- Viking launches new ship, Viking Gyda, on Portugal’s Douro River.
- Douro River cruising is growing, with capacity increasing by 14% in 2024.
- New ships, new itineraries and an extended season offer more choices for cruisers.
Its name translates to ‘River of Gold’ and the Douro River has been experiencing its own gold rush in recent years. River cruising in Portugal is booming. Viking has just announced the delivery of its newest custom-built ship on the Douro, Viking Gyda, bringing their Portuguese fleet to five.
The first commercial cruises began plying the waterway in the mid-2000s and now more than 20 lines make the loop from Porto to Vega de Terrón. Viking and CroisiEurope account for 35% of all travellers on the Douro, thanks to their large fleets of five and six ships respectively.
According to the European River Cruise Report by Cruise Industry News, capacity on the Douro was up 14% in 2024. Most lines are boosting their capacity for the coming seasons, launching new ships, adding new itineraries or extending the season into the winter months of November and December.
So what makes the Douro so special?
Though it’s becoming more popular by the day, the Douro is still blissfully uncrowded when compared to the rivers of Central Europe. Travellers love the warm culture, glorious weather, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food and wine.
This compact river winds through an ancient wine region, where you can sip port in its birthplace and visit quintas (wine estates) that have been family-owned for generations. Expect more active excursions, like hiking, cycling and kayaking.
Douro River ships tend to be smaller than others in Europe, with most carrying around 100 passengers and some up to 138. All are custom-built for this river, taking into account its twists and turns, smaller ports, and 300 days of sunshine each year. Expect breezy balconies, expanded outdoor spaces, al fresco dining options and that all-important swimming pool.
A local law stipulates that the majority of the crew must be Portuguese, creating a more authentic atmosphere on board and immersing you in the culture at every step.
All lines follow a similar itinerary, with a few spending longer on the river. Departing from Porto, on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal, cruise inland towards Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border. Take an excursion into Spain and the city of Salamanca, before turning around and cruising back to the coast. Many also include a land component, starting in Lisbon or extending on to Madrid.
Which lines sail the Douro?
Viking
Ships: Viking Gyda, Viking Helgrim, Viking Hemming, Viking Osfrid, Viking Torgil
Why Viking? One of the biggest names in river cruising, Viking is renowned for their signature longships. With sleek Scandinavian styling, a patented corridor layout that allows for larger staterooms, open air swimming pools and the outdoor Aquavit Terrace at the bow, their 106-passenger vessels are idea for sailing the Douro. In line with its luxurious yet relaxed approach, fares are all-inclusive, there are no formal nights and no children under 18. Their newest ship, Viking Gyda, launched in September and will be sailing the Douro until December.
Itineraries: Portugal’s River of Gold, 10 days, Lisbon to Porto.
Scenic
Ships: Scenic Azure
Why Scenic? With just 96 guests and an almost 1 to 2 crew to guest ratio, expect impeccable service and plenty of luxuries on board Scenic Azure. Scenic is one of the few lines that includes all beverages, all day in its fares, so you can sample plenty of local wines and, of course, port. Every suite enjoys butler service, with the expert team on hand for everything morning coffee to after-dinner nightcaps. Up to five dining options, a swimming pool, soothing Salt Therapy Lounge and exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences put this Douro River cruise on another level.
Itineraries: Unforgettable Douro, 11 days, Porto to Porto. Delightful Douro, 10 days, Porto to Porto.
AmaWaterways
Ships: AmaDouro, AmaVida, AmaSintra
Why AmaWaterways? Sailing in Portugal since 2013, AmaWaterways launched their third Douro ship in 2025. This upscale cruise line promises a personalised experience, exceptional service, award-winning dining, and a focus on wellness with daily fitness classes, gym and swimming pool. Your fare includes all dining, select wine and beer with lunch and dinner, sparkling wine with breakfast, and a choice of up to eight shore excursions each day. All three ships carry 102 passengers, and most suites have outside or French balconies, with just a handful of budget-friendly cabins on the lower deck featuring panoramic windows.
Itineraries: Enticing Douro, 8 days, Porto to Porto. Flavours of Portugal and Spain, 8 days, Porto to Vega de Terrón.
Avalon Waterways
Ships: Avalon Alegria
Why Avalon Waterways? Wake up to a new view of the Douro every day from a Panorama Suite on board Avalon Alegria. Avalon Waterways has the widest opening windows in river cruising, with wall to wall and floor to ceiling glass. These signature suites are also 30% larger than the industry standard. Carrying 102 passengers, Avalon Alegria has two full decks of Panorama Suites plus a swimming pool, two restaurants and the cosy Club Lounge. On clear nights, the Sun Deck transforms into the Sky Grill for a memorable meal under the stars.
Itineraries: Vida Portugal – Vineyards and Villages Along the Douro, 8 days, Porto to Porto.
Tauck
Ships: ms Andorinha
Why Tauck? Though it’s around the same size as most other ships on the Douro, the spacious ms Andorinha carries just 84 passengers. Enjoy the sense of space in cabins and public areas, which include the unique ‘pop up’ Arthur’s restaurant, that is raised to the Sun Deck via hydraulic lift. Your fare includes all dining, all-day drinks, all shore excursions, Wi-Fi-, gala dinners onshore, gratuities and more. Tauck is also one of the few river cruise lines that is truly family-friendly, welcoming multigenerational travellers on specific departures that include tailored excursions like active bike rides and family-themed walking tours. A new Tauck ship is set to launch on the Douro in 2027.
Itineraries: Douro Discovery – A Family River Cruise in Portugal plus Madrid, 10 days, Madrid to Salamanca.
CroisiEurope
Ships: MS Amalia Rodrigues, MS Gil Eanes, MS Infante Don Henrique, MS Fernao de Magalhaes, MS Miguel Torga
Why CroisiEurope? A Douro expert, CroisiEurope has six ships sailing this popular route – more than any other cruise line. It also carries more people, with each ship taking between 131 and 138 passengers. Expect French to be the primary language spoken on board, though English is also used, and a wide variety of guests from around the world. Fares include drinks with meals as well as an open bar, though shore excursions do come at an additional cost. It’s also one of the few lines that encourages families, with experiences to delight all ages.
Itineraries: Porto, the Douro Valley and Salamanca, 6 days, Porto to Porto. From Portugal to Spain, 8 days, Porto to Porto. Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley, 8 days, Lisbon to Porto. Cruise and Hikes in the Douro Valley, 8 days, Porto to Porto. Port and the Douro Valley, 6 days, Porto to Porto. Discover Lisbon, Porto and the Douro Valley, 8 days, Lisbon to Porto.
APT
Ships: MS Estrela
Why APT? Carrying 116 passengers, APT’s MS Estrela has one of the highest capacities on the Douro, but you’ll never feel crowded. Its sleek, cappuccino-coloured exterior sets it apart from most other ships in port. Owned and operated by an Australian company, there are many features that local cruisers will appreciate, like rooftop barbecues and a Byron Bay-inspired sun deck with an oversized swimming pool. Everything is included, from meals to all-day drinks and lively entertainment, plus exclusive experiences like an evening performance in the Palacio da Bolsa. APT will launch a second ship on the Douro in 2028.
Itineraries: Douro Delights, 9 days, Porto to Madrid.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Ships: S.S. São Gabriel
Why Uniworld? Famous for creating elaborately decorated ships that are inspired by their destination, Uniworld’s S.S. São Gabriel does not disappoint. The ship embodies the essence of the Douro, with traditional azulejos tilework, polished wood and a sunny colour palette. It carries 98 passengers in a mix of riverview and balcony cabins, including a full deck of luxurious suites. This luxurious line promises an all-inclusive fare, covering all dining, all-day drinks, excursions, Wi-Fi, airport transfers and butler service for suite guests.
Itineraries: Douro River Valley, 8 days, Porto to Porto. ortugal, Spain and the Douro River Valley, 11 days, Porto to Lisbon.
Emerald Cruises
Ships: Emerald Radiance
Why Emerald Cruises? This elegant and upscale line operates one of its award-winning Star-Ships on the Douro, the 112-passenger Emerald Radiance. There’s a mix of riverview staterooms and suites with French or full balconies, and the line’s signature swimming pool that transforms into an open-air cinema at nights. Fares include all meals, drinks with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and most shore excursions.
Itineraries: Secrets of the Douro, 8 days, Porto to Porto.
Saga
Ships: Douro Serenity
Why Saga? This British cruise line caters exclusively to the over 50s market, creating a welcoming on board community with engaging social activities, carefully curated excursions and thoughtful service. Fares include extras like chauffeur port transfers within the UK and travel insurance, though some shore excursions and alcoholic drinks outside of mealtimes come at an additional charge. Saga is very popular with solo travellers and often has special deals that waive the single supplement.
Itineraries: Douro Explorer, 8 days, Porto to Porto. Lisbon and the Heart of the Douro, 11 days, Lisbon to Porto.
