The European river cruise industry will experience a technological and touristic premiere in spring 2026 on one of France's most important waterways. The Strasbourg-based shipping company CroisiEurope has announced that it will deploy a paddlewheel-drive ship on the Seine for the first time, starting in March.
The RE Waydelich, a newbuild specifically designed for shallow waters, will use Paris as its central embarkation and disembarkation port to explore regions of the Seine often inaccessible to conventional cruise ships due to their size. With a capacity of just 81 passengers in 42 cabins, the company is targeting a market segment that values intimacy and unique nautical experiences. By combining traditional paddlewheel propulsion with modern jet propulsion, the ship achieves an extremely shallow draft, significantly enhancing maneuverability in the narrow passages of the upper Seine. The launch will be accompanied by four themed voyages, each focusing on historical and cultural themes, some of which will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the family-owned company.
Technical features of the RE Waydelich
The deployment of the RE Waydelich marks a strategic turning point in Croisi Europe's fleet planning for the French market. The vessel utilizes a propulsion technology originally developed for the Elbe and Oder rivers to ensure adherence to the timetable even during periods of low water. The distinctive paddle wheel at the stern is not merely a visual nod to the paddle steamer era, but a functional element of its propulsion. Combined with a modern jet drive, this design allows for precise steering, enabling the ship to access berths directly in historic city centers that are closed to larger vessels.
At less than 100 meters in length, the Waydelich is one of the smaller vessels on the Seine. This is a crucial advantage for the planned routes on the upper Seine, which are characterized by numerous locks and tight bends. The shallow draft ensures that the ship remains operational even during dry periods, without the need to resort to alternative means of transport for passengers. The ship's interior design prioritizes maximum comfort within the limited space, with all cabins offering exterior views to make the passing scenery of the Île-de-France and Normandy as truly special.
Development of the upper Seine and scenic gems
A centerpiece of the new program is the cruise entitled "Petits Bijoux des Bords de Seine" (Little Jewels of the Seine Riverbanks). This route stands out from standard programs, which mostly cover only the section between Paris and the Seine estuary. The Waydelich sails from Paris to destinations such as Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and Les Andelys. A special focus is placed on the diverse landscapes along the riverbanks, characterized by steep limestone cliffs and dense forests. An architectural highlight of this voyage is the Château Gaillard, the fortress ruin built by Richard the Lionheart, which towers above the Seine Valley.
The ship's maneuverability allows for visits to historic gardens and smaller riverside communities that have previously received little attention from organized river tourism. The route to Rouen combines the tranquility of nature with visits to historic cities, with the stopover in Rouen giving passengers the opportunity to explore the Gothic architecture and medieval old town in detail. The shipping company emphasizes that the slower pace of travel on the less busy sections of the upper Seine is a unique feature of these journeys.
A historical journey through time between Fontainebleau and the coast
The second themed route, L'histoire de France, Paris, Normandy, takes a decidedly more educational approach. It combines the maritime tradition of the Channel coast with the illustrious history of the French aristocracy. A striking difference from other providers is the journey beyond the city limits of Paris, heading south to Melun. From there, guests have the opportunity to visit the Château de Fontainebleau. The château, which served for centuries as a residence for French monarchs from Francis I to Napoleon III, is considered one of the most important examples of French court culture and interior decoration.
The second part of this journey follows the river downstream towards Normandy. Stops like Honfleur, with its historic harbor and narrow, slate-clad houses, illustrate the Seine's economic importance for medieval trade. The combination of the magnificent monuments inland and the rugged elegance of the Norman coastal towns aims to offer passengers a comprehensive insight into the development of the French nation along its most vital artery.
Anniversary trips and cultural highlights
To mark Croisi Europe's 50th anniversary, two special voyages have been designed that go beyond the purely tourist program and place a strong emphasis on French identity. The first anniversary voyage is dedicated to the tradition of chanson. Shore excursions in Rouen and along the coast are complemented by an evening onboard program that intertwines France's musical history with regional culinary specialties. The aim is to create a synergistic experience of culture and gastronomy that reflects the philosophy of this family-run company.
The second special cruise is dedicated entirely to Claude François, an icon of French pop music from the 1960s and 70s. This themed cruise is specifically aimed at fans of this era and incorporates themed evenings and shore excursions that connect to the artist's life and work. The route also includes Paris, Rouen, and Honfleur, with the musical theme structuring the journey. This type of specialization illustrates the trend in the river cruise industry to attract new target groups and strengthen relationships with existing customers through precisely tailored themed offerings.
Market positioning and economic importance
For Paris and the Normandy region, the deployment of the RE Waydelich represents a diversification of the tourist offerings. While large shipping companies often rely on vessels with high passenger capacity, CroisiEurope occupies a niche with this paddle steamer. The ability to use berths close to city centers is a logistical advantage that increases the attractiveness of the trips, as long transfer times to the sights are eliminated.
The economic significance of these new routes extends to the smaller ports along the Seine, which benefit from the purchasing power of cruise passengers. Since the ship carries only 81 passengers, the strain on local infrastructure remains minimal, while the value generated per guest is often higher than in mass tourism. For CroisiEurope itself, the expansion onto the Seine with this type of vessel represents a test run to determine whether paddlewheel technology can establish itself permanently on other Western European waterways with similar nautical challenges. Booking figures for the initial departures in March indicate strong interest in this form of travel, particularly among an audience that values technical originality and off-the-beaten-path itineraries.