The APT Travel Group has announced a brand-new ship for the Douro River to make her maiden voyage in 2024.
The bespoke ship, named the MS Estrela, has been custom designed to sail Portugal’s Douro River.
This key investment for the APT Travel Group follows the recent launch of the three state-of-the-art Travelmarvel ships, Polaris, Capella and Vega, which are currently cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.
The MS Estrela will host guests for both APT and Travelmarvel brands, with different itineraries and inclusions offered for each brand.
APT’s CEO David Cox commenting on the ship’s announcement said the company has had many years operating cruises in Portugal and is very excited to have the MS Estrela join the fleet.
“We are committed to providing the highest quality for our guests and the introduction of the new MS Estrela delivers in spades.
“When she glides into Portugal next year, we will see a glorious ship designed with a nod to the landscapes of the Douro Valley and a contemporary Southern European ambience.
“Small in size, with a maximum of 120 guests, MS Estrela will be grand in stature featuring a sun deck with one of the largest pools on the Douro River.
“Purpose designed with our guests from Australia, New Zealand and the UK in mind we have incorporated key features including a sun deck featuring an outdoor bar with couches, chairs and tables as well as a large swimming pool and a golf putting green.
“We are delighted and proud to have the MS Estrela, meaning star in Portuguese, join our fleet of stars sailing in Europe,” Cox, said.
The ship’s main restaurant will serve a range of Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Guests can opt for a light meal in the ship’s lounge or dine alfresco on the exterior deck of the main lounge. Each stateroom and suite feature an ensuite bathroom, personal climate control, flatscreen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The MS Estrela’s balcony suites will boast a design first introduced on Travelmarvel’s contemporary vessels that sail the Rhine and Danube rivers; electric slide down windows that open to a French balcony, allowing guests to bask in the glorious landscapes.
Highlight itineraries for her maiden season include: APT Douro Delights, 14 days sailing from Lisbon to Madrid from June to October 2024 and the Travelmarvel Douro Discovery, 8 days sailing from Porto return from June to October 2024.
