Champagne flutes clink and laughter dances through the crisp Parisian air as the Eiffel Tower watches over us nearby. Along the Quai de Grenelle, three generations of the Schmitter family mingle with guests, swapping stories of their Alsatian roots as if welcoming old friends into their home.

The Schmitters are the founders of CroisiEurope and its beating heart, still hands-on owners after five decades at the helm. On 15 March 2026, a rare thrill buzzed through the crowd.

This wasn’t just another ship launch, but a sparkling moment in travel history. I, too, was swept up in the excited hum of guests, the warm embrace of the Schmitter family and the infectious energy of the crew, all gathered for the christening of the very first paddle-wheel cruise ship in France, the MS RE Waydelich LJ.

This wasn’t a corporate event. It was a jubilant birthday bash marking 50 years of CroisiEurope’s adventurous spirit, close-knit family warmth and a bold new chapter for French river cruising.

Today, CroisiEurope’s journey is led by Christian Schmitter and the third generation.

“We are cruise artisans,” he says with a conspiratorial twinkle in his eye, as if letting you in on a cherished family secret.

That philosophy – genuine, personal and hands-on – flows through every corner of their 55-ship fleet, each vessel a floating invitation to experience travel that feels tailor-made and warmly human.

The star of the show, MS RE Waydelich LJ, shimmered at its mooring. It isn’t just a vessel, but a ticket to the extraordinary.

Its innovative paddle-wheel system and record-breaking 90-centimeter draft let it slip into secret stretches of the Seine that other ships can only dream of reaching.

Imagine discovering hidden towns, sipping local wine with new friends and watching jaw-dropping views unfold just for you. Onboard, there’s an irresistible sense of community and ease, with a maximum of 81 guests swapping stories in the lively lounge bar and dining in elegant comfort.

Boarding feels like being handed a golden key to France’s best-kept secrets, with every moment promising new friends, laughter and adventure.

Unique paddle-wheel river cruising

But the real magic began after the celebrations. As one of the lucky guests on the inaugural five-day cruise, I quickly realized this wasn’t just another journey along the Seine.

Having sailed previously with CroisiEurope’s MS Renoir, I expected a wonderful trip, but the MS RE Waydelich LJ delivered an experience so unique and full of delightful surprises that every day felt like the start of a new adventure.

The journey kicked off with quintessential Parisian zest. Picture a sunlit stroll through the Île de la Cité, soaking up the majesty of Notre-Dame Cathedral and graceful bridges arching over the Seine.

The afternoon was pure joy – a whirlwind ride in a legendary Citroën 2CV convertible. With the top down and champagne bubbles rising, I zipped through Paris’s winding streets, laughter bubbling as my driver-guide spun cheeky city tales.

We paused for snapshots at the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Trocadéro, gliding through chic quarters and feeling, for a moment, like movie stars in a retro French caper.

If you crave adventure laced with vintage glamour, this is Paris as you’ve never experienced it before. A city-lights night cruise sweetened the evening as we sailed onward to La Roche-Guyon.

By morning, the paddle-wheel ship was spinning its magic, carrying us to the storybook village of La Roche-Guyon – one of France’s most enchanting secrets. The medieval castle, perched dramatically atop a chalk cliff, beckoned us to explore troglodyte chambers, marvel at Rommel’s WWII casemates and stroll through kitchen gardens bursting with life.

We wandered tiny cobbled lanes, ducked into hidden cafes and stumbled upon artisan shops at every turn. This isn’t a place you’d ever reach on a regular cruise. It’s a hidden corner of France unlocked only by the Waydelich, making every guest feel like a true explorer.

No Seine journey is complete without a stop in Rouen, Normandy’s beating heart. Here, Gothic spires pierce the sky above bustling markets, and every street hums with centuries of stories.

Our expert guide led us through cobbled lanes, past Saint-Maclou Church and Monet’s beloved Cathédrale Notre-Dame, all the way to the legendary Old Market Square, where Joan of Arc’s courage echoed through history.

Rouen’s food scene is pure delight – think creamy Norman cheeses, fresh scallops, cider, Calvados and Pommeau, all served with infectious local pride. Every taste was a story and every bite a memory in the making.

With its UNESCO Creative City status and exuberant food festivals, Rouen is a feast for all the senses and a must for lovers of history and cuisine.

Our smooth overnight sailing from Rouen to Mantes-la-Jolie lulled us to sleep. The next day’s itinerary promised Versailles, but CroisiEurope delivered so much more.

Instead of the standard tour, we enjoyed coveted access to the King’s Private Apartments on an exclusive guided walk. As I wandered uncrowded marble corridors and ornate salons, I could almost hear the rustle of courtly gowns and the whispers of royal intrigue.

The gardens, alive with sculpture and fountains, were breathtaking. Our guides brought the past to life with infectious enthusiasm, making history feel intimate and real.

Thanks to our special access route, we savored moments of quiet awe – a privilege that made the experience truly unforgettable.

Reuniting with the ship in Poissy, we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon sail toward Paris from the spacious upper sundeck before a fancy, no-stops-spared gala dinner.

The art of slow travel

Every meal onboard was a celebration – French culinary artistry at its finest. The new CroisiEurope Executive Chef, Martial Diffor, has crafted menus bursting with local produce and regional wines, each course a love letter to France’s flavors.

The three-course lunches and five-course dinners were made even more magical by ever-changing Seine views and the attentive crew, whose warmth made every guest feel like family. Wine tastings, cheese platters, themed soirees and decadent pastries transformed each day into a sensory adventure.

As night fell, the ship echoed with laughter, music and the soft murmur of new friendships being made beneath the stars.

Here’s what sets the MS RE Waydelich LJ apart: it’s a true game-changer for river travel. Its unique design unlocks a secret map of France, making slow travel not just possible, but irresistible.

Every day is an invitation to savor life – the sights, the flavors, the friendships, the laughter.

The Schmitter family’s passion and warmth are woven into every moment. CroisiEurope isn’t just a cruise line – they’re pioneers, offering 170 tailor-made adventures worldwide and always daring to show you the France most visitors miss.

This cruise is so much more than a holiday – it’s a living tapestry of history, family, culinary delights and innovation. The French-designed and built MS RE Waydelich LJ, lovingly owned and operated by the Schmitter family, opens doors to treasures most travelers never find, placing you at the heart of authentic France.

Every meal, every excursion and every heartfelt smile from the crew reminds you that CroisiEurope is family-owned, deeply rooted in French hospitality and passionate about sharing joy. If you’re seeking a cruise that’s personal, unforgettable and alive with the spirit of French joie de vivre, this is it.

Step aboard and let your Seine story begin.