Douro River recommendations, experiences, and tips.

[Canal archive]

pontac ohhhhh ha ha ha do you honestly believe you are the only person who appreciates wine however it is produced on Cruise Critic. Sorry but occasionally I do actually know what I’m talking about.

[Bill Y]

On 1/12/2023 at 3:22 PM, mozfoz said:

I do not like disappointments, especially ones that I could have avoided. And a river cruise is far too expensive for me to be disappointed. Thats why I feel research is paramount. Cruise Critic is a great resource. I wish I enjoyed wine, I do not. I am sure there is more than wine on the cruise, but I now feel I would be setting up a disappointment if I did a Douro/Bordeaux cruise. I will find another river or ocean.

Yes you must do your research as there are so many different types of holidays. River cruises are expensive, in the UK it’s said that a seven night European river cruise can cost as much as a fourteen night Caribbean cruise. This is partly explained as river cruises normally include a programme of escorted and guided excursions and often alcoholic drinks with meals, whereas ocean cruises prices start lower but excursions and drinks will be extra and there will be upsells for speciality restaurants and drinks unless you go with an expensive luxury line.

 

Of course if you do not wish to go on organised excursion you may not wish this extra cost and ocean cruises gives you more options re food and entertainment.

 

If you are looking for a different holiday we enjoyed Cambodia and Vietnam which included Mekong and Ha long Bay cruises. Others on this forum also speak highly of this.

[Host Jazzbeau]

16 hours ago, Bill Y said:

...in the UK it’s said that a seven night European river cruise can cost as much as a fourteen night Caribbean cruise.

I think if you priced Caribbean cruises on ships that only have 100-200 passengers, you would find the costs comparable.  [Or course, ships of that capacity are generally luxury lines and also include alcohol, if not shore excursions.]

[SCHappilyRetired]

We went with AMA Waterways.  Did a pre-cruise with AMA starting in Lisbon and did a couple of extra days on our own in Porto which I would HIGHLY recommend.  Stayed at a b and b on the river opposite where the ships dock.  The food was unbelievable!  My mission was to purchase something made out of cork.  I found this unique pocketbook that I always get compliments on.  Enjoy!