Q – We have been doing our homework online and found a compelling program offered by a company called Crosi. We’ve always wanted to do southern Africa, particularly Botswana, by river boat and this could meet our needs. What do you think about this line? They are not rate don your cruisetruth and we wonder why. Is there a better alternative we should be looking at?
A – CrosiEurope is a French company and, with 43 boats, they are the largest operator in Europe. They are considered three or four -star products with better than average French food and French crews. Guests are primarily French but Crosi’s low rates do attract travelers from a great many countries. Decor is not the line’s strength and standard cabins are notorious for having smallish showers. But for real travelers willing to put up with inconveniences, CrosiEurope is a viable alternative. We limit our reviews to the top-tier lines that cater primarily to the American market. That is why they are not listed.
The line has announced they will the southern Africa market with two new boats, each scheduled to carry just 16 guests. Sailings will begin in late 2017 with seven-night programs on the Zambezi and Chobe rivers centering on Botswana.
We think you should look seriously at the highly-regarded programs in southern Africa offered by AMA Waterways. Their excellent itineraries including safari camp experiences and time in Cape Town with 3-5 day cruises on the lovely “Z-Queen”. We continue to think that AMA’s program is one of the best and most affordable ways to experience a safari in Africa along with a cruise on a rather fascinating river along with “only here” game viewing right from the boat.
If it appears we have taken a side here that is only because we have. Let’s give CrosiEurope a few years in Africa to evaluate the product and the new boats. In the meantime, we think AMA is the safer and more reliable option.
