River cruise line · 15 ships · sailing 1 regions — France's family-owned specialist for all-inclusive cruising on Europe's lesser-sailed rivers.
A Strasbourg-based, family-owned French line (founded 1976, run by the Schmitter family) that operates one of Europe's largest river fleets. It stands out for all-inclusive French cuisine and wine at a notably more affordable price point than most rivals, and for reaching niche waterways others can't - including purpose-built paddlewheelers for shallow rivers.
Suits value-minded travellers, Francophiles and repeat river cruisers who want to sail off-the-beaten-track rivers with a predominantly European (heavily French) guest mix. Strong for solo travellers, as a large share of the fleet has purpose-built single cabins with no supplement. Less suited to those wanting big-ship amenities, English-first programming or ultra-luxury polish.
Around 50 ships - the largest river fleet in Europe - ranging from classic riverboats (typically ~100-180 guests) to specialist vessels. Highlights include two shallow-draft paddlewheelers (Loire Princesse, Elbe Princesse) and hybrid river-and-sea ships, letting the line sail the Loire, Elbe, Guadalquivir (Seville), Po (Venice lagoon), Gironde (Bordeaux) and Douro alongside the mainstream Rhine and Danube. Some hulls are older and simpler than newer-build rivals.
The standout vessels in the fleet — and the amenities that set them apart.
Purpose-built paddlewheeler for the shallow Loire
Second CroisiEurope paddlewheeler, built for the shallow Elbe
Enables round-trip Andalusian sailings from Seville most river ships can't do
Core mainstream-river fleet; some older, simpler vessels
A core selling point: French gastronomy with regional dishes and French wines, served all-inclusive at meals; the cooking is generally rated well above the modest price point, though the style is convivial rather than fine-dining formal.
Low-key and traditional - a resident musician/pianist, themed evenings and destination-focused enrichment rather than production shows.
Primarily an adult, couples-oriented experience; the line markets select family departures but there are no dedicated kids' facilities, and the onboard atmosphere is calm and mature.
All-inclusive by river standards: meals plus drinks at meals and at the bar (house brands) are included, along with onboard entertainment; shore excursions are typically an optional paid extra or sold as packages.
Regions in Noura's Cruise Navigator, most sailings first. Tap a region for its ports and season.
MS Symphonie · from Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands → Cologne, Germany → Koblenz, Germany → Rüdesheim, Germany → Mainz, Germany → Speyer, Germany → Strasbourg, France → Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany
MS Vivaldi · from Budapest
Budapest, Hungary → Budapest, Hungary → Hvar, Croatia → Novi Sad, Serbia → Belgrade, Serbia → Iron Gates gorge (scenic cruising), Serbia/Romania → Ruse (Bulgaria) → Cernavodă & the Danube–Black Sea Canal, Romania
MS Rhône Princess · from Lyon
Lyon, France → Mâcon, France → Mâcon, France → Mâcon, France → Viviers, France → Avignon, France → Mâcon, France → Mâcon, France
MS Gérard Schmitter · from Strasbourg
Strasbourg, France → Mainz, Germany → Rüdesheim, Germany → Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany → Cochem, Germany → Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany → Ludwigshafen (Heidelberg), Germany → Strasbourg, France
Noura turns this intelligence into a real itinerary — flights, hotels with perks, and timing dialled in — at no planning cost to you.
Compare CroisiEurope with other river lines — or read how the tiers differ.
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