Amanda’s Blog: My first river cruise - Seven magical nights on the Douro

I’ve always loved the idea of cruising: unpack once, see somewhere new every day. But ocean cruises? Big ships, crowds and choppy seas? Maybe not for me.

River cruising, though, is a whole different experience. Calm waters, smaller ships, beautiful scenery just beyond your window and a relaxed pace that lets you truly enjoy the journey. I was hooked from day one.

From the moment my colleagues and I boarded Riviera Rose, I knew this was something special. Elegant yet welcoming, the ship is more boutique hotel than cruise liner.

My cabin had floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect to slide open and watch the Douro’s golden hills glide past, often with a glass of local wine in hand.

The crew were wonderful - friendly, attentive and genuinely happy to make every moment memorable.

The Douro Valley is pure beauty - rolling vineyards, olive groves and tiny whitewashed villages perched on hillsides. But my biggest surprise? The locks.

Watching our ship glide into these vast chambers as the water rose or fell around us was fascinating. The most impressive was the Carrapatelo Lock, which lifts or lowers boats by a staggering 35 metres, the tallest in Portugal. As the steel gates closed and the water began to move, it felt like we were inside a slow and graceful water elevator - engineering magic.

Every stop brought something new, and each town had its own charm, brought to life by passionate local guides.

A highlight was Almeida, a beautifully preserved fortified town near the Spanish border. Walking along its ramparts and through the star-shaped fortress was like stepping back in time. Every corner told a story, from ancient cannons to pretty plazas, and the views over the surrounding countryside were breathtaking. Almeida is the kind of hidden gem that makes river cruising feel like a real adventure - uncovering places you’d never find on your own.

Back on board, the days slipped by from coffee and pastries on the sun deck each morning, to lazy afternoons with a book or glass of wine and maybe a dip in the pool. Evenings were filled with delicious food, live music and laughter with fellow guests. It was a perfect mix of activity, fun and relaxation.

Seven nights flew by far too fast and I now understand why people fall in love with river cruising: it is travel at its most graceful and unhurried.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the world from the water, the Douro is a perfect place to start, and Riviera Rose makes it unforgettable. Whether you want to float past vineyards in Portugal or explore another of Europe’s iconic rivers, I’d love to help you plan it.