Luxury travel advisors Robyn and Murray Sinfield were recently on board Uniworld’s ‘Super Ship’ S.S. São Gabriel. Read their impressions in this exclusive review for Karryon Luxury.
For this trip, we chose the seven-day Douro experience from Porto to Porto.
We went in spring, which proved a spectacular time to see the vineyards each day at a comfortable 24 to 25 degrees Celsius. This itinerary is packed with both cathedrals and drinking…
Life onboard
Designed specifically to navigate the narrow Douro River in Portugal, S.S. São Gabriel carries just 100 guests (50 cabins), and the vessel offers five grades of cabin, from economical riverview staterooms with what I call the ‘swan view’ on the lower deck to the ship’s four lavish ‘Grand Suites’.
Deluxe and Classic staterooms are all located on the Madeira Deck, and all feature fixed half-height window views of the passing river.
Our cabin was 214 on the middle deck and was small and cosy – most noticeable in the wardrobe space, but the benchtop and power supply were adequate.
On Azores Deck, there are only suites and Grand Suites with French balconies and enlarged living spaces. This standard comes with the attention of two full-service butlers.
There are signature Uniworld features like handcrafted Savoir beds, Egyptian linens, L’Occitane toiletries (or Hermes at the suite level) and interactive television entertainment systems with complimentary movies. The TV also has a daily program from early until late.
The Sun Deck is perfect for cooling off in the heat of the Douro, which can get hot, particularly during the summer months, when it can reach 50 degrees Celsius.
The ship also has a swimming pool, small spa, fitness centre and a small gift shop, and on the lower deck, there is a self-service laundry. The reception is 24/7 and the heartbeat of the ship, and the currency is the euro.
Wine and dine
When it comes to dining, this is where clients need to be reminded that there is not much choice or flexibility. The ship’s main restaurant on Cape Verde Deck is open seating and cuisine inspired by Portuguese favourites alongside international and North American dishes.
Breakfast is 7am to 9.30am, and lunch midday to 1pm, while dinners tend to start at a set time, usually around 7pm after the daily briefing.
In the ship’s lounge on Azores Deck, there is lighter fare and afternoon snacks, and there is a full-service bar offering specialty coffees, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, all complimentary. Forward of this area is the Bistro, a small space with alternate seating.
On the main deck, the coffee corner is popular 24/7 with tea, coffee, chilled water, ice, fruit, biscuits and some sinful jars of jelly beans and marshmallows!
Port visits
The daily briefings are essential to learn what will happen the next day and the timings.
Excursions are offered at a cost, like cooking classes and walking foodie tours, but there is one tour per day that is complimentary.
The Douro is not like other rivers, so touring means a lot of time on buses as you don’t pull into a village like the Rhine or the Danube and stroll ashore, which means touring is not easy for anyone with a disability.
For those able to do so, bikes are available on board, which you can take ashore and ride around the small rural communities.
Entertainment
Sometimes, guest lectures make up the majority of the entertainment on board. Raphael from Brazil was our resident DJ in the ship’s main lounge, playing requests pre-dinner and after dinner when there is no local entertainment.
We also had flamenco dancers come on board when we were in Spain at Salamanca, and budding opera singers from Porto. Midway through is the ‘Black & White Party’, which is a recurring event where you dress in black or white attire.
Verdict
We found the cruise to be very scenic with winding roads above the river, and it’s truly for a wine lover (and port!).
For more information, visit Uniworld.
