MS Douro Serenity

We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise, it was relaxing taking in the scenery as we cruised to our next village. The boat doesn’t sail at night therefore you get to sit on the deck and take it all in. You are not on the go all the time like some other tours, the fact that you are on board for a week means that you unpack and that’s it until you disembark ...read more for your next destination. The people on the boat were all very friendly. Our cabin was very noisy which was disappointing as we were on level three, we also experienced a smell from the drain.

Our Douro River Cruise was amazing. Cruise director Isobel couldn’t have been better, from the time we boarded our cruise until we disembarked. Food and service was superb.

The cruise was conducted on the MS Douro Serenity which was built 2017. Our cabin was 224 which was very noisy - the ship has a vacuum toilet system which echos through the cabin at all hours all day. We asked to be shifted to another cabin and the only other cabin was 101 which meant that our "upgrade" was null and void. The actual cruise, staff, and ...read more the meals etc were excellent. The Travelmarvel Tours, staff etc were all excellent. I would advise anyone who is offered the last cabin in the decks to look at other cabins. It was a shame that this episode with the cabin spoilt a wonderful cruise with wonderful scenery and tours.

We had the most wonderful holiday with Travelmarvel. All of their guides were very knowledgeable and approachable, nothing was a trouble. This trip was not like any other coach trip we have been on where you arrive at a place only to find 2 or 3 other coaches already there. Travelmarvel took us to places where we were the only ones there, it was wonderful. ...read more All our accommodation was either 4 or 5 stars, a little out of the city centre which was less hectic. We could not have asked for better weather, not a drop of rain, temp between 25 and 30 most days.

Highlights for us, oh sooo many. Let's start with the helicopter flight over Barcelona, a must do. Then there's the home-cooked meal we had in the kitchen of a local Spanish family on the way to Marbella, just fabulous. Next was the visit to Sintra and Cascais where we had lunch at the seaside. Onwards and upwards to the beautiful Douro Serenity, what an elegant ship with happy and friendly staff.

The Douro river is so beautiful dusted with vineyards along the way and quaint villages which we visited. If you like doing a lot of walking then this is the trip for you as the tours through the different villages take up at least 2 to 2 1/2 hours walking. We have come away from this tour making some wonderful new friends who will we keep in contact with via Facebook.