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MS Douro Spirit

Launched in 2011, the magnificent MS Douro Spirit has ushered in a new and luxurious era on Portugal’s most famous river, the Douro, bringing standards…

About MS Douro Spirit

Launched in 2011, the magnificent MS Douro Spirit has ushered in a new and luxurious era on Portugal’s most famous river, the Douro, bringing standards of service and on-board facilities of the very best that Europe’s rivers offer. Many decades of experience in construction have been brought to bear in the unique design and materials featured throughout the MS Douro Spirit, creating a top quality, fully air-conditioned four-star superior floating hotel, thus ensuring that your splendid cruise along this most underrated of rivers will be a truly memorable experience.

Purpose built for its home river and accommodating just 128 guests in the stylish surroundings befitting a top quality hotel, the ship’s modern design and attention to detail ensures a more spacious and less crowded feel in comparison to similar ships on the river. The excellent ratio of just four guests per crew member ensures first class service and cuisine, plus the friendly “small ship” feel so beloved of Riviera Travel cruise aficionados, enables the ever attentive crew to revel in taking care of all those little things – leaving you to simply sit back, relax and enjoy every minute of your delightful river cruising experience. The most up to date design methods incorporating a commitment to the latest technology and a strong environmental ethic are at the heart of this state of the art vessel, and of course it goes without saying that the highly trained crew just delight in welcoming you aboard their “home from home”.

The River Cruise Line

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Ship Facts

Launch yearLanguageCurrencyCapacityDeck countCabin countLarge cabin countWheelchair cabin countElectrical plugs
2011enGBP128263falsefalse types:
adapters provided:
false

Accommodation

MS Douro Spirit features a range of accommodation type, from Suites to Standard Cabins, all feature floor to ceiling French balconies with sliding windows, enabling you to enjoy the splendours of the surrounding scenery and the delightfully warm summer air from the privacy of your very own personal space.

Suites

To take your cruise to another level with extra space and comfort, the Douro Spirit boasts Suites (22 square metres) on the Superior (upper) deck and a Junior Suite (21 square metres) on the Main (middle) deck. As well as more room and a second window, these cabins also feature a shower over bathtub and as most of the extra space is devoted to the living area, the difference is really noticeable.

Cabins

All cabins are extremely well appointed, with tasteful contemporary styling, are outside facing and at 15 square metres in area are some of the largest on any river ship. Like all our vessels, they boast floor to ceiling French balconies with sliding windows, enabling you to enjoy the splendours of the surrounding scenery and the delightfully warm summer air from the privacy of your very own personal space. 

For added comfort and convenience they incorporate two chairs, a desk with stool, a wardrobe and most importantly, “hotel style” beds with fine, quality linens, maximising on-board comfort ensuring an excellent night’s sleep. Bathrooms feature shower and WC plus fine bathroom cosmetics and bathrobes. 

All cabins enjoy a host of state of the art amenities: individually controlled air-conditioning, flat screen high-definition satellite television, internet access (chargeable), hairdryer, private safe and telephone. Also on the Main (middle) deck there are some cabins of 13 square metres which are offered to single travellers with no single supplement.

Entertainment

Relax in the lounge area where the ship’s designers have managed to create a really lovely, genteel atmosphere of understated elegance with a wide selection of comfortable seating. Where could be better to lose yourself in conversation with like-minded new friends, sip a coffee, perhaps play chess or bridge, or just relax whilst admiring the incredible scenery?

The welcoming bar offers a full range of drinks sourced from all over the world, including the finest wines and spirits. When the sun sinks slowly below the riverside hills this is the perfect place to relax and reflect on another day’s experiences.

Lounge with bar

The lounge and bar, sumptuously furnished with a blend of elegant semi-circular leather settees, comfortable armchairs complimented by contemporary fittings and high quality, polished hardwood flooring. Tables are decorated with fresh-cut flowers and the well stocked bar is of course at the heart of the lounge, staffed by consummate professionals taking delight in attending to your every wish in sampling local wines or preparing whatever takes your fancy. 

As on all of Riviera's vessels, you are surrounded by impressive panoramic windows offering superb viewing as some of the world’s finest river scenery gently slips past. This is also where we hold informative but informal lectures, giving background information on the regions through which you cruise - their history, culture and a host of different subjects which really enhances your holiday.

Sun Deck

Atop the Douro Spirit, reached by stairs from the Superior (upper) deck, is a spacious sun deck where you can make the most of the beautiful Portuguese weather, perhaps reclining on one of the many comfortable sun loungers, whilst enjoying a 360 degree panoramic view of your stunning surroundings. Some will enjoy a glimpse of the wizardry “on the bridge” as the captain steers the ship smoothly along the twisting river or perhaps take a dip in the pool which is a real rarity on a river cruiser. For many though, just to lean on the ship’s rail, drink in hand whilst casting a relaxed eye over the fascinating life ashore or the inquisitive wildlife of this truly unspoilt river is the perfect solution to the stresses of modern life!

Dining

Main Restaurant

Located on the Lower deck, the chic restaurant is where your comfort is assured in high backed leather chairs whilst sustainably sourced hardwood tables enhance the sophisticated ambience. Tables sit just four to eight and in common with all our river cruises, we offer “open dining” arrangements giving the freedom to sit wherever and with whoever you wish. Breakfast is a hot and cold buffet with a fine omelette station so your eggs are just how you like them, then lunch is another delicious fine array but if you just want a salad then that’s fine too. The culinary highlight of the day though is the superb four-course dinner served at your table featuring the finest Portuguese, Mediterranean and International cuisine to delight your taste buds. Complimentary coffee and teas are always available in the ship's lounge.

Health & Fitness

Spa and Fitness Room

The Lower deck has a small fitness room – ideal for working off the ship's wonderful cuisine plus a spa with a range of massage treatments available at an extra charge.

Deckplans

Superior Deck (Upper Deck)

  • Lounge with Bar
  • Reception
  • Ship
  • Suites
  • Superior Deck Cabins
  • Stern Cabins

Main Deck (Lower Deck)

  • Junior Suite
  • Main Deck Cabins
  • Stern Cabin
  • Bow Cabins

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