Custom-built and brand new, APT Travel Group’s MS Estrela will begin operations next month in Portugal.
The Australian-owned ship’s maiden voyage on August 29 and will take in sights along The Douro River on Travelmarvel’s 7-night Douro Discovery sailing along Portugal’s wine country, taking in port calls at Regua, Pinhao, and Porto, to name a few. You can also add a land tour option to Madrid and Lisbon, extending the trip to 14 days.
MS Estrela will cruise under both APT and Travelmarvel itineraries, and its first APT sailing is slated for 5 September 2024.
According to APT, “Douro Valley is becoming increasingly popular with Australians, and we are thrilled to enhance our offerings in this beautiful region. Our sales figures reflect this growing interest significantly,” they told Cruise Passenger.
David Cox, CEO of APT Travel Group, explains the popularity behind the stunning Douro region.
“The Douro Valley is quickly becoming a favourite destination for Australian travellers due to its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional culinary experiences.
“We know Australians have a deep appreciation for authentic travel experiences, and the Douro offers just that, with its historic towns, world-class vineyards, and abundance of traditional activities on offer.”
“The MS Estrela is designed to provide the ultimate in luxury and comfort, ensuring our guests enjoy panoramic views and personalised service as they cruise through one of the most beautiful regions in Europe. With the increasing ease of travel to Portugal, now is the perfect time for Australians to explore the Douro River” Cox added.
Guest Rooms
The MS Estrela is said to have been purpose-built to offer unparalleled comfort and style, including state-of-the-art luxurious 60 cabins for its 114 passengers. There are three categories available, including Window Staterooms, French Balcony Suites, and Owner Suites.
The French Balcony suites will feature an electric slide-down window, allowing guests to truly take in the luxurious Portugal countryside, from the comfort of their rooms.
Each stateroom will include an en-suite bathroom, climate control, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary WI-FI for guests to stay connected.
Onboard Experience
Beyond the bedrooms, life on board the brand-new ship will seamlessly flow from countryside to shipside, with ample natural light and interiors designed with a distinctly Southern European ambiance.
Outdoor social spaces include a stunning Sun Deck offering 360-degree views, and from there you can enjoy a dip in the large swimming pool. For those more active guests, they can try their hand at golf on the deck’s putting green. There will also be an outdoor bar, to take advantage of those sip and sail afternoons.
Onboard entertainment includes Portuguese folk music and an informative history lesson.
Dining
APT Travel Group’s river cruises are renowned for their delicious array of culinary delights and MS Estrela is no different.
Guests will savour delicacies reflecting traditions of the Iberian Peninsula from breakfast, to a la carte lunches and dinners using local produce.
Itineraries on offer
Guests can choose from a variety of itineraries to sail onboard MS Estrela including 9-days on the Douro Delights tour between Porto and Madrid, 14-days on its Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid (see map above) and a 24-day Spain and Portugal Delights with a Douro River Cruise.
What’s next on the horizion
No further updates are available on the APT Solara and APT Ostara, the group’s other two brand-new ships in the series to be launched. Both feature state-of-the-art design and amenities crafted by the internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based design team, Hecker Guthrie.
These ships will offer six food and beverage venues—the most on any European river ship—designed by Sydney-based Fellow Hospitality. Additionally, they will feature a world-first innovation in river cruising: The Gruner Bar and Dining, a hydraulically lifted venue offering 360-degree views once raised.
