After postponement and delays due to Covid it was wonderful to sail with Emerald again. From the stunning scenery of the Douro to the first class ship, food, drinks and service we had a wonderful holiday. All the staff were polite, well trained and courteous but with a bit of fun thrown in along the way. Cooking demonstrations, cocktail making, tile painting plus more. Enjoyable excursions and a very pleasant evening out for dining and dancing to live music in a winery cellar as well. Five impressive locks were navigated (twice). Hot sunny weather each day with an occasional, welcome breeze when sailing along the river. The Douro is the most scenic of all the river cruises we have done. Day time only sailing meant that you missed nothing along the way.

The only downside was that we took the added extension to Lisbon and were not impressed by the hotel or one of the local coaches that were used.