Avalon Waterways is getting ready to make its Portugal debut on the Douro River in 2024 with a new itinerary and Suite Ship – the Avalon Alegria! Marking the company’s 15^th Suite Ship in Europe and first sailings on the picturesque Douro, Avalon is poised to give its guests the newest view of the Old World.

Until then, Bordeaux, Tuscany and Napa fans have a whole new destination to raise their glasses to. Winding through the terraced vineyards and charming villages of the Douro Valley, Portugal’s Douro River promises some of Europe’s most delectable views, vistas and vinho.

“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.”

Rendering of Avalon Alegria's Sky Deck pool

AVALON’S LATEST, “GRAPEST” CRUISE. Hillside vineyards and historic villages await guests as they sail through Portugal’s postcard-perfect views on Avalon’s all-new, eight-day Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro which begins and ends in Porto and is filled with Avalon’s signature, included “Classic,” “Discovery,” and “Active” excursion choices. Featuring everything from ancient Amarante – in the picturesque Minho region, known for its golden church that dates back to 1530 – to the sandstone architecture in Salamanca Spain; rock art to riding bikes from Porto to the sea, this NEW cruise promises countless ways to soak up splendor – from medieval castles to cinematic scenery and all the vinho, baked bread, olives and cheese your soul desires.

TOASTING THE COMPANY’S NEWEST, SUITEST SHIP. Living up to its name (which, in Portuguese, means “happiness”), the Avalon Alegria – like the rest of the company’s fleet of Suite Ships – will feature signature, award-winning Panorama Suites on two full decks. Each Suite provides guests with 200-square-feet of living space, Open-Air Balconies and beds facing the views for which river cruising is famous. In addition, the Alegria, has a pool on the Sky Deck to bask in the sun and soak-in the beauty of Portugal while sailing from a new, poolside point-of-view. This new Suite Ship, built exclusively to sail the Douro, will have a total of 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, accommodating just 102 guests and 33 crew members.

UNCORKED ADVENTURE, UNEQUALLED INTEREST. According to Hoffee, Avalon’s new ship and cruise are proving to be extremely popular. “Our new Portugal cruise departures are already more than 50 percent sold for 2024. Cruisers wanting to experience the Avalon Alegria in her inaugural year shouldn’t wait to book.”

For more information, visit www.avalonwaterways.ca.