On board the newest river cruise ship in Europe - designed for Australians

The cruise line: APT

Launched in: August 2024

The size: 80 metres long, 58 staterooms, 116 guests

Passenger-to-staff ratio: 3:1

Having only hit the waterways of Portugal's famous Douro River in August last year, the MS Estrela is the newest ship in APT's fleet. The 80-metre-long vessel is designed specifically for the Australian family-owned company's Douro cruises and its typically Australian clientele of over-55s, with dimensions that fit snugly into the river's five lock and dam systems.

But the ship's size is not the only influence the river has had on it. Inside and out, the design reflects the natural landscapes of the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley, including reeded lampshades, natural stone tiles in the bathroom and the use of woven fabrics throughout the ship's decor. Even the vessel's unusual green-tinted taupe exterior means it stands out compared to the other starkly white vessels plying the river, while also feeling at one with its surroundings.

With 58 staterooms for up to 116 guests, the MS Estrela is an intimate setting for a tour along the river. The stylish cabins come with climate control, a flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and an ensuite. Those who love to feel the wind in their hair will be happy to know that the French balcony suites, located on the upper and main decks, make up the majority of MS Estrela's cabin offerings.

These comprise an electric slide-down window so guests can enjoy all of the pleasures of a balcony, without sacrificing space. This is important because the rooms are on the smaller side - particularly if you're expecting something comparable to a standard hotel room. But that is part of river cruising - these ships need to fit through locks, which restricts their size.

Offering more space are two owner's suites, which come in at 23.2 square metres, compared to the largest French balcony suite of 18 square metres. It is worth noting that the queen bed in my French balcony suite was two singles pushed together, without a mattress topper. It's practical for friends sharing a room, but it may not be the most comfortable for solos or couples.

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The Douro Valley is a hub of fresh produce and wine (it's the home of port) so the MS Estrela's chef is not lacking in inspiration for the dining room's ever-changing menu. The menu itself is a mix of dishes from across Europe, including a daily consomme at dinner and main meal offerings such as crepes Florentine. And there's a particular focus on the region's cuisine with fan favourites including arroz doce - a sweet rice pudding with peach compote - a local take on salmon tartare and, of course, the Portuguese tart. Options for Australians wanting something more familiar for dinner include steak, fries, burgers and grilled chicken breast.

For breakfast, passengers can expect a buffet, including a chef-manned egg station that gets quite the workout. The buffet returns for lunch - as well as limited a la carte options - while dinner is full a la carte, with different featured Portuguese wines each evening.

For those wanting lighter options in a less formal setting, there is casual dining in the lounge for breakfast and lunch including continental options such as cereals and pastries for breakfast, and soup and sandwiches for lunch. This is something APT has added specifically for Australian guests, as they recognised that the market doesn't always want a full, formal breakfast and lunch every day.

What this river cruise ship lacks in size, compared to its open-sea counterparts, it makes up for with diverse on-board programming. There are regular performances in the lounge by local musicians, which on our cruise included harpist Joao Soares and folk group Castas do Douro. These performances can also be watched on the livestream cast on in-room televisions. Also included in the lounge program is a documentary detailing the once-dangerous journey Portuguese sailors would take along the Douro River in the 1960s - before the lock system was implemented.

For those who are keen to soak in as much sun as possible, head to the top deck - complete with deckchairs - where you can also play a couple of rounds on the putting green or have a swim in the ship's crystal blue swimming pool, which is one of the largest on a European river ship.

No other moment in the day is the appreciation of APT's service more evident than during Port Talk, just before dinner. There, the cruise director walks passengers through the itinerary for the next day. Not only is it informative - with details covering things such as the steepness of the walks, what options passengers have in terms of easier alternatives and what shoes would be best - but it's also entertaining.

The service doesn't stop there. By the second or third day staff will know guests' names, how they like their coffee in the morning and the best times to clean their rooms without causing too much disruption.

Get on board: APT's nine-day Douro Delights cruise travels between Madrid and Porto, with custom itinerary options including walking tours, cooking classes and winery visits. From $6895 per person. There is also a 14-day option, Douro Delights with Lisbon and Madrid, which includes seven nights on the MS Estrela, from $10,795 per person. Bookings are open for departures from May 2025 through September 2026.

Explore more: aptouring.com.au

The writer was a guest of APT.