Summary
What’s it Like on a Douro Valley River Cruise
If you had asked me 10 years ago if I enjoyed a river cruise, my answer would have been a hard no. However, a decade later, river cruises have evolved significantly! We recently boarded the Avalon Alegria in Porto, Portugal, embarking on a journey into the breathtaking Douro Valley. This European River cruise resembled the intimate small ship expeditions of our past, standing in stark contrast to the traditional river cruises that often lead to overcrowded ports and lengthy bus rides instead of genuine exploration.
The Ship – Avalon Alegria
The Avalon Alegria is a modern all-suites ship that was designed to maximize space, ensuring a relaxing and luxurious experience. With 37 deluxe staterooms—also known as Panorama Suites—we found that every room provides stunning views. Each Panorama Suite features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience and ensuring that guests enjoy breathtaking views of the Douro River.
Onboard, a variety of amenities enhance the cruise experience, including a bar and dance floor, nightly entertainment, a dining room, a club lounge, and a gym. The Sky Deck, complete with a swimming pool, outdoor grill, and bar, provides ample seating for soaking in the stunning vistas of the Douro Valley.
Avalon Alegria Suites
The suites on the Avalon Alegria offer comfort and space, accommodating up to 102 guests. We experienced one of the 200-square-foot panorama suites, which was beautifully designed. Notably, Avalon prioritizes views by positioning each bed to face the floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing us to enjoy the river views while relaxing. Afternoons were spent comfortably watching the Douro River flow by.
Moreover, the ship has ingeniously designed its suites to feature these large opening windows, effectively transforming them into open-air balconies and providing an additional 30% more living space. Breakfast in our suite became a favorite tradition, accompanied by plush robes, slippers, and magnificent views, making it difficult to leave our comfortable oasis!
Avalon, the Greenest Ship on the Douro
In light of cruise ship controversies regarding environmental impact, Avalon is committed to sustainable travel practices. The company collaborates with various destinations to generate sustainable electricity while docked, and makes consistent efforts to use shore power wherever feasible. Every aspect of the ship, from its LED lighting to the elimination of single-use plastics, reflects this commitment.
Moreover, Avalon has significantly reduced paper use by 80%, promoting an onboard app for schedules, which minimizes paper waste. They have also partnered with The Ocean Cleanup initiative, striving to remove 90% of ocean plastic—a noteworthy goal that requires collaborative efforts.
In a remarkable commitment to sustainability, Avalon plants two trees for each passenger onboard and is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint through effective oil filtration systems, with future plans for electric ships.
What’s Included – Avalon is About Choice
During our Douro River Cruise with Avalon Waterways, we discovered ample inclusions that cater to passenger preference. The mantra that we frequently encountered was that Avalon is all about choice, providing flexibility in dining, excursions, and onboard activities.
Meals
Guests enjoy all meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—onboard. Breakfast can be taken in your suite or in the dining room, while lunch includes a buffet spread or light bar snacks. Dinner consists of a multi-course feast featuring local and international dishes paired with fine Portuguese wines, ensuring that the local flavors take center stage.
This approach to dining includes flexible seating arrangements and the option to enjoy meals at any time during designated dining hours.
Drinks
Additionally, complimentary beer and wine are offered during lunch and dinner, alongside specialty coffees and soft drinks. Notably, the Douro Valley River cruise includes a free cocktail hour, with expertly crafted drinks to delight the palate.
Tours
Avalon Waterways excels in providing varied tours and shore excursions, offering options such as Classic, Discovery, or Active Excursions. Guests can engage in a range of activities—from kayaking and hiking to exploring historical sites and indulging in culinary experiences that highlight the fine wines and ports of Porto.
For those seeking hydration, guests are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles as plastic is strictly avoided during excursions.
Entertainment
Each evening brings local entertainment, enriching the cultural experience. We were treated to a captivating Fado Show with talented guitarists and enjoyed a diverse range of performances, including modern takes on rock and pop music.
The Crew
One aspect that distinguished our journey was the exceptional crew. From the moment we stepped onboard, the staff’s warmth and attentive service made us feel at home. They catered to individual preferences and dietary needs, creating a welcoming environment that elevated our cruise experience.
Ports of Call
Guests are encouraged to disembark and explore at various ports of call. Avalon strategically docks near urban centers allowing easy access to local attractions. Each port presents unique opportunities to explore, from cultural visits to relaxing pursuits.
8-Day Itinerary – Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
The 8-day cruise showcases the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto, with opportunities for guided tours to Braga and Guimaraes. We recommend allocating extra time in Porto to fully experience its historical charm and stunning waterfront.
- Porto Embarkation
- Porto day tour to Braga and Guimaraes
- Peso da Regua – Visit to one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley
- Poncinho – Explore Douro Valley Vineyards
- Barca d’Alva – Salamanca, Spain – An opportunity to visit another country
- Ferradosa-Leverhino – Day tour of Amarante
Can Solo Travelers Join Avalon?
Since we traveled as a couple, we noted the benefits for solo travelers: Avalon waives the solo supplement, fostering an inclusive environment where no one feels isolated.
Avalon is About Choice
Many often opt for the Danube or Rhine Rivers for their inaugural river cruise; we did a decade ago, but that experience deterred us for years. Fortunately, our renewed adventure along Avalon’s Douro Valley route has rekindled our love for river cruising. This journey embodied our preferred travel style—smaller vessels with fewer passengers and abundant excursion options.
The Douro Valley captivates with its natural beauty, featuring rolling hills and terraced vineyards, making it a quintessential bucket list cruise focused on cultural immersion and local cuisine.
As we wrapped up our Douro Valley River Cruise, we reflected on the benefits of unpacking once while sailing through Europe’s scenic landscapes. Decisions on port visits remain flexible, aligning perfectly with Avalon’s philosophy of choice.
