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CroisiMag - May 2025 | News from the bridge
Fellow cruisers,
The month of May has finally arrived, bringing with it the promise of sunny days and a longing for escape. As nature awakens in all its splendor and the days grow longer, new travel horizons begin to open.
In this new edition of CroisiMag, let yourself be carried away by unique cruise stories and inspiring discoveries. From the charm of Europe's rivers to the wild expanses of Africa, each destination is an invitation to experience unforgettable moments of escape and to create lasting memories.
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.
The Rhine in Flames, a dazzling show you can't miss
Every year, between May and September, the Rhine comes alive several times with a breathtaking and unforgettable spectacle: Rhine in Flames. To celebrate this extraordinary event, CroisiEurope offers an exclusive itinerary placing you in the heart of the action, with a front-row seat to this legendary experience that captivates all generations.
A dazzling display along the romantic Rhine
From Bonn to Rüdesheim, the Rhine Valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site-is transformed into a grand open-air stage. Illuminated landscapes, rolling green hills, terraced vineyards, and centuries-old castles are set aglow in a spectacular play of light. A magical procession of illuminated boats glides along the river, creating a festive, dreamlike atmosphere.
On shore, riverside villages embrace the celebration with lively wine festivals, charming open-air cafés, bustling local markets, and live concerts-extending the enchantment well into the night.
Aboard the MS Gérard Schmitter & MS Bohème
From the sun deck of your ship, enjoy uninterrupted views of this stunning pyrotechnic display. Fireworks burst overhead in cascades of color, their shimmering reflections dancing across the water's surface. Each explosion briefly paints the valley in a luminous, ephemeral fresco.
Relax in comfort and let yourself be swept away by the captivating ambiance, where the Rhine's natural beauty merges with the artistry of light to create an evening you'll never forget.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits.
[ZOOM ON OUR BOATS]
Aboard the RV Zimbabwean Dream:
A unique adventure on Lake Kariba
The RV Zimbabwean Dream, the latest addition to our fleet in 2020, is a true gem that blends comfort, elegance, and a sense of adventure.
It offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience: cruising the majestic waters of Lake Kariba while discovering the remarkable wildlife and landscapes of Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa on a safari-cruise like no other.
Designed exclusively by CroisiEurope, this intimate vessel accommodates just 16 privileged guests in 8 spacious suites, two of which feature private balconies.
Each suite opens onto the surrounding scenery, immersing guests in an atmosphere of serenity and wonder, far from the beaten path. All suites are equipped with a French-style balcony, and the two with private balconies offer an even more exclusive view of the ever-changing landscape.
On board, comfort meets refinement: light-filled spaces with large picture windows, warm wooden finishes, and locally inspired fabrics create an elegant and authentic atmosphere in harmony with the breathtaking surroundings.
The upper deck features a relaxing lounge area and a small pool, perfect for cooling off while taking in the wildlife, rich horizon. The restaurant and lounge/bar are ideal for social moments, while a telescope is available for closer observation of the flora and fauna around the lake. The sun deck offers a peaceful retreat, ideal for taking in the sweeping views of southern Africa's most stunning scenery.
A journey aboard the Zimbabwean Dream is more than just a cruise, it's an immersive and luxurious escape into the heart of nature. A truly unforgettable experience, where every detail is designed to offer comfort, connection, and discovery.
« I have never experienced such an extraordinary, magnificent, and idyllic journey. Outstanding service, incredibly dedicated and highly professional staff. There simply aren't words strong enough to describe the beauty of this voyage. »
Agathe Klein, April 2025
[EMPLOYEE SUCCESS STORY]
Living and working on board: A profession, a vocation
Working on board a cruise ship is far more than just a job, it's a lifestyle. Life on the water is marked by scenic stopovers, meaningful exchanges with passengers, and lively evenings in the lounge-bar. It's a profession that calls for discipline, generosity, a flawless sense of service, and exceptional adaptability. Nadine Steyer embodies all of this to perfection.
Nadine has been sailing with CroisiEurope for over 30 years. Cabin hostess, laundry attendant, waitress, barmaid, she has held every key position in onboard hospitality, always with the same unwavering passion.
"What I love most is the contact with people. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile or a kind word to make someone's day," she says.
Her favorite role? The bar, without hesitation. As the heart of the ship, the lounge-bar is where everything comes together: connections, conversation, and laughter. It's also where the team's professionalism shines through. "Passengers notice every detail. A beautifully set table, a drink served with care, a greeting in their own language... It's these small attentions that create a warm, memorable atmosphere."
Throughout her career, Nadine has been a living example of CroisiEurope's core values: a personal welcome, constant attention to quality, and a genuine desire to make each cruise unforgettable.
Today, Nadine works aboard the MS Lafayette, where she enjoys the intimate and refined ambiance that suits her so well.
But working on board also means growing every day, adapting to new challenges, and sometimes, showing great resilience.
Even after a battle with illness, Nadine chose to return to life on the river, driven by her deep passion for service and river cruising.
Behind every warm smile at the bar, every perfectly prepared cabin, every glass served with care, there's someone like Nadine, a discreet, dedicated, and deeply human professional. Thanks to crew members like her, our cruises are more than voyages: they are true life experiences.
To the rhythm of our cruises:
A typical day on board
What does a typical day aboard a CroisiEurope cruise look like? Above all, it's an enchanting interlude-paced by simple pleasures and extraordinary discoveries.
The morning begins gently, as soft light reflects off the water. From your cabin, the peaceful view over the river, canal, or sea sets the tone for the day ahead. A generous buffet breakfast awaits in the restaurant-fresh pastries, seasonal fruits, hot drinks, and regional specialties, enough to awaken your senses while taking in the passing scenery.
Then it's time to explore. Whether accompanied by an expert guide or wandering at your own pace, you'll discover charming towns, picturesque villages, or iconic landmarks.
Local history, culture, and traditions become part of your journey, creating rich and meaningful memories.
At midday, return on board to enjoy a refined lunch served in a warm and convivial setting.
Whether the ship remains docked for further exploration or resumes its gentle navigation toward a new destination, each moment is an invitation to travel, through landscapes, flavors, and moments of quiet contemplation.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. For some, it's the perfect time to head back ashore for more discoveries; for others, it's a chance to relax, sunbathing on the sun deck, sipping a cocktail, enjoying a jacuzzi, or simply unwinding with a good book in the lounge bar.
Entertainment and onboard activities are often available for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere or making new connections.
By late afternoon, it's time for a beloved ritual: the aperitif.
Whether on the sun deck or in the lounge bar, guests gather in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to share the day's highlights over a drink. It's a special moment where memories are made and friendships begin.
The day continues with a gourmet dinner, carefully prepared by our onboard chef. Showcasing regional flavors and local ingredients, this culinary experience brings the day to a delicious close. For those who wish to linger a little longer, the evening carries on with music, dancing, and entertainment, under the stars or in the softly lit lounge.
Family Cruises:
A journey of intergenerational togetherness
At CroisiEurope, we believe the most meaningful travel experiences are those shared with family. Our cruises are the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories, where every generation, from children to grandparents, finds their place and enjoys the journey together. Carefully curated itineraries offer enriching and accessible adventures, allowing everyone to explore landscapes, cultures, and new experiences side by side.
A journey for everyone
Whether you're travelling with young children, parents, or grandparents, our cruises are designed to foster shared experiences and lasting memories. Onboard activities and family-friendly excursions ensure that guests of all ages can discover, relax, and enjoy moments together. It's a chance for generations to reconnect, exchange stories, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Comfort and safety for the whole family
Our ships are designed with families in mind, offering a safe and welcoming environment with spacious common areas and comfortable, well-appointed cabins.
On board, every family member can find joy, whether through play, relaxation, or discovery.
The CroisiEurope family spirit
A CroisiEurope cruise isn't just a way to travel, it's a catalyst for connection. It's a unique opportunity to create special moments that will be remembered long after the journey ends. Whether it's your first family cruise or a cherished yearly tradition, sailing with CroisiEurope is all about bonding, discovery, and shared joy.
Join us for an adventure where everyone has a place, and experience the true meaning of family travel! Explore our dedicated family offers and programmes today!
[PHOTO OF THE MONTH]
When spring arrives along the waterways
This peaceful snapshot of MS Danièle in Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune was sent to us by one of our passengers-and we absolutely love it!
We always enjoy receiving your cruise memories, it's a real pleasure to see your journeys through your eyes.
Discover our cruises along the canals of France and Belgium.
Share your photos too!
Would you like to see your favorite snapshot featured in the next edition of CroisiMag?
Send us your most beautiful cruise memories, we can't wait to see them!
Slow Tourism:
Rediscovering what matters along the canals
What if travel was all about slowing down? This is the invitation CroisiEurope extends through its intimate cruises along the canals of France and Belgium. With just 22 passengers on board, our barges offer a timeless escape, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the richness of the regions you traverse.
But what exactly is slow tourism?
Inspired by the slow food movement, slow tourism is a way of traveling that values quality over quantity, connection over consumption, and in-depth exploration rather than rushing from one tourist site to the next. It's a travel philosophy that embraces slowness, proximity, authenticity, and environmental respect.
Our canal cruises embody this philosophy beautifully. At the peaceful pace of the water, you'll explore less-travelled regions, full of charming villages, local traditions, and bountiful nature. Each stop along the way is a chance for a meaningful encounter: a passionate winemaker, an artisanal cheesemaker, a historic garden. The journey is all about paying attention to the details, the flavors, and the stories that define each place.
On board, the art of living is always present: gourmet cuisine prepared by our chefs, relaxation in a jacuzzi with a view of the stunning landscapes, and sharing a drink on deck under the stars...
Every moment is crafted to make you feel at home, but better.
With intimate excursions and bicycles available for spontaneous adventures, our canal cruises invite you to slow down and travel more deeply, to experience the territory rather than simply crossing it, and to savor each moment at your own pace.
[VIDEO]
Step aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac
A haven of comfort, panoramic views, and a warm, inviting atmosphere...
Discover this iconic vessel of our cruises in the Gironde region in our latest video!
Hear what others say about us
Cruise Review: Cruise through the Canary Islands with CroisiEurope
Luxury Lifestyle Mag, Baldwin Ho, 2 april 2025
Baldwin Ho joins this eight-day cruise exploring the attractions of these popular islands aboard La Belle des Océans.
Forget the Rhine and Danube - Europe's best cruise is in Belgium
The Telegraph, Nicole Carmichael, 25 april 2025
A new canal barge route along these little-known waterways combines slow travel, fabulous food and fascinating landmarks.
