- Several new ships have been launched on the Douro River in the past few years.
- River cruisers are looking for alternative destinations.
- The Douro offers plenty for shore excursions and itineraries.
River cruise lines are scrambling to provide more itineraries for Portugal’s Douro River. Several new river cruise ships have launched in the past couple of years, and the competition for bookings is seeing an unprecedented rise. Why? Travellers are seeking the next hot new alternative to the overcrowded rivers of the rest of Europe. Here’s your Go-to-Guide for what’s on offer – from the cruise lines and their ships and itineraries, their highlights and the prices – everything you need to know to explore Europe’s newest hot spot… before the crowds descend.
AmaWaterways has most recently made headlines with the introduction of AmaSintra. 2025 also saw the introduction of TravelMarvel’s MS Estrela in April. These ships have joined the ranks of river cruise lines Tauck with the MS Andorinha and Riviera River Cruises’ MS Porto Mirante in 2024. While these are the lines that have met demand with new builds, several other river cruise lines have recognised the need for extra itineraries, increasing their offerings on the Douro in 2025. CroisiEurope, Uniworld, Emerald, and Scenic have all introduced more itineraries to the newly bustling tourism destination.
Portugal itself has much to offer for travellers seeking both river and land journeys that provide a European flavour, minus the over-saturated ports of Italy, France, Austria, and Germany. First up, let’s take a deep dive into everything Portugal has going for it and why you’ll love ticking this bucket list for your next river cruise.
What has Portugal got to offer?
While it’s obvious that cruisers are keen to escape the crowds of the rest of Europe’s waterways, the newest hot spots also have to offer other significant drawcards. Portugal ticks many boxes, not just for river cruising but for tourism in general. Here are a few of the top reasons why Portugal has taken the top spot as Europe’s new tourism destination for 2025.
Easy access to and from Spain:
The Douro River flows through both Portugal and Spain, offering opportunities to explore the historic city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The historical value of Portugal is world-renowned, with the Douro Valley listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region possesses ancient monasteries, castles, and charming villages, offering a major tourism drawcard.
The Port Wine is worth a mention on its own. The Douro is the birthplace of Port wine and draws travellers from across the globe purely for the tastings and wineries alone. This is a major attraction for many travellers who say a visit to Portugal must include a visit to the Port wine regions.
The Portuguese way of life is regarded by many as easy-going, warm, welcoming and well set up for tourism. Portugal is also a great gateway for the rest of Europe and offers easy access to most of the major ports of call for visitors to Europe.
When to go:
If you’re keen to avoid the peak season summer crowds, then the best time to visit the Douro Valley is during Portugal’s Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October) months. Vineyards are in full bloom in spring with wildflowers, while Autumn offers the vibrant foliage of fall and grape harvest. Summer temperatures can reach around thirty eight degrees meaning outdoor activities can be limited.
Additional Train journeys:
In addition to the beautiful Douro River, the entire Douro Valley also has much to offer. Many discerning travellers are choosing to combine their river trips with train travel in Portugal. This provides another way to enjoy the scenic views of the river and the local landscape.
Insider tips:
Local guides will tell you to make the local wine estates (Quintas) your priority and to plan your trip around this. Select a few favourites and be sure to book a c ruise that includes visits to these regions with free choice to roam. Be sure your cruise also takes in the region of Pinhão to appreciate the landscape and learn about Port wine.
Other recommended activities that provide the best immersive moments in Portugal include hikes through the valley’s trails, kayaking on the Douro on warm days and a visit to the Douro Museum for a taste of the history and culture of the region.
AmaWaterways:
The demand for Portugal and Spain’s Douro Valley hasn’t gone un-noticed by AmaWaterways. They’ve debuted their brand new AmaSintra, adding a second ship to the region and enabling even more itineraries.
Like our other ships, AmaSintra features spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, most of which include balconies to take in views of the breathtaking hills and terraced vineyards along the river. Staterooms also include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English-language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. AmaDouro’s Panoramic Lounge is a stylish and inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail along with our nightly entertainment. The ship also features a massage room, fitness room, sun-deck swimming pool and a gift shop, as well as the culinary delights of the Main Restaurant, where you’ll be able to sample the region’s famous Port wine.
The Ship: AmaSintra
The AmaSintra was launched most recently by AmaWaterways and is available for bookings with the Enticing Douro itinerary.
With 102 passengers, the AmaSintra features 51 spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, most of which include balconies to take in views of Douro River. She boasts all the latest tech, entertainment and high-speed internet.
The brand new vessel will join her sister ships AmaDouro and AmaVida, exploring the Portuguese and Spanish region known for its world-famous wine, scenic beauty and deep locks.
The Itinerary:
Enjoy a seven-night round-trip cruise from Porto to Porto, including the beautiful “City of Bridges”, Regua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley, and Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes. Prices start from $7188 per person.
APT Waterways:
For almost a century, APT has been creating luxury travel experiences, each unparalleled from the first step to the final farewell. TravelMarvel and APT Touring have announced a joint venture off the back of the launch of MS Estrela, another ship to be launched in 2028. The new ship is expected to offer yet another luxury river option for both the cruise lines that will share itineraries on both the MS Estrela and the new 2028 arrival in the increasingly popular Douro region.
The Ship: MS Estrela
The MS Estrela was launched by TravelMarvel in April 2025 and was christened in Porto. She is currently sailing on the Douro and is a purpose-built river cruise ship for this region. She has a total of 58 suites for 116 guests. Itineraries onboard the MS Estrela range from nine nights to 14 nights and up to 24 nights.
The Itinerary:
Begin your journey with a two-night stay in Spain’s colourful capital of Madrid before embarking on this seven-night cruise along the Douro River aboard the MS Estrela. Discover the highlights of the Douro Valley through medieval towns and sample the local fare. Highlights include a visit to Palácio da Bolsa and experiencing a wine tasting at Quinta da Aveleda. Prices start from $5995 per person.
Avalon Waterways:
Avalon Waterways is constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the field. They’re elevating river cruising experiences above the ordinary, most notably with more choices for travellers than ever before. Avalon’s modern take on river cruising, with their cabins boasting beds that face the views and shore excursions with local guides at every port.
The Ship: Avalon Alegria
Explore Portugal’s dazzling Douro River on Avalon Alegria. This 262-foot ship has 14 deluxe staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, making for a spacious capacity of just 102 passengers. Enjoy the swimming pool and Sky Lounge on the Sun Deck, fitness centre, Observation Lounge and more.
The ship launched last year and you can read the full review on the inaugural sailing.
The Itinerary:
The itinerary boasts smaller ships and bigger itineraries, with more excursions. Vida Portugal is an eight-day itinerary of Vineyards and Villages along the Douro River, departing from and returning to Porto. Prices start from $4079 per person.
Tauck:
Tauck’s award-winning European river cruises strive to go far beyond the riverboat you’re aboard or the landmarks you’ll visit. For them, it’s in the intimate ambiance and personalized service from the crew onboard. The shore excursions are off the beaten path and in the areas where access to local cultures is rare and exclusive.
The Ship: MS Andorinha
The MS Andorinha is a newly built riverboat from Tauck, specifically designed for the Douro region. On the Douro the magic of our award-winning European river cruises goes far beyond the riverboat you’re aboard or the landmarks you’ll visit. It’s in the intimate ambiance and personalized service… the places you’ll discover off the beaten path… and in the uncommon access to local culture and exclusive destination-driven experiences you can’t get on your own, as you experience a true slice of European life and return home transformed.
The MS Andorinha features 12 suites and 20 cabins, accommodating up to 84 guests. Category three, four and five cabins boast floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies. All cabins are equipped with in-room movies, minibar, adjustable climate control, and private bathrooms with pampering toiletries.
The Itinerary:
Tauck’s itinerary in Portugal boasts more sunshine per year than any other European country, rich cultural legacies, and delectable cuisine filled with traditions and memories. Discover the bohemian heart of the city that gave Port-wine its name… sail deep into the mountain landscapes of Portuguese wine country to find wine estates, lush vineyards, idyllic riverside villages, baroque castles, hilltop medieval ruins, and rock art from the valley’s earliest inhabitants.
This eight-day riverboat cruise on Portugal’s Douro River departs and returns from Porto. Offering an authentic taste of life and world-class wines in a region steeped in winemaking for over 2,000 years, guests can explore the colorful city of Porto, an enticing labyrinth of winding streets, baroque churches and blue-tiled houses, where port wine is made and stored.
Highlights include the quintas and picture-postcard villages of the Douro River Valley, and a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover terraced vineyards and enjoy tours, tastings, wine pairings, and a lesson in port cocktail-making, tour baroque Mateus Palace, the prehistoric art of Foz Côa and more. Prices start from $8890 per person.
Riviera River Cruises:
Kick starting in the city of Porto, the home of Port wine, this cruise begins in the higher reaches of the Douro valley from where it visits Salamanca – home of one of Europe’s oldest universities, two of its finest cathedrals, Spain’s finest city square and even the Inquisition. Guests will visit some of Iberia’s most beautiful medieval towns, monasteries and vineyards,and immerse in the best of Portugal and Spain.
The Ship: MS Porto Mirante
The MS Porto Mirante is the newest river cruise ship added by Riviera River Cruises and has provided a new itinerary for cruisers from 2024 onwards on the Douro. The MS Douro Splendour and the MS Douro Elegance are also offering itineraries on the Douro for Riviera.
The itinerary:
Cruise eight days from Porto to Porto on the Douro including the Salamanca River. Free morning sailings are included towards Peso da Régua, a visit to Mateus Palace & dinner at Quinta da Pacheca. Visit to Lamego, guests enjoy a free afternoon on board, sailing towards Porto, with a Chef’s Dinner & traditional Portuguese folk music show. Prices start from $3799 per person.
