River Cruise Passenger Issue 1

brought to you by the River Cruise Collective

River Cruising

The joy of the Douro • Best seasons for river cruises • Europe’s romantic capitals Nile high club

Sailing the world’s longest river with Uniworld

Culinary Delights:  Luxury river cruises elevate your palate with regionally inspired, gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs. Imagine savouring fresh-caught Rhine salmon bathed in a creamy Riesling sauce while gliding through Germany. Some cruises run onboard cooking schools, where you can learn the secrets behind the delectable dishes.

Wildlife Encounters: Africa’s wilderness unfolds before your eyes on a Chobe River safari cruise. Spot elephants trumpeting at the water’s edge – the region has one of the world’s largest herds – and zebras grazing on the riverbanks. In India, you can hunt tigers (for pictures only, of course!), while on the Amazon, see giant otters and pink river dolphins.

Experiences: Run white-water rapids or unlock exclusive cultural experiences that offer a deeper connection to the rich cultural tapestry of your destination. You might attend an intimate opera evening in a Viennese palace or witness the famed Spanish Riding School’s white Lipizzaner horses in a private performance, a spectacle reserved for royalty and other VIPs.

RIVER CRUISE COLLECTIVE

WORLD’S MOST RELAXING HOLIDAY

You want to see the world your way. In luxury. Away from the crowds. But immersed in history, culture and amazing food and wine. Welcome to the world of river cruising – and prepare to be surprised!

The River Cruise Collective is a collaboration between the world’s leading luxury river cruise brands, Cruise & Travel magazine and our website cruisepassenger.com.au. It has been created to explain why river cruising makes for the most relaxed – and surprising – holiday.

You want authentic and unique experiences? Travelling with a small group of like-minded adventure seekers? All the details taken care of?

Nothing left to do but explore? River cruising can be anything – from safaris in Africa or India to tours of the majestic cities of Europe, where culture and history present a rich tapestry of experiences. For an actionpacked adventure, there is kayaking, hiking and cycling. For the gourmand, there are food tours, wineries and cooking classes.

The River Cruise Collective also brings you the chance to win one of four amazing river cruises along the waterways of Europe and beyond from each of our partners: AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Tauck and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.

Find out more at cruisepassenger.com.au/rivercruise. And scan the QR code to enter our competition.

PREPARE TO BE SURPRISED…

RIVER CRUISING’S TIME HAS COME

Welcome to the River Cruise Collective, a brilliant new partnership between Cruise & Travel magazine, cruisepassenger.com.au and four of the world’s leading cruise lines.

We believe river cruising’s time has come. River ships carry you to the heart of some of the world’s best-loved cities in a relaxed and comfortable way. And when you compare the cost of trying to recreate that journey on land – with transport, hotels and food – the river cruise advantage becomes obvious.

Over the next few months, we will bring you news, reviews, videos and podcasts that will give you access to the world of river cruising like you’ve never seen it before. We will also be inviting you to exclusive events to hear more.

Cruisepassenger.com.au’s new river site will allow you to watch videos, listen to podcasts and read articles about this exciting, adventurous yet relaxed form of getting around Europe, the Americas and Asia.

We will travel the various rivers of the globe – on every style of ship, catering to every budget, meeting every culture, tasting every meal and experiencing every highlight.

Our podcast series will de-bunk the myths of river cruising and reveal the behind-the-scenes moments that passengers find so memorable. We will also have a handful of exclusive deals on o er, so don’t miss out!

Whether we are exploring the pyramids along the Nile in Egypt, taking the Snake River cruises of Columbia, tasting the port along the Douro in Portugal, or being immersed in a waterblessing ceremony on the Mekong, the River Cruise Collective is going to broaden your mind about what’s on o er. And that’s just the destinations!

River’s evolution

Nearly twice as wide as traditional river ships, AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna (top).

Our partners are AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Tauck and Uniworld – four of the best and most experienced cruise lines, all of which have o ces here in Australia and o er uniquely di erence experiences.

And to whet your appetite for river cruising, each of them are o ering four river cruises for you to win, with a combined value of more than $60,000.

Whether you’re a river cruising convert already or yet to take your first river journey, this collective will give you access to information to choose, plan and enjoy your cruise.

You will be astonished at the variety and value of river cruising. It is younger, more adventurous, more luxurious, more exclusive, more connected, more immersive and more rewarding than virtually any other type of holiday.

On board, river cruise ships have undergone a transformation like never before. They’re bigger than ever, but still maintain the intimacy of a river ship. They’re more luxurious than ever, with spas and gyms, and they’re designed for entertaining with rooftop infinity pools and cabanas and daybeds.

The cabins feel like you’re in a room on a waterborne boutique hotel, with balconies and windows that connect you with the life of the riverbanks. You are free to roam and explore, relax and unwind, or pick up the pace and access the smaller hidden towns and villages that only river cruising can reach.

And then there’s the food… dining on the river has become more immersive than ever. Chefs hit the ground running in various ports, sourcing fresh local ingredients and designing menus that are authentic to the regions where you’re sailing. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? Sign up for our newsletter at cruisepassenger.com.au – just hit “subscribe” on the menu bar. RC

Peter Lynch, editor-in-chief and publisher

SHIPS FOR ALL SEASONS

The allure of shoulder-season cruising has taken Australians by storm, as river cruising goes year-round, writes Daisy Melwani.

’tis the season – any season – to go sailing, as cruising during the cooler months has become a popular trend for travellers who want to enjoy the holiday spirit, minus the crowds, on board a luxury river cruise. As a result, major river cruise operators are adding and extending traditional sailing seasons to meet the growing demand. A further bonus for travellers is a better price advantage travelling off-peak and, in some cases, during shoulder periods, with savings of up to 15 per cent on offer.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises told Cruise & Travel that six new sailings are on the cards this year, due to the high number of bookings that keep rolling in.

Extending the season, the new sailings include Paris & Normandy and Enchanting Danube departures, both on November 10, with a further four Rhine Holiday Markets cruises on Uniworld’s River Duchess, with dates to be confirmed.

While price is dynamically driven, the first few and last sailings of the season are usually at a lower price point, according to Uniworld.

Popular destinations for Uniworld’s shoulder September-toOctober seasons include Central Europe, France, Portugal – with its Mekong and Egypt river cruises also picking up during these months. According to Uniworld, interest has been sparked by a number of travellers wanting to avoid the hottest months of the European summer season.

And they are not the only ones. High bookings have been a driving force behind AmaWaterways adding extra sailings in March, April, November and December. Following the success of new Rhine and Danube cruises introduced this February, the luxury line is keeping these departures as part of its 2025 offering.

“We’ve been taking reservations for a few months now and somewhere from 60-70 per cent of our reservations have been for the shoulder season and off-peak times,” Steve Richards, AmaWaterways Managing Director Australia told Cruise & Travel.

Churches in the mist

Cruising past Durnstein on the Danube aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaSonata.

“River cruisers who are flexible with their dates are open to travelling when the weather is more temperate and there are fewer crowds. We’re also seeing an extension of seasonal events, like the European Christmas markets starting earlier in November, so that has led to us adding more dates to these popular itineraries.”

According to AmaWaterways, the Rhine and Danube are popular for those travelling to Europe in March and April, while the Mekong between October and December is driving bookings in this market.

“The changing of the landscape during autumn drives a lot of interest, and we’ve also been delighted with the response to opening up our European itineraries earlier in the year,” says Richards. “This year, for the first time, several AmaWaterways ships began their season in February due to demand.”

Meanwhile, Avalon Waterways reports that it too has increased its off-season cruise offerings – by a whopping 88 per cent in the last year alone.

“Every year, our November and December festive and winethemed cruises sell out, encouraging us to add more departures,” says Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways. “Next season will mark the third year in a row that we have increased November and December itineraries and departures to accommodate our guests and their interests. It’s hard to continue to call autumn and winter cruising ‘off season’ when it’s become so popular.” RC

A WORK OF ART FROM UNIWORLD

• To mark the 50th anniversary of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, the luxury line is launching a new super ship, SS Emilie, to sail on European rivers in 2026. The style of the five-star new build has been inspired by painter Gustav Klimt and his longtime muse, Emilie Flöge. SS Emilie will join two additional ships Uniworld has chartered to boost its European fleet. SS Victoria will debut on the Rhine and Moselle rivers this year, and SS Elisabeth will sail the Rhine in 2025. SS Emilie is a luxury floating boutique hotel designed to reflect the destinations in which it sails, offering guests farm-to-table gourmet cuisine, curated excursions and impeccable service.

LONGER CRUISES for AVALON

• Avalon Waterways has launched more two- and three-week cruises for 2025, after a survey of more than 16,600 people found cruisers want longer, more in-depth holidays. More than half of Avalon’s past cruisers (57 per cent) said they next wanted to book a two-week cruise. That’s 23 percent more than those who said they will be booking a one-week trip. Ten per cent said they’re looking at three-week options. As a result, the brand has launched 16 new, longer itineraries and city-stay combinations, including a two-week voyage from Germany to Romania and a three-week Rhine, Seine and Rhone itinerary.

/ Christmas comes early to AmaWaterways

The start date for AmaWaterways’ festive cruises has been brought forward to mid-November. AmaWaterways UK Managing Director Jamie Loizou says, “Traditionally, the Christmas Markets season only lasted a few weeks. However, with growing popularity, many iconic Christmas Markets have announced earlier opening dates ... allowing the introduction of ‘A Taste of Christmas Markets’ cruises during which guests will enjoy an early start to the festive season on beautifully decorated ships, and visits to one or two Christmas markets.” The line has seen 30 per cent more guests booked for a cruise departing over Christmas 2024, compared with 2023.

A&K brings LUXURY CRUISING to AMAZON

/ Feel the romance with Tauck

Tauck will launch a new 14-day journey, Romantic Capitals, between Prague and Paris in 2025. The westbound itinerary will kick off with a two-night stay at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel, followed by a nine-day river cruise from Regensburg to Trier. The new voyage will sail the Upper

• Abercrombie & Kent is set to launch its first riverboat in South America, in Peru in April 2025. The 10 double cabins and two singles, built with local materials and artistry, promise expansive views through floor-toceiling windows. Guests can combine the three- and four-night cruises to sail the Maranon and Ucayali rivers deep into Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve. Journeys start and end in the port town of Nauta, from where there are short transfers to Iquitos airport. Activities on offer are on the adventurous side, with fishing, jungle walks, kayaking and canoeing, and breakfasts aboard the skiffs.

Danube, Main, Rhine and Moselle rivers visiting Frankfurt, Koblenz, Trier, Nürnberg and Bamberg. At the end of the cruise, guests will travel overland to Luxembourg for a walking tour of the capital city, before boarding a train to Paris for a two-night stay at the L’Hotel du Collectionneur. Highlights of the journey on board MS Savor or MS Joy include a private evening at Schlosshotel Kronberg, a visit to Nürburgring racetrack and boating on the Seine.

GOODBYE, Mississippi

• American Cruise Lines, shortly after acquiring four river vessels from the bankrupt American Queen Voyages, has confirmed it will scrap American Countess and American Duchess, and evaluate its options for American Empress and American Queen. The company told Seatrade Cruise News it’s considering what to do with the latter, the largest steamboat ever built, with one option to possibly donate the vessel to a municipal or non-profit entity. The company said American Queen needs costly technical work and the chances of returning to cruise operations look slim. Plans for the smaller paddlewheeler, American Empress, are also being evaluated. But the vessel will not be operating on the Columbia and Snake rivers this season.

/ The Krem of the crop

Scenic has launched its 2025 Europe itineraries, which include new port calls. The line also has a range of new excursions and itineraries. Scenic will be visiting the new port of Krems, which is nestled on the Danube River in Austria. Guests can visit the port and explore its rich history, medieval fortifications and renowned

wineries on the Jewels of Europe, Danube in Depth, Christmas Markets and Christmas and New Year itineraries. Some of the new shore excursions include visits to the renovated Göttweig Abbey, founded in the 6th century; a craft beer and chocolate pairing; and e-biking to Klosterneuburg Monastery, which is hidden amidst vineyards and lush nature a few kilometres from Vienna.

GO DEEPER with PANDAW

• Pandaw has announced an update to its 10-night Mekong expeditions, pushing even further than before to sail port to port between central Saigon and Siem Reap across Tonle Sap Lake. Guests can explore both the upper reaches of the Mekong to Kratié and the dolphin grounds, as well as a crossing of Tonle Sap. This is a new itinerary never attempted in total before and only operable aboard Pandaw’s ultra-low draft vessels and only during the high-water season until October.

AMSTERDAM HALVES ARRIVALS

• Amsterdam has escalated its fight against overtourism in the popular Dutch city by slashing the number of river cruise arrivals by half to just 1150 a year by 2028. The number of cruise ships that sailed into the city’s canals and waterways soared to 2300 last year – a sharp increase from the 1327 ships that visited the city in 2011. By slashing the

number of arrivals of river cruise ships, the city will play host to 271,000 fewer tourists a year.

“Amsterdam must be and remain liveable, for residents and visitors,” said a statement from the Amsterdam City Council.

“That is why we take measures to combat overtourism. We want to halve the number of river cruise ships in the city within five years to a maximum of 1150 in 2028. Fewer river cruises mean less crowds and more quality of life.”

/ Roll out the royal carpet

Riviera River Cruises has introduced two themed river cruises, one featuring gardening and the other the British royal family. English gardening expert Charlie Dimmock will join a departure of the Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhone cruise. The eight-day itinerary in France will include lectures and discussions featuring Dimmock, host of the BBC’s Garden Rescue show. She will also join guests on excursions, including visits to the botanical garden of Parc de la Tete d’Or in Lyon, Rocher des Doms in Avignon and L’Escape Van Gogh landscape garden in Arles. For those fascinated by the inner workings of the royal household, former royal butler Grant Harrold and former royal chef Colin Alderson will join the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland. Over eight days they will lead onboard lectures and join excursions, talking about their time working with Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. Stops on the cruise include Strasbourg, Koblenz, Ruedesheim and Speyer.

THE NILE HIGH CLUB

Egypt’s ancient monuments are a treat for the senses, and sailing the Nile to see them right now is an exclusive experience. Peter Lynch joins the lucky few.

Imposing sights

Uniworld’s SS Sphinx on the Nile; it’s hard not to be dwarfed by the Temple of Nefertari in Abu Simbel.

She might just have been the world’s first transgender ruler. Queen Hatshepsut posed as a man for more than 20 years, portrayed in statues and paintings with a male body and false beard. It was apparently felt the country wasn’t ready for a female pharaoh.

Hatshepsut became one of the most prolific builders in ancient Egypt, constructing massive projects such as the Karnak Temple and the Red Chapel. The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a miracle in the middle of a desert. But when her reign ended and her son was enthroned, her statues were destroyed, her monuments defaced. Her achievements were ascribed to other, male pharaohs. Some people simply could not bear her victories to be attributed to a woman.

Egypt’s history is as monumental as her statues and pyramids. The country has so many stories that our guides take eight years to qualify for the title of Egyptologist.

From the famous Curse of King Tut – it is said many who discovered his golden mask suffered a terrible fate – to the astonishing feats of a civilisation more than 3000 years old, this amazing country is perfect for discovery.

And the Nile, the heartbeat of Egypt which houses more than 90 per cent of the population along its banks, is the best way to see it. We are gliding down this historic highway on board Uniworld’s SS Sphinx, a purpose-built luxury ship splendidly decorated like an Egyptian temple. The bright royal blue of our suite is only surpassed by an amazing rainbow-coloured bathroom. There is a model of a sphinx proudly placed on her bows.

We are cheered from the riverside by villagers and their children. It gives our travels a regal air, and we wave back as often as we can. When we ask why everyone seems so happy to see us, we are told it is because Egypt’s proximity to the troubles in Gaza has slowed tourism to a trickle. The country’s most important revenue earner has been cursed by its location. The ship is half full. SS Sphinx is collateral damage to a conflict hundreds of kilometres to the north-east.

A monumental holiday Clockwise, from above left: Cairo street life; Karnak Temple Complex; the Royal Suite on SS Sphinx; steering the ship; editor-inchief Peter Lynch at the Luxor Temple

Many Americans and Australians – the mainstay of this country’s tottering tourism economy – cancelled, and you can’t really blame them. Australia’s official position at time of writing is that potential travellers should reconsider their travel plans. Other countries are more nuanced: the UK, for instance, is concerned only about the areas closest to Egypt’s borders.

Our ship is a holiday home to eight Aussies and an assortment of Americans, British and Chinese. We all swap stories about why we are here. Everyone is glad they came. Our travels are uninterrupted, peaceful and filled with wonder.

We are also grateful to see some of the world’s most famous locations without crowds. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last surviving example of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but on the day that we visit there are camels and horse-drawn carriages aplenty but hardly a tourist in sight. Our guide, Ramadan Bassiouny, is a veteran Egyptologist who has sailed the Nile for 30 years with Uniworld and helped many Australians discover his country’s amazing stories. Today,

UNIWORLD SS SPHINX ON THE NILE

he is sad that the record year Egypt had been hoping for has turned to dust.

“Please tell your people they will be welcomed and it is safe,” he begs. “We are far away from the troubles taking place in the Middle East.” His pleading his heartfelt. The Egyptian pound is in freefall, making everything from eating out to souvenirs cheap. But it is also destroying the country’s economy.

All is by no means lost. Lines such as Viking and AmaWaterways have recently launched new ships on the Nile, indicating there is confidence and resilience in this special destination. And so there should be.

Our vessel has two dining venues, an excellent swimming pool – essential in the heat of summer, when temperatures can crackle up to 34 degrees – a spa and 42 character-filled suites.

The bespoke décor “by local artisans” features fine Egyptian cotton, marble and hand-carved blond wood. It’s typical of Uniworld’s wonderfully over-the-top furbishing. The line’s owner, Beatrice Tollman, also owns Red Carnation Hotels, 17 of

The big five

Egypt doesn’t do monuments by half. Many of its temples, tombs and statues are record-breakers. Here are five of the best:

/ Abu Simbel Temples

These temples are doubly miraculous. On the one hand, they are simply huge. If you lie horizontally, the length of your body will only be the size of the lower lip of Ramses II. Hewn into the side of the mountain and guarding the entrance to the temple are four colossal statues of the pharaoh himself. It is said that Ramses II carefully angled the temple so that the sun’s rays would align twice a year on the date of his ascension to the throne (21 February) and on his birthday (21 October) thus illuminating the inner sanctum of the temple. The massive structure was threatened by the construction of the world’s second-largest dam, so the temple complex was physically moved from the banks of Lake Nasser to higher ground.

/ Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Sitting on the desert edge of Cairo, about 18 kilometres from the city centre, the megalithic monuments are a wondrous sight. Giza has three principal pyramids – the Great Pyramid known as Khufu (146 metres), Khafre (143 metres) and Menkaure (70 metres). You need to buy tickets to explore the claustrophobic tomb chambers inside the pyramids. Most visitors prefer to take a camel ride around the sprawling site.

/ Grand Egyptian Museum

About two kilometres away from the Giza pyramids is the new US$1 billion, ultra-modern Grand Egyptian Museum, an archaeological jewel that is expected to open by 2025. It will be the largest museum in the world devoted to a

single civilization. Situated on the Giza Plateau, the complex sits on a 500,000square-metre site, and will house more than 100,000 artifacts. For the first time ever, King Tutankhamun’s entire treasure will be on display. A mega statute of Ramses II greets you in the main foyer. A series of stepped displays culminate in the sight of the pyramids through glass windows. An underground walkway is to be constructed to connect visitors to the pyramids.

/ Karnak Temple, Luxor

More than 3700 years old, the Temple of Karnak is the second largest ancient religious site in the world, after Cambodia’s Angor Wat. More than 30 pharaohs contributed to Karnak’s changing landscape, from Ramses II to King Tut. The temple is in Luxor, south of Cairo on the east bank of the Nile. One of the most memorable spots is the Hypostyle Hall, which today looks like a large courtyard filled with massive columns that seem to touch the sky. In the evening, Karnak turns into an open-air museum and offers a sound and light show.

/ Khan El-Khalili

This famous bazaar and sprawling souk in the centre of Cairo dates back more than 600 years. You can find almost anything, from cheap Egyptian souvenirs to lanterns, artefacts, brassware, clothes, candles, spices, perfume, antiques, jewellery, handicrafts, food stores and traditional coffee shops. The bazaar never sleeps. Visit with a guide as it’s easy to get lost.

Flying colours From top: Ready for take-off on Valley of the Kings excursion; the SS Sphinx Grand Suite’s bathroom; our Egyptologist guide.

the world’s most luxurious hotels. The ship is staffed almost entirely by Egyptians – all of them male. Our captain is a thirdgeneration riverboat sailor with a disconcerting talent for steering the vessel with his feet. But since he has been navigating the Nile since he was six, we forgive him the eccentricity.

Our food is a lovely mix of lightly spiced meats and ricestuffed vegetables, along with hummus, falafel, shawarma, kebab and kofta. A local delicacy is pigeon filled with rice. And one night a huge Nile perch, a distant relative of our own barramundi, is served freshly roasted.

“CRUISING THE NILE REMAINS AN EXTRAORDINARILY PEACEFUL, INSPIRING EXPERIENCE.”

Our 12-day journey begins at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. It fronts the Nile, so be sure to book a suite that overlooks the river. It’s a wonderful sight at night. It is Ramadan when we arrive, and we eat at dusk at the hotel’s Zitouni restaurant. Be prepared for an enormous feast of local food, but also for a hoard of hungry Egyptians breaking their fast!

We spend an evening at the famous Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, which has all the atmosphere you would expect of a huge marketplace filled with spice shops, textiles and perfumeries. The next day, we are off on our adventure with a flight to the busy city of Luxor.

There are two things to remember about touring Egypt: early starts are a must to beat the heat, so be prepared; and modest, looser fitting clothing – covering shoulders and knees – is a necessity, too.

You’ll be gobsmacked by the statues. Ancient Egyptians had amazing medical facilities but were obsessed with ensuring a happy afterlife. Hence the temples, tombs and pyramids where they buried their treasures.

Over 12 nights we tour Cairo, float over the Valley of the Kings on a fleet of hot-air balloons, take tea at the Old Cataract Hotel which inspired Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile, and visit the sites of amazing historical events – all with expert guides and in the safety and comfort of our luxurious ship.

We sail the Nile on a felucca and young boys on paddleboards grab the side of the vessel, and bizarrely sing French songs for a dollar. When we laughingly tell them we are Chinese, they switch to Mandarin. Throughout it all, our Egyptologist Ramadan keeps us entertained and informed.

Egypt, like the rest of the world, waits for an end to the conflict in Gaza. In the meantime, cruising the Nile remains an extraordinarily peaceful, inspiring experience that will reward anyone with the gratitude of a hospitable people and some of our planet’s greatest sights. RC

Mr P. cotton -terry shirt, $240. Aquazzura espadrilles, $1190.

The Nile

Trunk show

Khaite satin shirt, $1810.

Frame cargo pants, $525.

Temple of the Sun earrings, $99.

Max Mara silk-crepe pants,

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen, $37.95.

Capital cotton-twill bucket hat, $296.

Saint Laurent cotton-twill shirt, $3975.

Zimmermann + Net Sustain $725, and

LEICA M6 camera, $9490. $980. pants, $655. silk blouse,

shirt,

Columbia Newton Ridge women’s hiking boots, $153.99.

THE JOY OF THE

DOURO

Bernadette Chua steps aboard the first ship from Avalon Waterways to hit the Douro River. And it sure brought a lot of joy.

Built for the Douro Avalon Waterways’ newest ship, Avalon Alegria

pockets of sunshine peek through the grey clouds above the Douro River in Portugal, now home to Avalon Waterways’ newest ship,  Alegria. But despite the patchy showers and cold weather, spirits are high. The ship’s name in Portuguese means joy. And her arrival has evoked just that among the 100 or so travel agents and media representatives on board.

What’s unique about Avalon Alegria is that it is the first ship from Avalon to be built in Portugal, as any ship to sail on the Douro must be constructed in the country.

The Douro’s smaller locks and narrower waterways mean the  Avalon Alegria can only be 80 metres long and cater for just 102 passengers. On decks three and two are 37 Panorama Suites that sit at 18.5 square metres. Like the rest of the Suite Class ships in the Avalon fleet, they have the famous sliding windows that open out more than two metres, making you feel like your room is part of the Portuguese landscape.

The sumptuous beds face the river, so guests can enjoy the view while taking an afternoon siesta. Cheekily, after our first night, the staff switched our beds to run parallel with the window – just so we could compare how good placing the bed to face the window is compared to Avalon’s competitors.

Each Panorama Suite features a lovely wooden desk with wall-to-wall mirrors. The wardrobe, which sits adjacent to the desk, has plenty of hanging space and cupboards for folding items. There is also a small round table with a banquette and a lounge chair next to the sliding floor-to-ceiling window. This is designed as a seating area where guests can enjoy room service, which Avalon introduced during Covid and has since decided to keep.

“THE SUMPTUOUS BEDS FACE THE RIVER, SO GUESTS CAN ENJOY THE VIEW WHILE TAKING AN AFTERNOON SIESTA.”

What a joy!

from above left: The Club Lounge; Panorama Dining Room; St Walter Church in Guimaraes, Portugal; the Panorama Suite.

The king-sized bed can be split into two singles, and Avalon offers a pillow menu with four choices. Depending on your preference of firmness of mattress, the staff can flip the mattress and add toppers. The bathrooms are well sized with large vanities and huge showers.

There are also 14 Deluxe Staterooms that range from 16 to 16.75 square metres. While smaller, the Deluxe Staterooms are still comfortable but they don’t offer the wonderful sliding panoramic windows.

The Panorama Lounge is the beating heart of the ship. Decked out with light banquettes, Jute fabric chairs and suede ottomans, the area is designed to be able to accommodate all the ship’s guests at once.

By day, it’s a place for reading, relaxing and board games. By night, the bar opens and the lounge becomes a spot to host local musicians, art classes and dancing.

The Panorama Lounge leads out to the Observation Lounge which has been designed for guests to have a light dinner – including regional cuisine – and drinks. It’s also great for people looking for a quick bite before heading out to explore the small towns of the Douro.

Avalon Alegria also has a small unique lounge at the back of the ship. While most other river cruise lines might utilise this type of space for cabins and staterooms, Avalon made the decision to leave it available to all guests.

In addition, the ship boasts a small gym with a treadmill, a stationary bicycle and yoga mats, as well as foam rollers and exercise bands. There is yoga every morning on the Sky Deck from 7am, run by Avalon’s Adventure host. But the idea of the cruise is really to explore and exercise off the ship on one of the line’s Active shore excursions.

The Sky Deck at the top of the ship, during the summer, will be the perfect place to enjoy a drink and watch the scenery go by. If the weather permits, the staff will pop up

Clockwise,

AVALON ALEGRIA ON THE DOURO

Expert tips

What to pack: In April-May, treat it like a Sydney autumn. Light layers are necessary and flat shoes for walking a must. It can be rainy (which is what I encountered) so take waterproof shoes and a raincoat. Avalon is not formal; it’s smart casual for dinner. My favourite meal: It’s hard to go past the lunch spread with carving station and soup and salad bar. My favourite local speciality was fish and seafood – in particular, a clam dish with pork belly. The ice-cream is to die for – especially eaten on the Sky Deck. The best spots: Even in the rain, the Sky Deck is a fabulous place to hang out. There are plenty of seating areas with lounges and tables. And there is a swimming pool for the warmer months. At the back of the ship, the Club lounge is always open.

Charmed by Porto

From top: Many Douro cruises start from the charming Portuguese town of Porto; the Sky Deck is the place to be.

salads, including an interesting potato and sardine mixture, another local speciality. A carving station is set up along with sandwiches and soup for those who want to come back and dine on the ship.

Dinner is generally a four-course meal where you’re presented with a soup, salad, main and dessert. Portion sizes are reasonable, which means you can try a little bit of everything. Remember, beer, wine and soft drinks are included during lunch and dinner, but cocktails start from about $16.

As cruise director Valentine said, “It’s all about choice”: you can do as much or as little as you want. On day two, three typical Avalon shore excursions were running – a Classic, Discovery and Active.

I chose Active and ventured out to kayak on the Douro River. Our small group was taken to a pier nearby, where we were kitted out in wetsuits before bracing for the cold autumnal waters. We set off and paddled around, looking at the flora and fauna of the area. Following, we were treated to a picnic, before finally meeting the ship further down the river.

While we spent only a short time on the ship, it’s not hard to understand why Avalon appeals. It’s fun, youthful and completely unstuffy. There are key touches that make guests feel loved – faster WiFi, coffee and hot chocolate served all day and night in the Panorama Lounge, and cookies and apple strudel available in the Club Lounge.

The staff on board are knowledgeable and friendly. And everyone treats you like family. Much like the ethos of the Avalon brand. RC

the retractable bar for drinks to be served all day. Twice during the Portugal itinerary, the staff will host barbecues at the Sky Grill and cook up burgers, steaks, sausages and specialty meat cuts from the local area.

There is a focus on regional cuisine. Bread is sourced from local bakeries while the pastries are made on board. For breakfast, guests can order items such as eggs Florentine or an omelette, or dive into the scrambled eggs, bacon and sausages. But there is also an array of healthy options such as fruit, muesli, yoghurt and granola.

Lunch is when you will start to discover the regional dishes – for instance, the menu on my trip included a Portuguese dish of clams, potatoes and meat. There is always an abundance of

AVALON ALEGRIA ON THE DOURO