Avalon Waterways has announced that it will be sailing on the Douro from 2024 with a new Suite Ship, the Avalon Alegria, which is being built exclusively to sail on the Portuguese river.

The ship’s name means ‘happiness’ in Portuguese and it will feature 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites on two full decks – accommodating 102 guests – with Open-Air Balconies and a pool on the Sky Deck.

Avalon Alegria will operate a new eight-day round-trip cruise from Porto from November 2024, with stops in Porto Antigo, Pinhão and Barca d’Alva.

“We’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust portfolio and that day has finally arrived,” said Giles Hawke, CEO of Avalon Waterways UK.

“Inviting our guests to sail the Douro for the first time, we’re bringing the Suite Ships of Avalon, the grandest views in cruising and whim-powered itineraries to Southwestern Europe. And we couldn’t be more excited.”