CroisiEurope, the river cruise company founded by Gerard Schmitter in 1976, has established itself as the largest river cruise company in Europe over its more than 40-year history. Starting as Alsace Croisières with a chartered vessel, it pioneered Rhine River cruises in 1976 and acquired its first ship six years later. In 1990, the family business became its own shipowner, taking charge of the design of all its vessels, with Gerard Schmitter personally overseeing the entire process, from construction to fleet management. In 1997, the company changed its name to CroisiEurope to reflect its expanding European reach.
From its beginnings, it has worked continuously to fulfill one of its primary objectives: the creation of new itineraries for the enjoyment of its passengers, a long journey that is demonstrated below:
- 1976 – Pioneer of Rhine River cruises
- 1993 – Launch of Danube River cruises.
- 1995 – New routes along the Rhône and Saône, where three of its ships currently operate.
- 1998 – The Seine and its meanders welcome CroisiEurope cruises, with three of its ships currently in operation.
- 2000 – First cruises on the Elbe and the Po, and the only river cruise company currently operating on the latter.
- 2002 – Launch of cruises on the Douro River, with five ships currently operating itineraries.
- 2005 – New and exclusive route along the Guadalquivir, as it is the only company that operates on this river.
- 2005 – New cruises on the Tisza.
- 2007 – New itinerary through the Adriatic Sea.
- 2009 – New cruises on the Sava.
- 2011 – New destination, the Garonne.
- 2015 – Launch of Loire River cruises, being the only shipping company in this destination.
- 2016 – The Elbe and the Moldau, between Berlin and Prague, welcome CroisiEurope cruises.
Currently, it offers its clients a variety of exclusive destinations such as safari cruises in Africa, the Berlin to Prague itinerary, or its cruise through Croatia and Montenegro, not forgetting the boat trips through the canals of France.
Through more than 200 itineraries, a modern and innovative fleet, and high-quality service that includes excellent all-inclusive dining, free Wi-Fi, a comprehensive and varied package of excursions, and attention to detail from the crew, the family-run business CroisiEurope has maintained its position as a leader in the European river cruise market by offering original trips to meet the expectations of its ever-demanding customers.
