ms La Belle de l'Adriatique

The 2007-built (as "Silver Discoverer") MS La Belle de l'Adriatique cruise ship is a 200-passenger seagoing vessel purpose-built for Mediterranean coastal voyages.

The vessel (IMO number 9432799) is currently Belgium-flagged (MMSI 205481000) and registered in Brussels.

In 2020, the shipowner CroisiEurope (one of Europe's largest river cruise companies) added to its "sea/ocean fleet" a second vessel - La Belle des Oceans. Purchased in May 2019 from SunStone Ships Inc, the previously chartered by Silversea (as "Silver Discoverer") ship joined CroisiEurope's fleet in December 2019 as currently the only fleetmate of La Belle de l'Adriatique.

The French travel brand CroisiEurope is family-owned and the company is based in Strasbourg France. Established in 1976, this premium cruise line operates all aspects of its cruisetours - from the vessel building (design and construction) to onboard programs, cuisine, hotel services, crew.

CroisiEurope deals are inclusive of soft drinks and alcohol (wine and beer with lunch and dinner (year-round). The line offers deals inclusive of unlimited drinks during Europe's high-season (April through October) each year. However, unlike most river cruise shipping companies, CroisiEurope charges its guests additionally for shore excursions.

The ship's last drydock refurbishment was in 2023 (January 10-25), conducted in Egypt at Port Said Shipyard. Drydocking works included minor repairs, vessel classification and routine maintenance works (steel, pipping, outfitting). The hull was sand blasted/cleaned and repainted, as well as the anchor/chains. The bow thrusters were also repaired. Sundeck areas were polished and repainted. Some cabins received new Porthole windows. The ship was also fitted with a new echo sounder.

Decks and Cabins

MS La Belle de l'Adriatique has a total of 99 staterooms (in 6 grades) all of which are oceanview and include 1x single-occupancy and 1x handicap cabin (for disabled passengers). Most cabins are double, with twin beds convertible to Queen-size double beds.

There are 26 cabins on the upper deck with adjustable twin beds, a smaller cabin with a double bed, 1 single cabin and 1 accessible cabin (with double / queen bed). Upper and Lobby decks' staterooms are with large windows, while the two lower decks' cabins are with round-shaped porthole windows (non-opening).

The ship has no suites or cabins with step-out balconies. All staterooms are fitted with LCDTV, electronic safe box (in the closet), alarm clock/radio, en suite bathrooms (WC-toilet, shower cubicle, washbasin, hairdryer, toiletries).

The boat has 5 passenger decks, of which 4 are with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The ship features a cozy atmosphere with an outdoor terrace and a small lounge on the upper deck.

The Main Lounge (forward on Reception Deck) is panoramic, with large windows, Bar, a dance floor, comfortable furniture (couches and clusters of armchairs set around the tables). A large HDTV (next to the Lounge's entrance) is used also for screening the ship's daily scheduled program (events, excursions, itinerary info), as well as lunch and dinner menus. Passengers can watch TV on request. Toward the Lounge's front is the Bar where all drinks are served with snacks. There is also a daily complimentary cocktail. The bartenders serve complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day. The Lounge stays open until midnight.

Reception Deck (aka Lobby Deck) also houses the Lobby Hall (with two ship entrances), Gift Shop, Library, Nursery.

The Restaurant (aft on Main Deck) is the ship's only dining venue, with all meals served at one sitting. Breakfast is served between 7:30-9 am, and sometimes from 7 am (depending on the current itinerary). Lunch is at 12-noon, while dinner is at 7:30 pm. The cuisine is traditionally French, but also reflecting the unique cuisine of the visited regions/countries, and international dishes are also available. Complimentary beverages (beer, wine by the glass, fruit juices, coffee and water) are served with all meals. Each cruise features a Gala Dinner held at the Restaurant.

Aft on Upper Deck there is an outdoor Lounge (roof-covered terrace with seating). Forward on Upper Deck is the Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse.

One elevator (passenger lift) interconnects all decks. Wi-Fi is available throughout for a fee.

The Sundeck (top deck) is a spacious outdoor area for relaxation and sunbathing, fitted with loungers, deckchairs and shaded seating (tables and chairs). Umbrellas are provided upon request. The Sundeck is served by its own Bar and is the ship's only space where smoking is permitted, and it's allowed along the entire deck. No deck games are available. Aft on Sundeck is the swimming pool (not heated, used only during summer) and also two Jacuzzies (outdoor whirlpool hot tubs).

Itineraries

MS La Belle de l'Adriatique's itinerary program is largely based on Mediterranean/Adriatic Sea voyages in Croatia (along Dalmatian Coast).

Next tables shows the 7-day "Croatia and Montenegro" itinerary roundtrip from homeport Dubrovnik.

From homeport Piraeus is offered the roundtrip 7-day "The Mysterious Cyclades and Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea" itinerary with prices from EUR 1545 (USD 1780) pp.

Following the Coronavirus crisis, CroisiEurope scheduled a winter season in Arabia with the ship deployed in the Red Sea region for 2021-2022 (November thru March) to operate the 8-day "Treasures on the Red Sea" itinerary roundtrip from Hurghada (homeport).

Early booking prices started from EUR 2715 (USD 3135) per person with double occupancy.

CroisiEurope's La Belle de l'Adriatique cruises from Egypt were via partnership with the Rhapsody Shipping Agency (Port Alexandria-based).

Following the drydock in 2023 (January). the boat resumed operations on Jan 28st. The Red Sea deployment was based on roundtrips from Sharm El Sheik and 7-night voyages visiting the ports in Egypt and Jordan. In March 2023, La Belle de l'Adriatique was redeployed in Europe-Mediterranean. The summer Eastern Mediterranean program was based on homeporting in Port Gruz (Dubrovnik, Croatia) and 7-day roundtrip itineraries visiting ports in Greece (also the islands Corfu and Cyprus), and the Adriatic (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania).