Queen Isabel
Uniworld Queen Isabel: Douro River dreams
Snapshot
Queen Isabel, launched by Uniworld in March 2013, features a more classic style than other ships in Europe. The 118-passenger ship, named after Portugal's Queen Isabel, sails down the Douro River, where cruise passengers can watch the picturesque Portuguese countryside float by, as they sip on complimentary wines and spirits. In fact, the fares are all-inclusive and cover food and drink, as well as onboard entertainment and the tours in each town.
Guests can choose from two cruise itineraries: the 11-day Portugal, Spain & The Douro River Valley cruise and the 13-day Jewels of Spain, Portugal & The Douro River cruise. Both itineraries are full of rich experiences, as cruise passengers visit world-class cities. For instance, guests will visit the Douro Valley, where wine enthusiasts can sip on some delicious wines. They will also visit Salamanca, "The Golden City," where Columbus planned his voyage.
Where Queen Isabel sails
Home port: Porto, Portugal
Destinations: The Uniworld Queen Isabel sails the Douro River of Portugal. Start your cruise in Porto to Lixa, Castelo Rodrigo and end the cruise in Vega de Terrón on the Spanish border.
Dining
All meals on board are served in the main dining room and are prepared using fresh ingredients from the local area. All beverages on board are complimentary, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, coffee, tea and mineral water.
Entertainment
There are several public areas on board for cruise passengers to enjoy. You can relax in the Serenity River Spa. You can stay fit by swimming in the pool on the Sun Deck or taking advantage of the onboard fitness center. A boutique is also available to passengers, as well as free internet and wi-fi access. Guests will also get a glimpse of local culture with the live entertainment on board.
Activities
Cultural enrichment, including a signature lecture about the area, is available on board for each cruise itinerary. A choice of tours is also offered in each destination, and is included in the fares. Guests can take a tour of Lisbon, where they will visit Belem Tower and Padrao dos Descobrimentos, a monument to one of Portugal's great explorers. Guests will also visit the 12th-century walled village of Castelo Rodrivo (one of the 12 historic villages of Portugal).
Staterooms
Beautifully appointed river-view staterooms, junior suites, and suites have full balconies on the Upper Deck, and staterooms on the Main Deck have French balconies. Staterooms on the Lower Deck have panoramic windows. All staterooms and suites have hotel-style beds, built-in closets, a hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV, radio, alarm clock and bottled water. Additional amenities in suites include a Nespresso coffee machine and tea station and an iPhone/iPod charger and player. Bathrooms feature L’Occitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels, and bathrobes and slippers.
A final note: Queen Isabel may be the best ship sailing the Douro River. Keep in mind that it's owned by DouroAzul, one of Portugal's leading river cruise companies, and so may not have all the same amenities as a Uniworld company-owned ship.
Your take
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Top highlights on this ship
- All-inclusive fares cover food and drink, as well as onboard entertainment and the tours in each town
- Relaxing in the Serenity River Spa
- Meals on board are made with fresh, local ingredients
- Free Internet and Wi-Fi access
Fast facts
Overheard
“This smart-looking river ship provides a fine Douro cruise, featuring good cuisine with many Portuguese specialties. A delightful way to travel on the River Douro.”
