Scenic and Emerald Cruises confirmed river cruise programme on Portugal’s Douro River to resume from 30 July 2021
For those craving an escape on one of Europe’s most remarkable rivers, The Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises, has today confirmed that its much-loved river cruise programme on Portugal’s Douro River will resume from 30 July 2021.
Both cruise lines will resume their original Douro schedules, offering eight-day round-trips from Porto exploring the sun-drenched vineyards and postcard-worthy towns along Portugal’s Douro River.
Both cruise lines are providing British holidaymakers with full flexibility by offering deposit-free bookings until the government’s proposed traffic-light system is confirmed. This allows Brits to secure their place on the highly-sought after 2021 season whilst still having full peace of mind that their cash is protected.
Alongside the nil-deposit offer, Scenic and Emerald Cruises have applied additional discounts across its entire portfolio of 2021 Douro sailings.
Guests looking to explore with Emerald Cruises can save up to £700 per person and enjoy unlimited free drinks on board with a Premium Drinks Package*. While those choosing to cruise in all-inclusive luxury with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours will save up to £700 per person. The lines are anticipating these limited sailings will sell out very quickly as UK guests are eager to enjoy a 2021 summer holiday.
Colin Downing, Managing Director UK, Scenic Group comments: “We’re so excited to be safely restarting operations and ultimately welcoming back our guests, after more than a year of suspended operations. We can’t wait to return to Portugal this summer and have an incredible line up of sailings for our guests to experience. This is just the first step to getting our ships back sailing on Europe’s rivers. We continue to work closely with CLIA and the relevant government authorities to ensure a safe return to each river as soon as possible.”
Emerald Cruises’ eight-day Secrets of the Douro river cruise showcases the best art and culture of the region, with highlights including a Port Wine cocktail making lesson, mosaic tile painting with locals and dinner and entertainment at the Quinta da Pacheca wine estate.
Emerald Cruises will resume sailing from 31 July 2021, with prices for the eight-day itinerary starting from £1,945 per person (based on 2 October 2021 departure).
Scenic’s eight-day Delightful Douro itinerary starts from £2,545 per person.
Alternatively, the slightly longer 11-day Unforgettable Douro river cruise has a gourmet focus, with guests enjoying a wine tasting at the fairytale Quinta da Aveleda, a local home-visit for a traditional bread-making lesson and an authentic home cooked lunch hosted by a local in the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta. Scenic will set sail again on 30 July 2021, with prices for the 11-day itinerary starting from £3,745 per person.
Both lines are assuring guests an exceptional on-board experience, and both Scenic and Emerald Cruises intend to preserve their originally published itineraries and included excursions as much as the global health environment at the time allows.
Guests can cruise with complete confidence knowing Scenic Group’s dedicated Health & Safety Steering Committee ensures all guests’ wellbeing and safety is taken care of to the highest standard. All guests must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure.
Scenic Group is working closely with relevant bodies, including CLIA and the Portuguese authorities, to ensure operations adhere to all necessary guidelines.
*Exclusions apply to the Premium Drinks Package.
