The excursions happened while the boat cruised. Very limited/no time to explore on your own. No communication to itinerary changes prior to cruise. Last lock closed due to maintenance; docked 2 days where Sabor met Duoro (nothing to do in town). Motocoach rides long. Could have offered more at the Coa Museum since there was time. Hotel selections could be improved. If you chose to eat a little later than when dining opened, food was not refreshed but leftovers especially at breakfast. Most excursions focused on Cathedrals and port. Really no focus on wine from the region.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Smooth and easy
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Purchased Silver drink package. Had no problem selecting high end scotches, gin and bourbon - plenty of options. Bartenders were phenomenal! Dining was good with a few great entrees mixed in. Portuguese night was delicious! Plenty of food offered at each meal - you will not go hungry.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Hot tub was cold! Just a few on board activities offered such as history of the river & valley, port tasting, cooking demonstration Pastel de Nata.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
It was Maria’s first year as the on boat entertainer. Talented musician! Music selection was appropriate for the crowd. Was a pleasure listening to her performances.
Children's Programs
Children free cruise
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Couldn’t ask for a better room steward Emilia. She went above and beyond. Bartenders Limon & Martina made the trip. Christina learned very quickly what we liked and didn’t like in the dining room. Other servers were OK.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
For it being the last voyage of the year and before their break, everything was well maintained and clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Liked everything about our room. Closet was large for an 8-day cruise. Bed was not a King but oversized Queen. Mini Fridge was stocked with beer, Coke products and sparkling water. Desk was sufficient. Sofa and chair comfortable. Balcony had two chairs.
Ship tip
Ask for a specific itinerary if traveling during holidays. Cruise only during the day while on excursions.
Arrived on Christmas Eve. Was not informed that most restaurants were closed for the holiday. Had difficulty finding a place for dinner than again on Christmas Day. Wished we had more time to explore.
After listening to description of Favaios Basket & lunch at Quinta Avessada, decided to stay on boat & cruise. Docked overnight. Celebrated NYE on boat. Enjoyed the fireworks at midnight that some locals set offed.
Hour ride each way to visit Castelo Rodrigo. Did the tour but skipped the Jewish Quarter since it was considered demanding. Used the time to look through shops and explore castle ruins on my own (roughly 20-min). Wasn’t worth my time. Appreciated the tour guide’s vast knowledge of the area.
Had to dock where Sabor meets Duoro since last lock closed for maintenance. Chose to stay on board since it was a 6-hour motocoach ride (3-hours each way) to Salamanca. Excursion offered to Foz Coa Museum which was 30-min ride with a 90-min visit. Museum was well done! Could have offered a ride out to see actual petroglyphs since there was plenty time but they didn’t. Nothing else available to do in town - very rural.
I think this is where we visited Sandman and Mateus Palace & Gardens. Long, winding motorcoach ride! Did Sandman first where we received only 2 tastings which are common in the US. No time to shop. Rushed over to Mateus Palace. Arrived when dark. Could not enjoy the ground and once again rushed through the tour. Another long winding motorcoach ride back to boat. Several people experienced motion sickness on each motorcoach.
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