APT Travel Marvel – Christening of MS Estrela in Porto

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Any Porto in a storm? Easy to joke at Dublin Airport when the marvellous Michelle Ryan (Country Manager Ireland APT Travel Marvel) calls from Porto saying that a storm is brewing locally and we’ll embark our super ship at a further transfer point on the Douro River when we land. As it transpired, there was nothing to worry about. MS Estrela glided gracefully to meet us and we boarded to a warm welcome from Michelle, Brad and Paul.

First time on the Douro and the views don’t disappoint. Terraces clothed in emerald green vines and lush foliage drape both sides of the river dipping down to the water in a landscape of fertility and abundance. Copious amounts of rainfall obviously help. We sail regally to Regua and enjoy life onboard. Ah, but it was tough. Great food, endless drinks, snacks and excellent entertainment had to be ‘tolerated’ and staff anticipating every need was certainly not an endurance test. Each staff member was courteous, polite and caring. Nothing was too much trouble. Bravo.

The christening of the ship was a real event. Lucy Huxley (Travel Weekly UK) was appointed Godmother of the ship and had the honour of cracking Champagne on the hull. With David Cox, affectionately known as DC (CEO Global CEO) and Paul Milenis (UK & Europe CEO) in attendance and the sun shining upon us, it was a lovely morning ashore on the banks of the river. APT Travel Marvel MS Estrela was specially built to sail the Douro and the vessel is truly a marvel. We even sailed through the Carrapatelo Lock, the highest in Europe at 115 FT, so that was dramatic!

An evening in Vila do Conde at the stunning Mosteiro Restaurant in Lince Santa Clara Hotel (formerly a Monastery) was a study in superb culinary specialities of the region. We ate in spectacular surroundings and had a wonderful evening. Portuguese cuisine is authentic, flavourful and inspiring. Of course, we couldn’t visit Porto with tasing some port. An excursion to Quinta da Pacheca was amazing. We tasted Douro wines, white, ruby and tawny port and had a masterclass in exceptional wines with history blending in the cavernous cellars.

Back onboard, our comfortable cabins provided respite from the rigours of wine tasting and we sallied forth for our final evening of cocktails and gala dinner. Another fun evening with a full band (the Irish graced the dancefloor and lured other guests to join) and, did I mention, that the previous Karaoke night was an Irish triumph also? We received gorgeous gifts of personally embossed folders, backpacks, port (naturally) and lovely pashminas. APT Travel Marvel, you absolutely spoiled us. The vessel has all the charms and facilities necessary for a great holiday – swimming pool, luxury lounges, laundry services, cabin mini bars and fluffy bathrobes. What more could a body want?

Our last morning docked in Porto offered the chance to stroll the steep streets, window shop and visit the beautiful train station (adorned with azulejos – those blue and white tiles so traditional in Portugal). Livraria Chardron or Library Lello was JK Rowling’s inspiration for some Hogwarts scenery in Harry Potter and massive queues to view the famous staircase inside are testament to its fame. A ferry or cable car traverse the Douro from Gaia to Porto, so port tasting and shopping are all easily accessible.

A Douro River cruise onboard MS Estrela was simply marvellous and I highly recommend the journey. For a voyage of discovery on a river that is neither polluted nor heavily trafficked, the trip is tranquil, restful and delightful. Heave Ho. Michelle Ryan are “First Mates Best Mates”?

Factfile: Aer Lingus, Ryanair and TAP Air Portugal all fly directly to Porto from Ireland. Dublin, Cork and Shannon are serviced. Flight duration is 2 hours 10 minutes.

Best Buys in Porto: Port and delicious local wines. Sardines. Pasteis de Nata (those moreish Portuguese custard tarts).

Top Tip: A “new” summer drink is white port with tonic water and lots of ice. Recommended.