ms Andorinha has been specifically designed for cruising Portugal's golden Douro River; the newly built 80-meter (263-foot) custom Douro riverboat sports a deck plan optimized for the utmost in spaciousness. The ship boasts 12 spacious 300-square-foot Tauck Suites, 20 225-square-foot cabins, six 200-square-foot cabins, and four 150-square foot cabins.
The newly constructed custom riverboat cruises from coastal Porto to the Spanish border amidst the historic quintas and picturesque villages along the Douro River while accommodating 84 guests. The interior design of the ship features beautiful Portuguese craftsmanship from local companies, this can be especially found in the furniture and the lighting fixtures which are custom-made for MS Andorinha and they resemble vines found throughout the various vineyards in the region. The ship's color scheme and the patterns used in the artwork, carpets, and fencing are inspired by the typical decorative tiles found throughout Portugal. The vessel also features a small pool atop the Sun Deck which offers great views and is the perfect venue to enjoy refreshing drinks while sailing through this UNESCO World Heritage Site; a legacy of wine production for over 2,000 years.
MS Andorinha Tours & Activities
In Tours of Portugal, the MS Andorinha transports you to a land where the Iberian sun shines bright, the port flows freely, and the soulful culture surrounds you. Portugal is the European country with the most sunlight throughout the year, making it the perfect spot to experience rich culture, great weather, and delectable cuisine filled with traditions and memories. Visit Porto, a city overlooking the Douro River, vineyards in the region create a natural embroidery that decorates the hillsides everywhere you look. An open-air pool on the Sun Deck is also available to relax in and enjoy the stunning vistas.
Top quality and caring service is the hallmark of Tauck Directors and its local guides, this makes for an enriching and truly authentic travel experience. Their expertise in local culture, customs, and traditions allows them to show you the world in ways you couldn't experience on your own.
- Cruise the Douro River: Famous for its Port wine and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore and discover the ancient villages, vineyards, and quintas that adorn its banks. You can also try locally-produced wine while enjoying the stunning views. The Douro River can also be cruised onboard a traditional rabelo boat (little tail in English); they are native to the region and you won't find them anywhere else in the world.
- Explore Pinhao's Vineyards: this idyllic and antique village is the gateway to the wine estates of the region, enjoy an unforgettable hike through some of the area's lush terraced vineyards and taste different varieties of wine, the region's specialty.
- Get to know the "Portuguese Versailles": Lisbon is an elegant, carefully planned, and vibrant city where Tauck has organized various guided tours, guests can enjoy visiting the Maritime Museum to learn more about Portugal's pioneering role in sea exploration, dating back to the 14th century, the National Tile Museum is another obligated stop when in Lisbon; it is dedicated to the history and art of azulejos, the vibrant, beautiful and colorful tiles found throughout Portugal. End your evening spectacularly and luxuriously amidst fellow cruisers with a private tour and dinner in the throne room of the Palacio Nacional de Queluz, often called the "Portuguese Versailles" due to the Rococo style adorning it.
- Discover Portugal's Cradle City: Guimaraes played a crucial role in the birth of the Kingdom of Portugal, moreover, it is also believed that the first kings hailed from there. The city is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site; some of the architectural treasures you can expect to find are the ruined Castle of Guimaraes and the medieval Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.
It is not about the places you visit, it is how you experience them that truly matters. With Tauck and its exclusive access to destinations all over the world and authentic experiences everywhere you visit, the world is yours to see. The most memorable trips aren't just about the grand sights you see, they're also about the little experiences you have along the way, those personal encounters and unexpected moments that make your visits and your memories extraordinary.
MS Andorinha Dining
Tauck Tours further elevates the onboard experience with their luxurious and elegant dining venues where guests can expect to find a wide variety of dishes, vegetarian options, and food from the regions they are sailing through. Guests can also enjoy al fresco dining on the Sun Deck provided the weather permits it. Due to the limited size of river cruises, there are not several dining options, however, this does not mean that the venues onboard are lackluster, they are the pinnacle of luxurious and elegant dining.
- The Compass Rose: this is the main dining room onboard and offers flexible dining times, open seating, a comprehensive variety of dishes, and vegetarian meals are always available. Complimentary snacks are served daily starting at 10:00 AM local time until midnight.
- Arthur's: this is MS Andorinha's alternate dining option located on the Sun Deck, it offers classic favorites and comfort food for lunch and dinner, and during the mornings they offer lighter yet tasty breakfasts.
MS Andorinha Staterooms
All cabins onboard MS Andorinha are suite category, some have a private French balcony, while others do not. The interior design is inviting, elegant, and luxurious, a constant reminder of Tauck's main objective: to offer the best and most luxurious experience possible while on a river cruise. All staterooms have 2 European twin beds that can slide together; 200 cm x 150 cm (200 cm x 75 cm each when separated). These intimate, cozy, and elegant suites will elevate your overall experience.
- Outside Stateroom: Equipped with mirrors, 1 chair, 2 nightstands, a desk, and a closet. Other amenities include a flat TV screen, hairdryers, controlled heating and A/C, iPod Dock with alarm clock, Mini-Bar, Nespresso machine, a safe, shoe polish towels, and wine glasses.
- Outside Stateroom: Equipped with mirrors, 1 side table, 2 chairs, 2 nightstands, 1 desk, and 1 stool. Other amenities include a flat TV screen, hairdryers, controlled heating and A/C, iPod Dock with alarm clock, Mini-Bar, Nespresso machine, a safe, shoe polish towels, and wine glasses.
- French Balcony Stateroom: Equipped with mirrors, a table, 2 armchairs, 2 nightstands, and a closet. Other amenities include a flat TV screen, hairdryers, controlled heating and A/C, iPod Dock with alarm clock, Mini-Bar, Nespresso machine, a safe, shoe polish towels, and wine glasses.
- French Balcony Stateroom: Equipped with mirrors, a table, 2 armchairs, 2 nightstands, and a closet. Other amenities include a flat TV screen, hairdryers, controlled heating and A/C, iPod Dock with alarm clock, Mini-Bar, Nespresso machine, a safe, shoe polish towels, and wine glasses.
- Suite with 2 French Balconies: Equipped with a pull-out sleeping sofa, mirrors, 1 armchair, 1 stool, a table, 2 nightstands, and a closet. Other amenities include a flat TV screen, hairdryers, controlled heating and A/C, iPod Dock with alarm clock, Mini-Bar, Nespresso machine, a safe, shoe polish towels, and wine glasses. Exclusive to these staterooms is a room-service continental breakfast, and a shipboard credit (one per stateroom) is provided to be used onboard for spa services, gift shop purchases, etc.
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