Are you looking to experience the stunning beauty of the Douro River on a relaxing and luxurious river cruise? With so many river cruise operators to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one offers the best experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the Top cruise operators on the Douro River And help you decide which one is best for your next adventure.
Douro River Cruise Overview
The Douro River, located between Portugal and Spain, is known for its stunning scenery, picturesque vineyards and charming villages. A Douro River cruise is a unique way to explore this scenic region while enjoying all the comforts of a luxury vessel. From wine tasting tours to exploring historical sites, a Douro River cruise has something for everyone.
Which river cruise operators offer Douro River cruises?
There are several well-known river cruise operators that have partnered with Global River Cruising to offer Douro River cruises. Each operator offers a unique experience, from gourmet food options to expert-led excursions. Here are some of the top river cruise operators on the Douro River:
Riviera Tours Douro River Cruise
Riviera Tourism Offering a range of Douro River cruises to suit different interests and preferences. Whether you are a wine lover wanting to explore the region’s vineyards or a history buff interested in medieval castles, Riviera Travel has a river cruise for you. With comfortable accommodation and knowledgeable guides, Riviera Travel ensures a memorable experience for all guests.
Riviera Travel operates several cruises on the Douro River, including two of the newest river cruises currently sailing on the Douro River:
Built in 2024, the MS Porto Mirante will accommodate 120 passengers and a crew of 42. The MS Riviera Rose will be launched in 2025, an 80-meter luxury boutique yacht accommodating a total of 114 passengers and a crew of 38. Both ships are the perfect home away from home.
Douro River Sightseeing Cruise
Scenic River Cruises Renowned for its all-inclusive luxury cruises on the Douro River. From spacious suites with balconies to exquisite dining experiences and extensive shore excursions, Scenic River Cruises spares no expense in providing guests with a truly luxurious experience. With a focus on relaxation and luxury, Scenic River Cruises is the ideal choice for travelers who want to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Douro River.
Scenic River Cruises only has one ship on the Douro River, but what an amazing ship it is! The Scenic Azure Space-Ship accommodates 96 passengers, with a crew-to-passenger ratio of nearly 1:2. It has spacious suites, a vitality pool, and the ability to dock in the center of town, giving you more time to explore on shore.
Uniworld Cruises on the Douro River
United World River Cruises Offering boutique river cruises on the Douro River, Uniworld River Cruises caters to discerning travelers seeking a more intimate, immersive experience. Uniworld River Cruises features uniquely designed vessels, personalized service, and expertly led excursions, ensuring that every guest receives the highest level of attention and care. If you are looking for a luxurious and culturally enriching experience, Uniworld River Cruises is the perfect choice.
Uniworld River Cruises operates Douro River cruises on the SS São Gabriel. This beautifully designed floating boutique hotel brings the vibrancy of Portugal to the ship with its tiled, polished wood and summery hues.
AmaWaterways cruise on the Douro River
American Waterways Renowned for its innovative ship design and immersive shore excursions, AmaWaterways is a popular choice for Douro River cruises. With award-winning dining options, spacious cabins and a focus on sustainability, AmaWaterways offers a unique and eco-friendly cruise experience. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff or nature lover, AmaWaterways has something for everyone.
AmaWaterways operates two different river cruise ships on the Douro River: AmaVida and AmaDouro. Both ships accommodate 102 passengers and feature spacious, elegantly furnished cabins, most of which have balconies with views of the magnificent hills and terraced vineyards that border the river.
APT Travelmarvel Douro River Cruise
APT Travel Miracle Offering a range of Douro River cruises that combine comfort, convenience and great value. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining options and a wide range of included excursions, APT Travelmarvel ensures guests have everything they need for an unforgettable river cruise experience. Whether you want to relax on board or explore the highlights of the region, APT Travelmarvel has something for you.
APT Travelmarvel launched their new ship MS Estrela in 2024. MS Estrela offers 60 spacious and elegantly furnished cabins. Most rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that open to French balconies, allowing you to enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you wish.
When is the best time to take a Douro River cruise?
The best times to cruise the Douro River are generally spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the vineyards are in bloom. During these seasons, you can expect pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning landscapes that showcase the region’s natural beauty. However, summer also offers great weather and the opportunity to attend local festivals and events along the river. Ultimately, the best time to cruise the Douro River depends on your personal preferences and interests.
Our review of Douro River Cruise
A few years ago we were lucky enough to book a Douro River cruise. We still remember vividly the spectacular scenery you get to see as you sail along the riverbank. Terraced fields of grapevines held in place by dry stone walls cascade up the mountainside, with eagles and falcons circling overhead.
We love wine and food tasting and we brought home several bottles of wine from small vineyards in Portugal.
One of the main attractions that really took our breath away was the magnificent Château d’Ansion. It covers nearly 10,000 hectares and is made of solid granite! It is truly magnificent.
When choosing the best Douro River cruise, consider your preferences, budget, and desired experience. Whether you are looking for luxury, relaxation, cultural enrichment, or adventure, there is a river cruise operator on the Douro River that is right for you. Let us help you book a cruise today and embark on the journey of a lifetime along the picturesque Douro River.
