SS Sao Rafael

The 2027-built Uniworld Sao Rafael cruise ship operates on the Douro River in Portugal, departing from homeports Lisbon and Oporto. Her sistership is SS Sao Gabriel (2021).

The riverboat is named after Archangel Rafael. “SS” stands for “Super Ship.”

The shipowner Uniworld (officially "Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection") is a major river cruise company and a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation (TTC).

The vessel is Portugal-flagged (MMSI number TBA) and registered in Oporto.

SS Sao Rafael is one of Uniworld’s three newbuild riverboats launched in 2027, together with SS Audrey and SS Marlene.

Sao Rafael is among the most luxurious ships cruising on the Douro River. Food and wine are central themes onboard, with itineraries highlighting Portugal’s traditional cuisine and premium wines from the scenic Douro Valley (the country’s primary wine-producing region).

Uniworld DOURO cruise itineraries

The ship operates a 13-day cruisetour itinerary, including 7 days of cruising (Oporto to Vega de Terron), with ports of call (eastbound sequence) Entre-os-Rios (Amarante), Regua (Lamego), Pinhao, Pocinho (Barca d'Alva/Castelo Rodrigo), and Vega de Terron (debarkation).

This Uniworld cruise tour includes a pre-cruise hotel stay in Lisbon, bus transfers (Lisbon–Oporto, Vega de Terron–Salamanca, Salamanca–Madrid), and a post-cruise hotel stay in Madrid.

Below is the ship’s day-to-day itinerary as officially announced by Uniworld:

• DAY 1: Arrival at Lisbon Portela Airport, optional group or private transfer, meet-and-greet with Uniworld representative, transfer to hotel
• DAY 2: Lisbon city tour (including Jeronimos Monastery)
• DAY 3: Lisbon, morning bus transfer (via Obidos) to Oporto (embarkation)
• DAY 4: Oporto – choice of city tour or “Do as the Locals Do” walking tour (with food and wine tastings and vintage tram ride)
• DAY 5: Oporto – shopping tour or excursion to Guimaraes
• DAY 6: Entre-os-Rios (optional excursion to Quinta da Aveleda estate with gardens and museum)
• DAY 7: Regua (Lamego city tour with wine tasting at Quinta da Pacheca)
• DAY 8: Pinhao – optional excursion to Sandeman’s Quinta do Seixo Wine Centre (guided tour with wine tasting) or vineyard hiking tour, afternoon cruising toward Pocinho
• DAY 9: Barca d'Alva – optional excursion to Castelo Rodrigo or Coa Valley Archaeological Park, Gala Dinner onboard
• DAY 10: Vega de Terron (debarkation), bus transfer to Salamanca (walking tour), onward transfer to Madrid, hotel check-in, guided walking tour (“Madrid at Your Doorstep”)
• DAY 11: Madrid – optional excursions including Corral de la Moreria (Flamenco show and dinner), bus city tour or walking tour (including Prado Museum)
• DAY 12: Madrid – excursion to Toledo (walking tour)
• DAY 13: Madrid (departure) – hotel check-out, optional airport transfer, return flight

The alternative 11-day itinerary (Oporto to Lisbon) is themed “Portugal, Spain and the Douro River Valley.”

Decks and Cabins

SS Sao Rafael staterooms (50 total across 5 categories) include 4 Classic, 10 Deluxe, 20 French Balcony, 12 Suites, and 4 Grand Suites. Cabins are relatively compact compared to other Uniworld ships, measuring 29 m2 (Grand Suite), 20 m2 (Suite), 15 m2 (French Balcony and Deluxe), and 13 m2 (Classic). All staterooms are outside cabins with unobstructed river views.

• All Deluxe and Classic staterooms are midship on the Lower Deck (Madeira Deck) and feature fixed (non-opening), half-height windows.
• All French Balcony staterooms are midship on the Middle Deck (Cape Verde Deck) and feature floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a railing (Juliet-style balconies).
• All Upper Deck (Azores Deck) staterooms are Suites, including four midship Grand Suites (the ship’s largest accommodations), all with French balconies and spacious living areas.

For the first time on the Douro River, Uniworld offers dedicated butler service to Suite guests, a feature standard on other European Uniworld ships.

All staterooms provide ample storage space and well-appointed en-suite bathrooms (WC-toilet, mirrored single-sink vanity, under-sink storage, L'Occitane en Provence bath products, or Hermes toiletries in Suites). Cabins are air-conditioned and feature handcrafted Savoir beds (convertible to twins), bedside tables (with phone and ceiling-mounted reading lamps), premium Egyptian cotton bedding, mirrored wardrobes (sliding doors), electronic safe (in closet), mirrored marble-top vanity/dressing table (with chair), floor-to-ceiling curtains, high-quality carpeting, and smart HDTV with interactive infotainment system (Internet and on-demand movies).

Suites additionally feature seating areas with a 2-seater sofa, armchair, glass-top coffee table, and enhanced lighting, as well as larger bathrooms with bathtubs.

The riverboat’s dimensions (80x20 m / 263x66 ft) are determined by the narrow and short river locks along the Douro. Shipboard amenities differ slightly from those on other Uniworld vessels.

SS Sao Rafael is staffed entirely by a Portuguese crew (37 total), with all crew cabins located on the Lower Deck (Madeira Deck).

The ship has 4 decks, of which 3 feature passenger cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

All guests receive complimentary Wi-Fi/Internet access and Uniworld’s signature butler service.

Below is an overview of SS Sao Rafael’s facilities by deck:

On Madeira Deck (Deck 1) is the wellness complex, including a spa (treatment room) and fitness center/gym. Adjacent is the guest laundry room (self-service). Aft are the engine and propulsion spaces. This deck also houses crew cabins and passenger staterooms (Classic and Deluxe categories).

Forward on Cape Verde Deck (Deck 2) is the galley (kitchen and storage areas) and the Feitoria Restaurant (main dining room with open seating). The Portuguese-inspired menu includes both regional and international cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served flexibly, while dinner is waiter-served starting around 7 pm. Also located here are the 24-hour coffee station (complimentary beverages and snacks) and the Douro Wine Cellar (sommelier-led tastings of regional wines). This deck also features French Balcony cabins.

On Azores Deck (Deck 3) is the Bow Terrace (outdoor viewing area) accessed via the Vintage Bar & Lounge. The main lounge offers panoramic views, comfortable seating, and complimentary beverages throughout the day. Evening entertainment includes live piano performances, while daytime programming features port briefings, cooking demonstrations, lectures, and games. Also on this deck are the Heritage Bistro (casual dining venue), Lobby Hall (Cruise Director’s Office, Reception Desk, Boutique Shop), and Suite accommodations.

One elevator (forward-midship) connects all cabin decks.

On the Sun Deck (Deck 4) is the Navigation Bridge (wheelhouse, telescopic and accessible to guests), sunbathing areas with loungers, shaded seating (retractable awning with solar panels), and the roof-covered aft area (Blue Azulejo Terrace) with tables. The main highlight is the heated outdoor swimming pool with showers.

The pool deck is accessible via stairs and the ship’s elevator, which serves all decks.

Uniworld offers air-inclusive cruise packages and optional pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions (at additional cost).

Note: You can see CruiseMapper’s list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "Itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.