APT & Travelmarvel celebrated the christening of MS Estrela, the company’s purpose-built river ship, custom-designed for Portugal’s iconic Douro River, on 15 April.
The ceremony took place near Porto, marking a significant moment for the group as it continues to grow and elevate its European fleet.
Guests gathered on the ship’s sun deck for the ceremony, accompanied by a live performance from a local string duo and Portuguese-inspired cocktails.
Speeches were delivered by Portugal’s Minister of Tourism, Ana Mendes Godinho; APT Travel Group CEO, David Cox; and Paul Melinis, APT & Travelmarvel Managing Director, UK & Europe, before the ship was officially welcomed to the Douro.
Following the ceremony, MS Estrela departed Porto and began the first journey of her inaugural full season, travelling upriver to Régua while guests enjoyed a relaxed afternoon onboard and a four-course Captain’s Welcome Dinner in the main restaurant.
Purpose-built for the region, MS Estrela features 60 spacious staterooms and suites, panoramic views, and relaxed European-inspired interiors.
Onboard highlights include a sun deck with one of the largest pools on the Douro River, an alfresco bar, regional cuisine, and locally themed entertainment.
Throughout 2025, the MS Estrela will sail highlight itineraries for the luxury APT and flexible Travelmarvel brands.
Travelmarvel is currently running a ‘Final Call Cruise Sale’, offering savings of up to 50% off its most popular river cruises. Packages include:
Travelmarvel’s seven-night Douro Discovery cruise, Porto return, costs from £2,295 per person (was £3,295, saving £1,000pp)*.
Return flights, seven nights of onboard accommodation, 20 meals, complimentary soft drink, beer and local wine with lunch and dinners on board, land excursions, the services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director, transfers, port charges, and gratuities are included.
APT’s nine-day Douro Delights cruise, Madrid to Porto, costs from £2,845 per person (was £4,795, saving £1,950pp) ^.
Return flights, one night of hotel accommodation and seven nights aboard the MS Estrela, sightseeing in 11 destinations, ‘Freedom of Choice’ inclusions, 22 meals and unlimited onboard beverages, expert Tour and Cruise Directors, transfers, porterage, port charges and gratuities are included.
Terms & Conditions apply: All prices are in GBP, per person (twin share or solo traveller as indicated), and include the applicable savings. Savings are indicated per person.
Offers are valid on new bookings only, and must be confirmed before 31 May 2025, unless sold out prior. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time.
A non-refundable deposit is required within seven days of booking confirmation. Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. For full itineraries, the most- up-to-date pricing and full terms and conditions, please visit www.aptouring.com.
Lead in price of £2,295 per person applies to 24 & 31 July, and 14 & 21 August 2025 departures.
^ APT’s promotional Terms & Conditions: Price and promotion subject to availability and validity. All prices are in pound sterling (GBP), per person (twin share or solo travellers as indicated), and include the applicable savings.
Savings are indicated per person. A non-refundable deposit is required within seven days of booking confirmation.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. For full itineraries, the most- up-to-date pricing and full terms and conditions, please visit www.aptouring.com. Lead in price of £2,845 per person applies to 16 July 2025 departure.
Visit the Travel Pursuit River Cruising Guide for more exciting river cruise updates and insights!
