Croisi Europe FAQs

Life on board

Languages

What languages do you speak on CroisiEurope? Will I be able to find someone who speaks English?

Don’t worry – you will be able to communicate in your native language.  Although our primary language is French, the majority of our staff and tour guides are fluent in English, as well as the major European languages such as German, Italian and Spanish.  Notices and announcements are in French and English, as well as other languages based upon the needs of the passengers on board.

Depending upon the staff, crew or passengers on your trip, you may even have the opportunity to brush up on any other languages you speak!

Money

What currency do you use on board?

The primary currency is the Euro. We also accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards. There are no currency exchange facilities on-board, so please ensure you have sufficient cash before boarding. We do not accept traveller’s cheques.

Electricity

Do I need to bring an adaptor/converter plug to use the electricity on board?

Yes.  Our electrical service is 220V; most standard American electrical appliances are 120V.
If you have any items that require electricity you must bring a two-pin plug European adaptor that will fit your item.  Many items such as cell phone chargers come already equipped with international adaptors – check the equipment that came with your cell phone.  In addition, you may find that you need to bring adaptors for other items such as your own razor, electric toothbrush, or curling iron (220V hair dryers are provided in each cabin).

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.

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

Tips

Tipping customs vary from country to country and culture to culture, and we understand that tipping is a way for passengers to show appreciation for services, quality and attention received during the cruise, whether it be for the meals, rooms, reception or visits.  It is our policy is that any tips received will be shared equally among all crew members.

Many passengers look for general guidelines on how to tip, especially in foreign countries.  An acceptable range within the industry is € 5 – €10 per day per person, with the understanding that tipping is entirely at your discretion.

To leave a tip, please use the envelope found in your cabin your last evening on board, and place this envelope in the specially designated box in the reception area as you disembark.

Gift shop

Our gift shop sells postcards, stamps and souvenirs, as well as tickets to various excursions and tours that leave from the ship.

Smoking

Is smoking allowed on board?

Smoking is not permitted inside CroisiEurope ships.  You may smoke in designated smoking areas on deck only.

Pets

Can I bring my pet?

No, we are sorry.  Pets are not allowed on board.

Telephone and Internet

Is there internet access on board?

Free wi-fi is available on all CroisiEurope ships throughout the fleet. While Wi-Fi is available in the reception area and lounge bar on most ships, on the newest ships such as the Ms Gerard Schmitter, the MS Cyrano de Bergerac, the MS Lafayette and the fleet of four hotel barges, Wi-Fi is available throughout. CroisiEurope is also equipping every ship in the fleet (apart from those ships on the Mekong) with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet for guests’ use.

Emergency contacts

At the time of confirmation, your ship’s emergency telephone number will be provided in your on-board documentation, so that your family may reach you in the event of urgent need or emergency.
If you would like to make or receive phone calls on a non-emergency basis, we recommend that you make arrangements with your mobile phone provider for more information.

Meals

Are meals served on board?

Yes, all of your meals will be provided on board.  In fact, you’ll experience some of the best French and European cuisine at our tables. Depending on the excursions planned, some meals may exceptionally not be provided on board. If this is the case, it will be clearly stated in the cruise programme.

Breakfast is a self-serve buffet in the onboard restaurant, which may include pastries, coffee, tea, juice, breads, jams and jellies, a variety of sausages and cold cuts, eggs, fresh fruit, and yogurt.

Lunch and dinner will be 3-course sit down meals prepared by our chefs, and served at set times (which may vary by cruise) and in single seating for all passengers.  Since our meals are prepared on a daily basis from fresh ingredients, we serve a fixed menu of local specialties.  Both lunch and dinner meals are paired with excellent complimentary wines.

Are drinks provided?

On all cruises, we provide free beverages with every meal, including mineral water, fruit juice, tea, coffee, house wine and beer.  Drinks served at the bar are included in the full price of some cruises as well.  If your cruise does not include an open bar, you may purchase a €30 drink card to cover any of these beverages you may wish to buy while on board; any money remaining is reimbursed at the end of the cruise.

Champagne, premium brand vintage wines and spirits are listed on our special wine list are available at  additional charge on all our cruises.

Please check your cruise program and details to see which applies to you.

How many people sit at each table?

Our large tables seat six people.  You’ll be able to converse and socialize with new friends, but you’ll never feel crowded together, and we make it a point to pair up passengers who are able to communicate in the same languages.

We also reserve a portion of the dining room for larger groups traveling together, so that all people in the party may eat together if they so choose.

Do you provide meals for people with food allergies or special dietary needs?

Yes, we do.  Please state your specific needs at the time you make your reservation; we will be happy to assist you with a menu that will meet your needs.

We’re celebrating a special occasion.  What do you provide?

We would be delighted to make your celebrations onboard with us extra special. Please let us know your special occasion requirements – such as cakes, champagne, or flowers – at the time of booking and ideally one month or more before departure, and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes.

Safety

Are there life jackets on board?

Each cabin is provided with two adult life jackets and two life jackets for children.  A demonstration of the proper use of the life jackets will be given to all passengers, prior to departure.

Are there life boats on board?

River ships do not have life boats on board, as the bodies of water on which we travel are small, and life jackets provide appropriate flotation and protection in the case of emergency.  Our ocean-cruising ships are fully equipped with the regulatory safety equipment.

I have a medical condition.  Is there a doctor or nurse on board?

CroisiMer Ocean and coastal cruise ships have a nurse on board.

Our CroisiEurope river cruise ships and hotel barges there are no doctor or nurse available.  In the case of an emergency, the purser will immediately contact a doctor or nurse on land, and the ship will stop at the nearest possible landing point to facilitate emergency medical attention.

Every ship has a defibrillator on board and at least two people on the boat are trained to use it.

If you have any health conditions that are of concern to you, please visit your physician to be thoroughly checked and cleared before embarking on a cruise.  We are always at your service in the case of any emergency, but we’d much rather that you enjoy your trip without fear of interruption by a medical crisis!

Accomodation & Facilities

Is your ship air conditioned and/or heated?

Cabins have individual controls for AC and heat, so you can adjust your room to meet your needs.  Enclosed public spaces such as the dining room are air conditioned or heated as the weather requires.

How big are the beds?

Cabins offer two twin beds or one double bed, depending upon the ship you sail on and the cabin you reserve.  You can find the cabin descriptions, including bed types, under each ship listed on our website. To see the cabin and bed arrangements, first find the ship you’ll be cruising on, and the click on the cabin decks (upper, middle or main).

What size are the cabins?

Room size depends on the ship and the type of room.  All rooms have the equivalent of double beds and an armoire and chest of drawers, desk, chair, lighting, night stands and private bathroom with shower. Check the ‘ships’ area of our website for the deck plan of your ship and cabins.
Fixed or sliding windows in each cabin offer a panoramic view of the scenery.

How many people are assigned to a cabin?

Cabins can accommodate two people.  Some cabins can accommodate up to three people, depending on the ship.  If you are travelling alone you will be required to pay the single supplement.  Ask an agent for more details about your needs when reserving.

What items are included in my cabin?

Each cabin is equipped with satellite television (remote controls are at the reception desk), a radio, a hairdryer and a safe for your valuables.  For your personal comfort, all cabins are equipped with a shower, toilet and sink, and provided with towels, but not washcloths.

I have a physical disability.  Do you provide appropriate accommodations?

Croisieurope River Cruises  welcomes disabled guests but wishes all guests to understand that challenges will exist on board and during shore excursions. Some ships have elevators and some do not; some ships have split-level decks and/or significant thresholds that could make movement difficult . Shore excursions may require movement over cobblestones or up and down stairs; accordingly, a physically challenged guest will require the services of a responsible adult since crew availability is severely limited in most circumstances.

We offer cabins equipped for people with mobility issues.  Our three-deck ships have elevators for accessibility between decks, as well as dining, lounging and restroom accommodations that meet code for those with disabilities.

Please talk to one of our agents about your specific needs, so that we find the best vessel and solution for you.

Where can I relax on board other than inside my own cabin?

The lounge, bar, and library are all comfortable and tastefully decorated, and are good places to spend time socializing indoors with friends or family, or quietly on your own.  The lounge is panoramic and is located at the front of the ship (on the upper deck for 2-deck ships and on the middle deck on 3-deck ships).

The sun deck is a great place to relax outdoors and enjoy the weather.  It offers recliners and deck chairs for your comfort.

Does the ship offer laundry facilities?

No, we do not have laundry facilities on board.

Do you offer entertainment on board?

We offer various pre-dinner games, dinner-dances and other lively evenings in our lounge, which is advantageously placed at the bow of the ship with a panoramic view.  Events will vary from cruise to cruise; your cruise host or hostess will be happy to give you more information about the entertainment once you are on-board.

We also offer on board programmes to enhance your understanding of your destinations, including lectures, demonstrations and theme dinners with regional specialities. Depending on your itinerary, a folkloric group or local musicians may come aboard, or other activities may be hosted by your host. On itineraries where your ship stays in port during the evenings or overnight, you may choose to enjoy a show, a local drink, or dinner ashore on your own.

Your private cabin is also equipped with satellite TV and radio.