Avalon Alegria

The 2024-built Avalon Alegria cruise ship is a smaller version of Avalon Waterways' "Suite Ships" and the company’s first vessel specifically designed for Douro River cruises in Portugal. Cruise itineraries are roundtrip from the homeport Oporto/Leixoes. Alegria is the 15th ship in Avalon’s fleet.

The ship’s name, “Alegria,” means “happiness” in Spanish.

Like most Douro River cruise vessels, Avalon Alegria is owned by DouroAzul (a subsidiary of Mystic Invest) and chartered long-term by Avalon Waterways. Traditionally, all newbuild riverboats on the Douro are constructed by Estaleiros Navais (WestSEA Shipyard) in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

The vessel is Portugal-flagged (MMSI 263441852) and registered in Lisbon.

Avalon Alegria was christened on March 28, 2024, dockside in Port Pinhao. The naming ceremony was led by godmother Cheryl Ann Oteri (1962-born American actress, former cast member of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” from 1995–2000) and attended by Avalon Waterways President Pamela Hoffee. The event concluded with a fireworks display on the Sky Deck.

Decks and Cabins

Avalon Alegria staterooms (51 total) include 37 Panorama Suites and 14 Deluxe Staterooms. All cabins are outside-facing with unobstructed views.

Panorama Suites feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that drop down to form a French Balcony (an open-air railing inside the room). This design offers more interior space than standard walk-out balconies. Beds are window-facing (“Bed with a View”) for uninterrupted riverside scenery.

Panorama Suites (19 m²/200 ft²) are located on the upper decks—Sapphire (deck 2) and Royal (deck 3). Deluxe Staterooms (16-17 m²/170-180 ft²) are located on Indigo Deck (deck 1) and have fixed, non-opening windows positioned near the ceiling.

The ship has four decks, with passenger cabins on three of them.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

Facilities include the Panorama Lounge & Bar (Observation Lounge, deck 3 forward), which incorporates the Panorama Bistro (casual dining). The glass-walled Panorama Dining Room (deck 2 forward) offers full-capacity, open-seating dining. The Sky Grill (deck 4 midship-aft) provides alfresco meals.

Aft on deck 3, the Club Lounge offers panoramic stern views, with branded coffees, teas, cold drinks, and snacks (including fresh pastries). It also serves as the ship’s Library and hosts Movie Nights in the evenings (films are streamed to in-cabin TVs, with fresh popcorn provided).

The Observation Lounge features plush seating, floor-to-ceiling windows with 270-degree views, a dance floor, silent disco nights (Virtual DJ Music System), and light lunch service. Evening Happy Hour offers complimentary drinks (house wines, beers, cocktails, and a daily special). Throughout the day, the Lounge Bar serves espresso, teas, flavored waters, and afternoon tea with gourmet sweets.

Sliding glass doors connect the Panorama Lounge to the Outside Viewing Deck (Bow Terrace) with outdoor seating.

The Panorama Dining Room features open-seating for all meals. The buffet includes Avalon Fresh healthy options, vegetarian dishes, and daily chef’s specialties. A carving station, pasta station, and a la carte breakfast specials are also available. Dinner is a four-course experience with a choice of starters, soups, salads, entrees, desserts, and cheese. Vegan and allergy-friendly meals are available, with ingredients sourced locally at each port.

Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. Alfresco lunch is available on the Sky Deck (weather permitting).

An elevator connects all cabin decks (1-3), but the Sun Deck (deck 4) is accessible only by outdoor stairs.

On Indigo Deck (deck 1 forward) are the Fitness Center (with workout machines, free weights, TV, and stretch area) and the Adventure Center (offering Nordic walking poles, activity maps, and gear for excursions). A dedicated Avalon Adventure Host assists with land tours, onboard fitness sessions, and open-air activities on the sundeck.

The Sky Deck offers the best views of the Douro Valley and its terraced vineyards. It features a large swimming pool, sunbathing area with loungers and padded chairs, and shaded seating with retractable awnings.

All guided shore excursions include personal headsets. In-cabin TVs offer satellite channels, English-speaking stations, and an infotainment system with 100+ free movies.

The ship has a dedicated Cruise Director, and all crew and staff are English-speaking and professionally trained.

Fares include onboard dining (with Avalon Fresh items), premium beverages (coffee, tea, and spirits), complimentary Wi-Fi, and Room Service (continental breakfast only).

Douro River Cruise Itineraries

Avalon Alegria’s maiden voyage began March 31, 2024 (embarkation in Oporto on April 1).

The featured 10-day itinerary, “Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along The Douro,” includes a 7-day roundtrip cruise from Oporto plus a 3-night hotel stay in Lisbon.

This cruisetour includes 38 shore excursions—Classic (included) and Discovery/Active (optional, at extra cost). Activities include guided bike tours, wine tastings, baking traditional pastries, farm visits, and crafting Portugal’s famous blue-and-white azulejo tiles in a workshop led by a local artist.

Departures are from Lisbon, with land transfers to Oporto/Leixoes.

The table below shows the cruise’s scheduled ports of call:

In 2024, cruise tour prices started from GBP 2730 (EUR 3180/USD 3450) per person based on double occupancy.

The classic 7-night Douro cruise sails from Oporto to the Spanish border and back, visiting Regua, Pocinho, Aregos, and Vega de Terron (with a bus excursion to Salamanca).