8 Reasons to Love CroisiEurope River Cruises

Affordable, Authentic, and So French - Why CroisiEurope Stands Out on the Rivers

CroisiEurope - Europe’s Best-Value River Cruise Line

CroisiEurope’s La Belle de Cadix moored in Seville

French flavour, fair prices and fascinating routes — CroisiEurope blends value with variety, sailing rivers from the Douro to the Mekong on everything from canal barges to sleek river ships.

If you love the idea of river cruising but not the high-end price tag, CroisiEurope could be your perfect match.

This family-run French line sails more rivers, canals and lakes than almost anyone else, combining authentic regional experiences with all-inclusive comfort and impressive value.

Here are eight reasons CroisiEurope deserves a place on your travel wish list.

1. Excellent Value for Money

Drinks are included in CroisiEurope’s fares.

CroisiEurope’s fares include meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and port taxes, often at prices far lower than luxury rivals, plus a range of included excursions.

It’s an ideal choice for travellers who want a European river cruise that feels indulgent without straining the budget.

2. Unrivalled Range of Itineraries

The Douro is just one of over 50 waterways that CroisiEurope sails

The line sails over 50 waterways worldwide - from classic routes on the Rhine, Danube and Seine to rarer gems such as the Douro in Portugal, the Loire in France, and Spain’s Guadalquivir and Guadiana rivers.

Beyond Europe, ships explore the Mekong, Nile, Ganges and Lake Kariba, offering true global scope.

3. A Fleet with Character

CroisiEurope’s Anne-Marie Barge. Image: CroisiEurope

No cookie-cutter ships here. CroisiEurope operates everything from 180-passenger river vessels to tiny hotel barges carrying just a dozen guests.

Each is purpose-built for its route - paddle-wheelers on the Loire, ocean/river hybrids on the Guadalquivir, shallow-draft ships for the Elbe, and locally styled boats on the Mekong.

4. French Cuisine with a Local Twist

Expect classic French dishes paired with regional ingredients and wines. Menus reflect the area you’re cruising - Loire Valley cheeses, Portuguese seafood, Alsatian tarts - all freshly prepared onboard.

Meals are sociable, unpretentious and full of French flair and the set-menus have something to suit every palate.

5. Unique Canal and Barge Voyages

CroisiEurope’s intimate canal cruises

For something slower, try one of CroisiEurope’s intimate canal cruises through Burgundy, Champagne or Alsace.

With as few as 11 guests, these floating boutique hotels glide through vineyard landscapes and tiny locks, mooring right in village centres.

6. Worldwide Reach, Local Spirit

Explore the Mekong River with CroisiEurope

Though proudly French, CroisiEurope’s adventurous spirit stretches far beyond Europe.

From Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong to Africa’s Lake Kariba, itineraries mix comfort with cultural immersion - ideal for travellers seeking a gentler kind of adventure.

7. Friendly, Relaxed Atmosphere

Life onboard is smart-casual and sociable. You’ll meet fellow guests over a glass of wine in the bar, and at your regular seating at dinner.

The smaller ship sizes create a community feel, while still leaving space for quiet moments and river views.

8. Easy Access from the UK

Fly-cruise from major European Cities

Most departures begin in major European cities like Paris, Porto, Strasbourg, Lyon, Vienna and Budapest - all easy to reach by train or short flight.

With embarkation often in the city centre, your holiday starts the moment you step aboard.

CroisiEurope Special Offers 2026

Here are some examples of value cruises with CroisiEurope next year:

  • 3 Night/4 Day Rhine Culinary Delights Cruise £636 pp

  • 5 Day Strasbourg / Mainau & Lake Constance short break £911

  • 6 day Trans-European crossing £1,154

  • 7 days Stralsund to Berlin (Havel, Oder & Baltic Islands) £1,373

⚓ The Lowdown

CroisiEurope isn’t chasing luxury - it’s offering authentic, affordable river cruising with French soul.

Expect characterful ships, imaginative routes and a down-to-earth atmosphere that makes every voyage feel like discovering Europe the relaxed way.

Is CroisiEurope a luxury cruise line?
No — CroisiEurope is considered a value or mid-range river cruise line rather than luxury. It focuses on comfortable accommodation, excellent French cuisine and inclusive fares, offering outstanding value without high-end prices or formal luxury extras.
Which rivers does CroisiEurope sail?
CroisiEurope sails over 50 waterways, including the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Loire, Douro, Guadalquivir, Guadiana, Po, Mekong, Nile, Ganges and even Africa’s Lake Kariba. It also offers canal and barge cruises through Burgundy, Champagne and Alsace.
What is the dress code on CroisiEurope?
CroisiEurope maintains a relaxed smart-casual dress code. There are no formal nights, but guests often dress up slightly for the Captain’s Dinner. Comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended for excursions.
Is CroisiEurope good for solo travellers?
Yes. CroisiEurope is known for being welcoming to solo travellers, with sociable, small-ship atmospheres and occasional reduced or waived single supplements on select departures. The communal dining setup makes it easy to meet fellow guests.
What are meals like on CroisiEurope?
Expect buffet-style breakfasts and multi-course set menus for lunch and dinner, featuring French and regional specialities. Wine and beer are included with lunch and dinner, and dishes are freshly prepared by onboard chefs.
Are any excursions included in a CroisiEurope cruise?
Yes, many itineraries include selected guided excursions — such as city tours or wine tastings — while others are optional and can be pre-booked or arranged onboard for an extra fee. Each cruise has a clear list of inclusions before sailing.
What is included in a CroisiEurope cruise fare?
Fares include all meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, port taxes and onboard entertainment. Optional shore excursions can be pre-booked or arranged once onboard for an additional cost.
Are CroisiEurope cruises suitable for English-speaking guests?
Yes. Although CroisiEurope is French-owned, most cruises are bilingual, with announcements, menus and daily programmes in both English and French. Crew and guides are fluent in both languages.
How large are CroisiEurope’s ships?
Most river vessels accommodate between 100 and 180 guests, while the smaller canal barges carry just 11 to 22 passengers, offering an intimate, boutique experience.
Do CroisiEurope cruises cater for special diets?
Yes. Vegetarian, gluten-free and other dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. As a French line, food is central to the experience, and menus are carefully prepared by onboard chefs.