croisieurope river cruise

River Cruises in Europe

2025 departures available.

 Our cruises and destinations, a window open to the world.

To make each cruise a unique moment, an unforgettable experience, a precious memory. To share the most beautiful rivers and seas of the world with over 200,000 passengers . Dream the world, and discover its riches through authentic and spectacular itineraries, in a friendly atmosphere aboard magnificent, intimate ships. This is the dream of CroisiEurope, its trademark, its DNA.

CroisiEurope is the leading European river cruise company , owner and operator of its fleet of 51 unique and modern ships, which navigate on the most romantic canals, rivers and seas of the world. Pioneers of small ship cruising, leading innovators in tourism, CroisiEurope offers the largest choice of destinations on the market: including some of the most unique cruises in the world: on France’s Loire , Spain’s Guadalquivir , or the Elbe between Berlin and Prague - just to name a few. With 170 itineraries in 37 countries, CroisiEurope's map is constantly being enriched with new destinations.

Rigorously maintained, CroisiEurope's ships offered modern design, relaxing interiors, and impeccable comfort. The cabins are spacious, elegant and above all comfortable and functional. Our entire fleet benefits from the latest cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly equipment, offering cruise ships that respect and protect the waterways we navigate.

The themes and itineraries of the cruises, interspersed with rich stopovers and exciting excursions, are carefully planned. Our programs on rivers, seas and canals aim to introduce our passengers to the most beautiful historical, artistic and architectural treasures, including those listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sightseeing is not the only criterion for preparing a new itinerary. We also take into account the particular tastes of our clients, their desire to combine relaxation with other passions, gastronomy and culture, by visiting big cities and discovering little corners of paradise.  

The culinary arts are also a focus, appreciated by our passengers. The refined menus imagined by our chefs pay homage to French gastronomy and are apt to satisfy the palates of an international clientele. The surprise is always there with local touches and flavors sampled from the surrounding region on each itinerary. 

On board, incomparable know-how and a refined service are offered by experienced and attentive crews.

Developed alongside some of the great starred chefs, the company also offers gastronomic and oenological cruises , rich in tastes and flavors. Other themes range across tastes and interests, (music, hiking, cycling...) offering cruise passengers the possibility to combine their passion with the pleasure of travel on the water.

Welcome aboard and bon voyage!

RIVERS IN EUROPE

The Rhine and its tributaries, Elbe, Danube, Douro, Po, Guadalquivir, Seine, Loire, Rhône, Gironde, Express glacier ...

WORLDWIDE RIVERS

Southern Africa, Vietnam and Cambodia,...

COASTAL CRUISES

Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Sicily, Corsica,...

FRENCH CANALS

Oise, Provence, Marne, Rhône, Rhine, Burgundy, Saint-Martin, Doubs valley...

THEMED CRUISES

Family, Hiking, Musical, Gourmet, Christmas and New Year, Weekends ...

NEW PROGRAMS

Discover our new itineraries...

Brochures: Browse River Cruises

Download or view the 2024 CroisiEurope River Cruises brochure online. You will discover all our European cruise itineraries in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Austria, Belgium, Holland and many more destinations. You will also find out more about the new river cruise programs and ships the company is launching this year.

The local environments we sail in and through are hugely important to us and CroisiEurope has taken steps forward, reducing our carbon footprint, our use of alternative fuels, reductions in single use plastics and our impact on both communities and nature.

Our new brochure is now exclusively available online , aligning with our commitment to sustainability and reducing paper waste.

What’s it like on a CroisiEurope river cruise?

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2020

Sailing through the waterways of Europe, letting scenic views and pretty waterside towns come to you – river cruising is on the rise. And after becoming an unexpected ocean cruise convert a few years back, I was keen to try it out for myself. The big names like Viking, Uniworld and Emerald Waterways focus on the luxury (and pricey) end of the market. But then I came across CroisiEurope, whose trips include excursions, food and drink for two-thirds of the price.

This family-run French company was one of the pioneers of river cruising and is now Europe’s biggest river cruise operator. But although they’re big in France they’re not so well known in the rest of the world. We decided to check them out on a mini festive river cruise on the Rhine. So what’s a CroisiEurope river cruise really like? Here’s everything you need to know.

Read more: A Christmas market river cruise on the Rhine

CroisiEurope river cruise review

On our walking tour around Mainz

Where can you cruise to with CroisiEurope?

CroisiEurope have 170 different river cruise itineraries. The focus is on the major rivers of Europe – the Rhine, Danube, Loire and Duoro. They also have a few more exotic options – like the Mekong in southeast Asia and Lake Kariba in Africa – and small canal boat cruises on rivers throughout France. Our Rhine cruise was four nights, and there are short trips so you can give river cruising a try and see if you like it, as well as longer ones of one–two weeks.

Sailing into Rüdesheim

What are CroisiEurope cruise ships like?

CroisiEurope have around 50 ships in their fleet, which are split into two categories – 4 anchors (standard) and 5 anchors (premium ships with fewer, larger cabins, with bigger windows and sometimes balconies). CroisiEurope river cruise ships have either two decks (plus a sun deck up on top – if you’re not cruising in winter) or three decks, with an extra piano bar and terrace.

We were due to sail on the MS L’Europe, but low water levels on the Rhine meant we were switched to the MS France instead. Both are 4 anchors, but the MS France has two decks instead of three. Cabins are split between the decks, and it costs a bit extra to be on a higher deck. I thought it was because you get a better view, but turns out the engines are pretty noisy down below when you’re sailing overnight, so it’s worth upgrading for a better night’s sleep.

Our en-suite cabin

The cabins are the same on every deck though – compact but comfortable, with sliding beds so you can convert them into a double or twin. Each cabin has an en-suite shower room (with impressively good water pressure) which comes with mini shampoo and body wash. There’s a wardrobe and desk, a TV (which has info about the day’s itinerary and menu) and a very vintage-style dial radio which played Christmas music all the way on our festive trip.

Ships also have a dining room and lounge – ours were at opposite ends on the second deck. You’re allocated a table in the dining room so you eat with the same people each day. And the lounge has a mix of tables and sofas where you can hang out whenever you’ve got free time. The ships aren’t as flashy or modern as some of the other river cruise ships, but they have everything you need (even if the lounge ceilings do have a bit of a 1970s disco feel to them!).

The lounge on the MS France

What are the other passengers like?

CroisiEurope’s a French company, but because they’ve got a whole website in English I was expecting a mix of nationalities. Our trip was almost all French passengers though, with just us two English-speakers and a couple of Spanish ladies. Age-wise the passengers were the traditional cruise demographic of 50s–70s, with a couple of younger people on mother-daughter trips. There were a mix of couples and groups of friends, as well as a few tour groups.

Ships by night

Do you need to be able to speak French?

The official languages on CroisiEurope river cruises are French and English, and according to their website all announcements, menus and excursions are in both languages. In practice they were almost all only in French – except our English-speaking tour guide in Mainz. We were asked on check-in if we could speak French and I said I could (kind of) so we were pretty much left to it. Fine for the basics but things like the Rhine commentary were a bit beyond me.

There were also German, Italian and Spanish-speakers on board – our Spanish ladies didn’t speak any French so one of the crew came over to our table each evening to give them a printout of the next day’s activities and menu in Spanish, and answer any questions. So if you can’t speak French make sure to let the crew know and they should provide you with English info.

You can get by without speaking any French, but it helps to be able to so you can chat to other passengers – otherwise make sure you really like who you’re travelling with as you’ll be talking to them a lot! It would also be a good trip to do with a group of friends as you’ve got a ready-made social group to hang out with and it’s not so important to be able to mingle.

Views along the Rhine

What can you do on and off the ship?

The best bit about being on a river cruise is getting to sit there and relax, watch the scenery float by or read a book. There are different activities on board included too depending on theme of the trip. Ours was all about Christmas in the Alsace, so you could make and ice some traditional Christmas biscuits, there was also a talk about Alsatian festive traditions and a quiz (both in French) and a gala evening with a bit of a disco in the lounge afterwards.

Activities and tours were included on each of our stops – the Mechanical Music museum in Rüdesheim, a city tour and the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz , and the Lalique crystal museum. But we had enough free time to wander around the Christmas markets too. And if you don’t want to do the excursions you can always do your own thing instead – unlike on an ocean cruise, most of our moorings were just a short walk into town so it’s easy to do-it-yourself.

Mainz’s Christmas market

What’s CroisiEurope’s food (and drink) like?

I was really impressed with the food on board the ship, with beautifully presented, high-end French food. All meals are included – breakfast is a continental buffet, then lunch and dinner are either three or four courses, with a starter, main, dessert and sometimes a cheese course. Portions aren’t enormous though so you don’t feel too stuffed at the end of it.

If you like meat you’ll be in heaven, but don’t expect a whole lot of vegetables on the menu. We had traditional French dishes like Boeuf bourguignon , Confit de canard and Crème brûlée . But there are also local touches based on your location – ours were Black Forest ham, local hake and an Alsace-themed night with Flammkuchen and Baeckeoffe (meat and potato casserole).

Crème brûlée on board

If you’re a vegetarian or on a special diet (like gluten- or dairy-free) then they can cater for you. Though you might need to chase it up when you get on board – I put that I was gluten-free on my booking form but the message never got through. Wine is included with lunch and dinner, with a choice of three different whites, three reds and two rosés, including local wines.

Drinks at the bar are also included in the trip price – which covers beers, wine (red, white and sparkling), aperitifs and spirits like gin and brandy. There’s a cocktail of the day too or one day we had mulled wine as we got on board. The only extra costs are for a few special wines and spirits. The bar opens at 10am and we did spot a few French gents with post-breakfast beers! Soft drinks, juices, bottled water, teas and coffee are all available at the bar too.

The dining room and cocktails on board

How sustainable are CroisiEurope?

Something that’s becoming more important to me – and a lot of other travellers – is the impact my travels have on the places and people I visit. You’re pretty much at the mercy of the company you’re travelling with when you’re on a cruise as they organise your accommodation, food and travel. The ocean cruise industry hasn’t got the best reputation for sustainability , so I was interested to see how river cruises measure up. So what are CroisiEurope’s eco policies ?

All ships have water savers to reduce usage and waste, low-emission engines, non-pollutant paint and use eco-friendly cleaning products, so not bad. One thing I spotted which they could do better on was plastics – they still use plastic straws as well as a lot of bottled water and mini toiletries. And there didn’t seem to be anywhere for passengers to recycle their waste.

Views on deck

What should you pack for a river cruise?

It’s pretty informal on board CroisiEurope ships, so you don’t need to pack anything too smart. There’s one gala night where you can dress up if you like, though it’s more dress or sparkly top and trousers than the full black-tie regalia (and there aren’t any irons on board so don’t pack anything that creases). Inside the ship it’s pretty warm so you don’t need loads of layers.

You’re provided with basic toiletries (shampoo, body and hand wash) and cabins have a hairdryer (one of those wall mounted ones). Plugs on board are European style, but we only had one in our cabin so if you’re travelling with lots of electricals you might want to pack a multi-plug adapter. And if you’re a light sleeper and in a cabin near the engine, earplugs are a good idea.

Shopping the Christmas markets

What does a CroisiEurope river cruise cost?

Our four-night Magic of Christmas river cruise on the Rhine cost £662 per person all inclusive, with two of us sharing an en-suite cabin. You can get a short 3-day trip for under £400 (though check the itinerary as some of the cheaper trips don’t involve all that much time on the river and have coach trips out instead) or a one-week Rhine trip is around £800–£1200.

So would I cruise with CroisiEurope again? Yes definitely – in fact we’re already eyeing up a trip on the Douro later this year. They’re a good-value option if you want to try river cruising, and I was impressed with the quality of food, drink and excursions. It does help to be able to speak some French though and there were a few communication issues which could’ve been better, but overall CroisiEurope are great for a European river cruise at a reasonable price.

Read more cruise posts

Thursday 22nd of September 2022

Hi Just returned from a 4 year planned Croisi cruise, our first river cruise, that was planned before covid having read your original and very accurate review. On MS France we took a 5 day trip from Passau to Budapest. Overriding memory of the holiday was lack of sleep, the engines we found incredibly noisy and on the nights when you cruise between ports we barely slept. We took upper cabins but walls shook, windows shook, cupboards and doors rattled. Spoke to staff who were sympathetic but said crews quarters were worse! All our fellow passengers were French and , despite our efforts ,made no attempt to converse with us in either English or French, they didn’t want to know. Their loss, we were in a party of 4 so it made no difference, would have been awful if we went as a couple. Primary reason we chose Croisi was that excursions were not included, that suits us, we did our own thing using the boat as a floating hotel. Saved lots as didn’t wish to not use excursions that we’d paid for on other cruise lines. Entertainment was focused on French taste, it was ok to start with but the novelty wore off! Food was excellent though no choice and free bar generous. Hungarian staff were friendly in the main whilst the entertainment guy went out of his was to assist us, translating anything we didn’t understand and offering a welcome friendly face at all times. 5 days was enough, this for us was to see how us and river cruises get on, we don’t think they do. I know you gets what you pay for and Croisi was cheaper than just about every other cruise line. 100% speaking French is a huge help on a Croisi trip, it offers great value but with the shortcomings I’ve listed. If the boat had been quieter maybe we’d consider another trip but for now we’re done with river cruises.

Sunday 2nd of May 2021

Hi Lucy, I just came across this post. Given that this river cruise line consists of mostly French passengers and crew, do you think that it would be kind of isolating for a solo female American to take a Christmas Markets cruise?

Lucy Dodsworth

Monday 10th of May 2021

Hi Mara, I think it varies a lot on different sailings but on our trip I wouldn't have really liked to be on my own unless my French was very good as there weren't a lot of other nationalities on board.

SHARON ROBERTSON

Tuesday 13th of April 2021

I had been looking at this cruise line for a European river cruise in 2022. Your comments eere really helpful especially about the engines!!! They really are better value than the cruises promoted here in Australia. Hopefully our borders will be open by 2022 !!! Today's news says 2024

Tuesday 20th of April 2021

Great to hear the post was useful – and fingers crossed for 2022!

Wednesday 27th of January 2021

This cruise line is not honest. Here they are pushing cruises and yet they have refused to refund my deposit on a cruise they cancelled. Never book with them!

Wednesday 15th of January 2020

Question for you. Is bottled water included in the trip price? Or do they fill cups of water from some sort of filter system?

Thursday 16th of January 2020

Hi, yes bottled water was included in the trip price along with most other drinks.

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Barge and river cruise with CroisiEurope in France

Inspiration

Alsace and Lorraine Burgundy Provence Loire Valley Paris Champagne

Reading time: 0 min Published on 4 January 2023, updated on 16 April 2024

A hotel barge holiday is the perfect way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the French canals and is a fantastic option for couples, families and groups of friends looking for a relaxed and intimate getaway. And who better to travel with than French river cruise operator, CroisiEurope, who have been operating successfully for over 45 years and know this beautiful country better than anyone?

CroisiEurope’s French hotel barge itineraries are proving increasingly popular with holidaymakers and, as a result, the company has increased capacity and launched its first ever stand-along hotel barge brochure for 2022.

There is an itinerary that will suit everyone:

• A seven-day cruise on the Marne Canal between Paris and Epernay with a chance to discover charming and timeless Paris as well as Reims, home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cruise calls in Lagny-sur Marne, Isles-les-Meldeuses, Sain-Jean-les-Desux-Jumeaux, Chateau Thierry and Dormans.

• A seven-day cruise on the Marne-Rhine Canal through the heart of Alsace and Moselle . The cruise travels between Strasbourg and Lagarde and visits Waltenheim, Saverne, Lutzelbourg and Xouaxange.

• A unique seven-day cultural and gourmet cruise along t he Burgundy, Saône and Centre Canal between Dijon and Saint-Leger-sur-Dheune calling in Longecourt-en-Plaine, Saint-Jean-de-Losne, Chalon-sur-Saône, Chagny and Santenay.

• A majestic seven-day cruise between Burgundy and the Doubs valley . The cruise starts in Dijon and calls in Petit Ouges, Saint-Jean-de-Losne, Dole and Ranchot before finishing in Besancon.

• A seven-day cruise along the Loire Canal through the heart of authentic terroirs and cities full of character. The cruise travels between Nevers and Briare with calls in Marseilles-les-Aubigny, Herry, Menetreol-Sous-Sancerre and Lere.

• A seven-day cruise on the Rhone Canal to discover 2,500 years of history as well as breathtaking scenery. The cruise travels between Arles and Sète and visits Gallician, Aigues-Mortes and Palavas-les-Flots.

The cruises take place on CroisiEurope’s fleet of six charming hotel barges which feature just 11 en-suite outward facing cabins, restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck and relaxation area with Jacuzzi.And, with six crew members including a talented chef who will serve up a variety of mouthwatering dishes reflecting the regions through which the barge is travelling, guests are guaranteed a truly a personalised service. Best of all, these cruises offer fantastic value for money as the price includes all meals and drinks onboard, excursions, use of onboard bicycles, and port fees.

So what are you waiting for? With CroisiEurope’s 2022 and 2023 hotel barge itineraries now on sale, why not book and experience the authenticity that only France and CroisiEurope can provide.

To request a 2022 French Hotel Barge Brochure or for 2022 and 2023 hotel barge reservations, call +33 (0)3 8876 2199 or visit www.croisieurope.travel

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Beautiful River Cruises That Will Take Your Breath Away

Posted: January 2, 2024 | Last updated: January 2, 2024

River adventures

There are trips especially for solo travelers

Finding alone time is increasingly easy on river cruise ships, many of which are going all out to cater to solo travelers. Take Riviera Travel River Cruises – every year the line operates a number of sailings designed specifically for solos. On these cruises, all cabins are single-occupancy only and there are no single supplement charges. In 2023, Riviera’s solo-friendly cruises include sailings along the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône and Seine.

Ganga Vilas offers the world’s longest river cruise

Does disembarkation day always come too soon? Consider opting for one of the growing number of longer cruises. Ganga Vilas currently offers the world’s longest river cruise – a 51-day sailing along 27 rivers in India and Bangladesh onboard the luxurious 18-suite Ganga Vilas riverboat. The downside? These cruises don’t come cheap – prices start at around $32,000 per person.

CroisiEurope offers paddlewheel cruises on two European rivers

Paddlewheel ships aren’t just found on US rivers. CroisiEurope is the only cruise line to run paddlewheel cruises on two European rivers – the Elbe and the Loire. Other boats are few and far between – these rivers are notoriously shallow but the latest paddlewheel technology means CroisiEurope’s boats can sail these stretches of water year-round.

A-ROSA SENA is one of Europe’s most family-friendly ships

River cruises are often seen as the preserve of couples, but change is afoot. In 2022, A-ROSA River Cruises launched A-ROSA SENA , the only river cruise ship in Europe to have a dedicated kids’ club room. AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna has a theater area where children (and big kids) can watch movies and play games consoles, and Uniworld’s Generation Collection cruises offer kid-friendly activities and excursions.

Viking Cruises’ fleet has both ocean and river boats

If you’re a fan of cruising, what could be better than pairing a river cruise with an ocean one? For example, combine a sail along the Douro, which cuts across Spain and Portugal and finishes at the Atlantic coast, with an ocean-going cruise sailing out of Porto. Doing so is easy, especially if you sail with a line like Viking Cruises , which has a fleet including both ocean and river boats.

Viking holds the record for launching the most new ships in a single day

AmaWaterways’ Color of Provence cruise focuses on Black heritage in Paris

Europe’s rivers are lined with ancient cities and landmarks, but several cruise lines are delving deeper in Europe’s history by tackling a more diverse range of subjects. AmaWaterways is a great example – in 2023 its Color of Provence cruise includes a three-night visit to Paris which focuses on the city’s Black heritage, while another AmaWaterways cruise along the Rhône river includes a Black heritage tour of Marseille.

Excursions are varied, with smaller groups

Because river cruising ships are smaller, the chances of having to join tour groups the size of a Glastonbury crowd are slim, and excursions are more intimate. A case in point is European Waterways , known for their passion for slow travel. Excursions include a tour of the Château de la Motte led by the resident Baroness and visits to the Dalwhinnie whisky distillery, which you’ll travel to in an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minibus.

You can explore the Amazon Basin with Seabourn

More river cruise lines are heading to remote rivers. One example is Seabourn . In 2023 the line launches a 14-day Wild Guianas To The Amazon Basin cruise, which sails along Brazil’s Guajará River, a tributary of the Amazon. Excursions include a trip to meet local Indigenous groups – a reminder that Amazon river cruises are great options for getting off the beaten path.

Avalon Waterways has some of the largest windows on a river cruise

River cruise ships make excellent use of space, and we’re increasingly seeing this applied to windows. If you don’t manage to bag a balcony suite, don’t panic – it’s highly likely that you’ll have floor to ceiling windows. If you’re a stickler for a fantastic view, consider sailing with Avalon Waterways – their windows are some of the largest on a river cruise ship, and their Panorama Suites have the widest opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising.

American Queen Voyages has launched exciting new itineraries

American river cruises have become incredibly popular in recent years, and in 2023 the American Queen Voyages launches the longest itineraries offered by this historic cruise line. The 23-day itineraries (the first one departs in July) will sail along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and take in lesser-known destinations such as Maysville in Kentucky, Madison in Indiana, Point Pleasant in West Virginia and Marietta in Ohio.

You might meet your hero onboard an AmaWaterways ship

River cruising companies are going all out to provide deeper insights into the places their ships sail through. One example is National Geographic Expeditions, which recently announced that it will join forces with AmaWaterways and launch several National Geographic Expeditions-chartered departures in 2024. Onboard experts – all of whom will be familiar with itinerary destinations – will include photographers, authors and explorers.

You can sail along the Hudson River with American Cruise Lines

Fancy sailing past the Empire State Building? Now you can – kind of. American Cruise Lines is the only cruise line that offers sailings along the mighty Hudson, along with several other lesser-known rivers, including the Napa and San Joaquin Rivers in California.

You can combine rail and water with Uniworld

In 2022 Uniworld launched cruises combining Danube River sailings with trips on Golden Eagle Luxury Trains. These rail and river cruise packages offer guests the chance to take a five-day train journey through central Europe before boarding the ship. Expect more cruise lines to combine these modes of transport in the coming years.

Experts will join passengers onboard Ponant ships

Uniworld’s decision to combine sailing with luxury railway trips onboard Golden Eagle’s trains is a sign of the times – we’ll see more collaborations designed to enhance guests’ experience. In 2023 Ponant is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys to offer sailings with onboard experts, such as world-renowned climate specialist Steve Paton, who will provide further insight into areas such as the San Blas archipelago.

Riverside Luxury Cruises is the new kid on the block

River cruising might sound like a crowded market, but the launch of Riverside Luxury Cruises in April 2023 proves that there’s always room for more. This new line launched with one ship – Riverside Mozart – and offers cruises starting in Vienna, Budapest and Passau. The ship’s rooftop bar looks pretty special, although we’re equally excited about the cuisine, inspired by regions the ship sails through.

Even the busiest rivers have quiet spots

The landscape is fabulously diverse

Some river cruise companies cover lakes too

CroisiEurope is the only river cruise line operating on Lake Kariba in Southern Africa. There are two cruise ships to choose from – African Dream and Zimbabwean Dream. Both ships accommodate 16 passengers in eight cabins, and there’s a rooftop bar and restaurant from which guests can soak up the views.

Most river cruises are truly all-inclusive

We’ve all come across cruise lines which claim to be all-inclusive but are actually anything but. These days, more cruise lines are going all out to offer passengers better value for money by including everything from premium drinks to excursions. Scenic River Cruises is a great example – cruise prices include flights from the UK, transfers, premium drinks, all meals (including fine dining ones) and excursions.

You’re unlikely to feel seasick on a river cruise

River cruises will take you to the end of the world (almost)

River cruises can take you to some of the world’s most remote places, as well as waterways which simply aren’t explored very often. CroisiEurope, for example, is the only operator to offer cruises on Spain’s Guadalquivir River (pictured at Seville), while the Heritage Line’s new Upper Mekong cruise, which sets sail in August 2023, will focus on remote areas of Laos.

You can cruise the world’s longest river

The views are better

There are no interior cabins on river cruise ships – all cabins face outwards and most have floor-to-ceiling windows. Cruise lines make the most of the space in innovative ways, too. On several Uniworld vessels, for example, mirrors are actually concealed televisions. The cabins at the rear of riverboats are often the cheapest – but if you’re a light sleeper, remember that this is because the engines are located here. 

Cruise lines are investing in air-filtering technology

One example is Amadeus River Cruises . In May 2023 the line launched Amadeus Riva, which has a hi-tech air filtration system with a two-stage purification system capable of removing aerosols – including any containing microscopic virus particles – from interior spaces.

The added extras are getting better

It's easier to avoid the crowds

There are no (or at least fewer) boring transfers

On ocean cruises, the excitement about seeing the local landmark/record-breaking attraction/ancient site quickly dissipates when there’s a one-hour bus journey between you and the site in question. Not so with river cruising, simply because of the increased accessibility. A great example is the iconic arch in St Louis, Missouri (pictured) –  this feat of engineering is just a 10-minute walk from the dock used by river boats.

Now check out the world's oldest man-made structures still in use today

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2025 Cruises

Discover our 2025 cruises

With CroisiEurope, book your cruise for the 2025 season now .

Explore a variety of destinations: the charm of France's rivers, the culture of Northern Europe and the Danube, or the sun and mild climate of Southern Europe.

Book by September 30, 2024 for

15% savings on 2025 European river and ocean/coastal cruises

with the code: EARBOOTRAVEL

If you're looking for a far-flung escape, take advantage of our cruises on the Mekong or in Southern Africa.

8% savings on 2025 Mekong & Southern Africa cruises

2025 Venice river cruises

Venice Carnival (port-to-port cruise)

VENICE - MAZZORBO - VENICE

Vacation at the center of the action during the Venice Carnival, where history and romance mingle within the labyrinth of canals and mysterious side streets. Follow Casanova's footsteps and discover the passionate, intriguing secrets within La Serenissima. During exclusive tours, discover the renowned Murano glassworks—as crystal elegance takes shape in the hands of master craftspeople—and the workshop of talented artists who sustain the Venetian identity by keeping traditional Carnival mask-making alive. Explore the La Fenice Opera House and learn about its fascinating history and splendid architecture. Round out your vacation with a private dinner accompanied by baroque music in a Venetian palace on the banks of the Grand Canal. Plunge into the carnival atmosphere at an elegant and intriguing soirée overflowing with Venetian glamor.

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An Exclusive Cruise to Top Sites in Northern Europe (port-to-port cruise)

BRUSSELS - ANTWERP - GHENT - MIDDELBURG - VEERE - DORDRECHT - BRUSSELS

From the Belgian capital to the famous Windmills of Kinderdijk, discover the beauty of northern European cities and the authenticity found within. A cultivated mix of architecture and local cuisine. Crisscross Brussels and its medieval Grand-Place, retrace the steps of immigrants embarking to the USA during the 19th and early 20th centuries at the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp, and visit one of the best-kept secrets in that city—the magnificent Nottebohm Room. In Ghent, you'll come across amazing Flemish architecture revealing an unquestionable medieval heritage, and you won't escape without enjoying a local brew, if that's your style. Stroll the romantic streets of Bruges, taking in the fairytale-like atmosphere. Further along, learn about the years of engineering needed to complete the intriguing Delta Works. Lastly, visit one of the most iconic sites in Holland, the famous Windmills of Kinderdijk—a prime example of 1,000-year-old Dutch know-how.

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The Douro by cruise

The Danube by cruise

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The Elbe by cruise

Venice and its lagoon by cruise

The Guadalquivir by cruise

Atlantic Ocean on a cruise

Corsica on a cruise

The Mekong by cruise

Lake Kariba by cruise

THE BEST Tyumen Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in tyumen.

• Boat Rentals
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

2. Teplokhod-Tyumen'

Tyumen, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Tyumen

Tyumen travel guide.

• 2. Attractions
• 3. Souvenirs

History of Tyumen

Prior to Russian rule, the Tatar city of Chimgi-Tura marked the site of modern Tyumen, Russia and served as the capital of the Siberian Khanate. In 1586, Tyumen was the very first city to be founded by the Russians in Siberia. Part of the Ural Region until 1944, today it is the administrative center of Tyumen Region and one of Russia’s key industrial and cultural centers.

The name of the city is still a mystery to researchers. Some suggest that it came from the Tatar word "tumen", meaning "army of ten thousand", while others speculate that the name is a combination of the words "tyu" and "myana", which together mean "my property". Today in the Tatar language, the word "tyumen" literally translates as "lowland", which is an appropriate term for a city which straddles the Tura River.

Whichever theory is accurate, one thing is for sure: today there is something in Tyumen to surprise and delight any traveler desiring to experience firsthand the mysterious romance of Siberia .

Tyumen Attractions

Most Tyumen city tours begin at Tura River Embankment, one of the area’s most scenic spots from which sweeping views of Holy Trinity Monastery and Church of the Holy Cross Exaltation open up from Lovers’ Bridge.

Historical Square marks the site of Tyumen’s earliest settlements. Not far from Historical Square is Holy Trinity Monastery, which opened in 1616 and is the oldest surviving hermitage in the city today. One of Tyumen’s most significant religious sites, it attracts many Orthodox pilgrims from Western Siberia and the Urals. The monastery is accompanied by a gorgeous green square which is particularly beautiful in spring when the apple trees are in bloom.

An equally important religious monument is Znamensky Cathedral (Cathedral of the Sign), located in Tyumen’s historical center. The original 17th- century church was wooden, but after repeatedly burning down it was replaced the following century with a stone cathedral built in the Siberian Baroque style. Major reconstruction work was completed in 1904, and the end result far exceeded expectations. Today Znamensky Cathedral continues to evoke awe with its striking iconostasis and cheerful exterior.

A walk down central Republic Street, where many 19th-century buildings can still be seen, will conjure up images of life in a bygone era. Kolokolnikovs’ Estate Museum Complex, which survived many fires, deserves special attention, as does House Averkiev with its extraordinary balconies and the former City Duma, which today houses the Regional Museum of Local Lore.

Twenty-first century Tyumen can be seen in all its glory as you wander Tsvetnoy Boulevard and Siberian Cats Park, whose name is derived from the square’s many cast-iron feline figures. Tyumen Regional Museum of Fine Arts serves as the city’s central showroom and is particularly known for its unique works of Russian cult artists such as Ivan Aivazovsky, Ilya Repin and Boris Kustodiev.

Tyumen has a good selection of restaurants offering cuisines for every taste and budget. For tourists, however, Chum Restaurant-Museum is a must. The restaurant serves unique Siberian dishes and is decked out in regional memorabilia. Guests even have the option to dine inside a semi-private cabinet designed to resemble a traditional chum (tent) .

Tyumen Souvenirs

In keeping with its Siberian roots, memorabilia with images of reindeer, red fish and bears are all popular. Fur coats and clothing items made from reindeer skins reflect the beauty of local traditional dress and are sure to keep you warm even in the dead of winter. Original figurines carved from bone make an unusual gift, while anyone with a sweet tooth will want to pay a visit to Kvartet Candy Factory, whose chocolates and other sweets decorated with Tyumen landscapes are equally decorative and delicious.

Grab your coat and come for a visit to Tyumen, Russia, the magnificent pearl of Western Siberia!