Nicko Cruises, the German cruise line known for its European river sailings, has announced MS Duoro Serenity will be joining its fleet in 2021.

Sailing Portugal’s Douro River, the ship has a scheduled 36 cruises sailing from Porto through the Duoro Valley to the Spanish border.

Built in 2017, the new ship was originally in the TravelMarvel fleet, but is now set to join Nicko Cruises’ fleet of 19 ships.

The ship is described as having an ‘ultra-modern’ feeling, accomodating 126 guests in 63 cabins, over three decks.

Along with a restaurant, bar and lounge area, the ship also has a pool with sun deck and panoramic windows that can be lowered throughout the ship.

As part of Nicko’s fleet, Serenity will operate eight-day round-trip cruises from Portugal’s Porto, through the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Douro Valley.

Ports of call and excursions include a stop at Régua, with a guided excursion into the pilgrim city of Lamego, Pinhão with its Baroque Mateus Palace in Vila Real, Vega Terron with a day trip over the border to the Spanish university town of Salamanca and Barca d’Alva with its numerous historical sites.

Nicko Cruises currently operates in the UK through Light Blue Travel, for both trade and direct sales.

MD of river cruise specialist Light Blue Travel, Rupert Thomson, said:

“Last year we saw a surge of interest in cruising on Portugal’s River Douro and despite the travel disruptions we are seeing encouraging bookings for 2021 and some even for later this year.

“Cruising in Portugal is tranquil and very relaxed and of course the Portuguese are so friendly and welcoming.  Nicko already has the Douro Cruiser on the river and the addition of the Serenity will give us double capacity.”

Setting sail next year, seven-night Duoro sailings on MS Duoro Serenity will start from £1,395 per person.

Prices include return economy flights and Portugal transfers, all on board meals, unlimited drinks (including wine, beer and cocktails), all soft and hot drinks, Wi-Fi, four guided excursions, gratuities and port taxes.

Already starting to get back on its feet, Nicko Cruises was one of the first river cruise lines to start operating in Europe post-Covid-19.

NickoVision set sail on 18 June for a cruise from Düsseldorf along the Rhine and Moselle, in what marked a significant turning point for the cruise industry. Nicko also operates sailings on the Elbe, Danube, Rhone and Seine rivers.