CroisiEurope

Shorter Sailings: Not everyone can settle in for a 10-day sailing, so the line's four- and five-day cruises are perfect for those who want a quick intro to a destination without having to worry about requesting extra time off work.

Lots of Options: There are many ways to tailor your cruise: You can choose a barge, a river vessel, or an ocean-going ship — which offer a variety of comfort levels (and price points). And if you’ve already navigated the Danube and the Rhine, CroisiEurope sails lesser known rivers, such as the Elbe in Germany; the Loire in France; and the Guadalquivir and Guadiana in Spain and Portugal.

Designer-Chic Rooms: The line's newer ships, such as the 96-passenger MS Loire Princesse and the 104-passenger MS Camargue, are decked out in designer wares thanks to CroisiEurope's exclusive partnership with Italian label Missoni Home — so expect colorful linens with signature zigzags.

Serious Value: Fares won't break the bank here like they will on some other river cruise lines — and still include tons of amenities: Wi-Fi, shore excursions, port taxes, all onboard meals, and an open bar (including wine and beer with lunch and dinner and house liquor). For an extra sweet deal, you can book far in advance or at the start or the end of a season.

Michelin-Star Cuisine: Chefs have trained with Alain Bohn (a member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France), serving three-course French fare for lunch and dinner that lives up to haute restaurant standards. You can expect impressively presented foie gras and roast rack of lamb accompanied by glasses of white and red wine. Desserts could include ile flottante and crepes suzette, as well as some specialties inspired by your itinerary.

Families: The family-owned company is one of the few that warmly welcomes children on board, providing triples, kid-friendly menus, and family cruises in Spain, Portugal, and Italy during summer.

First-Time River Cruisers: With its varying itinerary lengths and attractive prices, these cruises are perfect for travelers hesitant about trading large ocean liners for a more intimate ride on Europe's rivers.

Francophiles: If you have an international mindset, you’ll enjoy the company on this cruise. Most of the passengers hail from France and elsewhere in Europe, and are happy to help you brush up your language skills.

Suites Are Limited: Ships are on the smaller side, accommodating fewer than 150 passengers end only some vessels have suites — which are spacious but lacking in luxurious amenities. Older ships don’t have French balconies (only portholes and picture windows).

One Menu: Unlike other ships, where you can order your appetizer, entree, and dessert from a menu, here, there’s only one choice for the three-course lunches and dinners. If you don’t care for what’s going to be served or have dietary restrictions, you can request an alternative (the sooner, the better).

English-Speakers Are A Minority: Each of the ships have their own way of accommodating English speakers, who, with some exceptions, will be fewer in number than the Europeans. Some ships hire private guides for the smaller group; on other ships, anglophones join a larger group, where announcements are made in two languages. At times, you’ll feel as if you’re a privileged few. Other times, you may feel overlooked (some of the activities, such as onboard lectures, aren’t translated into English).