CroisiEurope's river cruise ship MS Botticelli has returned to service on the Seine, only weeks after a fire in Honfleur prompted the evacuation of everyone aboard.
The operator announced that the ship had welcomed passengers back and resumed its cruises following repairs. The return restores Botticelli to CroisiEurope's programme of voyages linking Paris with destinations in Normandy.
What happened aboard MS Botticelli?
The fire broke out at approximately 4am on 29 June 2026 while the vessel was moored in Honfleur, France.
Emergency procedures were activated and all 163 people aboard—132 passengers and 31 crew members—were evacuated. CroisiEurope and local officials reported that nobody was injured.
Passengers were initially received at a community hall made available by the municipality before being accommodated elsewhere in Honfleur. Local authorities provided water, meals and logistical assistance while CroisiEurope arranged for affected guests to return home.
Firefighters from across the Calvados area were deployed to the port to bring the blaze under control. Contemporary reports put the number involved at between more than 70 and almost 90 emergency responders.
Reports indicated that the fire originated in a service area associated with the ship's catering operation. Deck 7 has not seen a subsequently published final investigation report establishing the precise cause.
CroisiEurope praises repair effort
In announcing the return, CroisiEurope highlighted the work undertaken by its teams to restore the ship in a short period.
The company said Botticelli resumed cruising just a few weeks after the fire. Its official website is again listing the vessel for Seine itineraries, including voyages between Paris, La Roche-Guyon, Honfleur, Rouen and Les Andelys.
The resumption marks an unusually rapid operational recovery following an incident that generated dramatic images of smoke and flames at the quayside. CroisiEurope has not publicly provided a detailed breakdown of the repairs or the cost of returning the vessel to service.
About MS Botticelli
Built in 2004 and renovated in 2016, MS Botticelli is a 110-metre river ship designed for cruising the Seine. CroisiEurope lists accommodation for up to 145 passengers across 73 cabins on two passenger decks.
Facilities include a restaurant with panoramic windows, a lounge and bar with a dance floor, and an open sun deck. The vessel's itineraries connect the French capital with Normandy destinations and attractions including Honfleur, Rouen, the Côte Fleurie and sites associated with the Normandy landings.
The return to service means the ship can resume the programme for which it was operating before the fire. Passengers holding future reservations should nevertheless confirm the named vessel and current arrangements on their individual booking documents, as river cruise assignments and schedules can change.
A safe evacuation with no reported injuries
The incident underlined the importance of emergency procedures aboard river vessels, particularly when passengers may be asleep. Despite the early-morning fire and the number of people involved, the evacuation was completed without any reported injury.
Honfleur's mayor praised the response of the crew and emergency services following the incident, while CroisiEurope thanked the local authorities and organisations that assisted passengers.
Sources and further information: CroisiEurope's return-to-service announcement and official MS Botticelli ship information and current programme