In early APR 2024, Avalon Waterways will make its Portugal debut on the Douro River with a new itinerary and ship: the Avalon Alegria. And according to the company, its inaugural season is already over half sold.
The Avalon Alegria is being built to exclusively sail the Douro with a new eight-day cruise Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro, which begins and ends in Porto and has a variety of excursion choices. The tour will visit Amarante, Salamanca, and Porto.
According to Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, Avalon’s new ship and cruise are proving to be extremely popular. “Our new Portugal cruise departures are already more than 50 percent sold for 2024. Cruisers wanting to experience the Avalon Alegria in her inaugural year shouldn’t wait to book.”
The "Grapest" Cruise: Itinerary Highlights
Hillside vineyards and historic villages await guests as they sail through Portugal’s postcard-perfect views on Avalon’s all-new, eight-day Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro which begins and ends in Porto and is filled with Avalon’s signature, included “Classic,” “Discovery” and “Active” excursion choices.
Featuring ancient Amarante – in the picturesque Minho region, known for its golden church that dates back to 1530 – to the sandstone architecture in Salamanca Spain; rock art to riding bikes from Porto to the sea, this new cruise promises medieval castles to cinematic scenery and all the vinho, baked bread, olives and cheese a soul desires.
Ship Highlights
In Portuguese, Alegria means “happiness”, and the Avalon Alegria will feature the line's signature, award-winning Panorama Suites on two full decks. Each suite provides guests 200-square-feet of living space, open-air balconies and beds facing the views for which river cruising is famous.
In addition, the Alegria has a pool on the sky deck to bask in the sun and soak-in the beauty of Portugal while sailing from a new, poolside point-of-view.
This new ship, built exclusively to sail the Douro, will have a total of 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, accommodating 102 guests and 33 crew members.
Find out more about Avalon Waterways here.
