CroisiEurope marks 50 years, reports strong 2025 performance

CroisiEurope is marking its 50th anniversary this May following what it describes as one of its strongest years to date.

The French cruise operator carried more than 205,000 passengers in 2025, served 1.8 million meals and reached 97 per cent occupancy across its fleet of 50 river and ocean ships and hotel barges.

Founded in 1976 in Strasbourg by Gérard Schmitter as Alsace Croisières, the company has grown from offering local river lunch cruises to operating a fleet of more than 50 vessels across Europe and internationally. 

It was rebranded as CroisiEurope in 1997 as it expanded beyond French waterways.

Over the decades, the line has expanded into new regions including the Danube, Rhône, Seine and Douro, later adding destinations such as the Mekong and southern Africa. 

It also entered coastal cruising in 2007 and introduced hotel barge and paddlewheel products in subsequent years.

Looking ahead, CroisiEurope plans to launch a new ship and itineraries on the Amazon in 2027.

The company marked its anniversary with a gala event in Strasbourg hosted by three generations of the Schmitter family. 

The event featured eight illuminated ships, 250 crew members and 50 chefs, alongside a show on the Rhine highlighting the company's history and expansion.

To coincide with the milestone, CroisiEurope has also introduced a new paddlewheel ship on the Seine and expanded its themed cruise offerings, including wine, food and hiking itineraries.

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