CroisiEurope · Paddle Wheel

MS Loire Princesse

MS Loire Princesse is a 96-passenger Paddle Wheel river cruise vessel operated by CroisiEurope. Launched in 2015, she measures approximately 90 metres in length and offers 48 staterooms and suites across 3 passenger decks. MS Loire Princesse primarily sails the Loire, with seasonal repositioning to additional waterways.

Launched2015
Guests96
Cabins48
Decks3
Length90 m

About MS Loire Princesse

MS Loire Princesse belongs to CroisiEurope's Paddle Wheel series and entered service in 2015. Built to navigate the lock systems and bridge clearances of European waterways, she measures roughly 90 metres in length and accommodates up to 96 guests in 48 staterooms across 3 passenger decks.

Founded by the Schmitter family in Strasbourg in 1976, CroisiEurope operates the largest river fleet in Europe and is one of the few lines purpose-built for the Loire, the Elbe, the Gironde estuary and the Guadalquivir. Its paddle-wheel ships and shallow-draft vessels open up rivers that mainstream operators cannot reach. MS Loire Princesse reflects that brand DNA — from the design of her public spaces to the inclusions in her base fare.

The ship's typical home waters are the Loire, where she runs 2 distinct itineraries during the operating season. Repositioning sailings, themed wine cruises and Christmas-market voyages may be added in autumn and early winter.

Background reading: our long-form explainer of the CroisiEurope fleet philosophy covers the design choices that distinguish Paddle Wheel ships from the rest of the European fleet.

Cabin categories

The following stateroom and suite categories are offered onboard. Square-foot figures are quoted from the operator's published deck plans and exclude balcony floor space.

CategorySquare feetDeckWindow / viewMax guests
Lower Deck Cabin 110 sq ft Main Deck Fixed window 2
Upper Deck Cabin 130 sq ft Upper Deck French balcony 2

Deck plan

MS Loire Princesse is laid out across 3 passenger decks plus the open-air sun deck. Public spaces, cabins and crew areas are arranged in the configuration described below.

Sun Deck
Open-air sun deck with putting green, walking track, herb garden and shaded lounge.
Upper Deck
Most premium staterooms and suites, plus the panorama lounge and library.
Middle Deck
Mid-tier staterooms with French balconies and the main restaurant.
Main Deck
Standard staterooms with fixed windows, the reception, the gift shop and the spa.
For cabin-selection strategy across this class, see our deck-by-deck guide to choosing a cabin on a Paddle Wheel-style vessel.

Onboard amenities

  • Sun deck with shaded lounge area
  • Panoramic lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Main restaurant serving open-seating regional cuisine
  • Casual bistro for breakfast, lunch and late-night snacks
  • Reception with 24-hour staff and concierge service
  • Lift between most passenger decks
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Hair salon and small fitness room

Featured itineraries

The voyages below are representative of those MS Loire Princesse sails during her primary season. Exact ports, departure dates and durations vary by year — consult the operator for current schedules.

ItineraryLengthSample portsRegion
Loire Châteaux Cruise 6 nights Nantes · Bouchemaine · Saumur · Ancenis · Bouchemaine · Nantes Loire
Royal Loire & Châteaux 6 nights Nantes · Saumur · Angers · Bouchemaine · Nantes Loire
Planning notes: our pre-departure logistics guide for Loire river cruises covers visa requirements, port-of-embarkation transfers and pre-cruise hotel options.

Sister ships in the CroisiEurope fleet