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Launched in 2024, MS Estrela brings a fresh, contemporary feel to cruising Portugal’s Douro River. Designed to carry just 120 guests, she offers a more intimate experience on board. Purpose-built for the Douro’s winding waterways, MS Estrela combines modern comfort with the kind of easy-going atmosphere that suits this sun-drenched region perfectly. Her smaller size allows her to sail deep into the heart of the valley, linking Porto with vineyard-lined towns and historic riverside settings along the way. With welcoming public spaces, comfortable suites, and plenty of opportunities to soak up the scenery from the Sun Deck, MS Estrela is ideal for guests who enjoy unhurried travel, regional cuisine, and a closer connection to the destinations they’re exploring.
MS Estrela’s accommodation is designed with the Douro River's scenery and pace in mind, offering you comfortable space to unwind after a day of exploring vineyards, quintas and riverside towns. Across the ship, there are 60 suites that together carry up to 120 guests in a relaxed, sociable environment.
Window Staterooms sit on the Lower Deck and are a great choice if you’re after a cosy, well-appointed base. Each one comes with a premium en-suite bathroom, personal climate control, flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi, so you have all the basics you need for rest and relaxation as you watch the Douro Valley drift past.
For views that feel more connected to the river, the French Balcony Suites give you an electric slide-down window. This lets you enjoy the fresh air and scenery without leaving your suite, which is especially nice on warmer days or during scenic cruising.
For the most spacious option on board, the Owner’s Suites sit on the Upper Deck and offer noticeably more room to relax. With a generous sitting area and expansive views, they provide a more elevated experience while retaining the same comfortable, contemporary feel found throughout the ship.
MS Estrela keeps entertainment simple and tied closely to the region you’re cruising through.
On the Sun Deck, there’s a putting green, which is a pleasant way to pass time on sunny afternoons as the Douro’s terraced vineyards roll by.
Entertainment throughout the cruise also reflects local culture - Portuguese folk music and occasional history talks help bring the region to life while you’re on board, adding a touch of enrichment without being intrusive.
Dining on MS Estrela centres on a relaxed but well-executed restaurant experience.
The Restaurant on the Main Deck showcases Portuguese and international flavours, with menus that feature local produce and regional classics alongside familiar favourites.
Much of the dining is sit-down, with breakfast and lunch often offering buffet or made-to-order options, and evening meals typically presented with a bit more flair.
When you want something lighter or a spot to enjoy a drink as the views drift by, the Main Lounge & Bar on the Upper Deck is a comfortable choice, with wide windows that let the Douro scenery in. There’s also an Outdoor Bar on the Sun Deck, perfect for a late afternoon drink or a casual social spot after a day ashore.
Relaxation on MS Estrela is very much about enjoying the river and the weather.
The Swimming Pool on the Sun Deck is one of the ship’s standout features - notably larger for a river vessel - and a handy way to cool off while you take in the surroundings from above.
Surrounding the pool, there’s plenty of seating and sunbeds, so you can choose between a swim, some sun, or simply a shady spot with a drink in hand. It’s a simple set-up, but one that fits well with the gentle rhythm of cruising the Douro.
MS Estrela sails the length of Portugal’s beautiful Douro River, tracing a route through one of Europe’s most distinctive wine regions. Her itineraries link vibrant Porto with smaller riverside towns such as Régua and Pinhão, where terraced vineyards and traditional quintas shape the landscape.
Many sailings also include time in Salamanca in neighbouring Spain, adding grand architecture and cultural depth to the journey - connecting lively cities with peaceful valley settings you’d be unlikely to experience in quite the same way by land.