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CroisiMag - April 2025
Fellow Cruisers,
April marks the return of warmer days and the irresistible urge to escape. As nature awakens in fresh hues and daylight stretches longer, the call to travel grows ever stronger.
In this new edition of our CroisiMag, let yourself be inspired by itineraries that celebrate the gentle charm of spring, rich cultural discoveries, and gourmet delights along the water. From the rivers of Europe to more distant shores, step aboard with us for your next unforgettable getaway.
So sit back, relax and enjoy this edition of our CroisiMag as we take you on a journey through the world of travel and adventure.
Lake Kariba: The vibrant heart of Southern Africa
Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, nestled in a breathtaking landscape of savannah and rugged hills, lies a blue giant in the heart of Southern Africa: Lake Kariba. Still little known to the wider public, this man-made lake is the largest on the continent and one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs in the world - a magical place where nature, wildlife, and history intertwine in an atmosphere both mystical and captivating.
Kariba: A monumental Human achievement
Lake Kariba was born from a bold human endeavor - the taming of the mighty Zambezi River to generate hydroelectric power. In the 1950s, then-Rhodesia launched an ambitious project: constructing a dam in the Kariba Gorge. Completed in 1959, the dam submerged an entire fertile valley and gave rise to a lake spanning more than 5,000 km². But Kariba is more than a feat of engineering. Over time, it has evolved into a vibrant ecosystem teeming with biodiversity, offering a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for the senses.
As your boat glides across the lake at dawn, the magic begins. Morning mists drift over still waters, while the silhouettes of elephants, hippos, and crocodiles appear along the banks. Fossilized tree trunks - remnants of the flooded valley - rise eerily from the depths, lending the landscape a haunting beauty.
Kariba is also a gateway to deep cultural heritage, particularly that of the Tonga people, whose ancestral lands were lost beneath the rising waters. The creation of the lake marked a profound upheaval, experienced as a form of exile - one that left an indelible mark on their identity.
And yet, the Tonga people have preserved their rich traditions, language, crafts, and rituals. Their deep connection to the river and their spiritual reverence for the water offer visitors a powerful, human encounter - one of resilience, harmony, and respect for nature.
A hidden, untamed paradise
Today, Kariba is a true sanctuary of life - home to crocodiles, hippos, elephants, fish eagles, and more. The fossilized trees still stand, guardians of a past world, giving the lake an otherworldly atmosphere. At sunrise or sunset, the skies catch fire, casting a spell over this peaceful oasis where time seems to stand still.
Sail between sky and savannah, guided by the rhythm of the waves, and witness the extraordinary wildlife that flourishes in this pristine paradise. It is a rare luxury - to feel small in the face of such grandeur, to reconnect with the Earth, and most of all, with yourself. Each stop, each landscape, and every encounter invites you to slow down, observe, and simply be.
Discover Southern Africa uniquely
CroisiEurope invites you to explore this extraordinary region through exceptional cruises in Southern Africa, where majestic nature, intimate exploration, and premium comfort come together.
Aboard our small, elegant boats, sail across Lake Kariba and into the heart of untouched wilderness and breathtaking scenery. From the mighty Zambezi to the wild plains of Botswana, from the legendary Victoria Falls to the boundless landscapes of Namibia - experience Southern Africa as you've never seen it before.
Curious to learn more?
Watch our video to discover the story behind the creation of our first boat on Lake Kariba,
and the fascinating history of the body of water that transformed the landscape of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
25 years in Venice: An anniversary between art,
history and exceptional navigation
For 25 years, CroisiEurope has had the unique privilege of sailing through the heart of the Venetian Lagoon - one of the few cruise operators still able to anchor so close to the soul of the Serenissima. Thanks to the intimate size of our ships, we can dock where the giants of the sea cannot, offering our guests a truly immersive experience in one of the world's most iconic cities.
Over the past quarter-century, thousands of travellers have embarked on a timeless journey with us, gliding over the serene waters of the lagoon to the rhythm of la dolce vita.
From opulent Venetian palaces to colourful island villages, from centuries-old traditions to the vibrant daily life of the lagoon - our itineraries reveal a hidden, authentic side of Venice. Explore the secret canals of Venice, the charming fishermen's houses of Burano, the glass-blowing workshops of Murano, and the lesser-known sister city of Chioggia. Our cruises unveil a quieter, more personal Venice - far from the crowds, yet rich in discovery. It is this closeness, this unique way of revealing beauty, that has forged a special bond between CroisiEurope and the City of Water.
This year, we celebrate a milestone filled with emotion and gratitude - an anniversary honouring the mythical city that has welcomed us for a quarter of a century. To mark the occasion, we invite you to join us aboard our Venetian cruises, where special touches and enhanced experiences await.
The Spirit of the Pioneers, sailing the Venetian lagoon
25 years of passion, 25 years of discovery, 25 years of love for Venice.
This is the perfect year to (re)discover Venice - with those who know it better than anyone.
Winter: A season of renewal aboard our ships
Though our cruises pause during the winter months, our work never stops. Behind the scenes, this is a season of transformation - a time when our teams dedicate themselves to refurbishing, modernizing, and enhancing our fleet to ensure you always enjoy the highest level of comfort and service.
In our shipyards, a coordinated ballet of craftsmanship takes place. Artisans, technicians, decorators, and engineers come together to reimagine interiors, upgrade facilities, and integrate new technologies onboard:
- Furniture upgrades in lounges, restaurants, and cabins to create a warm and elegant ambiance
- New upholstery and carpeting in soothing, modern tones for a fresh, refined atmosphere
- USB and connected power outlets in cabins for easy charging and seamless connectivity
Sailing more responsibly
As a key player in river tourism, we are also deeply committed to sustainability. This winter, for example, the MS Monet received a new, cleaner and more efficient engine, significantly reducing its environmental impact. This initiative is part of our broader CSR strategy, which prioritizes innovation, respect for the regions we explore, and the quality of your onboard experience.
As the new cruise season approaches, we look forward to sharing the results of this winter's work with you. Your comfort and satisfaction remain our top priorities - and every detail has been designed to ensure your journey with us is nothing short of exceptional.
Honoring our Loyal Employees
Last month, we had the great pleasure of presenting long-service medals to our dedicated employees who have marked 10, 20, 30 - and even more - years with CroisiEurope. It was a heartfelt occasion to celebrate their career paths, their dedication, and their invaluable contributions to the CroisiEurope journey.
Behind every cruise, every smile on board, and every success, are passionate and committed individuals. Once again, a big bravo and thank you to all of you for these wonderful years by our side!
[DID YOU KNOW?]
MS Lafayette: A floating tribute to heritage
For some lucky travellers, the name Lafayette may bring to mind the elegance of one of our cruise ships gliding gracefully along the Rhine. But before she was a ship, Lafayette was a man - a legendary historical figure who stood at the crossroads of two continents.
Who was the Marquis de LaFayette?
Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, was a French aristocrat born in 1757 who became a passionate defender of liberty - both in France and in the United States. At just 19, he crossed the Atlantic to join the American Revolution, fighting alongside George Washington and earning his place as a general in the Continental Army. He quickly became a national hero in the U.S. Back in France, Lafayette was a key figure in the early days of the French Revolution, advocating for a constitutional monarchy and championing the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Admired for his courage, visionary thinking, and unwavering dedication to human rights, he became known as "the Hero of Two Worlds." Naming our ship in his honor is our way of paying tribute to a man who built bridges between nations and cultures. And onboard the MS Lafayette, you'll sail across bridges of your own - along the Romantic Rhine, past historic cities and storybook landscapes.
[VIDEO]
Step aboard the MS Lafayette
Get a closer look at our elegant river ship in this video tour. Comfortable, bright, and beautifully designed, the MS Lafayette is a perfect expression of her namesake's spirit: a blend of French refinement and global perspective, sailing through some of Europe's most enchanting waterways. The MS Lafayette reflects CroisiEurope's signature style - intimate, all-inclusive cruising, full of charm and discovery.
ITB Berlin 2025
At the beginning of March, we had the pleasure of participating in ITB Berlin 2025, where we hosted our stand for three days of exciting and inspiring exchanges with tourism professionals from around the world. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by to meet us!
The show was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our cruises, discuss industry trends, and explore exciting new partnership opportunities. We're eager to bring these projects to life and continue our mission of delivering unique, meaningful travel experiences.
[PICTURE OF THE MONTH]
Stromboli seen from La Belle de l'Adriatique
Set your sights on Stromboli, the ever-active volcano that lights up the Tyrrhenian Sea!
Aboard La Belle de l'Adriatique, witness this mesmerizing natural wonder up close - a volcano so iconic, it's been nicknamed "The Lighthouse of the Mediterranean" due to its regular eruptions visible from the sea.
An unforgettable highlight of our Sicilian and Amalfi Coast cruises.
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CroisiEurope wins the Excellence Award for Europe's
Best River Cruise Company 2024
For the 13th time, we are honored to receive this prestigious award - making CroisiEurope the most awarded river cruise company in this category!
This recognition is especially meaningful as it is based on votes from our passengers and travel industry partners.
A special shoutout to our Spanish team, whose dedication and passion help make this continued success possible every day. Thank you to all who support us!
Hear what others say about us
The grand Spanish river cruise that stops at three lesser-visited cities along the way
The Sun UK, Sarah O'Neill, 29 March 2025
The Sun has featured CroisiEurope's MS La Belle de Cadix, highlighting its incredible journey along the Guadalquivir River and Atlantic coast!
From the stunning Alhambra in Granada to sherry-tasting in El Puerto de Santa María, this cruise takes you to hidden gems and iconic cities, all while enjoying gourmet cuisine, all-inclusive comfort, and top-tier service.
CroisiEurope's Venice Lagoon adventure cruise review on MS Michelangelo
Thetravelmagazine, Nick Dalton, 23 March 2025
Journalist Nick Dalton shares his experience aboard MS Michelangelo, calling it "a haven from the hubbub that fills the city."
From its prime docking location just minutes from St. Mark's Square to the magical sailings across the Venetian lagoon, the article highlights the beauty of discovering Venice from the water.
