CroisiEurope expands in Canada, hires Julie Golding as business development manager

As the demand for river cruises grows, French cruise line CroisiEurope has expanded its sales team for the first time in Canada, hiring Montreal-based Julie Golding as a business development manager.

“As the first Canadian to join this esteemed company, I am eager to bring a fresh perspective and contribute to the growth and success of CroisiEurope’s operations in Canada,” said Golding, whose past experience includes sales roles at Rocky Mountaineer, Palace Resorts and Air Canada Vacations.

CroisiEurope, an independent, family-run cruise line that’s been operating boutique-style voyages since 1976, is based in Strasbourg, France.

READ MORE: On Location: What’s it like on board a "péniche?" PAX cozies up with CroisiEurope & 5Continents in France

The company’s fleet of 50 ships are designed not only for Europe’s known rivers (and lesser-known ones, like the Po in Italy), and waterways in South Africa, Cambodia and Vietnam, but also France’s canals via péniche (barges) and beyond to the Mediterranean, Adriatic coast and Red Sea.

CroisiEurope is also a small ship experience. The company’s largest vessel is just 98 cabins (this is the MV La Belle De L’Adriatique, which sails the Adriatic coast), while smallest ones, in Africa, have just eight rooms.

READ MORE: On Location: What’s it like sailing with CroisiEurope? PAX joins agents & 5Continents on the Rhine

On European rivers, CroisiEurope's ships can range from 54 to 88 cabins.

PAX experienced a CroisiEurope Christmas Market cruise on the Rhine with travel advisors in late 2023. Click here to read about our onboard experience, which immersed guests into a world of French hospitality and culinary delights. 

Building CroisiEurope in Canada

In her new role, Golding will focus on creating awareness of CroisiEurope in the Canadian market by building strong relationships with travel agencies, tour operators and consortia.

“By fostering these connections, we’re aiming to create mutually beneficial partnerships that will enhance our offerings and reach more Canadian travellers,” Golding told PAX.

READ MORE: CroisiEurope launches Canadian B2B website

What drew her to CroisiEurope was the cruise line’s “commitment to providing unique and memorable travel experiences.”  

“The company's dedication to excellence and its rich cultural offerings resonates deeply with my passion for travel,” Golding said.

READ MORE: CroisiEurope adds Rhine & Gironde to 2025 Cruise + Hike program

She’s also excited to promote CroisiEurope’s wide range of destinations, from the rivers of Europe to Mediterranean cruises to journeys through Asia and Africa.

“Our diverse offerings cater to different budgets, ensuring that there is something for every traveller,” Golding said.

Local expertise

Recognizing the growing demand for river cruises from partners in Canada, CroisiEurope launched its first Canadian B2B website last year.

Available in French and English, this site, which can be accessed here, displays prices in Canadian dollars; all the cruises that are offered; breakdowns of the ships; management, information and reservation tools; photos and videos; access to brochures, and more.

Michel Grimm, international sales director at CroisiEurope, is thrilled to have Golding join the team as the cruise line expands its presence in Canada.

"We are very excited to welcome Julie to the CroisiEurope family,” Grimm said in a statement. “She will bring us her local expertise and help us maintain our already excellent relationships and develop new ones with those discovering river cruises.”

“Our partners are our intermediaries with consumers, and we want to provide them with a local contact, in addition to our current team, who can help them achieve their growth objectives thanks to our numerous river and sea cruises offered by our company CroisiEurope."

Julie Golding can be reached at jgolding@croisieurope.com.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.