​       LOCKED AT THE LOCK ON A CROISI EUROPE CRUISE OF THE RHINE
 
Captaining a river cruising vessel is not always plain sailing as the unpredictable can be just around the bend and can create a dilemma for captain, crew and passengers. Having the expertise to turn a chance problem into a positive is essential.
 
The reliable operation of the locks is imperative when river cruising.
 
It was all smooth sailing from Basel on the nine night cruise on CroisiEurope’s M.S.Douce France, the 110 metre 106 passenger vessel cruising to Amsterdam.
Ten nautical miles from Strasbourg the cruise was stalled at the fourth of the 13 locks between Basel and Amsterdam. A large log had jammed in the operating system making it inoperable. There was also six vessels in front of us. What is Captain Rifath’s contingency plan with a full compliment of passengers and the ship is stuck at the lock and a tour of Strasbourg is imminent? Simple, bus the cruisers into town to enjoy the magnificent historic sights of this extraordinary city and pick them up at the Croisi Europe Marina in Strasbourg. Smart thinking Captain
On this cruise the staff without exception were outstanding and professional, always bright and chatty and nothing was too difficult. Purser, Jose and his very energetic offsider, Aurelia (nicknamed Unreal) were excellent in their unique ways. The food exceled as you’d expect on a French-owned cruise line, staffed by French chefs and top French and German wines aboard. Our Head Chef Noma did a sterling job creating some of the most tasty, varied and well-presented delicacies on the planet.
CroisiEurope packages include all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with meals and at the bar (except top shelf), on board activities, headsets on excursions and free Wi-Fi.
“The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River Cruise” encompassed the towns and cities of Basel – Breisach,- Colmar - Strasbourg - Mainz - Koblenz - Cologne – Düsseldorf and Amsterdam.
This relaxing journey is rich in history, visiting famous castles, churches plus monuments and this gentle cruising mood envelopes you as you cruise the 353 nautical mile (653 k’s) on one of the world’s great rivers.
CoisiEurope is a family-owned and operated company established in 1976 by the Schmitter family with members currently working different aspects of the operation with an accent on excellence. The company is not well known in Australia but is one of the largest river cruising operators in the world and is very price competitive.

The 56 strong fleet is rated four-star and cruises the canals and rivers of France and Europe, Asia, Russia, Southern Africa and North and South America.

Rhine River Cruises operate between April and October.
 
For the latest cruising specials
https://www.croisieurope.travel/en/destination/discount-cruises-special-offers
+33(0) 388762199

Written by John Savage
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Mature Traveller and Australian Cruise Magazine have experienced several CroisiEurope Cruises and can highly recommend you contact them or your licensed travel agent for more details.

Our Captain with Aurelia and Chef Noma