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Exterior side shot of the Douro Elegance ship

5 stars MS Douro Elegance

Built
2017
Crew
36
Cabins
62
Passengers
124
Cruises
6

MS Douro Elegance is a beautifully appointed river ship designed exclusively for the Douro, combining timeless Portuguese style with a relaxed sense of sophistication.

Polished wood, warm earth tones and gold accents create a tranquil atmosphere throughout, while carefully curated artwork and decorative touches reflect the character of the valley and the river that shapes it.

Carrying just 124 guests, she retains the feel of a boutique hotel on the water, with a friendly, sociable atmosphere and attentive service that never feels formal. Days unfold at an easy pace, with scenic sailings through the Douro Valley, where warmer weather, terraced vineyards, olive groves and almond trees give way to ever-changing river views. 

The heart of the ship is the restaurant and bar, where relaxed meals and easy conversation flow naturally into one another. It's the kind of place where evenings have a habit of lasted longer than planned.  

Up on the inviting Sun Deck, there’s plenty of space to relax in the sunshine with a drink and a book and watch the beautiful Douro Valley drift by. When the weather heats up, there’s a splash pool to cool off.  

Passing through the Douro’s impressive locks and beneath its lower bridges is one of the river’s most fascinating experiences. While the Sun Deck is temporarily lowered during parts of the journey, guests can still enjoy these moments from the bow, the panoramic lounge or the comfort of their cabin. 

Facilities

  • Restaurant
  • Magnificent lounge & bar
  • Laundry service (additional fee)
  • Spa & wellness
  • Boutique gift shop
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Splash pool
  • Air-conditioning
  • Tea & Coffee making facilities
  • Lift between Upper, Middle & Lower Decks
Lounge area with green sofas at the Elegance Bar

Dining on Board

Mornings begin at your own pace, with a generous breakfast buffet complemented by freshly prepared dishes made to order. Whether you prefer a full breakfast or something lighter, there’s plenty of choice to ease you into the day. 
Lunch is relaxed and flexible, with buffet options, seasonal salads and a selection of freshly prepared dishes available to order. 
Come evening, the restaurant comes into its own, serving Portuguese, Mediterranean and international cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting. Carefully selected Douro wines are available with dinner, offering an authentic taste of the region alongside every four-course meal. You'll also find complimentary water stations, together with tea and coffee-making facilities available throughout the day.

Deck Plan

Sun deck lounge area aboard the Douro Elegance ship

Sun Deck

The Sun Deck is where the Douro really opens up, with wide skies, fresh air and uninterrupted views stretching in every direction. Settle into a sun lounger, cool off in the splash pool or simply watch life along the river drift by at a gentle pace. 
The Douro is also home to a fascinating series of locks and bridges. Passing through them is one of the highlights of the journey, and guests can often watch as sections of the Sun Deck are carefully lowered to allow the ship through. During these moments, there are still excellent views from the forward viewing area, the panoramic lounge or the comfort of your cabin. 
For those who like to know what’s going on, the bridge is nearby if you fancy a glimpse of the captain and crew at work. 
Please note: the Sun Deck is accessible by stairs only.

Lounge area with green sofas at the Elegance Bar

Upper Deck

Boarding via the welcoming entrance lobby on the Upper Deck, you'll immediately notice the ship's elegant design, where polished wood, warm earth tones and classic Portuguese influences create a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere. 
Complimentary tea and coffee are always available here, alongside a small boutique selling essentials and souvenirs. Forward, you'll find the magnificent lounge and bar, the social heart of the ship. It's a welcoming space where guests gather for conversation, daily briefings, evening entertainment and drinks while watching the scenery unfold through panoramic windows. 
The well-stocked bar offers everything from local Douro wines to expertly prepared cocktails, served by a friendly and attentive team.  

When evening falls, the subdued lighting creates the most gentile ambience so unwind over a digestif or perhaps take a turn on the dance floor to the soothing tones of the resident musician. There really can be few holidays quite as relaxing as this! 

Middle Deck

The Middle Deck is home to the restaurant, a warm and intimate space where details inspired by the Douro can be found throughout, from thoughtfully designed table settings to menus that reflect the region's culinary traditions. Open dining means you sit wherever and with whomever you please. 

Breakfast begins with a generous buffet alongside freshly prepared dishes made to order and an omelette station. At lunchtime, guests can enjoy buffet selections, seasonal salads and a choice of freshly prepared dishes, creating a relaxed and flexible dining experience. 
Dinner is the highlight of the day: a four-course menu showcasing Portuguese, Mediterranean and international flavours, served with attentive care as the Douro drifts past the panoramic windows. Carefully selected local wines are available to accompany your meal, bringing a taste of the valley to every course. 

You'll also find complimentary water stations, along with tea and coffee-making facilities available throughout the day.  

The ship's spa is also located on this deck.

Gym with window view aboard the Douro Elegance ship

Lower Deck

Down on the Lower Deck, a compact but well-equipped fitness room is on hand for anyone looking to balance those four-course dinners with a little exercise between port calls.

Cabins

Deluxe balcony suite aboard the Douro Elegance ship

Deluxe Suite

Upper Deck

At 29 sq m with a Juliet balcony, walk-in wardrobe and twin basins, this is our most spacious suite on board.

Superior suite with twin beds and balcony aboard the MS Douro Elegance ship

Superior Suite

Upper Deck

This suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with a French balcony to watch the world go by.

MS Douro Elegance Cabin

Standard Cabin

Upper Deck

This cabin features a spacious living area, with two armchairs and a table, perfect for taking in the Douro views.

MS Douro Elegance Cabin

Standard Cabin

Middle Deck

The Standard Cabin features full floor-to-ceiling windows that open to beautiful river views and the breeze.

MS Douro Elegance Cabin

Stern Cabin

Middle Deck

The Stern Cabin has floor-to-ceiling windows and a French-style balcony to admire the world as we cruise.

Interior of standard cabin on the Lower Deck aboard the MS Douro Elegance ship

Standard Cabin

Lower Deck

This cosy cabin offers fixed windows, an ensuite with walk-in shower and individual climate control for your comfort.

Interior of standard cabin on the Lower Deck aboard the MS Douro Elegance ship

Stern Cabin

Lower Deck

This cosy cabin at the stern has fixed windows, an ensuite with walk-in shower and individual climate control.

Available cruises