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The Magic of Christmas: Savory delights and holiday traditions on a Rhine River cruise (port-to-port cruise)

The Magic of Christmas: Savory delights and holiday traditions on a Rhine River cruise (port-to-port cruise)

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5 Days From

$1088

The Magic of Christmas: Savory delights and holiday traditions on a Rhine River cruise (port-to-port cruise)

5 Days Starting and ending in Strasbourg

Visiting: Strasbourg, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Mainz

Tour operator:

CroisiEurope Cruises

Ship Name:

MS Beethoven

Ship Capacity:

180

Tour operated in:

English , French

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

From: $1088

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Join us for a cruise on the Rhine River to explore the oldest, most revered Christmas markets in Europe. Let yourself be swept away by the beauty and charm of long-standing holiday traditions that include dazzling lights, soothing mulled wine, and zesty gingerbread delights. Plunge into the holiday spirit on our exclusive European Christmas cruise.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Strasbourg

Location: Strasbourg

You'll board our ship at 5 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. After dinner on board, join us for an evening celebrating the Alsatian holiday cookies known as bredeles. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 2 : Sankt Goarshausen/Rüdesheim Am Rhein

Location: Rüdesheim am Rhein

Well cruise the Rhine to the legendary rock of the Lorelei, following the twists and turns dominated by dramatic ruins, scenic vineyards, and majestic fortresses. Join us in the lounge and tast delicious bredeles!Our next stop is Rdesheim, a picturesque village lined with narrow, cobblestone streets and half-timbered homes. Well board a tourist train(1) for Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, showcasing 350 self-playing, mechanical music instruments dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries and including delicate musical boxes and a gigantic piano-orchestrion. Then enjoy some free time on your own to discover the international Christmas market located in the city's historic downtown area. The 120 wooden chalets set the stage for an authentic German Christmas market displaying artisan objects, great gift ideas, and delicious culinary specialties such as local confections and cookies, and of course, pretzels! The city is also home to one of the largest nativity scenes in Europe.Youll return to the ship by walking down the infamous Drosselgasse, lined with numerous cafs and bars. Well enjoy dinner on board before a quick escape to the city again this evening to taste the exquisite Rdesheimer Kaffee.

Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit.




Overnight

Day 3 : Rüdesheim Am Rhein/Mainz

Location: Mainz

Well cruise to Mainz in the early morning. Once we arrive, well set out for a tour on foot of the city to see many of its remarkably restored sites. This excursion includes an inside visit to the magnificent 1,000-year-old Saint-Martins Cathedral. Well then stroll down the picturesque streets of the old city to the Gutenberg Museum, which houses two copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the first major book printed with movable type in the West. Enjoy some free time on your own before heading back to the ship. Dont miss the colorful local Christmas market near the cathedral, framed by splendid Renaissance-style buildings. Germany is known for its decorative wooden Christmas carousels, and a larger than life one is usually found at the market in Mainz surrounded by traditional chalets selling handcrafts, souvenirs, and luscious goodies. You might notice that German Christmas markets are more than just a place to buy or sell. In fact, they become a true reflection of everyday life where the locals gather for a quick bite or drink at the end of the winter day. So, join in the holiday spirit and top off your well-deserved vacation.After the tour, well have lunch on the ship and spend the afternoon cruising to Gambsheim. Feel free to join us for a bit of onboard entertainment recounting Christmas traditions. Tonight is our festive gala evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit.



Mainz

Day 4 : Gambsheim/Strasbourg

Location: Strasbourg

Once we arrive in Gambsheim, well leave by coach for Wingen-sur-Moder and a visit to the Muse Lalique to learn about crystalware-genius Ren Lalique and his successors. Lalique became one of the greatest names of his time, both as a jeweler and a master glassmaker. His instantly recognizable style was a major influence in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. Discover the companys wide range of impressive crystal and glass designs, pieces of jewelry, tableware, lights, and vases. Admire the fabulous collections and dont miss the temporary exhibit just for the holidays! Christmas is the perfect time to showcase the exceptional past and present work of Lalique.Well return on board and enjoy lunch as we cruise to Strasbourg. Once we arrive, feel free set out on your own to admire the lights around the city near the cathedral, the Place Klber, Carr dOr, and Place Gutenberg. Its quite a sight! And dont forget to browse a few of the Christmas Markets set up across the city. Well greet you with a hot cup of mulled wine* as you return on board.Enjoy an authentic Alsatian dinner this evening, followed by a quiz to test your knowledge about Alsatian Christmas Markets.
Strasbourg

Overnight

Day 5 : Strasbourg

Location: Strasbourg

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

Ship Details

MS Beethoven

Image Of Ship

Named after the famous German virtuoso, the MS Beethoven sails on the Rhine and Danube rivers. It takes cruise passengers to discover the many wonders offered by these two romantic rivers.

Completely renovated in 2010, the MS Beethoven is a standard ship that measures 110m long and 11m wide and accommodates 180 passengers in 90 cabins on 3 decks. The size of a cabin is between 11.50m2 to 13m2, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The refined decoration and the elegant and friendly atmosphere are in perfect harmony with its environment. Located at the main deck, the restaurant, where all meals are served during the cruise, offers a delicate cuisine in a refined setting, where wide windows allow you to fully enjoy the panorama. Situated on the middle deck is the lounge / bar with a dance floor, while a piano-bar welcomes cruise passengers on the upper deck in a cozy atmosphere. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.

Ship Name:

MS Beethoven

Adults Only Areas:

no kids

Ship Children Facilities:

none

Ship Nursery:

none

Smoking Areas:

some

Ship Size:

boutique

Ship Class:

4 Anchors Class

Ship Style:

premium

Ship Type:

river

Ship Kind:

Riverboat

Ship Currency:

EUR

Ship Language:

fr+en

Ship Capacity:

180

Ship Crew Count:

34

Number of Decks:

4

Number of Cabins:

90

Number of Large Cabins:

0

Number of Wheelchair-Friendy Cabins:

1

Ship Launch Year:

2004

Ship Refit Year:

2010

Ship Gross Tonnage:

15000

Ship Length (Meters):

110 M

Ship Width (Meters):

11 M

Ship Speed (Knots):

9 Kn

Main Deck

RestaurantCat. A Double CabinCat. B Double CabinCat. C Double Cabin

Middle Deck

Lounge/BarReceptionCat. A Double CabinCat. B Double CabinCat. C Double CabinCat. B PRM Cabin

Sun Deck

Sun Loungers

Upper Deck

Piano BarCat. A Double CabinCat. B Double CabinCat. C Double Cabin

Enjoy the comforts of home onboard with CroisiEurope. Cosy, tastefully decorated cabins greet passengers like a home from home. After dinner, retire to your private cabin in comfort for the night; all cabins are tastefully decorated and are equipped with all amenities required for your comfort.

Middle Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat C (Grade C_GLS_P2 )

Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the middle deck with high sliding windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Middle Deck 1 Double Bed - Accessible Cabin Cat B (Grade B_PMR_P2 )

Spacious and comfortable cabin adapted for passengers with reduced mobility and equipped with 1 double bed, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the middle deck with high sliding windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Main Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat B (Grade B_GLS_PP )

Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with high windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Upper Deck 1 Double Bed Cat C (Grade C_DBL_PS )

Cabin equipped with one double bed, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the upper deck, its French balcony and sliding window offers a great view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Double Cabins (Grade A_GLS_PS C_DBL_PS B_GLS_PS A_GLS_P2 A_GLS_PP B_GLS_P2 B_PMR_P2 C_DBL_P2 C_DBL_PP C_GLS_P2 C_GLS_PP B_GLS_PP )

All cabins are located above water level and offer panoramic views of the scenery. Spacious and comfortable, they offer guests twin or a double bed, with a bathroom including a shower, WC and washbasin, and with towels provided onboard. They are also equipped with satellite television, radio, hairdryer and safe. The cabins located on the upper deck have large picture windows.AMENITIESTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Middle Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat B (Grade B_GLS_P2 )

Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the middle deck with high sliding windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Middle Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat A (Grade A_GLS_P2 )

Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the middle deck with high sliding windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Main Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat A (Grade A_GLS_PP )

Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with high windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Upper Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat B (Grade B_GLS_PS )

Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the upper deck, its French balcony and sliding window offers a great view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Main Deck 1 Double Bed Cat (Grade C_DBL_PP )

Cabin equipped with one double bed, private bathroom with shower and bath products, telephone, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with high windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Middle Deck 1 Double Bed Cat C (Grade C_DBL_P2 )

Cabin equipped with one double bed, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the middle deck with high sliding windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Upper Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat A (Grade A_GLS_PS )

Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the upper deck, its French balcony and sliding window offers a great view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Main Deck 2 Adjustable Twin Beds Cat C (Grade C_GLS_PP )

Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with shower and bath products, TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with high windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.AmenitiesTVTelephone (for internal calls only)Bathroom with shower and toiletTowelsSafeIndependent air-conditioningElectricity 220VWi-FiPlease note that there is no laundry service on board the ship.

The only "floating" hotel structures of its type in France, CroisiEurope reigns supreme over the kitchens on its boats. In charge of the company's Chefs, Alain Bohn manages and designs his cuisine and specific menus in the pure tradition of French cooking with his passionate kitchen teams. From time to time, CroisiEurope joins forces with a number of renowned Chefs such as Paul Bocuse, Marc Haeberlin or Emile Jung to organise gastronomic cruises full of taste and flavour.

Dining aboard a CroisiEurope cruise is always a pleasure. Food is taken seriously and it shows. You'll soon become firm friends with your waiter and you'll quickly come to admire the choices made by world-renowned sommelier, Serge Dubs.

Main Restaurant

Located on the main deck, the restaurant is where all meals are served during your cruise. It seats all guests at tables which vary in size with a panoramic view. The atmosphere is casual but elegant. (complimentary)

CroisiEurope ensures that there are a number of activities and events onboard that guests can take part in. These include pre-dinner games and dinner dances along with a number of events in the ship’s lounge.

Lounge Bar with Dancefloor

The tastefully decorated lounge, is located at the front of the ship and offers panoramic views. Cocktails and games, dancing, and other forms of entertainment all happen here.

Pianorama Bar

Unwind in this pleasurable place with a cocktail in hand while listening to the piano. And maybe we will get the pleasure to listen to your talent…

Reception Desk

Perfect place to meet up with friends before excursions or to ask any information you may need to the staff. The Gift Shop is also located here, you'll find a wide assortment of souvenirs, CroisiEurope products and post cards.

Sun Deck

Take advantage of the sun deck to relax! It is equipped with chairs and deckchairs, allowing you to cool off while enjoying a panoramic view of the magnificent landscapes.

Terrace

Located at the back of the ship, you can easily meet up with friends and relax while enjoying the view.

Excursions

We offer on all our cruises numerous and surprising excursions. You may prefer to stay aboard our cruise ships and enjoy the tranquillity, but we have an extensive range of excursions we offer that are great ways to discover each country in detail. (All excursions are optional)Always with the help of our guides, you will visit tremendous cities, picturesque landscapes, and great activities with our bike rides, scenic tours, tastings, whole days visits or evenings out to appreciate the cities by night.To offer you the best experience, we offer classic or discovery excursion packages, the latter offering atypical tours, original themes or even helicopter flights.Below, and by destination, take a look at the sumptuous tours you could do during your cruise in the most beautiful countries in the world, be that in Europe or beyond.

Please note: There are no children's facilities on board.

Start your day joining us for a morning fitness class on the sun deck.

Fitness

Start your day by joining us for a morning fitness class on the sun deck.

Tipping habits vary from country and culture. At CroisiEurope, they are collected centrally in a box at reception at the end of the stay and shared equally between all members of the crew.

This token from our passengers shows that they appreciated the quality of the services and the attention they received during the cruise at all levels.

How much should I leave? A tip between €5 and €10 per day per person is an average, but each passenger is, of course, free to give what they want.

An envelope is deposited for this purpose in your cabin during your last evening on board. Slip it in the box provided for this purpose at the reception before disembarking.

Age Restriction

Reservations from minors shall not be accepted by the travel agency but must be made by the parents or other adults of more than 18 years of age with the necessary authorisations. Minors of under 18 years of age are not permitted to travel on board unaccompanied. They must be accompanied by parents or adults of more than 18 years of age. No alcoholic beverages shall be served to minors on board. Proof of the customer’s age may be requested by the ship’s personnel.

Babies on board: bring your own equipment

It is perfectly possible to cruise with your baby.Due to space constraints, our boats do not have baby equipment on board.If you are taking an infant or baby on board, be sure to bring the necessary equipment and supplies, such as a portable bed, stroller, child carrier, diapers.For children over the age of one, remember to reserve age-appropriate menus at the time of booking. For your convenience, we can heat up your children's bottles or food. 

Dietary Requirements

Please advise the reservation agent at time of booking of any special dietary requirements you may have and they will make every effort to accommodate your request. 

Disabled Facilities

All passengers shall ensure that they are medically, physically and / or in a psychic way fit to undertake a trip without endangering their life or the life of others. No medical services are offered aboard our ships. Any passenger with a physical or mental incapacity, limited capacity of mobility, having an illness requiring treatment or medical care, or pregnant women should inform the travel agent at the time of booking. No reservations can be accepted for passengers whose physical or mental condition is likely to render their participation in the cruise or in the vacation impossible or dangerous for themselves or others, or who require forms of care or assistance impossible to guarantee aboard ship, notably because of unsuitable infrastructure. Some suppliers (hoteliers, airlines and cruise companies, etc) may require a medical certificate confirming that the passenger is fit to travel or they may refuse to accept the booking if they feel that they will be unable to guarantee any assistance or treatment deemed necessary for the health and well-being of the passenger. Participation in the voyage and in excursions is subject to the condition of the passenger having sufficient mobility. If necessary, the disabled may be accompanied at their own expense to obtain the required assistance.If CroisiEurope considers it strictly necessary for the safety and comfort of the passenger, bookings of persons with disabilities or reduced mobility will be subject to the condition that a companion able to assist the disabled or mobility-impaired passenger be present. This requirement is entirely dependent on CROISIEUROPE’s assessment of the safety related needs of the disabled or mobility-impaired passenger and may vary from one route to another and/or from one boat to another.If the disabled or reduced mobility person requests and requires special assistance (care, supervision), they must be accompanied by a companion who can provide the required assistance at their own expense.All personal accidents, diversions or forced stopover costs disrupting the course of the cruise shall be at the liability of the passenger having concealed his unfitness to travel.We recommend the wearing of footwear suitable for life aboard and for excursions with non-slip soles.Some vaccinations, although not mandatory, may be recommended by health authorities.

Dress Code

During the day, you will be more comfortable in a casual outfit.We advise you to bring clothes that are not very wrinkled, or that can easily be transported after ironing at your house, because there are no ironing facilities on board our fleet.Remember to dress according to the weather, the season and the environment of your cruise: light suits and swimsuits for warm weather; sweater or jacket for cooler weather; sweatshirt, rain gear and small umbrella.Do not forget to bring comfortable walking shoes in your suitcase. They will be very useful during our excursions!Regarding dinners, cocktails and galas, it is advisable to dress up a little more without the need, for gentlemen, necessarily to wear a jacket and tie.Finally, on any excursion, when you visit places of worship, make sure to opt for an appropriate outfit, neither too light nor too undressed, so as not to be prohibited entry.

Health

There is no nurse or doctor on board the boats of our fleet. In the event of an emergency, the purser will contact the nearest hospital or medical service, the boat will make stop-over so that medical care can be provided as quickly as possible to the person.A defibrillator is available on board each boat. On board, at least two people hold the Lifeguard Rescuer at Work certificate and have been trained to use this device.If you are worried about a health problem, please consult your doctor before going on your cruise and undergo a complete check-up. We remain at your disposal in case of emergency.Finally, do not forget to bring any medication packaged in their labeled boxes) and the corresponding prescriptions. Have them renewed if necessary before your departure.

Languages on Board

The official languages ??on board our ships are French and English.Our team members and tour guides speak English fluently. They also speak other major European languages, such as German, Italian and Spanish.Indeed, CroisiEurope has more than 19 different nationalities among its employees (French, Germans, Austrians, Hungarians, Spaniards, Italians, Portuguese, Filipinos ...)On board, menus, information about the cruise, shore excursions, and important messages are communicated in French and in English. They may also be advertised in another language, depending on the nationality of the passengers on board.

Persons with Reduced Mobility: Adapted Cabins

CroisiEurope welcomes passengers with reduced mobility and endeavours to facilitate their access to both the facilities on board and on the available excursions. Before booking, our company requires passengers with reduced mobility to mention their specific needs to their travel agent, so that they can be offered the most suitable ship.People with reduced mobility or have trouble getting around can benefit from adapted cabins on some of the boats in our fleet.Please note that our three-deck ships have lifts allowing direct access to various bridges, as well as the dining room, lounges and toilets suitable for reduced mobility people.Our ships with 2 decks, meanwhile, are well thought-out in terms of layout, so common facilities (restaurant, lounge bar, reception) on one level: the main deck, which also has cabins.Some of our excursions can cause difficulties for people with reduced mobility (walking for several hours, destabilising floor coverings, elevation, etc.), participation in some excursions and travel is subject to the sufficient mobility of the passenger.With the help of http://www.specialneedsatsea.com/ we may be able to arrange further assistance on request.Please contact your travel agent for any additional information.

Safety on Board

All our ships (except the African Dream) are certified Bureau Veritas.Life jackets and life buoy are located in your cabins as well as on the sun deck.During the presentation of the crew, all safety instructions will be provided.Animals are not accepted on board.

Smoking Policy

For safety reasons, it is forbidden to smoke on board any of our fleet , as it is a closed environment. However, smokers are invited to go to the sun deck, where ashtrays are provided.

Special Dietary Requirements

Please inform us at the time of your booking whether you require a special diet or suffer from allergies. Our cook will offer you a fully adapted and tasty menu.

Taking Care of Our Environment

CroisiEurope’s longstanding environmental position focuses on nature as our most valuable asset.We consider ourselves pioneers in our field, as our commitment to protecting the environment goes above and our legal obligations. We are continually reflecting on how we can expand our green efforts.After conclusive tests carried out on the Seine River with our partner AS Energy, our ships now use GTL fuel. Gas-to-Liquid fuels combust more uniformly and result in lower emissions.Here are other environmental initiatives we would like to share with you:Installation of water-saving devices on our ships that reduce freshwater consumption by 35% and, as a consequence, the amount of wastewater produced.Installation of on-board water fountains that filter public water and transform it into quality drinking water, saving 23 tons of plastic per year.Installation of wastewater evacuation systems on our entire fleet that are emptied into wastewater treatment facilities or urban sewer systems during ports of call.Installation of a wastewater recipient connected directly to the city sewer system at the CroisiEurope dock.All of our ship engines (Green Ship Label) respect the strictest European standards against pollution to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.The latest onboard technology helps limit fuel consumption when cruising.We have insulated the ventilation in our engine rooms to reduce noise pollution.At ports, we systematically connect to power supply terminals (Powerlock connectors) whenever possible, and for our own docks, we are investing in these newer installations. In addition, most of our ships are equipped with energy-efficient electrical devices.In winter, our ships are moored at river ports with electrical terminals that power the vessels, which helps reduce noise and pollution.In Paris, we are providing excursions on electric buses that are quieter and pollute less, to everyone’s advantage.For the replacement of bath towels, we are trying to raise our passengers’ awareness using written messages and announcements.CroisiEurope follows the criteria outlined by Imprim’Vert in regards to environmentally friendly printing. All of the documents printed at our company is done so with vegetable-based inks on unbleached paper.All of our waste is sorted and compacted on board before being recycled.All food waste and biowaste are collected and converted into biogas by specialised companies.Used engine oil is collected and transformed by onshore specialists.We use biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaning products.Exterior paints contain no pollutants.Plastic straws and cups have been replaced by biodegradable paper.Our company is affiliated with E2F, Entreprises Fluviales de France which brings together players in our sector to orchestrate collective actions regarding the immense challenges that lie ahead.

Wheelchair Accessibility

CroisiEurope welcomes passengers with reduced mobility and strives to facilitate their access to the places of conviviality on board and to the suggested excursions. Before making a reservation, our company invites you to mention your specific needs to one of our agents, so that we can offer you the most suitable boat.People with reduced mobility or with mobility difficulties can benefit from adapted cabins on some of the boats in our fleet.Please note that our three-deck boats have elevators that provide access to the different decks, as well as to the dining room, the lounge and the toilets adapted to people with reduced mobility.Our two-deck boats, on the other hand, are designed in terms of layout so that the common facilities (restaurant, lounge-bar, reception) are all on one level: the main deck, which also has cabins.Some of our excursions may cause difficulties for people with reduced mobility (walking for several hours, unsteady ground surfaces, unevenness, ...), participation in the excursions as well as the trip is subject to the passenger's sufficient mobility.We invite you to contact your CroisiEurope agent or your usual travel agency for further information.

Wi-Fi & Internet Access

All the company's European fleet are equipped with free Wi-Fi for passengers. This internet connection is available in all lounges / bars and receptions. The Wi-Fi is free to use.For passengers who do not have computer equipment, we have equipped each boat (except those on the Volga, Mekong, and Africa) with a touch pad that can be lent to them when needed.

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Check out our Q&As

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All you need to know about the smooth running of your cruise is listed in your 'Travel Logbook', which you will receive before your cruise departure. It will be sent directly to you by email or by post before leaving.

  • Personal expenses

    The prices of our cruises are "all included on board", they include full board, drinks served with meals and at the bar (read the detail under heading "Package stay on board"). You are responsible for any personal expenses outside the boat, during excursions, purchases in our shop, or drinks that you choose from our special wine list and at the bar. How to pay on board? CroisiEurope only accepts euros on board the boats. We do not accept sterling, US dollars or any other currency. We do not accept travelers checks on board. Make sure you get euros before boarding, which will allow you to pay for all your purchases. CroisiEurope accepts American Express, Visa and MasterCard. You may wish to contact your bank or the company that issued your credit card to warn them that you are departing on holiday.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    CroisiEurope’s longstanding environmental position focuses on nature as our most valuable asset. We consider ourselves pioneers in our field, as our commitment to protecting the environment goes above and beyond our legal obligations. We are continually reflecting on how we can expand our green efforts.

  • Dress Code

    During the day, you will be more comfortable in a casual outfit. We advise you to bring clothes that are not very wrinkled, or that can easily be transported after ironing at your house, because there are no ironing facilities on board our fleet. Remember to dress according to the weather, the season and the environment of your cruise: light suits and swimsuits for warm weather; sweater or jacket for cooler weather; sweatshirt, rain gear and small umbrella. Do not forget to bring comfortable walking shoes in your suitcase. They will be very useful during our excursions! Regarding dinners, cocktails and galas, it is advisable to dress up a little more without the need, for gentlemen, necessarily to wear a jacket and tie. Finally, on any excursion, when you visit places of worship, make sure to opt for an appropriate outfit, neither too light nor too undressed, so as not to be prohibited entry.

  • Embarkation / disembarkation

    Boarding and check-in on the ship is indicated on your boarding pass provided in your travel log. We ask that you respect this schedule. The ship itself is held to respect the schedules of navigation envisaged for the route, in order to respect the program of navigation throughout the cruise. If you arrive earlier in the day, you can generally leave most of your luggage on board our ships. Your agent can also inform our ships that you will be arriving earlier, when booking. At the end of the cruise, the landing is usually scheduled for 9:00 am for all passengers. In the event that we are responsible for your transfer to the airport, we will ensure that you arrive in time for your flight and connections.

  • Your 'Travel Logbook'

    All you need to know about the smooth running of your cruise is listed in your travel logbook, which you will receive before your cruise departure. It will be sent directly to you by email or by post before leaving. It will contain the following information: The port of embarkation / disembarkation; A voucher for airport / port / airport transfers if these have been booked through us; Boarding tickets to be handed in when you arrive on board; Any exchange vouchers (pre and post-routing, hotel nights, ...); Luggage tags; A presentation of the cruise programme; Useful information about the cruise; The list of proposed excursions.

  • Languages spoken on board

    Official languages on board : French and English.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Missing your departure - this can happen for various reasons: a missed alarm call, a transport strike, an accident on the road, delays train or plane ... In this case, we ask you to notify us as soon as possible by calling the telephone numbers in your travel logbook. We will endeavour to do what is necessary to help you arrive safely.

  • Tips

    Tipping habits vary from country and culture. At CroisiEurope, they are collected centrally in a box at reception at the end of the stay and shared equally between all members of the crew. This token from our passengers shows that they appreciated the quality of the services and the attention they received during the cruise at all levels. How much should I leave? A tip between £5 and £10 per day per person is an average, but each passenger is, of course, free to give what they want. An envelope is deposited for this purpose in your cabin during your last evening on board. Slip it in the box provided for this purpose at the reception before disembarking.

Reviews of this operator

htrowland  

Great tours and food! Exceptional customer service

17-Jun-2022

As a female solo traveller, I especially appreciated CroisiEurope's summer special waiving single supplements. I am non-EU national, and very much enjoyed the international clientele . My flight arrived later than the prescribed boarding time, the crew had my cabin ready, and held dinner. Both land side New York office and the onboard crew were very welcoming, and most attention to detail. Special recognition to Charina, my reservation agent, and Daniel the ship's purser. The vessel's decor is very discreet, comfortable, and relaxing -- no neon, casino, etc. The elegance one would expect from a French company. The land tours were very comprehensive, in comfortable coaches, with sufficient rest stops. Lunches ashore were included, as appropriate. As advertised, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were included. In-town shopping was available, but not forced. In all, a delightful experience. I look forward to another voyage with CroisiEurope. The company offers so many unique intineraries, it may be difficult to select.

QRB4539  

Wonderful Ship and Crew

09-Jul-2019

I was on a University Alumni cruise that was organized by AHI on the Douro river in Portugal.. All the passengers were Alumni of different universities, about 85 or so. Many were seasoned travelers. Having been on 3 other river cruises I am familiar with the format. The Amalia Rodrigues was very new, clean and immaculate. And very comfortable. The rooms are small but there was a place for everything. You don't spend that much time in them. The bathroom was nice. The food was quite good. The crew was fabulous and bent over backward to accommodate various requests. All were very kind and helpful. The CD Ricardo was a master in his job - energetic, always informative and funny. He is a real asset to CroisiEurope. Having never before sailed with CroisiEurope I would now consider sailing with them. I understand that we were on a somewhat "special" sailing but if the crew and CD are indicative of the caliber of people at CroisiEurope I would sail with them again.

Jean from Alexandria  

The Beautiful Renoir

24-May-2019

We had a wonderful trip on the beautiful Renoir. We chose this trip because we wanted to do a one way on the Seine, ending in Paris. We started in Honfleur where we had time to explore the city and a coach trip to We were extremely happy with our room and loved that we could keep our sliding glass window cracked open for fresh air at night. The bed was very comfortable and the cleaning staff kept our room and bath room clean and supplied. The entire crew, but especially the gals at the front desk, really was pleasant and never tired of answering our questions. They knew everything that was happening and we felt like we were in extremely good hands. The captain did a great job making sure that we were safe and that we met the schedule. What expertise taking the boat under the bridges in Paris! The excursions for the most part were very good. The boat tour in Paris was par excellence and so glad we were able to do that! The Paris Cabaret show was another highlight for us. The meals were presented well, they were hot and tasty. The dining crew worked really hard and they were always so pleasant and willing to go the extra mile to make sure our dining experience was a good one. We loved the breakfast buffet and the 2 lunch buffets. Because we prefer mainly vegetables, that really worked for us. We wish that every lunch was a buffet!!! Dinners were a little heavy for us and we had to substitute the red meats with fish or chicken. But most of the other people looked like they were really enjoying the menu. We so enjoyed our English speaking table mates, really helped us to communicate at dinner. We would do this trip again in a heartbeat!

Brian Grace  

Budapest to Amsterdam 31 May 2019

31-May-2020

We were 4 New Zealanders and we chose this cruise because it was 18 days and at a reasonable price. The cabin was not huge but nicely decorated, clean and a good shower and had a large window. The bed was very comfortable. The Victor Hugo had very recently been refurbished. The food, wine and drinks were fantastic. The meals were amazing Staff were great and the announcement were in French and English. We had a little hiccup with our excursions but that was an error with their NZ agent and was soon rectified. Unfortunately when we were to leave Regensburg a Viking Ship smashed a lock gate which prevented all boats going any further. Because we were to go to Amsterdam on our cruise, Croisi arranged for us to go by minibus to Strasbourg and join another ship the Gerard Schmitter which then completed our cruise to Amsterdam. We were 4 days short of our cruise so Croisi put us up in a hotel all meals included with wine, and we had a guide for 4 days to show us all the sights of Amsterdam which was fantastic. We would definitely do another cruise with this company and hope to in the near future.

Bronx resident  

A memorable four nights on the Seine - Le Havre to Paris

30-Sep-2021

We had never been on a European river cruise before and chose this one for its brevity, just four nights. We were very happy with our choice and heartily recommend Croisieurope to travelers seeking affordable luxury plus top-flight service. The Renoir was refurbished to a very high standard in 2018 and it shows—comfortable beds, a ship-shape bathroom, lots of clever storage, individual climate control, big picture windows that open to let in fresh air. From the moment we arrived on board, the staff handled everything with professionalism and aplomb. The food in the restaurant (three meals a day with wine) was generous and truly delicious, and the shore excursions were all excellent: Honfleur, Deauville, a noted Calvados estate, Rouen, and Versailles. In each location we had a different guide, all bilingual and well-versed in the particular site's history. We really didn't have to to do anything except show up each day! What a treat. The Seine scenery was gorgeous and the boat was extremely comfortable—we loved that we could stay in our cabin, relax on various decks, or attend onboard activities, including a lively dance performance by a Normandy folk troupe. Even though we were the only English speakers on the cruise, the bilingual staff were always on hand to help us, and the other passengers (mostly French with a few Belgians/Swiss) were friendly and tolerant of our basic French. After our final night sleeping aboard the boat on Quai de Grenelle in Paris, we were rather sad to depart the beautiful Renoir.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Friday

Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
$1088

Friday - Tuesday

Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025
$1088

Tuesday - Saturday

Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$1088

Saturday - Wednesday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$1088

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CroisiEurope Cruises allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 15 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CroisiEurope Cruises requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of croisieurope cruises charges.

    Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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