Fellow cruisers,
While August allows us to savour the pleasures of summer a little longer, it also encourages us to look toward new horizons. This spirit of escape sets the tone for this latest edition of CroisiMag, filled with cherished memories, inspiring discoveries, and exciting journeys ahead.
Let yourself be carried away by the moments that make cruising truly unforgettable: breathtaking landscapes, encounters with fascinating wildlife, unique onboard experiences, and exclusive insights into life behind the scenes of our fleet. From the enchanting Rhine Valley to the captivating shores of Southern Africa, from the timeless beauty of the Seine to the turquoise waters of the South Seas, every destination is an invitation to dream, and perhaps to plan your next adventure.
To mark World Castles Day, we turned the spotlight on one of Europe's most remarkable concentrations of medieval fortresses: the Romantic Rhine Valley. This enchanting stretch of river, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is dotted with castles, fortresses, and watchtowers perched high on rocky cliffs, standing as timeless witnesses to centuries of history, legends, and intrigue.
Each stronghold has its own story to tell. Some once protected the vital trade routes along the Rhine, while others served as noble residences or became the setting for enduring myths, such as the famous legend of the Lorelei Rock. Viewed from the water, these architectural treasures reveal their full splendour from a unique perspective, offering an exceptional vantage point that few other travellers experience. A cruise through the Rhine Valley is more than a journey through breathtaking scenery, it is a voyage through Europe's rich past, where every bend in the river unveils a new chapter of history.
Did you know that elephants often clean their food before eating it?
In this video, captured by one of our passengers during a safari cruise on the Zambezi River, an elephant demonstrates the extraordinary dexterity of its trunk. Before taking a mouthful, it carefully rinses and removes algae, grass, and other impurities from its food.
This fascinating behaviour is yet another example of the intelligence, precision, and adaptability of these majestic animals. Watch the video and witness this remarkable scene for yourself.
Have you ever sailed aboard the MS R.E. Waydelich L.J.?
Named in honour of renowned Alsatian artist Raymond-Émile Waydelich, this elegant paddlewheel vessel invites guests to cruise along the Seine through the landscapes that inspired some of the greatest Impressionist masters.
Built in 2015, this unique ship seamlessly combines timeless elegance with modern technology. Its iconic paddlewheel, visible from the lobby, pays tribute to the golden age of river navigation while offering a distinctive cruising experience. On board, comfortable cabins, a panoramic restaurant, and a spacious sun deck provide the perfect setting from which to discover Paris and the treasures of the Seine Valley.
Watch the video to explore the MS R.E. Waydelich L.J. and experience the unique atmosphere that makes life on board so special:
To celebrate Bastille Day, the sun decks of our ships became front-row seats to a truly spectacular experience. As night fell, passengers enjoyed breathtaking fireworks displays launched from the riverbanks of some of the most beautiful cities along our itineraries. The evening combined the pleasures of a festive atmosphere on board, a special celebratory dinner, and the magic of dazzling fireworks reflected on the water.
A memorable way to experience France's National Day, surrounded by stunning scenery and the unique ambiance of river cruising.
As the season draws to a close, our ocean-going and coastal vessels begin their own migration, sailing towards sunnier shores where they will spend the winter months in milder climates. These journeys, known as positioning cruises, are far more than simple transfers. Open to travellers, they offer a rare opportunity to experience unique itineraries available only once a year.
Once they have reached their winter destinations, the MV La Belle des Océans and the MV La Belle de l'Adriatique resume their seasonal programmes. The former explores the enchanting Canary Islands, while the latter sails through the treasures of Southern Italy, Sicily, and Malta, before concluding the year with special festive departures along the spectacular coasts of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Life on board embraces the spirit of the season, with a warm and convivial atmosphere at every turn. Guests can enjoy dinners under the stars on the sun deck, generous XXL paellas, and freshly grilled specialities prepared on the plancha, all accompanied by music and ever-changing coastal scenery. Our own way of embracing winter...under the sun and at sea.
Following the installation of pools on our Douro riverboats, the MS La Belle de Cadix is now also equipped with a permanent pool on its sun deck. This new addition has been designed to enhance comfort on board and offer guests an even more enjoyable way to experience Andalusia. Whether taking a refreshing swim, relaxing with a good book, or simply soaking up the sunshine after a day of discoveries ashore, the pool provides the perfect setting to unwind while admiring the surrounding scenery. This latest improvement is part of our ongoing commitment to continually enhance the comfort and quality of life on board across the fleet.
CroisiEurope recently took part in a pioneering operation on the Douro River: an experimental lock passage conducted in the middle of the night. Initiated by the Porto Harbour Master's Office, APDL (Administração dos Portos do Douro, Leixões e Viana do Castelo), and EDP (Energias de Portugal), the manoeuvre was carried out under real operating conditions aboard one of our vessels.
For the occasion, our teams welcomed the Harbour Master, his deputy, and representatives from the river authorities involved in the project. This collaborative trial successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility of night-time lock navigation while highlighting several areas for further refinement, particularly regarding signalling procedures. The findings gathered during the operation will contribute to the development of future navigation standards on the Douro, paving the way for potential innovations in river cruising on Portugal's iconic waterway.
River Cruise Advisor, Ralph Grizzle, 29 May 2026
In his newly updated 2026 feature, renowned cruise journalist Ralph Grizzle highlights some of his favorite barge journeys across France, and we're proud to see several CroisiEurope barges featured among his top experiences. From the vineyards of Burgundy and the charming canals of Alsace to the wild beauty of the Camargue, Ralph describes what makes barge cruising so special: small groups, authentic encounters, exceptional cuisine, and the luxury of exploring France at a gentle pace.