MS Estrela
MS Estrela

Come aboard the MS Estrela, our new custom-built river ship, designed to gracefully navigate the picturesque waters of the Douro River in Portugal. 

Exquisite dining, Onboard entertainment, Pool and sun deck, Cultural excursions, Gratuities included

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What to expect from MS Estrela

Overview

Cruise the waters of Portugal

Come aboard the MS Estrela, our new custom-built river ship, designed to gracefully navigate the picturesque waters of the Douro River in Portugal. Purpose-built to offer unparalleled comfort and style, from its luxurious cabins to exquisite dining experiences, the MS Estrela promises an unforgettable journey through Portugal's enchanting wine country.

Accommodation

French Balcony suites feature an electric slide down window, allowing you to bask in the glorious landscapes.

Owner's Suite

Stay in an Owner's Suite to experience expansive dual-aspect views of the Douro from your sizeable french balcony and large sitting area. Enjoy a deluxe queen-size bed, a spacious en suite bathroom and amenities including personal climate control, a flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi.

French Balcony Suites

Indulge in extensive views of luxurious riverscapes from the comfort of your French Balcony Suite. Featuring an electric slide-down window, feel the fresh breeze on your face.

Window Staterooms

Relax in a Window Stateroom situated on the lower deck. Enjoy amenities including a premium en suite bathroom, personal climate control, a flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi

Decks

Sun Deck

  • Putting Green
  • Swimming Pool
  • Outdoor Bar
  • Wheelhouse

Upper Deck

  • Owner's Suite
  • Category S Staterooms
  • Category P Staterooms
  • Main Lounge & Bar
  • Reception
  • Lift

Main Deck

  • Category CT Staterooms
  • Category B Staterooms
  • Restaurant

Lower Deck

  • Category E Staterooms
  • Category F Staterooms

Kids and Teens

Please note that there are no children's facilities onboard MS Estrela.

Gratuities

On all APT cruises, gratuities to your Cruise Director and ship crew are included in the tour price. This also applies to land touring where a local guide and/or driver is employed.

Gratuities When Touring Independently

Most restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving an additional 5-10% is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (service non compris) a 15-20% tip is appropriate.

  • Taxi drivers should be tipped 10-15% of the metered fare.
  • Small tips of around €1 are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour guides. 

Entertainment

Outdoor social spaces include a Sun Deck featuring a large swimming pool and an outdoor bar, plush lounge seats, sun beds and a putting green.

Onboard entertainment includes Portuguese folk music and an informative history lesson.

Lounge

Custom-built to embrace the natural light of the sun-drenched Douro Valley, relax in the lounge accompanied by a cocktail or book. Recline on a plush couch as you watch the spectacular scenery drift by from the comfort of your climate-controlled position.

Outdoor Lounge

The MS Estrela offers many spaces to relax on board as a ship designed to maximise your comfort. On the Sun Deck, recline by the pool on a plush sun bed and watch the gorgeous landscapes glide by with a drink in hand.

Lobby

The Lobby can be found on the Upper Deck.

Sun Deck

Rejuvenate in the sun

Relax on board the MS Estrela and take in beautiful surrounds from the Sun Deck. Rest by one of the largest pools on the Douro and treasure the passing landscape. Treat yourself to a drink from the outdoor bar and recline on a plush chair.

Onboard Entertainment

Enjoy nights of wine, song and dance with onboard entertainment including Portuguese folk music. Uncover knowledge about the local culture with immersive history lessons and engaging talks with experts.

Enrichment

An APT European river cruise offers a passport to exclusive and enriching experiences that celebrate Europe’s cultural richness. Attend a private classical concert in Vienna’s stunning City Palace, witness the charm of a ‘Sound of Music’ show in Salzburg, or take in the soulful notes of a Fado performance at Porto’s Palacio da Bolsa. Explore Namedy Castle for a glimpse of Europe’s regal past and participate in APT’s Signature Experiences—curated to connect you with each destination’s unique history and beauty. These moments turn your journey into a deep dive into Europe’s culture, ensuring that your trip is as enlightening as it is luxurious.

From the sun-drenched vineyards of the Douro to the grand capitals of the Danube, each APT cruise is meticulously crafted to offer an immersive journey into the heart of each region you visit. Set sail with APT on a European River Cruise and discover a world where each river tells its own story, every turn reveals a new sight, and each moment aboard is an invitation to savour the extraordinary.

Excursions

Local Connections: Meet with artisans, chefs, and historians who bring a personal perspective to their homelands, enriching your understanding of each destination.

Seasonal Experiences:  Travel during special seasons to witness unique events like the vibrant Keukenhof tulip festival in Amsterdam or Germany’s festive Christmas markets.

Adventure and Activity:  For those seeking activity, engage in guided mountain treks in Germany, cycling through French vineyards, or kayaking excursions along the Danube.

Natural Wonders:  Glide past Europe’s diverse ecosystems, from the lush landscapes of the Netherlands to the dramatic Rhine gorges and the rolling hills of Portugal.

Historical Exploration:  Dive into Europe’s history with guided tours of medieval castles, ancient fortresses, and significant World War landmarks that span centuries.

Cultural Immersion:  Experience local traditions, from exclusive vineyard tours and tastings along the Douro to private classical concerts in Vienna’s City Palace.

Namedy Castle

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a royal escape set near the Rhine River in Germany. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens during this exclusive Signature Experience, you’ll attend a morning tea, where a pianist sets the mood.

Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace

Head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of the Austrian capital of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. During this extraordinary Signature Experience, a full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.

Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘The Sound of Music’ Show

On this incredible Signature Experience in Austria, be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music’.

Golubac Walking Tour

On this Signature Experience, enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Golubac, a charming village in eastern Serbia. Explore the striking 14th-century Golubac Fortress, which stands at the entrance to the Iron Gates of the Danube, and hear about its captivating history from your expert guide. Then, visit a local riverside tavern, where you’ll delight in a delicious Serbian meze tasting, featuring an array of small dishes such as cheeses, cured meats and other local specialties.

Folk Art House and Horse Show

On this memorable Signature Experience, visit the Folk Art House, where local handicrafts are on show. Then, visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.

Iron Gates Cruising

Get ready to witness nature at its finest today as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a stunning natural wonder of lush forests, towering cliffs and rugged landscapes. This spectacular series of gorges connects Serbia and Romania and makes for an unparalleled cruising experience.

Villány Wine Tasting

On this Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity, travel to Villány, a renowned Hungarian wine region known for its red and rose varieties. Here, you will pay a visit to a local winery, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting.

Belogradchik

Venture to the town of Belogradchik in Bulgaria and visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.

Dining

The main restaurant showcases Portuguese and international flavours, or you can opt for a lighter meal in the ship's lounge, or dine alfresco.

Dining

Celebrate Local Produce
Tantalise your tastebuds with flavours from Portugal and the Meditteranean. Opt to dine in the ship's contemporary lounge or make the most of the outdoors with alfresco dining on the exterior deck.

Other Cruise Information

ClassCruise Type: river

Class:

Ship Size: small

Style:

Operator Reference: apt-guided-tours-river-cruises

Nursery: none

Child Facilities: none

Our Cruise Consultunts

Whether you're an avid fan or new to cruises, our experienced consultants will help you find the best value on a cruise holiday that's tailored to suit you perfectly.

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