How Many Ships Does CroisiEurope Have?
CroisiEurope operates the largest privately owned river cruise fleet in the world. Understanding the fleet helps Australians choose the right ship type for their itinerary whether a large river ship on the Danube, a smaller vessel on the Douro, or an intimate canal barge through Burgundy.
The Fleet at a Glance
Total vessels: Approximately 50 ships and barges (the fleet is regularly expanded with new builds).
Founded: 1976, Strasbourg, France. CroisiEurope has operated river cruises for 50 years longer than Viking, Avalon, or Scenic.
Fleet ownership: 100% privately owned by the Schmitter family of Strasbourg. CroisiEurope is not part of a publicly listed conglomerate.
Build locations: Ships are built in European shipyards, purpose-designed for specific waterways.
Ship Types in the CroisiEurope Fleet
Large River Ships (Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône)
The flagship vessels of the CroisiEurope fleet purpose-built for the major European rivers. These ships typically carry 100 180 passengers and measure 110 135 metres in length. They have been purpose-designed for the bridges and locks of each specific river Rhine ships have retractable wheelhouses (to pass under low bridges) and are wider than Danube vessels.
• Passenger capacity: 100 180 per ship
• Decks: Typically 3 passenger decks plus the sun deck
• Facilities: Restaurant (full table service), lounge bar, sun deck, boutique/gift shop, reception, Wi-Fi
• Cabins: 15 22 sqm, full en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, safe, television
Medium River Ships (Douro, Elbe, Moselle)
Smaller vessels typically 100 140 passengers designed for rivers with more restricted navigation. The Douro's five locks and shallower waters require ships purpose-built for that specific waterway.
Canal Barges (French Canals)
CroisiEurope's canal barge fleet is unique in the European market. Maximum 22 passengers per barge, purpose-built for France's inland canal network. Moving at 8 km/h, these vessels offer the most intimate river cruise experience available. Bicycles are provided on board for towpath cycling during lock transits.
• Passenger capacity: Maximum 22
• Facilities: Restaurant/lounge, sun deck, bicycle storage
• Cabins: Compact but comfortable, en-suite
International Fleet (Mekong, Nile, Africa, Amazon)
Specialist vessels built specifically for their waterways. The RV Indochine II on the Mekong is purpose-designed for Southeast Asian river conditions. The Nile fleet uses traditional Egyptian dahabiya-style vessels for smaller itineraries alongside larger modern ships. The Amazon vessel (MS Cézanne) is designed for tropical river navigation.
New Ships
CroisiEurope launches new vessels regularly typically 1 3 new ships per year. Recent additions include new-generation river ships with panoramic windows, upgraded cabin designs, and improved accessibility features. Ask CroisiEurope Australia (1300 739 652) about the newest vessels in the fleet for your preferred itinerary.
Enquire with CroisiEurope Australia
For bookings, brochures, or any questions about CroisiEurope itineraries, contact our dedicated Australian team.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 departures are open for booking now.
