squarevanman

I have just received my regular e mail from CroisiEurope which is (as always) in French - boy how I wish I had paid attention at school all those years ago. If I have read it right they will have a new ship the Elbe Princess operating between Berlin and Prague for 2016. I believe it will carry 80 passengers and is a two passenger deck ship. However (and I could of course be wrong) it appears to have a paddle wheel at the rear of the boat. I cannot find any details on their UK web site. Hopefully one of you kind soles who speak French or the CroisiEurope USA office may be able to shed light on this.

Do the buses also have terminals for the chip and PIN cards?

No sorry contactless only. Also we are being warned about card clash and not have more than one card in wallet when passing the scanner, otherwise money could be taken from both.

You're right, I was confused at the time. Chip and PIN is a different technology which cannot be read without the card being inserted in a card reader.

 

RFID is the technology that Chase calls "Blink" and other issuers give other names, which allows you to wave your card near a card reader instead of inserting it.

 

It turns out I have several of these in my wallet, even though I have never used them -- and other than at gas stations don't recall ever seeing such a terminal[/color]. But since I do have more than one, the point of the Snopes article is still valid: the potential for thieves to skim this data from my wallet is cancelled by the presence of more than 1 RFID card. So there is no need to replace my wallet.

 

If you Google "RFID Wallet" you'll also find an article from Consumer Reports that compared a homemade wallet (from duck tape and aluminum foil -- if you can pry it out of the hands of your local alien-paranoid-conspiracy-theorist) that was more effective than 80% of the anti-RFID wallets they tested. ["Our reporter offered her own homemade shield constructed of duct tape and lined with aluminium foil. It provided better protection than eight of the 10 commercial products, including a stainless-steel “RFID blocking” wallet selling online for about $60."]

 

At least with a duct tape wallet, I would preserve my macho cred -- much better than wearing a wallet around my neck. ;)

Here in the UK it is known as contactless technology and is on my Credit and Debit cards. More and more places have terminals for these including all buses operating for Transport for London.

Sorry I seem to have messed up I was trying to hightlight the name and usage part of Host Jazzbeaus post

Thank you for posting your review. I'm glad your cruise was a success. I gather that the guides spoke English for your group?

Did you have assigned seating at dinner?

Did you sail in July 2014 or 2013?

Thanks,

My Douro trip was July 2014 although I went with CroisiEurope on the Danube in 2010 and CroisiMer on the Adriatic in 2012.

All three cruises were, in my opinion, excellent and good value. No itinerary changes and every local guide as well as a high proportion of crew spoke good English.

Each cruise had assigned seating for meals. This is something I am used to as I have encountered this also on the Nile, in Russia and the Norwegian Hurtigruten coastal cruises. There is a very simple explanation that CroisiEurope like the above mentioned trips cater for an international clientel.Tables are allocated so that speakers of the same language sit together. If open seating were the norm then you could find yourself sitting on a table where no one else speaks your language. Also if one purchased a bottle of wine and did not finish this at lunch it would be placed on your table for dinner. With open seating the waiter/waitress would waste valuable time in searching for the owner of the wine when they could be serving food.

I note from another post that lunch was considered to be drawn out thus not giving ample time to relax before afternoon activities. This is a fact of life in some European countries. Lunch is not rushed and I would not expect it to be any less than one and a half hours. Indeed when I took a day trip from London to Boulogne a few years ago with a group of friends lunch lasted four hours. I would suspect the crew would like to rush so thay can prepare for the next meal and have their downtime.

If you have time, please say more about the ship, food, service, and your satisfaction. Thanks.

 

 

I found this cruise company but finding any fairly current reviews is non-existent. Anyone have some personal experience with Croisieurope ? Thanks !

Here is a reprint of my post made in July. I hope this helps you. Just one slight change I have booked the Po and Venice for next August.

A review of my CroisiEurope trip from 7th to 14th July.

I travelled on the Infante De Henrique which is one of 3 CroisiEurope ships operating the Douro. Being a family owed French company I expected a majority of French passengers on board. I could not have been more wrong. There was a large number of French on board but they were outnumbered by all other nationalities. A very large number of English speakers mainly from UK but one couple from USA one couple from Russia and a very large Norwegian group. In addition we had Belgians and Spanish on board. Announcements were made in French, English and Spanish by the Portuguese Purser/Cruise Manager Suzanna. The crew consisted of 24 Portuguese and 3 French being the Captain, Head Chef and one of the entertainers.

The ship has 3 pasenger decks plus sun deck. My cabin on the lower deck was larger than I had expected and (like the rest of the ship) was spotless.

Restaurant situated on lower deck with one sitting for all passengers. As to be expected from a French Chef food was to a very good standard. I know there is no choice of menu. However lunch and dinner menu is posted early on TV and should you not be able to eat what is on offer then the chef was always willing to find an alternative. Breakfast is a buffet with cereal, cold cuts, hot food and fruits etc all available.

The Bar and Lounge on deck two was also the venue for the evenings entertainment. This consisted of singers one night, Flamenco Dancers the night we were docked at the Sanish border, The crew show and a 24 person folklore group of Musicians and Dancers. I felt all of this entertainment was very good.

Excursions are not included in the cost of the cruise but can be purchased on board. I felt they were reasonably priced and offered value for money. The local guide stayed with us for 5 of our 7 excursion days. In Spain we had a spanish guide and on the Sunday in Portugal we had an alternative guide. All three were excellent and went out of their way to explain and answer questions.

The ships all seem to Dock in Gaia which is on the opposite side of the river to Oporto. CroisiEurope has its own dock which is just outside the main area. On the first night we double docked on the inside of sister ship (or is it brother) Vasco de Gamma. This was reversed on our last night. I did notice there was double and triple docking in the center of Gaia when we cruised there on our last night.

As I stated there was a good mix of nationalities on board as there was ages. The oldest I met were 2 83 year olds (both on my table for meals) then a good mix of people in their 70's right down the their 20's. The youngest on board were the captains daughter who was about 10 and one young man who celebrated his 1st birthday on the first day of the cruise. When docked alongside the Vasco de Gamma I could see at least 4 youngsters under 12 on board. If I read the CroisiEurope brochure correctly (is in French) they operate a kids club for 4-12 year olds on certain sailings.

Tipping at the end of the cruise is by envelope placed in a box at reception. Although if one wishes to give to an individual crew member this is possible.

This was my 3rd Croisi Cruise and once again I cannot complain about any aspects of my holiday. CroisiEurope was the largest operator of river cruises in Europe but since Viking has built so many ships recently it is now down to number 2 with I think 27. Certainly not the top end of river cruising but certainly offering good value for money in the UK market. I am already considering the River PO and Venice with CroisiEurope for next year.

They just don't market to North Americans and the English speaking market.

 

Been around since 1976, Google them there is tons of info. They only just started marketing to English speakers. German company very large. Very few English speaking travelers on board, as long as that is ok with you they apparently have a great product!

 

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CroisiEurope is a French family owned company second largest river fleet in Europe since Vikings new builds. Prior to this were number 1 with around 30 boats. If you do a CC search there are a few posts including my review of Douro Cruise in July.

Many of their cruises are featured by at least 3 tour operators in the UK. They also have a UK office here in London.

Main language on board is French with English second.

I am also looking into sailing the Duoro on CruisiEurope next year and would love to see your review. Thanks in advance! email: stired@comcast.net

Have sent you an e mail hope it helps

David

You do know that this is more like a bus tour with the boat as your hotel than a cruise. We rented an apartment in Venice in June. Our closest vaporetto stop was San Basilio which is on the Giudecca Canal facing the Hilton Molino Stucky. The CroisiEurope boat was docked on the Zattere just down from San Basilio for three of the nights we were there. They weren't cruising anywhere.

Thanks yes I have been looking at this one for a couple of years and it is just right for me. The itinery does have 3 nights in Venice.

Squarevanman, I am interested in booking a Duoro cruise with CroisiEurope in 2015 or 2016, and I would love to read your review or hear your thoughts on your trip. If you have posted your review somewhere and I missed it, could you email me a link at terryandmike (at) cox (dot) net or post a link here. Many thanks!

Very sorry I didn't see your post until today. I have e mailed you

David

Still overjoyed by my CroisiEurope experience on the Douro I have taken the plunge and booked the Po and Venice for next year. Normally I book a tour operators package, but as I want to catch the train to Rome for a few days after I have booked direct. Being a solo traveller (neither of my sons want to cruise) I am always paying a hefty supplement for a single cabin. I was informed by the sales rep that they had a single cabin available and no supplement would be charged as it is a purpose built single and smaller in size. As I only need a cabin to sleep, wash and change in I jumped at the idea and saved myself over £200 in the process.

Of course I will write a review upon my return.

David

Hi, Squarevanman -- we're on our last day, hard to believe, fantastic experience.

 

Have a question for you: On most of the major lines that cruise the Douro, ships are owned and operated largely by DouroAzul (and they're pretty similar to one another whether it's Uniworld, Viking River or Ama). But CroisiEurope's ship -- we've passed it twice now -- looks very consistent with Croisi's overall design. Do you know if the line partners with DouroAzul? I can ask, of course, but thought I'd just reach out to you first....

 

Thanks.

 

Carolyn

Hi Carolyn

I have been wondering this myself. I noticed all ships had a Douro registry except the 3 CroisiEurope which all show Strasbourg. Neither CroisiEurope or Viking ships are listed on the DouroAzul site. Our local guide did state 10 ships were owned by one company and 3 by another but did not go into details. If you find out I would be very interested to know.

CroisiEurope are also inclusive of all drinks except from the wine list (lots of other wine available) and champagne.

I am not a shopper but I would agree about the ceramics. I believe the port was very good but I am a non wine drinker so cannot give my opinion.

Carolyn a definate yes regarding Euros.

Have a good trip. Not sure if I said in my review the weather got as high as 36 and some of the locals complained it was spring weather. They wanted early to mid 40's for the grape crop:confused:

A review of my CroisiEurope trip from 7th to 14th July.

I travelled on the Infante De Henrique which is one of 3 CroisiEurope ships operating the Douro. Being a family owed French company I expected a majority of French passengers on board. I could not have been more wrong. There was a large number of French on board but they were outnumbered by all other nationalities. A very large number of English speakers mainly from UK but one couple from USA one couple from Russia and a very large Norwegian group. In addition we had Belgians and Spanish on board. Announcements were made in French, English and Spanish by the Portuguese Purser/Cruise Manager Suzanna. The crew consisted of 24 Portuguese and 3 French being the Captain, Head Chef and one of the entertainers.

The ship has 3 pasenger decks plus sun deck. My cabin on the lower deck was larger than I had expected and (like the rest of the ship) was spotless.

Restaurant situated on lower deck with one sitting for all passengers. As to be expected from a French Chef food was to a very good standard. I know there is no choice of menu. However lunch and dinner menu is posted early on TV and should you not be able to eat what is on offer then the chef was always willing to find an alternative. Breakfast is a buffet with cereal, cold cuts, hot food and fruits etc all available.

The Bar and Lounge on deck two was also the venue for the evenings entertainment. This consisted of singers one night, Flamenco Dancers the night we were docked at the Sanish border, The crew show and a 24 person folklore group of Musicians and Dancers. I felt all of this entertainment was very good.

Excursions are not included in the cost of the cruise but can be purchased on board. I felt they were reasonably priced and offered value for money. The local guide stayed with us for 5 of our 7 excursion days. In Spain we had a spanish guide and on the Sunday in Portugal we had an alternative guide. All three were excellent and went out of their way to explain and answer questions.

The ships all seem to Dock in Gaia which is on the opposite side of the river to Oporto. CroisiEurope has its own dock which is just outside the main area. On the first night we double docked on the inside of sister ship (or is it brother) Vasco de Gamma. This was reversed on our last night. I did notice there was double and triple docking in the center of Gaia when we cruised there on our last night.

As I stated there was a good mix of nationalities on board as there was ages. The oldest I met were 2 83 year olds (both on my table for meals) then a good mix of people in their 70's right down the their 20's. The youngest on board were the captains daughter who was about 10 and one young man who celebrated his 1st birthday on the first day of the cruise. When docked alongside the Vasco de Gamma I could see at least 4 youngsters under 12 on board. If I read the CroisiEurope brochure correctly (is in French) they operate a kids club for 4-12 year olds on certain sailings.

Tipping at the end of the cruise is by envelope placed in a box at reception. Although if one wishes to give to an individual crew member this is possible.

This was my 3rd Croisi Cruise and once again I cannot complain about any aspects of my holiday. CroisiEurope was the largest operator of river cruises in Europe but since Viking has built so many ships recently it is now down to number 2 with I think 27. Certainly not the top end of river cruising but certainly offering good value for money in the UK market. I am already considering the River PO and Venice with CroisiEurope for next year.

Just back today from a CroisiEurope Douro cruise. Will try to write a review layer this week.

It is not just flights to or from France that are effected. Flights that cross French air space en route for other countries may be delayed due to re-routing or even cancelled. (this was reported earlier on BBC news). So even if your flying elsewhere in Europe it is best to check with your carrier. Good luck one and all.

In relation to excursions do CroisiEurope offer a good range of excursions to choose from?

I have a minor concern about the set plated meals as Carol does not eat seafood but I am sure this is a problem which can be quite easily overcome.

On the Danube trip and again for the Douro in July excursions were (are) optional. I pre booked all for the Danube (as I did on the CroisiMer adriatic cruise which was run just like a river trip). However for my Douro holiday I have not booked any excurions.

If I remember correctly the lunch and dinner menu was posted outside the restaurant at breakfast. Some fellow passengers did have a word with the purser and alternatives were forthcoming.

Not many posts on this line. If you search CC you will find a few comments.

A French line catering for an international market. On both trips I have made there have been many different nationalities on board. French is the main language with English second and German third. Although announcements were also made in Spanish, Italian and Norwegian when I cruised the Danube. I understand this line is not so well known outside of Europe, although it is one of the largest with over 30 vessels. I have had no problems with them and am booked on the Douro in July.

I have just found this in Croisieuropes conditions.

REDUCTIONS FOR CHILDREN: Under 2 years of age, meal and accommodation costs are payable in situ; over 2 and under 10 years of age: 20% reduction on the price of the cruise excluding taxes, supplements and administrative costs. This discount does not apply to the brand CroisiVoyages (Mekong, Volga etc.).

Could not find anything about a minimum age for this line.

Although I have cruised twice with them (plus one pending) I have never seen very young children on board.

Having just read this thread I thought I would check the Croisieurope site for their code ready for my own trip in July. This seems sensible and is taken from their UK site:

Dress

What is the dress code on board?

You’ll be most comfortable during the day in smart casual clothing. You may wish to bring items that do not wrinkle easily, or that transport well after being ironed at home, as there is no iron provided on the ship. Bring a variety of clothing for the environments expected during your cruise, including light clothing and bathing suits for hot weather, a sweater or jacket for cooler weather, and of course a raincoat and/or small umbrella.

Please check the weather for your specific cruise countries, as the weather can vary quite a bit between the northern and Mediterranean areas. Don’t forget to bring comfortable and sturdy walking shoes for sightseeing excursions.

You can check forecasts and live reports at:

BBC Weather http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/

Met Office http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/world/

The Weather Channel http://uk.weather.com/

For evening meals, as well as for cocktails or gala events ‘casual dressy’ clothing is appropriate.

- See more at: http://www.croisieurope.co.uk/faqs#life onboard

Like apuleius I am also a London based cruiser and I will be taking my third Croisi cruise this July. Having taken a trip on the Danube and around the Adriatic this year it is the Douro. I agree with everything apuleius has posted and I hope to review my cruise when I return. I have found that although (if not chartered by a TA) the majority of passengers are French many other nationalities are represented. Indeed I remember on the Danube being told there were 14 nationalities speaking 12 languages. After seeing posts about the age groups on other lines I would also suggest the average age of Croisi passengers is lower than most. Having seen family groups of pre teens, teens, parents and grand parents on board both times.

An excellent alternative is Croisieurope with a good price/quality value. In fact doing the Douro you will anyway the same things whatever company you take.

As a french company the wines are included during the meals. No tipping is required (anonymous free enveloppe at the end)

Their excursions are honnest in price and of good quality. Recommend the day to Salamanca (Spain) departing from the Portuguese/Spanish border port.

The views on the Douro are nice, you will pass the highest lockx in Europe (Lock of Carrapatelo 36 m high.

Of course Porto is nice, recommend to stay 2/3 days before or after your cruise. A lot to visit!

Got to agree about Croisieurope. Cruised with them twice before and looking forward to the Douro in July.

Hi Notamermaid,

I found out about CroisiEurope from a UK tour operators brochure which featured a good itinerary on the Danube. I was impressed with the trip and liked very much the mix of passengers from around the world (14 nationalities in all). I took their Adriatic cruise 2 years later and once again found a good mix of other nationalities.

I will follow your suggestion and post on the roll call forum.

Luckily for me I have not been affected by the floods over here although there have been some properties badly damaged only 5 minutes from where I live.

SVM

For me this year it is CroisiEurope on the Douro in Portugal. This will be my third time using this line. 2012 I took their Adriatic cruise and in 2010 a trip on the Danube.