Discovering the Douro on APT & Travelmarvel’s MS Estrela
As the river market continues to attract some of cruise’s biggest players, APT & Travelmarvel has cemented its reputation as one of the sector’s leading names with the launch of its first new‑build ship on the Douro
I never fancied myself as a professional grape crusher. But according to my tour guide, Francisco, once upon a time I would have fit in just fine at Quinta da Pacheca in Lagares thanks to my inability to stand still.
His interesting observation comes during an excursion to the port and wine vineyard as part of MS Estrela’s four-night naming ceremony along the Douro River, which I’m lucky to be a part of.
This method of smashing grapes with your feet was once the only way to produce Port and similar wines, but today mechanical alternatives are often used to speed up the process.
However, some vineyards still use the tried and tested method of stomping to create their very best wines “as you can’t beat tradition”, Francisco ensures. It’s clear that this mantra also ran true for the APT Travel Group when designing MS Estrela.
Having taken inspiration from its home waterway, the ship is the embodiment of classical elegance with touches of modernity. While offering a range of options to entice new cruisers, like a putting green and sunken top-deck BBQ area, the 120-passenger ship also has familiar touches like shared dining, sail away parties and guided touring options for fans of tradition.
The ship is sleek and simple throughout – think emerald green monstera plants and wicker furniture paired with beige tones – and encourages travellers to relax and unwind, which makes it a great option for the over-60s market.
Cabins range in size from 144-250 square feet, allowing for ample room to move around. Beds are large and each room has a seating area. Bathrooms are stocked with enough amenities to last the duration of a cruise, and there is enough storage space for two travellers.
The vessel’s main restaurant serves breakfast and lunch buffet style and dinner is á la carte. I opt for prime beef medallion with foie gras and red wine jus, which is portioned well and full of minty flavour, followed by an almond tart with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce.
This is a somewhat traditional river cruise meal, but the vessel also offers octopus rice, spicy chicken thighs and BBQ beef skewers if guests prefer something a bit different.
For breakfast, travellers will find an omelette station as well as cooked and cold options. In the lounge bar, snacks like biscuits, fruit and finger sandwiches are available throughout the day. Cruisers will struggle to go hungry.
Drinks, meanwhile, include top-shelf liquors, Super Bok beer, wines, soft drinks and tea and coffee, all of which are included in the cruise price. There’s a self-serve coffee machine in the lounge, as well as a fountain which offers still and sparkling water.
While the food and drink options stand their ground as a highlight of the trip, they wouldn’t be the same with the stellar service provided by the crew, who are attentive, friendly and helpful.
Evening entertainment options range from live music and Portuguese folk dancing to expert-led wine and food tastings. During the day, workshops and cultural presentations take place in the ship’s lounge.
MS Estrela is a different proposition and a first of its kind, where we operate APT and Travelmarvel guests on the same vessel, giving APT guests more inclusions and Travelmarvel guests more freedom and options.
As well as a range of onboard amenities, MS Estrela offers several immersive excursions along the Douro thanks to the APT Travel Group’s rich history in guided touring. One of those is a visit to the Quinta da Pacheca vineyard in Lagares.
The property dates back to the 16th century when it was a mere collection of vines which belonged to the Monasteries of Salzedas and St João de Tarouca. In 1903, the building changed ownership and began the process of modernisation.
Today, the 75 hectare site is one of the most visited estates in the Douro Region and offers guided tours, tastings and a gift shop with hundreds of varieties of port and wine available for purchase.
If visitors spend a certain amount, any crates they purchase will be shipped to their home address at no extra cost. Other tours include a guided visit to the Gardens and Palace of Mateus in Pinhão.
The museum is owned by the Count of Vila Rela and guests can discover the 18th-century palace’s connection to Mateus Rose wine, with the chance to try a glass or two on the banks of the Douro.
As part of the company’s Insider Experience, travellers will also enjoy a flamenco show and lunch in Salamanca after they’ve had the chance to tour the city’s sunlit sandstone buildings and palace-like university.
While onboard, I catch up with APT & Travelmarvel UK and Europe managing director Paul Melinis and head of sales UK & Europe Brad Bennetts to find out how the company intends to position the vessel in the UK market.
“We’ve got really ambitious growth plans; we want to double the business within five years. As we go further into that journey, it becomes more challenging, but we’ve done extremely well over the last three years,” Melinis says.
“MS Estrela is a different proposition and a first of its kind, where we operate APT and Travelmarvel guests on the same vessel, giving APT guests more inclusions and Travelmarvel guests more freedom and options.”
Melinis highlights MS Estrela’s value proposition, with Travelmarvel guests experiencing a five-star ship at a lower rate. “There’s a huge opportunity there for our trade partners,” he adds.
Bennetts touches on the importance of agents to the success of the vessel. “The trade is at the heart of what we do,” he says. “We have a team that is focused on our partners, which helps us drive our distribution and market share.”
APT & Travelmarvel has developed into a leading river cruise and touring company since its inception in the 1970s, but its methods of ensuring a ship is a success remain rooted in tradition, with agents playing a key role. And despite drawing these conclusions from my time onboard MS Estrela, I can’t help but wonder if I’ve missed my calling as a professional grape stomper.
