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Scylla history
Scylla AG
Scylla history

1973

The foundation and the first ship

Triton Reisen AG, founded in Switzerland, bought a tugboat and converted it into the MS Triton.In the same year, the business paths of André Reitsma, his father and his brother diverged.

André then on the 3rd of September founded Scylla Tours AG in Basel, bought the tugboat DAMCO 21 and converted it into the MS SCYLLA.

1974

The first trip

The MS Scylla, the company's first passenger ship, began her maiden voyage in March of the following year.

A real family business

The MS Scylla is the first ship of the shipping company to set sail under the Swiss flag in 1974. 1st captain on board: the company founder himself. And while André Reitsma navigates the ship safely through the heart of Europe across the Rhine, the Moselle and along Dutch and Belgian waterways in the company's first tourist season, Martha Reitsma takes on all the operational tasks of hotel manager and interior designer.

1988

The first on the Main-Danube Canal

The "MS Switzerland II" sails for the first time on the Main-Danube Canal. In 1988, this ship was also the first ship with a height of 5.5 meters and thus suitable for the Neckar, the Saar and the Main-Danube Canal, which was still under construction at the time.

Revolutionary equipment

The "MS Switzerland" is the first ship with radio, telephone, TV, safe and mini-bar in the cabin.

1990 /1991

The first river cruise ship on the Elbe

In the winter of 1990/1991, the MS CALYPSO was converted so that it could sail on the Elbe. From 1991, the ship was the first cruise ship to sail between Hamburg and Dresden.

1996

The first on the Po

With the "Venezia" we are the first river cruise company to travel the Po.

2000

Three decks and balcony cabins

The "Swiss Crown" surprises with a third deck and balcony cabins within the Scylla fleet.

2003

From Belgium to Dunkirk, France

The MS SWISS RUBY is the first river cruise ship to sail from Belgium via Valancienne to Duinkerken.

2005

The first heck bar

The first heck bar of the ship celebrates its premiere on the MS SWISS CORONA.

2011

220 Guests

The MS Alina was the first 135 m ship that could welcome 220 guests. It was also the first ship on which the restaurant was divided into 2 decks.

2018

VIVA Cruises

VIVA Cruises was found in Düsseldorf, Germany.

2019

The Douro

We present the MS Andorinha, one of the most luxurious river cruisers of its time and our first ship for the Duoro.

2020

MS Seaventure

From Hapag-Lloyd Cruises we buy the MS Bremen.

2022/23

New standards

With the VIVA ONE and the VIVA TWO, we are building two ships within a very short time. Further the VIVA TWO set completely new standards in terms of comfort, sustainability and luxury.

2023

Birthday

Scylla celebrates its 50th anniversary and VIVA Cruises its 5th anniversary.

2024

New ships

The fleet grows with the construction of the MS Porto MIRANTE for the Douro and the VIVA ENJOY for the Rhine and Danube.

Contact

Do you have general questions concerning the regions our vessels are operating?
Get in contact with our Product Management team for more information.

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