APT Douro River Cruise: Scenic Views, Port Wine & Porto by Night

By Kendall, Commercial Manager 

There’s something truly special about exploring Portugal on an APT Douro river cruise. I recently experienced this incredible journey aboard APT Estrela, a brand new, stylish boutique river ship that, as it turned out, completely exceeded my already high expectations!

From the moment I stepped onboard, I was welcomed with outstanding hospitality, fantastic cuisine, and incredible scenery at every turn. This Douro River cruise was packed with memorable highlights that showcase the very best of Portugal in an insightful and leisurely way.

APT Estrela: A Boutique River Cruise Experience

APT Estrela truly feels like a floating boutique hotel. ‘Estrela’ means ‘star’ in Portuguese, and this ship certainly lives up to its name. Built in Portugal by local craftsmen, the ship’s interior beautifully reflects Portuguese style; it is elegant yet comfortable, with thoughtful touches throughout.

The pool area is particularly special and ideal for relaxing as you sail past the Douro’s terraced vineyards and charming riverside villages. The crew onboard deserve a special mention – incredibly friendly, attentive, and always ready to share a laugh with guests.

One feature I loved was the Marshall Bluetooth speaker in the cabin – a great addition for creating your own soundtrack as you unwind. The water decanter system is also a brilliant eco-conscious touch, with complimentary still and sparkling water always available.

Sailing the Douro & Discovering Portugal’s Engineering Marvels

My first day on board began with a leisurely breakfast; I treated myself to a salmon and cream cheese bagel, with the option to indulge in a morning glass of fizz (it would’ve been rude not to!). The restaurant on APT Estrela is beautifully designed, with expansive windows that frame the spectacular Douro scenery as you dine. Lunch was a relaxed buffet, enjoyed as the ship gently began its journey along the river.

One of the most fascinating moments of my APT Douro river cruise was sailing through the largest lock on the European continent. It’s an impressive feat of engineering! As another ship passed through, the captains exchanged friendly horn toots, adding a wonderfully human touch to this mechanical marvel. Standing at the ship’s bow and watching the lock fill was a highlight – this is something you can rarely experience up close, and it ended up being one of my most memorable moments.

After an afternoon of scenic cruising, we gathered in the lounge for drinks, canapés, and live music before indulging in a delicious dinner paired with local Portuguese wines. The evening entertainment continued in the lounge, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and cultural immersion.

Port Tasting & Porto by Night

We docked overnight in Peso da Régua, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated experiences: port tasting at a family-run vineyard. The tour at Quinta Da Pacheca was excellent, not least because of the host’s passion for his craft, and guests had the chance to purchase authentic Portuguese wine and port to take home. APT thoughtfully bought some red wine from the estate for us to enjoy with dinner later that evening… an extra-special touch!

Once back on board APT Estrela, it occurred to me how much the ship’s design encourages relaxation. I found myself happily watching the world drift by from the comfort of my cabin, thanks to the large windows that open halfway, bringing the Douro’s fresh air and beauty right to my room.

Afternoon tea was served in the lounge, perfect for a mid-cruise recharge before the evening’s gala dinner. It was a fantastic excuse to dress up, and once again, the food was superb, especially when paired with the local red wine from our earlier vineyard visit.

The day ended with the magical Illumination Cruise through Porto. Sailing under Porto’s six iconic bridges, beautifully lit against the night sky, this was a serene and unforgettable experience. The city was alive with evening activity, and seeing it from the river offered a unique perspective. To top it all off, a local Portuguese band boarded the ship to provide live entertainment – a tradition that brings the local culture directly to the heart of the APT Douro river cruise experience.

Why Choose a Douro River Cruise with APT?

Cruising the Douro aboard APT Estrela is a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural discovery, and scenic beauty. The ship’s boutique size offers a more intimate experience, the cuisine celebrates local flavours, and the attentive service from the friendly crew makes you feel completely at home.

If you’re looking for a river cruise that combines authentic Portuguese charm with five-star comfort, APT’s Douro River cruises are hard to beat. Whether you’re enjoying port tastings in Peso de Régua, cruising through Europe’s largest lock, or soaking in the Porto skyline by night, every moment on board and ashore offers something special. 

Interested in a Douro river cruise? Browse the sailings by clicking here.