Sonja Jones Travel advisor Donna Kranas was recently on board Viking Torgil. Read her impression in this exclusive review for Karryon Luxury.
Embarking on Viking Torgil’s Rivers of Gold Douro River cruise offers an enchanting journey through Portugal’s captivating landscapes, rich history, and renowned wine regions of the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
This 10-day itinerary from Lisbon to Porto blended cultural immersion with comfort in one of Europe’s oldest and most renowned wine regions.
First impressions
From the moment we stepped into Viking’s pre-cruise hotel in Lisbon, we felt completely at ease.
Within minutes of arriving, we were onboard, bags already in our stateroom. Torgil is one of Viking’s smaller river ships, purpose-built for the narrow Douro River, so there’s an intimate and friendly feel right away.
The staff welcomed us with genuine warmth, and every detail from the pre-cruise land excursions to the transfer to Viking Torgil in Porto was handled with care and precision.
The ship is a lovely, compact river ship with capacity for 106 guests and 33 crew, elegant without being fussy, and designed specifically for cruising this winding, scenic river and its fascinating system of five locks.
Watching the captain and crew expertly guide the ship through the locks was a real highlight. It was surprisingly captivating to witness and left us all genuinely impressed!
Our cabin
Our Category E stateroom on the main deck was cosy, well-equipped, with plenty of storage and a great bed. There was a decent-sized bathroom, including quality Freyja products, and views out the window to the river just above the waterline.
During the cruise, we were able to take a sneak peek at both a Veranda Stateroom (A category) and a Veranda Suite (AA category) on the Upper Deck. Both have floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and private balconies; they are the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the Douro’s ever-changing colours and moods.
The Sun Deck quickly became one of our favourite spots. Whether you’re reading a book with a glass of wine or just soaking up the sun and views, there’s no better place to enjoy the golden light of the Douro Valley.
Service and crew
The crew truly make this cruise shine. Warm, genuine and always happy to help, they remembered our names, our preferences, and always made us feel cared for.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming—you really do feel like part of a family by the end of the week.
Not only did the crew keep everything running like clockwork, but they also shared great insights about Portugal’s history, culture, and food in such a passionate, relatable way that we found ourselves totally engaged. It was also a nice touch to have the same Viking Tour Guide and driver with us for all of our shore excursions.
Entertainment onboard
Evenings were relaxed and easy-going, smart casual is the usual dress code without formalities. Entertainment is low-key, but well chosen.
We especially enjoyed the nights when local musicians and Flamenco dancers came aboard, sharing their music, passion, humour, and traditions.
It felt authentic and intimate, and added a lovely local flavour to our evenings. The lounge was always lively after dinner, with new friends to chat with, a pianist playing softly in the background, and the occasional port tasting to keep things interesting.
There were fascinating talks on Portuguese history, casual language lessons (we’re now pros at saying obrigado!), and fun cooking demos that showed us how to make regional dishes like pastéis de nata.
These little extras made the cruise feel much more than just a holiday – it was a real immersion into Portugal’s story.
Wine and dine
Mealtimes are something to look forward to. The food is fresh, flavourful, and often inspired by the region we were sailing through. There’s always something to suit every palate, with international favourites and lighter options too.
Our ‘Flavours of Portugal night’ was a big hit, with delicious seafood and hearty traditional dishes on offer; each meal felt like a mini celebration of Portuguese cuisine.
The wine, of course, was a highlight – Portugal’s famous port wines and local varietals are generously poured, and the waitstaff are always happy to share a recommendation or a top-up.
Overview
The cruise was a gentle, golden-glow kind of holiday, the kind you remember fondly for years to come. It’s ideal if you’re looking to slow down, soak up some beautiful scenery, enjoy delicious food and wine, and get a real taste of Portuguese culture along the way.
From the ship’s comfort and the warm-hearted crew to the thoughtfully curated excursions and onboard experiences, everything just flows – much like the Douro River itself. If you’re dreaming of a holiday that combines history, beauty, and effortless charm, this one ticks all the boxes.
For more information, visit Viking.
