first impression: Reichsburg Castle crowns a vineyard-clad hill above the Moselle. Below, half-timbered houses line narrow lanes and the riverfront. The town is small enough to explore on foot, yet its setting invites a slower pace. Taste the region’s Riesling, take a boat along the river, or visit the castle for broad views over the valley. Here, the Moselle’s pleasures are close at hand.
Bernkastel-Kues sits among steep Moselle vineyards, where Riesling has shaped the landscape and local life for centuries. In Bernkastel, the medieval market square gathers timber-framed houses around its 17th-century fountain, with the famously narrow Spitzhäuschen close by. Cross the river to quieter Kues, birthplace of 15th-century scholar and cardinal Nicholas of Cusa. Come ashore for a riverside stroll, a glass of crisp Moselle wine, and a town best explored on foot.
Trier rewards a day ashore with Roman landmarks, a handsome old town and nearby Moselle vineyards. Founded as Augusta Treverorum, it grew into one of the Roman Empire’s most important cities north of the Alps. The dark-stone Porta Nigra, Imperial Baths and amphitheatre make its past tangible; several Roman sites are UNESCO-listed. Between them, visit the cathedral and Hauptmarkt, then sample the region’s crisp Rieslings.
Metz rewards a closer look, with a historic centre shaped by French and German influences. Golden Jaumont stone frames Saint-Étienne Cathedral, whose vast windows include work by Marc Chagall. The Centre Pompidou-Metz offers a striking contemporary counterpoint. Explore the medieval arcades of Place Saint-Louis, then stroll beside the Moselle. This is a city best discovered on foot, one distinctive quarter at a time.
Nancy rewards a day ashore with one of France’s most distinguished urban ensembles. Place Stanislas, with its gilded gates and classical façades, anchors a UNESCO World Heritage site. The medieval Old Town leads to the former ducal palace, while Art Nouveau landmarks reveal Nancy’s later creative surge. Come for the architecture; stay for a table of quiche lorraine.
Published September 1, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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