In response to the increase of multi-generational groups on its ships, CroisiEurope has launched a brand new multi-generational offer which will appeal to families wanting to spend time together while cruising on some of the most beautiful waterways in the world.   This new offer is available during the school holidays across the entire river and ocean fleet. On the rivers, while the first generation of travellers in the group pay the full price, there is a 20% discount for the second generation and the third generation (aged 16 and under) can cruise for free. On its ocean cruises, CroisiEurope is offering a 30% discount for those aged 16 and under. This new offer does not cover the cost of  excursions, flights, transfers and taxes.   CroisiEurope has also introduced a selection of family-friendly excursions which will be available on various cruises during the summer holidays and means that there are now three types of excursion package to choose from:  

• Family – excursions that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages
• Classic – excursions that combine the culture, architecture and history of each destination
• Discovery – slightly more unusual tours, perfect for those who are more active

  CroisiEurope will continue to offer its Family Club programme on the Douro, Guadalquivir, Pô, Rhine and Rhône, as well as on coastal cruises in Croatia and Montenegro, with free child places for children aged 16 and under. On these Family Club sailings, families can enjoy adjoining cabins, a single cabin at no extra charge for single-parent families travelling with two children, child-friendly excursions and specially-adapted menus.

CroisiEurope has launched new fly/cruise packages for the festive season. The Christmas cruises take in the Alsace Yuletide markets, along the picturesque Rhine and Alsace canals. They include convenient flights from the UK to either Basel or Strasbourg. The brand new fly/cruise packages include: Four-day Christmas Markets in Alsace cruise round trip from Strasbourg taking in the famous Strasbourg markets and illuminations, the Alsatian Wine Route and picturesque villages. It also visits Colmar. Departures between 29 November and 20 December 2023. Four-day A Bountiful Christmas in Alsace & The Black Forest cruise round trip from Strasbourg including the Christmas market in Freiburg – one of the most beautiful in Germany. Departures between 4 and 17 December 2023. Four-day Alsatian Christmas Traditions & Navigation Through the Heart of Strasbourg cruise round trip from Strasbourg that includes excursions to Alsatian Christmas bakeries, Christmas markets in Eguisheim, Obernai and Strasbourg, and the secret wine cellars in the Hospices de Strasbourg. Departures on 7 and 11 December 2023. Four-day Christmas in Alsace & Show at the Royal Palace cruise round trip from Strasbourg that includes the famous Strasbourg markets and illuminations, a tour of the traditional Potter Villages in Soufflenheim and Betschdorf, and musical performance at the Royal Palace Music Hall in Kirrwiller. Departures between 2 and 20 December 2023. Four-day Alsatian Christmas Traditions & Navigation Through the Heart of Strasbourg hotel barge cruise round trip from Strasbourg that follows the Alsatian Wine Route and visits the Alsatian capital and surrounding villages. Highlights include excursions to Christmas bakeries, markets in Eguisheim, Obernai and Strasbourg, and the secret wine cellars in the Hospices de Strasbourg. Departures on 7, 11 and 15 December 2023 on the 22-guest MS Madeleine. All Christmas cruise prices include return flights from London Gatwick to either Strasbourg or Basel. The are inclusive of private overseas transfers, some excursions, port fees and repatriation insurance.

CroisiEurope has launched two new coastal itineraries operating later this year. Aboard La Belle de l'Adriatique, the two sailings will operate ahead of the ship’s deployment in the Red Sea. It begins with the seven-night 'The Best of the Mediterranean' cruise round trip from Catania. It visits Pozzallo, Valletta and Syracuse. Highlights include tours of Catania, Regusa and Modica, Valletta, Mdina and Rabat, as well as a visit to Mount Etna. There are three departures on 10, 17 and 24 November 2023 with fly/cruise prices from £1,995 per person for return flights from London. Also, a seven-night 'La Dolce Vita along the Italian Coastline' cruise sails round trip from Naples. It calls at Milazzo, Vibo Marina and Sorrento or Salerno, There are optional excursions to Naples, Pompeii and Herculaneum plus Mount Etna with a wine tasting. There are three departures on 5, 12^h and 19 December 2023 with fly/cruise prices from £1,995 per person.

CroisiEurope has invested in the UK cruise market with a call centre partnership. Beginning next month, it enables the selling of CroisiEurope flight-inclusive packages in the UK for the first time. The Strasbourg based company is increasing its UK sales team and is currently recruiting for a business development manager for the Midlands, the north of England and Scotland. It teamed up with Blue Water Holidays which will manage the call centre operations. “Now is the perfect time to invest in the UK,” says John Fair, UK sales director. CroisiEurope is also targeting growth in its coach and group travel business which is headed up in the UK by Gabrielle Alam. CroisiEurope is Europe's largest river cruise operator with over 50 ships in service offering more than 180 itineraries.  

  French river and ocean cruise operator, CroisiEurope, has announced that it has invested in a new call centre which, as of 1^st March 2023, will allow it to sell flight-inclusive packages in the UK for the first time. The investment in the new call centre opens up a number of new opportunities for CroisiEurope and will enable the company to target new audiences and effectively grow the business in the UK.   As further commitment to the UK market, CroisiEurope is increasing its sales team and is currently recruiting for a business development manager for the Midlands, the north of England and Scotland. The successful candidate will report into UK sales director, John Fair, and will be tasked with building and managing relationships with new and existing trade and industry partners, supporting the business in delivering strategy and core initiatives, identifying new opportunities and supporting the business at all levels with new lead generation.   John Fair, UK sales director for CroisiEurope, comments: “With strong sales and increased interest in our river, ocean, coastal and hotel barge products, now is the perfect time to invest in the UK and further reinforce our commitment to this very important market. We’re really excited to be working with Blue Water Holidays who will be managing our call centre. We’ve enjoyed a successful relationship with them for many years and I’m confident that they can help us with our expansion plans in the UK.”   CroisiEurope is also targeting growth in its hugely important coach and group travel business which is headed up in the UK by Gabrielle Alam.   CroisiEurope is Europe’s largest river cruise operator with over 50 ships in service offering more than 180 itineraries and sailing on over 30 waterways worldwide. With close to 50 years of experience the company is based in Strasbourg and is family run. With river cruise ships, canal barges, African lake cruises and two ocean ships the company is passionate about providing unforgettable cruises aligned with high level of service and award-winning cuisine.   For reservations and further information visit www.croisieurope.co.uk

  CroisiEurope has launched its 2023 Worldwide Cruises brochure featuring over 170 river, canal and ocean itineraries on 55 ships, sailing on 39 waterways in 37 countries. The 187-page brochure covers river cruises, ocean and coastal cruises, the canals of France, themed cruises, long-haul and exotic destinations as well as Christmas and New Year sailings. New for 2023 are:   From the Moroccan coast to the Mediterranean Sea…  

• 15^th April: a seven-night cruise from Arrecife to Malaga onboard La Belle des Océans.
• 22^nd April: a seven-night cruise from Malaga to Barcelona onboard La Belle des Océans.
• 29^th April: a six-night cruise from Barcelona to Nice onboard La Belle des Océans.
• 13^th October: a seven-night cruise from Nice to Malta onboard La Belle des Océans.
• 20^th October: a seven-night from Malta to Heraklion onboard La Belle des Océans.
• 27^th October: a seven-night cruise from Heraklion to Larnaca onboard La Belle des Océans.

  From the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea…  

• 18^th March and 26^th October: a nine-night cruise between Sharm El Sheikh and Larnaca onboard La Belle de l’Adriatique.
• 27^th March and 20^th October: an eight-night between Larnaca and Athens onboard La Belle de l’Adriatique.
• 4^th April and 4^th October: an eight-night cruise between Athens and Dubrovnik onboard La Belle de l’Adriatique.

  The French canals…  

• A unique hotel barge cruise from the Petite Seine to the Yonne. This seven-day cruise, which takes place onboard the 21-guest hotel barge MS Deborah, takes guests on a magnificent journey to quaint ports of call featuring historical cities, splendid gardens and excellent local cuisine. Starting in Paris, the cruise visits Evry, Melun, Moret-Sur-Loing and Montereau-Fault-Yonne before finishing in Sens where guests transfer back to Paris. Various departures between April and October.

  Hiking Cruises…  

• 1^st April: a seven-night Canary Islands cruise from Lanzarote to Tenerife calling in Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Gomera and La Palma. Highlights of the walking programme include The Valley of the Thousand Palms in Lanzarote; the North of Fuerteventura; Gran Canaria and the Bandama Caldera; Garajonay National Park in La Gomera; through the heart of the Volcanoes in La Palma; and the Path of Senses in Tenerife.
• 2^nd June and 22^nd September: a seven-night Corsica cruise round trip from Nice calling in Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio, Bastia and L’Ile Rousse. Highlights of the walking programme include the Pointe de la Parata in Ajaccio with its fabulous views; the Calanques de Piana, a series of red rocks and cliffs that plunge up to 300 metres into the Mediterranean below;  the Cap de Pertusato and its chalky cliffs; the spectacular site of the needles of Bavella, the Rutali Path through wild nature; and the Bonifatu Forest and its Transhumance trail which was inspired by the route that sheep farmers used to take.

  Christmas Markets…  

• 7^th December: a three-night Rhine cruise from Strasbourg to Basel taking in the festive traditions of Alsace and Switzerland during calls in Breisach, Riquewihr and Colmar. The cruise takes place onboard the MS Douce France.

  CroisiEurope is offering an early booking discount of 15% on most 2023 itineraries if booked by 30^th September (8% for Africa and Mekong Cruises), 10% if booked between 1^st October and 30^th November (5% on Africa and Mekong cruises) and 5% for bookings made between 1^st and 31^st December. Ganges and Nile cruises do not qualify for the early booking discount.   2023 prices start from just £398 per person for a four-day Short Break in Paris cruise including all meals, excursions and port fees.   For reservations and further information about brochures call CroisiEurope on 020 8328 1281

  Europe’s largest river cruise operator, CroisiEurope, has announced that its worldwide programme of 2023 river, canal and ocean itineraries is now on sale. The 2023 programme features 170 itineraries on 55 ships, sailing on 39 waterways in 37 countries.   In addition, CroisiEurope is offering an early booking discount on all 2023 itineraries, excluding cruises on the Volga, Nile and Ganges of 15% if booked by 31^st August 2022, 10% if booked between 1^st September and 15^th October 2022 and 5% for bookings made between 16^th October and 30^th November 2022.   New for 2023 is a unique hotel barge cruise from the Petite Seine to the Yonne. This seven-day cruise, which takes place onboard MS Deborah, takes guests on a magnificent journey to quaint ports of call featuring historical cities, splendid gardens and excellent local cuisine. Starting in Paris, the cruise visits Evry, Melun, Moret-Sur-Loing and Montereau-Fault-Yonne before finishing in Sens where guests transfer back to Paris. There are 14 departures on 19^th and 26^th April; 17^th and 24^th May; 14^th and 21^st June; 12^th and 19^th July; 9^th and 16^th August; 6^th and 13^th September; and 4^th and 11^th October. Prices from £2,107 per person (if booked before 28^th February) for the cruise with all meals and drinks, excursions and port fees.   Since last year, CroisiEurope has been successfully working with Bureau Veritas for the “SAFEGUARD” certification of its ships. The Safeguard Certification Label ensures the proper application of preventive sanitary measures, which have been subject to a rigorous auditing process and confirm that crew members have been thoroughly trained to implement them. These measures have been further strengthened this year with guests needing to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or rapid antigen test prior on embarkation. Further information about these measures can be viewed here.   For reservations and further information call CroisiEurope on 020 8328 1281 or visit www.croisieurope.co.uk   For further media information please contact: Kate Selley Email: [email protected] Phone: 01258 860003 / 07903 682296

CroisiEurope is cementing its support of the UK travel trade with the launch of its first ever travel agent booking incentive. The CroisiEurope Sales Challenge runs until 31 December 2022. It will give all travel agents in the UK the chance to earn points which can be exchanged for a variety of trips, ranging from a two-night hotel break in the UK to a safari-cruise in Southern Africa. Travel agents should register at https://pro-uk.croisieurope.com/information/challenge-2022-uk-travel-agents. As soon as their registration has been validated, they will automatically receive 250 points to kick start their challenge followed by points based on the turnover they achieve. If they sell a cruise with a value of £699, they will receive 699 points. There will also be bonus points on offer throughout the duration. Once enough points have been accumulated, agents can exchange them for a trip of their choice which include a two-night hotel break in the UK for 2,000 points, an ocean cruise for 25,000 points, and a safari-cruise in Southern Africa for 35,000. John Fair, CroisiEurope's UK Sales Director, said: "We feel it is now more important than ever to support our travel agent partners." The CroisiEurope Sales Challenge is open to all individual travel agents within the UK.

CroisiEurope has increased capacity on its French hotel barge itineraries. Its 2021 and 2022 departures are currently on sale while 2023 itineraries open later this month. It is offering savings of up to £512 per person on select 2021 departures in Provence, Alsace and Burgundy while a new itinerary between Paris and Sens will launch in 2023. With demand high, CroisiEurope has adapted its itineraries and extended the season to accommodate additional UK travellers. These cruises - which operate through Alsace, Burgundy, Provence, Ile de France and Champagne as well as on the Upper Loire - take place on CroisiEurope's fleet of six hotel barges which feature just 11 en-suite cabins, a restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck and relaxation area with Jacuzzi, and a six member crew, New for 2023 is a cruise from the Petite Seine to the Yonne. This seven-day cruise, which takes place onboard MS Deborah, begins in Paris, and visits Evry, Melun, Moret-Sur-Loing and Montereau-Fault-Yonne before finishing in Sens where guests transfer back to Paris. "With increased capacity, the brand new itinerary for 2023 and some really competitive pricing, I'm confident that we'll attract even more UK travellers wanting to truly get away from it all," said John Fair, UK Sales Director for CroisiEurope.

 

Bookings Open For Croisieurope’s 2023 French Hotel Barge Itineraries

  Europe’s largest river cruise operator, CroisiEurope, has announced that bookings are now open for its 2023 French hotel barge itineraries which operate through Alsace, Burgundy, Provence, Ile de France and Champagne as well as on the Upper Loire. New for 2023 is a unique ‘Paris, Medieval France & the Romance of Fontainebleau’ cruise from the Petite Seine to the Yonne. Book any 2023 hotel barge itinerary by 28th February 2022 and enjoy a 15% discount, between 1^st and 31st March for a 10% discount and between 1st and 30th April for a 5% discount.   The new seven-day ‘Paris, Medieval France & the Romance of Fontainebleau’ cruise takes guests on a magnificent journey to quaint ports of call featuring historical cities, splendid gardens and excellent local cuisine. Operating between Paris and Sens, the cruise visits Evry, Melun, Moret-Sur-Loing and Montereau-Fault-Yonne with highlights including:  

• A visit to the sumptuous Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, a 17th century masterpiece built by Louis le Vau for Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV's Superintendent des Finances. Situated in the village of Maincy, the Château is remarkably well-preserved and houses an exceptional collection of furniture, tapestries and works of art.
• The charming village of Barbizon which nestles on the edge of Fontainebleau forest and owes its fame to the 19th-century landscape painters Théodore Rousseau, Jean-Baptiste Corot, Charles- Francois Daubigny and Jean-François Millet who lived there. Their artistic movement, the Barbizon School (1830 to 1875), was considered a precursor of Impressionism. The artists appreciated the tranquillity of this peaceful village and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
• The famed and remarkably well-preserved Palace of Fontainebleau, a masterpiece of French architecture and art which was a royal hunting lodge in the Middle Ages, King Francis I's residence in the 16th century and Napoleon Bonaparte's favourite place to stay in the early 19^th century. The Palace stands in absolutely stunning flower-filled grounds, with large formal parterres designed by Le Nôtre, a carp pond with a small pavilion, an English garden containing rare trees species, and Diane's garden with an elegant fountain.
• Medieval Provins whose architecture includes high ramparts with fortified gates and the stone Tithe Barn which was used as a market when Provins was a medieval trading hub and host of a major annual trade fair. With views over Provins, the hilltop César tower dates from the 12^th century, while the town's underground tunnels feature centuries-old wall inscriptions.
• The peaceful city of Sens with its famous cathedral and covered marketplace.

  There are 2023 departures from April to October with prices from $3 731 per person for the seven-day cruise on MS Deborah with all meals and drinks, excursions and port fees.   Other 2023 hotel barge itineraries include:  

• A seven-day cruise on the Marne Canal between Paris and Epernay calling in Lagny-sur Marne, Isles-les-Meldeuses, Sain-Jean-les-Desux Jumeaux, Chateau Thierry and Dormans. The cruise takes place on MS Deborah with prices from $3 731 per person.
• A seven-day cruise on the Marne-Rhine Canal between Strasbourg and Lagarde calling in Waltenheim, Saverne, Lutzelbourg and Xouaxange. The cruise takes place on MS Madeleine with prices from $3 516 per person.
• A seven-day cruise on the Burgundy & Petite Saône Canal from Dijon to Port-sur-Saône calling in Longecourt-en-Plaine, Auxonne, Gray and Ray-sur-Saône. The cruise takes place on MS Jeanine with prices from $3 516 per person.
• A seven-day cruise along the Burgundy, Saône and Centre Canal between Dijon and Saint-Leger- sur-Dheune calling in Longecourt-en Plaine, Saint-Jean-de-Losne, Chalon-sur-Saône, Chagny and Santenay. The cruise takes place on MS Jeanine with prices from $3 516 per person.
• A seven-day cruise between Burgundy and the Doubs valley. The cruise starts in Dijon and calls in Petit Ouges, Saint-Jean-de-Losne, Dole and Ranchot before finishing in Besancon. The cruise takes place on MS Jeanine with prices from $3 554 per person.
• A seven-day cruise along the Loire Canal between Nevers and Briare calling in Marseilles-les- Aubigny, Herry, Menetreol-Sous Sancerre and Lere. The cruise takes place on MS Raymonde with prices from $3 940 per person.
• A seven-day cruise on the Rhone Canal between Arles and Sète calling in Gallician, Aigues- Mortes and Palavas-les-Flots. The cruise takes place on MS Anne-Marie with prices from $3 704 per person.

  The cruises take place on CroisiEurope’s fleet of six charming hotel barges which feature just 11 en- suite cabins, restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck and relaxation area with Jacuzzi with six crew members guaranteeing a personalised service.   Since last year, CroisiEurope has been successfully working with Bureau Veritas for the “SAFEGUARD” certification of its ships. The Safeguard Certification Label ensures the proper application of preventive sanitary measures, which have been subject to a rigorous auditing process and confirm that crew members have been thoroughly trained to implement them. These measures have been further strengthened this year with guests needing to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or rapid antigen test prior on embarkation. Further information about these measures can be viewed here.

CroisiEurope will gradually restart European river, canal and ocean cruises starting early next month. River and ocean cruises resume in June while cruises on the French canals will resume in July. It begins on the Douro from 7 June with cruises on the Gironde and the Seine following in late June. Rhine, Rhone and Danube itineraries are scheduled to resume in early July. It will restart ocean itineraries in Croatia and Corsica on 10 June and 4 July respectively. John Fair, UK sales director for CroisiEurope, said: "We know that our guests are desperate to get back onboard so I'm sure they will be as excited as we are about our planned restart. The entire CroisiEurope team has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this restart." Until 31 August, all cruises qualify for CroisiEurope's flexible booking conditions which include a full refund should the cruise be cancelled by CroisiEurope and moving a booking free of charge to any other departure in 2021 or 2022 more than 30 days prior to departure. The company is deploying its 'Test & Board' measures, with guests requiring proof of vaccination or a negative PCR or rapid antigen test prior on embarkation.  

European river cruise operator CroisiEurope, has unveiled 2021-2022 itineraries for its ocean cruise ship, La Belle des Oceans. It will offer sailings to Corsica and island hopping voyages in the Canary Islands. New seven-night cruise will include six islands in the Canary Islands archipelago and visits to three national parks - Teide, Garajonay and Timanfaya. The cruise starts with an overnight in Tenerife and calls in El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera and Gran Canaria before finishing with an overnight in Lanzarote. Canary Islands cruises operate between October and December 2021 with prices from £2,175 per person for a seven-night cruise in an ocean-view suite. Corsica seven-night sailings, which launched in 2020, are round trip from Nice with calls in Ajaccio (overnight), Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio, Bastia and L'Ile Rousse. Itineraries include cruising along the coast of the Gulf of Porto, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will enjoy a Corsican-themed evening and lectures on Corsican nature and history. The cruise operates between May and October in 2021 and 2022 with prices from £2,039 per person in an ocean-view suite. John Fair, UK sales director for CroisiEurope, said: "Corsica and the Canary Islands are perfect destinations for a boutique-size ship such as La Belle des Oceans which can offer a good mix of off-the-beaten-path and popular ports of call." The seven-deck La Belle Des Océans, which was previously Silversea's Silver Discoverer, accommodates 130 passengers in 65 ocean-view suites, nine of which have private balconies. Ship amenities include a swimming pool, two bars / lounges, a restaurant, a fitness centre and wellness salon.