- Home
CroisiMag - July 2024
Fellow cruisers,
Summer has finally arrived, and with it comes a new edition of CroisiMag!
We wish you a wonderful summer season and we hope to see you on board soon!
Mediterranean Treasures
Very popular in 2023 for their debut season, this year we are once again offering our two maritime itineraries to discover Italy and Malta.
Starting in November, set sail for these destinations, which reveal their unique charm and sublime landscapes in the soft autumn light. Far from the hustle and bustle of summer, these itineraries provide the perfect opportunity to escape to the Mediterranean Sea and be enchanted by the Dolce Vita of Italy and the vibrancy of Malta.
Mediterranean Beauties: Malta & Sicily
Harmoniously blending natural and cultural heritage, our maritime itinerary between Malta and Sicily invites you to an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Mediterranean!
From the autumn light bathing the breathtaking landscapes to the regional culinary delights, every moment of this cruise promises wonder and discovery.
Explore fascinating archaeological sites, stroll through picturesque villages, and relax on golden sandy beaches. Join us for an adventure where history, culture, and natural beauty come together to create magical moments.
You'll make a stopover on the sumptuous island of Malta, where La Belle de l'Adriatique will be moored in the heart of Valletta, opening the doors to its rich and varied heritage. Let yourself be seduced by the vibrant Maltese capital, with its architectural masterpieces and colorful alleyways.
You'll continue your journey with a stopover on the fascinating Sicilian coast, where you'll delve into ancient ruins and discover the Baroque villages of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, along with UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is a journey of architectural and cultural splendor in the heart of the Mediterranean.
Naples, the Amalfi Coast & Sicily
Prepare to be seduced by Neapolitan charm, amazed by the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, captivated by the Aeolian archipelago, and enchanted by the treasures of Sicily!
Immerse yourself in the Dolce Vita on a cruise from Italy's boot to Sicily. This voyage will transport you to sublime landscapes, picturesque towns, and fascinating volcanic islands.
Departing from vibrant Naples, nestled at the foot of majestic Mount Vesuvius, you'll embark on a journey along the Amalfi Coast, with its breathtaking cliffs, colorful villages, and exceptional panoramas.
Explore the ancient remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and stroll through the picturesque streets of Old Naples. Enjoy an exceptional sail off the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire the breathtaking scenery of Vulcano, Lipari, and Stromboli. You'll discover the authentic charm of Tropea in Calabria, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, and be seduced by the splendor of the Amalfi Coast. An enchanting journey, rich in discovery and emotion, awaits you.
A Magical Time to Visit Italy
Advent festivities in the Neapolitan region are a series of unforgettable celebrations!Naples, renowned for its Christmas cribs, a tradition deeply rooted in local culture, adorns its churches, museums, and streets with a thousand lights, transforming the city into a veritable fairy tale.
This festive season is a magical time when the spirit of Christmas is fully expressed through ancient traditions, luminous festivities, and a warm atmosphere, making it the ideal time to discover the rich culture and customs of this fascinating Italian region.
Our Commitments to a Reduced Carbon Footprint
At CroisiEurope, we acknowledge that the environment is our greatest ally, which is why we have always prioritized placing it at the core of our concerns through a variety of actions.
River cruising represents a clean and virtuous mode of transport, enabling us to bring you close to nature and immerse you deeply in culture while minimizing our ecological footprint. Moreover, with our boats accommodating passenger numbers ranging from just 16 to 198, we ensure an intimate experience aligned with the principles of slow tourism. This offers a tranquil journey at a relaxed pace, far from conventional tourist routes.
Today, we are proud to announce our latest results, which highlight and reward our efforts in favor of environmental preservation.
To find out more about our environmental initiatives:
[FOCUS ON OUR PROFESSIONS]
Gastronomy along the river: Behind the scenes
CroisiEurope employs over 1,800 people, many of whom you'll meet on board! Among the multitude of professions that contribute to the success of your cruise, this month we focus on the role of head chef aboard a CroisiEurope ship!
At CroisiEurope, we're fortunate to have two passionate chefs who are pillars of our onboard gastronomy. We interviewed Alain Merlet and Thomas Morganti, both of whom rose through the ranks to become Head Chefs, to learn about their career paths and their passion for cuisine.
Alain Merlet's journey from dishwasher to chef
Alain Merlet began his career with CroisiEurope as a diver, following stints as a parachutist and painter. He soon discovered his passion for cooking while working alongside chef Laurent Metzger, who inspired and trained him. "It was thanks to him that I wanted to become a chef. I started as a dishwasher, then worked my way up to commis. For a year and a half, I learned a lot from him; he was a chef from the old school, a passionate man. I owe him a great deal." From dishwasher, Alain progressed to commis, then second chef, and finally chef in 2021. Today, he is responsible for meal organization, stock management, and ensuring compliance with hygiene regulations aboard the MS Elbe Princesse.
Thomas Morganti: A linear path to mastering cruising cuisine
Thomas Morganti had a more straightforward career. He first started as a kitchen apprentice as part of his professional training and worked as a commis in various restaurants before joining CroisiEurope in 2017. After a rewarding experience ashore, he returned on board as a second chef before being promoted to chef in 2022.
The chef's role on board
The role of a CroisiEurope chef goes beyond meal preparation; it involves managing stocks, placing orders, and ensuring strict compliance with hygiene standards. A chef must be rigorous, creative, and capable of leading a team. On our company's boats, cooking remains at the core of the chef's responsibilities, which differs significantly from a restaurant on shore. According to Thomas Morganti, on land, chefs are often "buried in paperwork", whereas on board, they can focus more on the quality and originality of the dishes they prepare for our cruise passengers.
But their mission doesn't stop at delighting your taste buds; they also ensure that the on-board staff are well-fed. "If the staff eat well, they'll be smiling," says Thomas, who enjoys preparing a daily buffet for the crew.
A shared passion for cooking
Alain and Thomas are proud to have risen through the ranks at CroisiEurope. Their approach to cuisine is imbued with passion and respect for those who enjoy their creations. Alain, who prefers sweet treats, and Thomas, a lover of savory dishes, demonstrate through their dishes that happiness is often found in well-made cuisine.
At CroisiEurope, we're proud of our chefs and the culinary quality they bring to every cruise. Their dedication and passion for cooking guarantee our customers an unforgettable culinary experience on board our ships.
The Corinth Canal Crossing on Video
On her way to her summer destination, La Belle de l'Adriatique sailed from Dubrovnik to Athens. For the passengers on board, it was a unique opportunity to witness the crossing of the famous Corinth Canal.
This exceptional navigation is a rare privilege reserved for small vessels like ours, offering an exclusive perspective.
While we await the opportunity to experience it firsthand, here's a video immersion.
[YOUR CRUISE FEEDBACK]
Just a few of your heartwarming testimonials!
"A magical trip that I thoroughly enjoyed; I was able to relax on vacation while discovering incredible landscapes, sometimes in serene corners away from tourist crowds. The magnificent city of Porto is a must-see, and its wine is a pure delight for connoisseurs and amateurs alike! The team is always at the top of their game and ready to listen, with majestic meals, splendid rooms, and excursions that leave you with a sparkle in your eyes every time."
-Amandine SCHNEIDER, June 21st, 2024
«A memorable experience aboard a magnificent ship, with a top-notch team and a crew attentive to every detail! This must have been one of my best trips yet, even as an octogenarian who has traveled the world. CroisiEurope truly knows how to make your journeys unforgettable.
P.S.: When traveling alone, you're sure to find good company on board...»
-Joseph MEYER, June 21st, 2024
«A wonderful discovery of Venice aboard the MS Michelangelo, a human-sized boat moored in the lagoon, just a stone's throw from Saint Mark's Square... Italian-themed cuisine, unlimited drinks (long live the Aperol spritz!), visits to emblematic sites, and an attentive crew... Unbeatable value in the Bella Serenissima.»
-Armand BERICHILI, June 19th, 2024
Read what others say about us
Explore Paris and beyond on a premium canal barge
Gillian Vine, The New Zealand Herald, 17 June, 2024
Throngs of tourists will soon descend on Paris for the summer Olympics, but it's still possible to enjoy the city and its surrounds in a leisurely manner, and it's all thanks to the country's canal system, writes Gillian Vine.
