On June 20, I step aboard CroisiEurope’s Botticelli for a cruise from the heart of Paris to the heart of Honfleur. Not many river cruise vessels can make it into Honfleur. Most stop short in Rouen or they make it to Le Havre and bus guests to the picturesque port of Honfleur.
The fact that CroisiEurope’s vessels get into to the hearts of the cities to which they sail is a key point of distinction for the Strasbourg-based, family owned river cruise operator. CroisiEurope tells me that their ships’ shallow drafts allow the vessels to dock closer to key attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, than any other river cruise company. I’ll let you know about that on June 20.
CroisiEurope is relatively unknown in North America, but the company is making inroads. The price points certainly are appealing. My 8-day cruise starts at $1,488 per person on the company’s website. And yes, that is including wine and beer with onboard meals — and ALL drinks consumed at the bar, excluding champagne and some of the premium cocktails and special wines. WiFi is also offered free of charge on board.
CJ and Pip Sarser from New York cruised on the Botticelli just a few weeks ago, on the same itinerary that I’ll be sailing beginning end of next week. They posted this comment (edited for brevity) here on River Cruise Advisor:
“It was wonderful! The staff was friendly, helpful, accommodating, and gave 110 percent at all time. They made sure all passengers enjoyed their stay. Most passengers were French speakers, with us being 2 of the 10 English speakers (6 from USA, 2 from Australia, 2 from England). However we never felt “left out.” Food was wonderful, served hot (important to us), and beautifully presented.”
I’m looking forward to cruising on CroisiEurope and filing my daily impressions here on River Cruise Advisor and on Live Voyage Reports. I hope you will follow along. And please feel free to ask questions in the comments box that you’ll find below each post.
Meantime, see our profile of Botticelli and read more about CroisiEurope.
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