We had always wanted to do sail the Douro and have enjoyed River cruises in the past. They were great trips and this was the best of them all. It was our first cruise with Scenic and the crew, every one of them, were the most professional, happy, charming and thoughtful people. They are all Portuguese and they do their country proud. We visited some distant villages learning about how life is changing for them and the wine and Port tastings were of a very high standard, Cockburn’s particularly as they had a really expert guide. The visit to a church and a music recital was simply beautiful. Our guides from the ship were full of interesting information and were very knowledgeable about all things Portuguese. We really felt very much at home and were sad to leave.

We had a Junior suite. It was immaculate, most marvellous bed and pillows, there was everything and more than we needed. Butler service was perfectly pitched, nothing too much trouble with many thoughtful touches. The Food and wines were wonderful and beautifully and professionally served. We all enjoyed the entertainment from the resident pianist and singer with others joining in and a good number of us dancing.

The journey up the Douro and back was all beautiful scenery whilst passing through many enormous locks. The history of the Douro is very interesting and was backed up with a film of the Douro before the locks and dams were built, the skill of the sailors in those days was incredible. Going through the locks we realized how skilled our crew were, sometimes only 15cms to spare on each side passing through…… Read more