Launching in 2018, the Douro Splendour joins her identical sister-ship Douro Elegance in operating river cruises along Portugal’s Douro River for Riviera River Cruises. Like her sisters, she will carry 126 guests and a crew of 36 on Riviera’s eight-day, The Douro, Oporto and Salamanca river cruise itinerary that departs roundtrip from Porto, Portugal.

Douro Splendour is smaller than Riviera River Cruises’ other vessels in Europe; a necessity of the many narrow locks that line the length of the Douro River. Because of that, standard stateroom sizes aboard the Douro Splendour are slightly smaller than some of the company’s other ships, but Riviera River Cruises makes up for that with the sharp, modern décor found onboard.

DOURO SPLENDOUR Staterooms

• Standard Cabins are snug, but economical. Cabins in this category that are located on Upper and Middle Deck are 151 square feet and feature their own French Balcony. Beware, however, that Standard Cabins on Lower Deck are substantially smaller: just 129 square feet, with quarter-height riverview windows positioned near the upper portion of the cabin. Standard Cabins on Upper and Middle Deck feature a small sitting area with two plush chairs and a table; cabins on Lower Deck eliminate this feature.
• Superior Suites reside on Upper Deck. There are six of these 205-square-foot suites aboard the Douro Splendour, each of which features a full-size desk situated by a floor-to-ceiling glass window; a large bedroom and sitting area, and a French balcony positioned within the suite that has its own dedicated sitting area. Rather than opening from the side, the upper portion of the balcony window retracts electronically to create an open-air balcony.
• Deluxe Balcony Suites are the largest type of accommodations aboard the Douro Splendour. There are two of these 312-square-foot suites located all the way aft on Upper Deck, both of which feature luxuries not available in other cabin categories. Of particular note is the walk-in closet (a rarity on river ships) and the enlarged seating area. A table and two chairs are positioned alongside the French balcony, while the bedroom has two floor-to-ceiling windows and a wall-mounted flat-panel television.

DOURO SPLENDOUR Public Areas

Public areas aboard the Douro Splendour are similar to what you’d expect to find on other river cruise ships, with a few additional surprises.

The Main Lounge and Restaurant are located all the way forward, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy, inviting décor. Seating options are plentiful, and crowding is rarely an issue, even during peak times.

Forward of the Main Lounge is an outdoor seating area located on the ship’s bow. It’s a great spot to relax with a cocktail, or just to admire the views of the Douro as you sail past.

Up on the Sun Deck, guests will find both shaded and uncovered seating options, along with an oversized swimming pool – the perfect way to cool down during the summer months, which tend to get quite hot on the Douro.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• Although the ship has a lift, it does not travel to the uppermost Sun Deck.
• Only two-prong, 220V European-style power outlets are offered onboard; UK and North American guests will need to bring an adapter or converter with them.
• Select Standard Cabins on Lower Deck are available for single-occupancy at no additional cost.