MS Estrela

This cruise was excellent is many ways - boat was great, rooms good, staff were wonderful. They were extremely attentive and responded to all requests immediately, as well as being pleasant, sociable, and linking well with the group and individuals. The Douro is a wine and port region, so the views were spectacular over the terraced vineyards and Quintas.... read more There was a variety of good entertainment in the evenings - Karaoke/Dancing/Singers/ Fado. Staff were active in encouraging all this and participated themselves. The meals were excellent and offered a lot of variety and choice. All wines with dinner were included. The tours were all quite interesting. However, there were no 'active' excursions. There were no hikes/bikes/kayaking, as there are on other advertised Douro cruises. Although you indicated we could get suggestions from the cruise director, there was only one day that he suggested a hike that was well worth doing. Otherwise, we were in ports without interesting hikes, or he had no suggestions. As we are active travelers, often walking/hiking 6-10km a day, or biking, this was very disappointing. Although the cathedrals/castles/wine and port excursions were interesting, they only involved minimal walking - often no more than 1 km. So, if you are not looking for an active tour, this was excellent in all other ways.

Fabulous 7 day cruise on the Douro River with Travelmarvel. Very beautiful Valley - endless terraced grape vines and winerys. Beautiful ship. Estrella and great staff.. included drinks with lunch and dinner plentiful- drinks at other times very reasonable.. Pool great to lounge in on the top deck.. plenty of lounges and shade available on the top deck... read more too. Great addition to our trip organised by Tracey.