Uniworld Douro River Cruise
By Georgiana Verdonk-Sim
When my best friend Heidi suggested a cruise along the Douro River, I jumped at the chance. I had never been on a cruise before, so I was excited for this new adventure. Plus, I would get to spend time with Heidi (we live on different continents, so we rarely see each other).
Further, I had already visited the Douro region twice and loved it, so I was pretty sure cruising there would also be amazing!
After spending seven nights on Uniworld Douro River cruise aboard the 100-passenger SS Sao Gabriel, I now understand the appeal of river cruising and why the new friends I made onboard seem to be hooked on Uniworld’s boutique river cruises.
I now find myself browsing their marketing emails whenever I think about vacation planning.
Reflecting on my experience, I’ve come up with my top three reasons why traveling to the Douro region with Uniworld added much more depth and flavor to the impressions I had gained from my previous land travels.
Besties on the deck of the 100-pax SS Sao Gabriel. * Photo: New friend on board
1. Indulgent Pampering and Thoughtful Planning
The pampering and behind-the-scenes planning gave me the space to unwind and truly appreciate the beauty around me. The scenery along the Douro River is breathtaking, and the itinerary was carefully thought out.
During the 250-mile round-trip sailing from Porto to Salamanca (Spain) and back to Porto, we had ample time to relax on the sun deck, soak in the landscape — including passing through five fascinating locks along the way — and also enjoy daily excursions without feeling rushed.
The crew, under the exceptional leadership of our cruise manager Ricardo, went out of their way to make every guest feel welcome and cared for. Within two hours of boarding, I felt completely relaxed — a feeling that lasted until we disembarked.
I didn’t have to worry about catching trains, finding dinner spots, or arranging transport to the hotel — all the usual stressors of land travel were blissfully absent.
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2. A Feast for the Senses: Food, Wine, and Beyond
The food and wine on my Uniworld Douro River cruise were simply outstanding! While I had sampled regional cuisine and wines during my previous visits, the cruise elevated the gastronomic experience to a whole new level.
Our sommelier, Bueno, curated a rotating selection of wines from various Portuguese winemakers at each lunch and dinner. He never repeated a bottle unless specifically requested. There was, of course, plenty of port wine on board and in port, as it’s Portugal’s famed fortified wine.
Sommelier Bueno. * Photo: Georgiana Verdonk-Sim
The daily lunch buffet was varied and delicious (the tomato salad is a must-try), and the à la carte dinners deserve a five-star review. On my previous land trip, I spent considerable time researching restaurants while staying in Régua.
While we did some wine and port tastings on my land-based travels, they didn’t compare to the extensive tastings on offered on the cruise, on board and off. Plus, it was far more convenient to simply stroll 30 meters from our cabin to a sumptuous Portuguese meal in the ship’s restaurant.
Wine tasting on an excursion. * Photo: Georgiana Verdonk-Sim
3. Unforgettable Activities, Excursions, and Friendships
As a first-time cruiser, I wasn’t expecting such a diverse range of activities and excursions included in our seven-night itinerary. The excursions were thoughtfully organized, and our knowledgeable tour guides provided rich cultural insights.
The highlight of my trip was the visit to Salamanca, Spain, where we walked around the famous university, explored the beautiful town, and even climbed up the tower of the Clerecía Church during our free time.
View from the Jesuit Church tower. * Photo: Georgiana Verdonk-Sim
Onboard activities were equally enjoyable. From Fado and Flamenco performances to dancing under the stars on the sun deck and a fun 70s party, there was never a dull moment. These events also gave us the chance to mingle with fellow passengers and form new friendships.
Granted, these activities could theoretically be arranged during a land trip, but the delightful camaraderie of our cruise mates would be missing from the program.
Georgiana all decked out for the 70s theme party one evening. * Photo: Heidi Sarna
While these experiences were wonderful, planning every aspect of the trip – such as finding accommodations, choosing restaurants, and arranging transport — often made the journey feel more like a logistical puzzle than a relaxing getaway.
And so, my recent Uniworld Douro River cruise was quite the opposite — we could just enjoy the ride while all of the planning and logistics were handled by others.
The Douro River cruise was much more than just a scenic voyage — it was an immersion into relaxation, indulgence, and meaningful connection.
Unlike my previous land travels that required more planning on my part, my Uniworld Douro River cruise allowed me to truly unwind and embrace the full experience. Every moment felt curated to perfection, from the stunning views to the exquisite cuisine and enriching cultural insights.
While my past visits made me appreciate the region, the cruise deepened my connection to it in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I wasn’t just passing through; I became part of the region’s rhythm, sharing it with newfound friends.
For anyone seeking a combination of luxury, discovery, and a sense of community, Uniworld’s Douro River cruise offers an unforgettable way to experience this magical part of the world.
Georgiana with the captain of the SS Sao Gabriel. * Photo: Heidi Sarna
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Comparing Land Travel to a Douro River Cruise
Having visited the Douro region twice before on land-based holidays, I now have the perspective to compare the two modes of travel.
Planning your own (non-group, non-cruise) travel does come with its own perks, like these three:
- More Time to Explore: On my previous trips, I spent more time in cities like Régua and Pinhāo, wandering at my own pace and enjoying each destination more deeply.
- Unique Stays: I had the opportunity to stay in beautiful Quintas and hotels that offered breathtaking views of the Douro River from elevated points, enhancing my connection with the landscape.
- Scenic Boat and Train Rides: My land travels also included a delightful day-boat trip along the Douro River, which gave me a taste of the region’s beauty from the water, followed by a scenic train ride from Pinhāo to Porto. The railway tracks run alongside the river, offering stunning views. The charming Pinhāo train station was a highlight of the journey. Here’s more info about this super scenic train ride.
The view from our hotel overlooking the Douro River. * Photo: Georgiana Verdonk-Sim
Interested in this Uniworld Douro River Cruise?
Visit the Uniworld’s website or if you need helping booking a Uniworld Douro River cruise, drop us an email (Heidi@QuirkyCruise.com) and we can refer you to our favorite travel advisor.
Georgiana Verdonk-Sim is an avid traveler who has lived in the Netherlands for the past five years with her family, after a long stay in Singapore. She’s also lived in Chicago and Vancouver. Georgiana’s travels have taken her all over Europe, North America, and South, East and Southeast Asia.
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HEIDI SARNA
