Just in time for the start of 2017 sailings on Portugal’s Douro River, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has opened a new dock for exclusive use by both Scenic and their sister company Emerald Waterways river ships. Unlike other river ship docks, this is conveniently located in Cais de Maragaia, a historic area of the World Heritage city of Porto and only a five-minute walk to Ribiera Street, one of Porto’s most popular riverfront promenades known for its distinctive small alleyways and pastel-hued buildings.
Scenic Opens New Dock
Douro itineraries range from eight to 17 days sailing roundtrip – with no overnight sailing – from the World Heritage city of Porto to Vega de Terron over the Spanish border. Highlights includemany of the region’s best sites and activites: sparkling wine tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta Aveleda; exploring the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca; a sumptuous lunch and Flamenco dance in the architecturally-rich city of Salamanca; a canoeing adventure on the Sabor River; and learning about life in the port wine town of Pinhᾶo from residents. Itineraries can be combined with Bordeaux and Seine river cruises plus extensions in Lisbon and a land tour from Porto to Madrid.
Scenic Azure
Scenic launched the custom-built luxury Space-Ship, the Scenic Azure, in April 2016 as one of the only owner-operated river cruise ships on the Douro with sailings that both begin and end in Porto. At 260 ft. long and only 48 cabins, this is the next-generation of river ships designed with only one purpose: to navigate the calm waters of the Douro and its short and narrow locks, vineyard-covered gorges and abundance of incredible scenery.
The 5-star Scenic Azure boasts the same truly all-inclusive luxury experience synonymous with the all Scenic Space-Ships – a 1:2 staff-to-guest ratio; private butler service and unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits; full-size private balcony staterooms which come equipped with Scenic’s Sun Lounge technology – a unique system where the walkout open-air balcony converts to an all-weather lounge with a push of a button; a vitality pool on the Sun Deck and a guest elevator between decks, wellness area and fitness center.
On board cuisine allows for up to six dining options, including the tradition of dégustation at Table d’Or, fine dining at Portobellos and the more casual fare at the River Café. As with all Scenic river cruises, guests will never have to reach for the wallet or purse as everything (except a haircut or massage) is included: tips and gratuities, expert local guides, all Scenic FreeChoice activities that allow for a more personalized vacation, plus Scenic Enrich events which are exclusive to Scenic and its guests.
Scenic
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours’ Family of Brands has grown over its 30-year history to include award-winning, all-inclusive escorted tours that take participants to many of the world’s most fascinating destinations; two award-winning river cruise lines – Scenic and Emerald Waterways; and, in 2018, the World’s First Discovery Yacht – Scenic Eclipse. Scenic’s 15 Space-Ships offer the only truly all-inclusive, five-star river cruises in Europe, the Mekong, Irrawaddy and Russia (Russia – wine/beer included at meals only), while Emerald Waterways’ seven Star-Ships offer nearly all-inclusive deluxe sailings in the same destinations minus Irrawaddy. The Scenic Eclipse will launch on Aug. 31, 2018 with itineraries that take in the Americas, Antarctica, Europe, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the Arctic region and the stunning fjords of Norway.
Additional information on these and other cruises, brochures and reservations can be obtained via travel agents; or in the US: www.scenicusa.com; phone 844-788-7987; or email: info@scenicusa.com: and in Canada: www.scenic.ca; phone 844-788-7987; or email: canada@scenic.ca. Brochures can also be downloaded directly from the website.
