CroisiEurope: Affordable Boutique River & Coastal Cruises with a European Soul

River Seine in Paris - Discover on a CroisiEurope cruise

Why CroisiEurope is River Cruising’s Best-Kept Secret.

CroisiEurope offers affordable, boutique-style river and coastal cruises with a distinctly European flair – combining authentic cuisine, intimate ships and unique itineraries at exceptional value.

The Croisie fleet includes barges such as this one - the Anne Marie

Family-run and proudly European, CroisiEurope has been a pioneer of river and small-ship cruising for nearly 50 years. With a fleet of over 50 ships - ranging from elegant river vessels to intimate canal barges and coastal ships - they offer one of the most diverse choices of waterways journeys in the world.

Destinations & Unique Itineraries

CroisiEurope goes far beyond the classic Rhine and Danube routes. Alongside favourites like the Seine, Douro, and Elbe, they also offer exclusive itineraries you won’t find elsewhere, such as:

CroisiEurope feature cruises to The Zambezi & Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

• The Zambezi & Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe - the only cruise line operating here, blending safari adventures with serene lake cruising.

• The Loire Valley - sailing on the Loire aboard Loire Princesse, a unique paddlewheel vessel built especially for these shallow waters.

• The Guadalquivir & Atlantic Coast - on La Belle de Cadix, a hybrid river–ocean ship that sails inland rivers and out to sea in Andalusia, combining an historic city break with both a river and ocean voyage.

Visit the Venetian Lagoon & Po River with CroisiEurope

• Venetian Lagoon & Po River - a rare chance to combine Venice with cruising the northern Italian waterways.

• The Mekong - discovering Vietnam and Cambodia’s floating villages, temples and bustling markets.

The Fleet

Most CroisiEurope river ships carry just 100–200 guests, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and sociable. Their boutique barges hold as few as 22 passengers, creating a private, house-party feel. Each ship blends French style with modern comfort, often designed specifically to navigate unique waterways.

Who Sails with CroisiEurope?

Most CroisiEurope attracts an international crowd

CroisiEurope attracts a largely international mix of travellers, though the majority are European guests, predominantly French, with some German, Spanish and British couples.

The atmosphere on board feels cosmopolitan yet relaxed, with most passengers aged 50 and over, though younger guests and multi-generational families are becoming more common, especially on shorter European itineraries.

Their unique voyages - like Lake Kariba in Africa or the Mekong in Asia - tend to draw well-travelled, culturally curious cruisers looking for something different, while the intimate barges appeal to small groups of friends or families wanting a private, boutique-style experience.

The Vibe

Enjoy Flamenco on CroisiEurope’s Spanish Cruises. Photo by Stéphan Valentin on Unsplash

Life onboard feels distinctly European - friendly, unpretentious, and culturally rich. Guests enjoy French and regional cuisine, paired with carefully selected wines, and excursions that bring each destination to life, from flamenco in Seville to Austrian waltzes in Vienna.

Accommodations Onboard

A French-balcony cabin on La Belle de Cadix

CroisiEurope’s ships are designed for comfort and intimacy rather than over-the-top luxury.

Cabins are compact but thoughtfully laid out, featuring modern en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, storage space (albeit limited), and either portholes, large picture windows or French balconies on upper decks for watching the world drift by. Décor leans towards bright, contemporary European style - light woods, fresh colours and plenty of natural light.

Accommodation on Barges is more compact. Shown: 2Bed Main Deck on Deborah

On their hotel barges, cabins are more intimate, with just 11–12 rooms for a maximum of 22 guests, giving a boutique “floating villa” feel. Specialist ships like the Loire Princesse (a paddlewheeler built to navigate the shallow Loire) and La Belle de Cadix (a unique river–ocean hybrid in Andalusia) have slightly different layouts but retain the same comfortable, sociable atmosphere.

Cabin Categories Across the Fleet

• Standard Cabins - Located on lower decks, these have portholes or fixed windows at water level. Compact but functional, ideal for value-minded travellers who spend most of their time exploring.

• Upper Deck Cabins with French Balconies - Feature sliding glass doors that open to fresh air and unobstructed river views. These are the most popular category.

Suite on MS Miguel Torga

• Suites - Available on select ships, offering more space, a sitting area, and larger bathrooms. Suites often include extra touches like upgraded furnishings and panoramic windows.

• Barge Cabins Cosy and intimate, with windows and a homely style, perfect for small-group charters or travellers wanting a boutique experience.

While CroisiEurope doesn’t compete with ultra-luxury river lines offering butlers and marble bathrooms, their focus is on functional comfort, great views, and a welcoming European feel that suits the line’s cultural, all-inclusive style of cruising.

🍷 What’s Included

A CroisiEurope voyage offers excellent value, with:

• All meals featuring French and local cuisine

• Unlimited drinks with meals and at the bar (including wine, beer, spirits, cocktail of the day, and soft drinks)

• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board

• Excursions included on most itineraries (city tours, tastings, cultural experiences)

• Taxes and port charges covered.

For travellers who want to sail beyond the ordinary and experience authentic river cruising with a European heart, CroisiEurope is a true hidden gem.