by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 10:36 AM ET, Thu September 15, 2022
Avalon Waterways will begin sailing Portugal's Douro River in 2024 with the debut of its Douro-specific all-suite ship, the Avalon Alegria.
The ship's name means "happiness" in Portuguese. The Avalon Alegria will offer a Sky Deck pool, 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, with a maximum total of 102 guests and 33 crew members.
Avalon Waterways' debut Douro itinerary is the 8-day Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages itinerary, which includes "Classic," "Discovery and "Active" excursions options for all types of travelers. A 3-night pre-cruise stay in Lisbon, Portugal is an optional extension.
The itinerary begins in Porto and visits Guimaraes, Porto Antigo, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, the small village of Freixo de Numao, Barca d'Alva, a choice between Freixo de Espada a Cinta or Salamanca in Spain and then a few extra days back in Porto.
"We've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust vacation portfolio and that day has finally arrived," said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. "Inviting our guests to sail the Douro for the first time, we're bringing the Suite Ships of Avalon, the grandest views in cruising and whim-powered itineraries to Southwestern Europe. And we couldn't be more excited."
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