CroisiEurope’s Lafayette sails the Rhine, carrying just 86 guests. Photo courtesy of CrosiEurope.

CroisiEurope is one of the major river cruise suppliers in Europe. The company considers itself an all-inclusive cruise line, because guests don’t have to pay port charges or gratuities, and drinks from the bar are included in most of its packages.

Differentiating CroisiEurope from its competitors is the fact that the company offers some itineraries that you won’t find being offered by other cruise lines. CroisiEurope also is the only major river cruise company that offers traditional river cruises and barge cruises. The company’s portfolio offers a nice mix of both.

Now, let’s take a look a seven things you may not know about CroisiEurope.

1. CroisiEurope Travels Between Prague and Berlin by Boat

In 2016, CroisiEurope will set sail on the Elbe River. Cruises will be between Prague and Berlin, which makes CroisiEurope the only major company that actually travels by boat between these two cities.

Both Viking River Cruises and Grand Circle feature Elbe River cruise packages between Prague and Berlin, but the river cruise itself is between Madgeburg and Dresden or Mělník. Travel between Prague and Berlin with these two companies is by motorcoach rather than river boat.

CroisiEurope offers 9-day itineraries that include travel on the Havel, Elbe and Vltava rivers. The Havel River is tributary of the Elbe. It is 202 miles long and flows through Berlin and Brandenburg.

The Vltava River forms a confluence with the Elbe River in Mělník. It is 267 miles long and is the longest river contained entirely in Czech Republic. The Vltava River flows through Prague, which is where your cruise will begin or end.

Packages by CroisiEurope are available from September through November. Pricing starts at $3,087 per person.

2. CroisiEurope Is the Only Company That Has a Paddle Steamer on the Elbe and Loire Rivers

It’s kind of a unique concept for these waterways. Traditionally, passenger cruises on a paddle steamer are reserved for the Mississippi River in the United States – not for cruises in Europe.

Operating on the Elbe, the MS Elbe Princesse features 40 cabins and carries up to 80 passengers. Loire Princesse operates on the Loire River. See Ralph Grizzle’s firsthand reports from Loire Princesse here.

3. Port Charges are Included in the Fare

Port charges vary in cost by supplier, itinerary and the length of the cruise. The average cost for a 7-day cruise is between $150 and $165 per person. However, when you consider longer itineraries, these costs can be significantly higher. For example, port charges for a 15-day cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest could be about $336 per person.

With CroisiEurope, you won’t need to worry about the cost of port charges.

4. Gratuities Are Not Expected

Unlike its other river cruise counterparts, CroisiEurope’s onboard staff are salaried employees with benefits. Most, if not all, other river cruise companies use seasonal contracted employees. Gratuities on CroisiEurope are truly discretionary with no “recommendations” about tipping as the end of the cruise nears.

So even though it’s not considered part of the package, you’ll need not worry about doling out gratuities. Average savings for a 7-night cruise is $150 to $175 per person.

5. Drinks From the Bar Are Included in the Fare

In addition to beverages, such as soft drinks and a large selection of house wine and beer offered at meals, CroisiEurope includes drinks from the bar in the fare. So during non-dining hours, you can order select drinks from the bar free of charge.

Obviously, this will benefit some travelers more than others. But it’s nice to know that if you want to order a drink in between meals, you’ll be able to do so without being charged.

6. CroisiEurope Will Offer Cruises on the Briare Canal in 2016/2017

CroisiEurope is currently the only company that will offer cruises on the Briare Canal. In 2016/2017 the MS Daniele will be launched. The vessel is a stylish and contemporary hotel barge that will carry up to 24 passengers and travel between Briare and Nevers.

The Briare Canal is 35 miles long and is one of the oldest canals in France. It connects the Loire and Seine Valleys in central France and indirectly connects the Seine and Saône rivers.

7. CroisiEurope Will Offer Cruises on the Garonne Canal in 2016/2017

The Canal de Garonne dates back to the early 19th century. It begins in Toulouse, France and stretches for 120 miles to Castets-en-Dorthe where it meets the Garonne River. Cruises are between Toulouse and Damazan, which is about 70 miles southeast of Bordeaux.

The Garonne Canal itinerary is unique to CroisiEurope. Cruises will be available on the MS Deborah, which is a 24-passenger hotel barge.

CroisiEurope celebrates 40 years in business in 2016.

See More Articles About CroisiEurope.