Inauguration of the newly renovated MS Symphonie in Strasbourg

The MS Symphonie was one of the first ships to join the fleet of CroisiEurope back in 1997.

Measuring 110 meters long and 10 meters wide, the ship has since sailed on the Rhine and on Double cabin of the CroisiEurope boat MS Symphoniethe Danube rivers. Its good and faithful service has been rewarded this year as it's been completely renovated and now displays a totally revamped interior – chic and very comfy. Moving upmarket was part of the challenge: the number of cabins has been revised downwards in order to offer larger rooms to our passengers. The lounge-bar as well as the restaurant and sun deck have also benefited from an incredible "face-lift". For those of us who were not directly involved into this renovation project, the unveiling was quite a surprise at the company's annual open day, last month in Strasbourg, France.

See for yourself how it's changed!

Highlights of the ceremony

The inauguration was held as a three-part event.

Our CEO Christian Schmitter welcomed the two new sponsors of the "MS Symphony II" under the sweet spring sun, to the sound of a joyful brass band. The lucky gentlemen had the honor of cutting the ribbon on the dock, opening the way – both emblematically and literally – to the ship for an opportune guided tour. The tour began with the cabins located on the upper deck: much more spacious and much brighter, they display a perfect combination of modernity and comfort. All of them offer a unique panorama while in navigation, thanks to their large bay windows. The lounge-bar, just like the rest of the ship, features a magnificent royal-blue color sprinkled here and there with a touch of gold. The contemporary furniture is purposely less colorful. Less is more…

It was precisely in this lounge-bar that the aperitif took place. The intimate atmosphere was warm and friendly.

Mr. Christian Schmitter spoke first, reflecting on the scope of the project. He particularly thanked all those who, through their joint efforts, were instrumental in achieving such a bluffing result. Then came the speeches of the “godfathers” – long-time friends of the family. To conclude, and before drinking to the longevity of the ship and the crew on board, Mrs. Catherine Trautmann, former mayor of Strasbourg, said a few words.

The Schmitter family and the guests of the inauguration

The dinner party, in a restaurant exceptionally set up for the occasion, completed this inauguration on a high note.

Our master chef Alain Bohn concocted the menu himself, bustling about in the kitchen, assuredly to the guests’ utmost delight. On the menu: poultry cream soup and gambas with tarragon followed by succulent scallops accompanied by a delicate Albertine sauce. The main dish, a delicious Rossini veal filet mignon and its truffle sauce preceded a no less delicious dessert, a tasty mango Alexandrin.

Dinner party aboard the CroisiEurope boat MS Symphonie   Dinner party aboard the CroisiEurope boat MS Symphonie 

A new start

The new Symphony will offer trans-European cruises (up to 13 days) along the most beautiful rivers, immersing you in the heart of Europe, allowing you to discover its cultural diversity, history and traditions. The ship will cross Holland, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.

We bet that the inherent programs, adapted to suit each season, will truly enchant you:

in April, explore the beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the lovely Keukenhof's gardens and the stunning scenery of the romantic Rhine Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); in May, get to grasp Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava’s special vibe, these sumptuous baroque capitals nestled within idyllic natural landscapes will definitely fill your head with great memories.