1
Ship
2
Itineraries
8
Cities
35
Sailings per year
897
River kilometres
The Douro is the youngest river in the A-ROSA portfolio. In addition to the major rivers Danube, Rhine, Rhône and Seine, the sailings in Portugal were added to the programme in 2019. A-ROSA ALVA is the smallest fleet member. With a maximum capacity of 126 guests, the ship captivates with an even more intimate atmosphere than the remaining A-ROSA fleet. From the coastal city of Porto, known not only for its port wine, the ship sails through the Alto Douro wine-growing region along small towns such as Barca d’Alva and Régua to the Portuguese-Spanish border, from where excursions lead to the old university city of Salamanca. Winegrowing is ever-present during a cruise on the Douro, the vineyards never out of sight – and on-board A-ROSA ALVA, guests can savour the wines from the region to their heart’s content.
The Cruise Region Douro
Voluminous port wine from Alto Douro, the world’s oldest protected wine-growing region. Pastries that generations of grandmothers have baked following the same recipe. Fresh fish and seafood plucked straight from the Atlantic. Music that makes the heart heavy at first and then very light again. And a scenery so beautiful that no postcard can do it justice. Guests will discover all of this, sometimes on foot and sometimes relaxing on the sun deck along the 897 kilometres of the Douro River.
The sailings on the Douro begin in Porto. Portugal’s second largest coastal city is inevitably associated with the famous port wine. And of course, a visit to a port wine cellar is a must. But there is more to Porto than just wine. The historic centre, the so-called “Ribeira”, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Along the banks of the Douro, the Dom Luís I Bridge, a large two-level bridge that connects the river’s two sides, never fails to catch the eye.
The journey continues through the Alto Douro valley to Vega de Terrón. From there, many choose to visit the Spanish university town of Salamanca with its many sandstone buildings, churches and the university founded in 1218. On the way back to Porto, the ship stops in small, tranquil villages such as Pinhão and Régua. Viticulture plays a key role here too and is omnipresent. At the end of the cruise, guests again have a whole day and night in Porto to explore.
Excursion Programme
The Douro sailings are rounded off by an exciting excursion programme. Guests can experience the destinations with all their senses and explore this region in depth. An excursion to the famous Stairway to Heaven in Lamego is just as much a highlight as a tour to the historic town of Guimarãe, the birthplace of Portugal. In Porto, guests can visit a typical port wine cellar with A-ROSA and sample a glass or two.
A-ROSA ALVA
A-ROSA ALVA has been sailing the Douro since 2019. On the ship, there is space for up to 126 guests in a total of 65 outside cabins.
Experience It for Yourself!
Enjoy all the amenities on board A-ROSA.
The category C cabins are located on deck 2 and category D on deck 3. The cabins in both categories are 13 m2 in size and have a large, retractable panoramic window. A-ROSA ALVA also has two 29m2 balcony suites in category F on deck 3. In addition to their size and private balcony, the suites include a spacious daylight bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe and special suite amenities. These include check-in with a personal welcome from 12:00 noon and a suite cocktail with the ship’s management, fresh flowers and fruit as well as a laundry and ironing service. The S and A categories are located on deck 1 and are each fitted with a window (12m2).
The cabins are furnished with a French double bed, a wardrobe, desk with mirror, seating, air conditioning, safe, phone and hairdryer. There is a TV in the cabins for guests’ entertainment. They are also equipped with a shower and WC as well as towels for the bathroom. All ships have WiFi, which is already included in the Premium All-Inclusive fare.
Guests can indulge in culinary delights in the Market Restaurant. The Premium All-Inclusive fare includes an abundant breakfast and lunch buffet selection as well as main courses served at the table in the evening with a starter and dessert buffet. Premium drinks are also included throughout the day and are served in the Lounge Bar.
On the sun deck, guests can not only enjoy the passing scenery in comfort on the sun loungers, but also benefit from the drinks service in the restaurant area. They can find a shady spot sheltered from the wind under the awnings or refresh themselves in the heatable outdoor pool, which is the heart of the sun deck.
The SPA-ROSA is the perfect place for ultimate relaxation. A-ROSA ALVA offers a controllable sanarium in combination with a Finnish sauna. After, the cosy relaxation area invites to switch off. Guests can also pamper themselves with a massage or beauty treatment. Various equipment such as treadmills, bicycles, cross trainers and weights are available in the gym.
The evening programme is presented in the cosy Panorama Lounge. Guests can round off the evening on the dance floor with a delicious drink. A very noteworthy spot is the lounge’s exclusive outdoor area in the bow of the ship.
A-ROSA ALVA has an elevator connecting decks 1 to 3. An on-board shop offers exclusive products and guests can access the water dispensers and coffee machines at any time.
The Douro Itineraries
The seven-night “Douro Experience” sailing, which is offered from March to November, starts and ends in the Portuguese coastal city of Porto. The journey continues along tranquil towns such as Lamego, Pinhão and Barca d'Alva inland to the small town of Vega de Terrón, which is located directly at the border with Spain. From here, guests can visit the Spanish city Salamanca. Each cruise already includes an evening excursion to a traditional quinta with dinner and live entertainment.
The seven-night “Douro Culinary Highlights” cruise is an invitation to all connoisseurs. The focus is on local wines from the Douro Valley. This sailing is rounded off by dinner menus presented by Oliver Edelmann & team, as well as delicious tastings on board.
Facts About the Fleet
Ships | A-ROSA ALVA (2019) |
Shipyard | WestSea Yard, Viana do Castelo, Portugal |
Size | 79.8m length 11.4m width |
Capacity | Max. 126 guests in 65 outside cabins |
Public Areas | Market Restaurant, Lounge Bar, SPA-ROSA with sanarium and Finnish sauna, gym, sun deck, heated pool |
Good to know
Fleet highlight | Lounge outdoor area in the ship’s bow, elevator |
Perfect for | Lovers of nature, culture, good food and port wine |
Special feature | Hybrid dinner: Rich starter and dessert buffet as well as a choice of three different main courses, which are served at the table. |
Experience | Visiting a traditional quinta with a dinner prepared with regional products and live entertainment by local artists. |
Facts About the River and Region
Length | 897 kilometres |
Cities | Porto, Régua, Lamego, Pinhão, Barca d'Alva, Vega de Terrón, Salamanca |
Sights | Old Town Porto, University of Salamanca, “Alto Douro” wine-growing region, Lamego Stairway to Heaven, Mateus Palace |
Itineraries | 2 different routes with 7 nights |
Port of embarkation | Porto |
Arrival / departure options | Organised arrival by flight and transfer to the ship as well as individual arrival by car, train or flight |
