Douro River is the new hot destination which has experienced a surge of interest from many river cruise lines heading to Portugal.

MS Estrela’ sun deck and pool

At least nine river cruise lines including Viking, AmaWaterways, Scenic, Emerald, Avalon, Uniworld, APT/Travelmarvel and CroisiEurope are now sailing the popular Douro River offering a mix of eight to 14-days itineraries.

What the new ship looks like

Come October, APT/Travelmarvel will debut a brand new ship, MS Estrela in Portugal.

The 120-guests, MS Estrela has been specially designed to sail on the Douro River which features a sun deck with one of the largest pools on the Douro, an outdoor bar with couches, chairs, tables and a golf putting green.

MS Estrela balcony suite

The ship’s main restaurant will serve a range of Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours for meals. Guests can also opt for a light meal in the lounge or dine alfresco on the exterior deck of the main lounge.

New itineraries

MS Estrela’s balcony suites will have the same design first introduced on Travelmarvel’s contemporary vessels that sail the Rhine and Danube with electric slide down windows that open to a French balcony. The owner’s suite is large measuring 23.2 sqm in size.

MS Estrela which is currently being built in Portugal, will host guests for both the APT and Travelmarvel brands with different itineraries and inclusions offered for each brand. The itineraries will explore Portugal’s unique culture, history cuisine and wine with guests able to dine at a local quinta, a traditional Portuguese winery and learn about the how fortified-wine such as port is made.

Portugal’s Douro Valley

“When she glides into Portugal, we will see a glorious ship designed with a nod to the landscapes of the Douro Valley and a contemporary Southern European ambience,” said APT’s CEO David Cox.

Portugal’s stepped vineyards

APT will offer a 14-days Douro Delights sailing from Lisbon to Madrid from September to October while Travelmarvel Douro Discovery has an 8-day sailing from Porto return from August to October 2024.

For more information call APT on 1300 336 932, click here or see your preferred travel agent.