Douro River Valley
Douro River Valley
Cruise overview
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About Porto
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.
About Porto
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.
About Régua
About Pocinho
About Salamanca
About Pinhão
About Porto
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.
About Porto
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.
- Grand Suite (307 sq ft - 28.5 sq m).
Please note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
- Suite (220 sq ft - 20.4 sq m).
Please note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
- French Balcony (156 sq ft - 14.5 sq m).
Please note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
- French Balcony (156 sq ft - 14.5 sq m).
Please note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
- Deluxe (164 sq ft - 15.2 sq m)
Please note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
- Classic (144 - 156 sq ft / 13.4 - 14.5 sq m)
S.S. São Rafael
When Portuguese navigator Vasco de Gama set sail aboard the São Gabriel in 1497, his fleet was joined by the São Rafael, a matching ship captained by his brother, Paulo de Gama. Likewise, in 2027, our new S.S. São Rafael will join the S.S. São Gabriel on the Douro River to introduce even more guests to the rich flavors and wonderous landscapes of Portugal’s famed winegrowing region.
Ship Facts
| Launch Year | 2027 | ||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||
| Language | fr+en | ||||||
| Gross Tonnage | N/A | ||||||
| Length | 80 | ||||||
| Width | 11 | ||||||
| Currency | EUR | ||||||
| Speed | 10 | ||||||
| Capacity | 94 | ||||||
| Crew Count | 37 | ||||||
| Deck Count | 4 | ||||||
| Cabin Count | 50 | ||||||
| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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Blue Azzelij Terrace
- Pool
- Sun Loungers
Azores Deck
- Shop
- Office
- Reception
- Heritage Bistro
- Vintage Bar
- Grand Suite
- Suite
Cape Verde Deck
- Coffee Station
- Douro Wine Cellar
- Feitoria Restaurant
- French Balcony
Madeira Deck
- Fitness Centre
- Guest Laundry
- Spa
- Deluxe Staterooms
- Classic Staterooms
At Uniworld, dining is never an afterthought—it is an essential part of the river cruise experience. Enjoy all-inclusive dining from relaxed breakfasts to elegant evening service, where dishes are crafted to deepen your connection to the destination.
All‑Inclusive Dining, Without Compromise
Every Uniworld journey includes exceptional dining, allowing you to savor each moment. Menus evolve with your itinerary, pairing beautifully prepared dishes with regional wines and premium beverages—all included. Whether dining in the restaurant or enjoying an informal breakfast, the experience is seamless, generous, and distinctly Uniworld.
Expert Chefs, Inspired by Place
Behind every menu is a team of highly skilled chefs who bring both technical excellence and creative flair. Our Executive Chefs are all members of the prestigious "Chaîne des Rôtisseurs". Uniworld’s culinary leadership draws inspiration from local traditions and classic recipes, reimagined with a contemporary touch. The result is cuisine that feels both authentic and refined—elegant yet approachable, and always rooted in where you are.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
Wherever possible, ingredients are sourced along the route of your journey—from regional markets, local producers, and trusted suppliers. This commitment ensures freshness, supports local communities, and allows each dish to reflect the destination. From European vineyards to riverside farms, your dining experience becomes another way to explore the places you visit.
Feirtoria Restaurant
The Feitoria Restaurant can be found on the Cape Verde Deck.
Heritage Bistro
The Heritage Bistro can be found on the Azores Deck.
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Rafael.
Coffee Station
The Coffee Station can be found on the Cape Verde Deck.
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Rafael.
24-Hour Room Service
Craving a bite in between breakfast, lunch or dinner? Inquire about 24-hour room service and à la carte menus.
Aboard the S.S. São Rafael, guests are given exceptional access to this remarkable region. Scenic cruising brings the Douro’s evolving beauty into full view, while carefully chosen ports allow for meaningful exploration ashore – from historic quintas and wine estates to villages where daily life remains closely tied to the bounty of the valley. The experience feels transporting, carrying guests not only through place, but through time..
Lounge
The Lounge can be found on Azores Deck.
Reception
The Reception can be found on Azores Deck.
Douro Wine Cellar
The Douro Wine Cellar can be found on Cape Verde Deck.
Shop
The Shop can be found on Azores Deck.
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Gabriel.
Sun Deck
The Sun Deck can be found on the Blue Azzelij Terrace.
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Gabriel.