Emerald Waterways christened its newest addition, Emerald Radiance on June 16 in Porto, Portugal. It will soon sail on the Douro River.
This is a busy year for the river-cruise line. The christening is just one of Emerald’s Star-Ships scheduled to be launched this year. Emerald Destiny was christened this May in Vienna and Emerald Liberté is scheduled to debut in Lyon, France, in September, bringing the cruise line's Star-Ships total to seven.
The eight-day Secrets of Douro cruise will explore Portugal’s Douro region. It will sail roundtrip from the Northern Portuguese city of Porto. Highlights include a day trip to Spain’s Roman city of Salamanca, a historic city that dates back to medieval times; an excursion to the Coa Valley Prehistoric Museum in Pocinho, where there are stone carvings created by early inhabitants of the region followed by dinner at a traditional local wine estate; an excursion to Mateus Palace, the historic location shown on the labels of Portugal’s famous rose wine; and a tour of Porto, including the multiple wine caves of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Radiance is billed as the brand’s most intimate ship to date, carrying 112 guests and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:3. The new stateroom category, the Riverview Suites, are located at the back of the ship on the Horizon Deck. The suites will boast 300 square feet of living space and floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides.
Two restaurants will be aboard the new ship: Reflections, the main dining room, and The Terrace, designed for breakfast and lunch. There will also be an onboard hairdresser, massage therapy room, and fitness area.
Visit emeraldwaterways.com
Related Stories
Trending Destinations: Portugal
Where to Travel Aboard Small-Ship Ocean Cruises
Emerald Waterways Adds Three Europe Itineraries for 2018
Walk to the End of Europe (And Nine Other Amazing Ways to See Portugal)