CroisiEurope commemorates its 50th anniversary this year, consolidating a trajectory marked by innovation, closeness and constant evolution in both fleet and destinations.
From its beginnings as a family business, the shipping company has successfully adapted to market changes and anticipated the evolving needs of travelers. What started as a virtually unknown product has now become one of the most highly regarded options in vacation tourism, with an offering that has continued to expand in recent decades.
A good example of this is the evolution of its fleet: from the 21 ships the company had in its early years of expansion, CroisiEurope now operates nearly 50 vessels. This growth has been accompanied by an increasingly broad diversification of destinations, ranging from major European rivers to more exotic and experiential offerings.
Among its itineraries are routes along the Mekong in Asia, the Gironde from Bordeaux, the Loire, the Rhine, and the Danube, as well as the renowned boutique boats with only 10 cabins that cruise the canals of France and Belgium. In addition, it offers smaller ocean-going vessels, designed to provide a more intimate experience, and one of its most distinctive products: the safari cruise in southern Africa aboard the RV African Dream and RV Zimbabwean Dream.
The commitment to innovation continues with an eye toward the future. In 2027, the company will take another step forward with the addition of a new vessel specifically designed to navigate the Amazon, further expanding its presence in unique destinations worldwide.
This growth also reflects the evolution of the market itself. While in its early days it was necessary to explain to travel agents what a river cruise entailed and its characteristics, today the landscape is very different. The product is fully established, professionals have in-depth knowledge of it, and it is the customers themselves—many of them repeat visitors—who are demanding new destinations and experiences.
In this celebratory context, the company also wanted to recognize the careers of the professionals who have contributed to this growth in the Spanish market. Among them, Tomás Fernández, Commercial Director for Spain and Latin America, and Rocío Fernández, Head of Reservations in Spain, received special recognition for their dedication and commitment over 21 and 18 years respectively, in the form of a commemorative award and a CroisiEurope cruise.
This recognition took place during an internal celebration attended by the Schmitter family, founders of the shipping company. The gathering provided an opportunity to share anecdotes from over the years with colleagues from various departments: crew, captaincy, mechanics, hospitality, and shore-based teams, reflecting the family spirit that defines the company. The celebration also highlighted the team's growth alongside the evolution of CroisiEurope, emphasizing that what began as a project driven by just two people is now a team of eight professionals that continues to expand.
Fifty years after its beginnings, CroisiEurope not only celebrates its history, but reaffirms its commitment to the future, with new destinations, new ships and the same friendly spirit that has defined its identity from day one.
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