August has arrived, bringing sunshine, long days, and that special summer feeling of escape.
We're delighted to be back with this new edition of our monthly CroisiMag, filled with exclusives, highlights, and inspiring discoveries to share.
We wish you a wonderful August and hope you enjoy this issue. Some of you may even be reading these lines from one of our ships. If so, thank you for being part of this beautiful summer adventure and for continuing to place your trust in us.
As the sun blazes and temperatures soar, you might find yourself craving something unexpected: a touch of cool air, cozy evenings, the scent of cinnamon and gingerbread, and that unmistakable feeling that heralds the holiday season. Why not get ahead of the rush and plan a cruise through Europe's most enchanting Christmas markets?
Picture it now, glowing streets, the aroma of mulled wine and spices, and charming markets brimming with festive treasures. Starting in November, step aboard and immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas while discovering the most authentic traditions across France and Europe.
From the comfort of your ship, watch towns and villages transform into winter wonderlands: twinkling lights, wooden chalets, regional delicacies, artisanal crafts, and that special festive spirit you can only find at this time of year.
This year, embark on a brand-new magical cruise to one of our most iconic destinations: the Venice Lagoon. Experience the enchantment of Advent in Venice, where every street, every canal, and every church seems to glow beneath a festive veil. In the heart of La Serenissima, Christmas becomes an unforgettable journey through artistic treasures, charming markets, and a shimmering lagoon. Mist-shrouded canals, decorated squares, artisan stalls, and cozy cafés create an intimate, authentic atmosphere. A rare and precious way to rediscover this legendary city.
Step into the magical winter atmosphere of Flanders, where history, Christmas traditions, and the art of living come together in perfect harmony. Along the canals, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp welcome you to a fairytale setting: illuminated cobblestone squares, snow-dusted medieval façades, charming chalets, and the inviting aroma of hot waffles. Stroll through lively Christmas markets and discover local crafts, Belgian delicacies, seasonal beers, and of course, the famous pralines and artisanal chocolates. A region where refinement meets tradition, ideal for those seeking a cozy, slightly nostalgic charm.
Celebrate Christmas in Andalusia, where warm traditions shine brightest during the festive season. Wander the illuminated streets of Seville and marvel at handcrafted nativity scenes, true works of art, with finely carved figurines and meticulously detailed settings. The magic continues in bustling Christmas markets scented with anise and cinnamon, in joyful family gatherings filled with traditional flamenco songs, and in the tasting of seasonal treats such as turrón and polvorones. Here, Christmas is a celebration of sharing, music, and light, blending conviviality with the elegance of tradition. A journey steeped in Spanish customs, enhanced by the warmth of Andalusian hospitality and the beauty of its surroundings.
Paris, between elegance and tradition
When the magic of Christmas embraces the French capital, the City of Lights transforms into a wonderland at every turn. Paris dazzles with festive illuminations, charming markets that pop up across the city, and an unmistakable air of celebration, revealing a whole new side to this iconic destination.
Southern Lights and a Provençal Christmas
Sail the Rhône from Lyon to Avignon, with stops in Tarascon, Aigues-Mortes, and Arles, and discover a southern Christmas with Provençal flair. Living nativity scenes, santons (traditional figurines), carols, artisan markets, and regional delicacies create a unique festive journey full of colour, flavour, and contrasts.
Imperial Christmas in Central Europe
Cruise the Danube for a royal Christmas experience. From Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace market to Budapest's steaming winter thermal baths and Bratislava's rich Slavic traditions, each stop reveals cultural treasures enhanced by twinkling lights, in an atmosphere steeped in history and refinement.
The Rhine, cradle of the Christmas Markets
If there is one place to experience the spirit of Christmas in its purest form, it's the Rhine Valley. Alsace and the riverbanks here have nurtured centuries-old traditions with passion and authenticity.
Wander through streets lined with illuminated half-timbered houses, inhale the scent of mulled wine, browse stalls of local artisans, and enjoy Advent concerts, all from the warmth and comfort of your cruise.
Authenticity between Berlin and Prague
Journey along the Elbe from Prague to Berlin and explore some of Europe's most iconic Christmas markets. Between sampling regional specialities and soaking in the festive ambience, this voyage invites you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the season, a perfect blend of culture, traditions, and unforgettable memories.
Our all-inclusive cruises guarantee a peaceful experience: accommodation, festive meals, onboard entertainment, and selected excursions are all included, all set within the warm and unique atmosphere of CroisiEurope. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with friends, or with family, we offer you an enchanting escape to end the year on a high note.
Why not make this Christmas a true journey? Discover all our itineraries and book now to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Named in honour of Amedeo Modigliani, the iconic early 20th-century Italian painter and sculptor, this boat pays tribute to an artist with an unmistakable style. A member of the School of Paris, Modigliani is renowned for his portraits featuring elongated faces and often vacant, mysterious eyes. His work, defined by a pursuit of elegance and simplicity, has had a profound influence on modern art. On board the MS Modigliani, this same quest for balance and refinement is reflected throughout.
This 4-anchor vessel sails on two of Europe's most beautiful rivers: the Rhine and the Danube, true romantic gems lined with historic towns, lush landscapes, and cultural treasures.
It invites passengers to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of these iconic regions while enjoying a refined travel experience.
The MS Modigliani combines comfort, elegance, and conviviality in a compact ship. Measuring 110 meters long and 11 meters wide, it accommodates up to 159 passengers in 78 cabins and one suite spread over two decks. Each cabin is equipped with every comfort and all the amenities needed for a peaceful stay. The warm and tasteful interior design perfectly complements the ship's inviting atmosphere.
The restaurant, located on the upper deck, offers exquisite cuisine in a bright and welcoming setting.
Large panoramic windows allow you to enjoy every meal while admiring the passing scenery. The lounge bar, complete with a dance floor, provides a relaxed evening atmosphere, while the sun deck, equipped with deckchairs and shaded areas, is ideal for daytime relaxation. Like the artist it's named after, the MS Modigliani charms with its finesse, character, and serenity. A human-scale ship, perfect for those who wish to discover Europe's rivers in comfort and style.
In 2025, the MS Raymonde barge launched an entirely new itinerary on the canals of Belgium, sailing between Ghent and Halle. This is a major milestone: until now, our barges have only navigated French canals. This brand-new cruise was carefully designed from A to Z by our production teams. But how exactly do we imagine a cruise? How do we turn an idea into the unique experience you'll enjoy on board? Let us take you behind the scenes of this exciting creation.
It all starts with an idea
Sometimes it means giving new life to an existing route, other times it's about imagining a new loop on a familiar river, or, as in this case, taking on a challenge: to sail in a territory never before explored by our ships. That's precisely what happened here. The team asked themselves: What if we offered our guests a unique way to discover Belgium, along its picturesque canals?
Designing an itinerary: between dream and reality
Creating a program on new waterways is a true adventure. You have to balance many practical elements: navigation speed, crew rest times, lock operations, and the right mix between cruising and onshore visits.
Accompanied by the navigation manager, our project leader Carine carefully studied each section and possible stopover to craft a coherent, smooth, and enjoyable itinerary.
Building the excursions: curiosity, intuition... and fieldwork
Once the stops were chosen, the real discovery began. Carine and her colleagues visited the locations to meet local providers, test the tours, explore the sites, taste local products, and listen to guides. Brussels and Bruges naturally became key highlights, but other hidden gems emerged along the way: distilleries in Oudenaarde, spectacular engineering marvels like the Strépy-Thieu boat lift or the Ronquières inclined plane. Everything was scrutinized: accessibility, quality of welcome, authenticity, comfort, cultural and culinary interest. The goal? To offer you a balanced and rich journey, without rush or boredom.
Behind the stops: life on board
Designing a cruise isn't just about choosing visits. It's also about thinking through every detail that makes life on board smooth and pleasant: reliable bakers delivering fresh bread every morning, florists decorating the boat at each departure, local producers supplying quality ingredients. Jérôme, the barge manager, travelled the region with the onboard manager Hans to organize all this and ensure that your welcome exceeds expectations.
Adjustments and refinements
Once the cruise is underway, nothing is set in stone. Two months after the first sailings, the team returns on board to review what worked well, what can be improved, the daily rhythm, guide quality, and supplier punctuality. The program evolves, adapts, and is refined. Because for CroisiEurope, a successful cruise is the result of teamwork, passion, and a deep listening to our guests.
The result: a unique cruise, designed for you
This Belgian cruise is much more than just an itinerary: it's a tailor-made creation, designed to let you discover landscapes and heritage in a different way, at the peaceful pace of the canals. And that's what traveling with CroisiEurope is all about: living an experience born from genuine expertise and nurtured by constant attention to every detail.
This fall, set sail on several unique theme cruises! Forget traditional vacations, immerse yourself in extraordinary experiences where each cruise transports you to a different world.
Exclusive departures, original themes, and iconic personalities await you for unforgettable moments. Savour the flavours of the Rhône region or be swept away by music!
The World of Wine along the Rhône
An exceptional wine cruise for lovers of fine wine and nature: discover the most beautiful vineyards of the Rhône Valley. From Beaujolais to Côtes du Rhône, passing through Tain l'Hermitage and Côtes de Provence, each stop celebrates a remarkable terroir. Visit the Hameau Dubœuf, a true temple of wine, and cruise through rolling landscapes between Lyon, Avignon, Arles, and Martigues.
Tastings are paired with immersive visits to iconic wine estates, charming villages, and the art of French living. A 100% terroir itinerary perfect for wine lovers, heritage enthusiasts, and discerning epicureans.
Lyon, from Retro Chic to Gourmet Terroir
Discover Lyon from a new angle with a unique blend of heritage and gastronomy. From the tradition of master weavers in the traboules of Old Lyon to the world-class cars at the Henri Malartre Museum, this cruise offers a retro yet elegant ambiance.
On the culinary side, enjoy local specialties during a gourmet walk, visit the vineyards of Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées, and experience a rare highlight: a prestigious meal at the Abbey of Collonges, inspired by Paul Bocuse. An immersive and refined celebration of Lyonnais art de vivre.
Viennese Waltzes with André Rieu
Indulge in an imperial interlude at the heart of Central Europe, among grand palaces, classical music, and refined traditions. Starting in Vienna, this cruise visits Bratislava and Budapest, with castles, medieval streets, and Baroque elegance. Each stop brings the Austro-Hungarian Empire's prestigious past to life through cultural visits.
The highlight: an unforgettable concert by André Rieu and his orchestra, where the most beautiful Viennese waltzes come alive in a magical atmosphere. A must for lovers of history, music, and romance.
Gliding gently along the Rhône, with the Palais des Papes watching over and the Pont Saint-Bénézet ahead, the MS Van Gogh carries its passengers on a journey bathed in Provençal light.
Escape with us for a few moments in our latest video, exploring southern Africa on an intimate safari cruise through four countries: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
