The spirit of the Douro and the grace of travel aboard the MS Andorinha
Born in 2020 from the collaboration between Tauck Cruises and Scylla AG, the MS Andorinha embodies the refinement of river travel on the Douro. Accommodating 84 passengers in an intimate and luminous atmosphere, it combines modern design with Portuguese inspiration. Aboard the MS Andorinha, every moment celebrates the beauty of the river, the flavors of the terroir, and the art of gentle travel, imbued with discreet luxury and genuine emotion.
Harmony and refinement on board
Suites bathed in light and elegance
The cabins of the MS Andorinha have been designed as true sanctuaries of peaceful tranquility. The 12 Tauck Suites of about 28 m² and the 21 m² cabins reveal décor inspired by Portuguese azulejos, with cream tones and light wood accents. Egyptian cotton linens, marble bathrooms, minibars, smart televisions, and large panoramic windows complete an atmosphere of serene comfort. Every detail is designed to make rest a sensory experience, blending elegance, refinement, and natural grace.
Living spaces and soothing panoramas
The common areas of the MS Andorinha reflect a subtle harmony between conviviality and refined intimacy. The Panorama Lounge opens onto a sunlit terrace, where gentle conversations mingle with endless horizons. Noble materials, soft textures, and a palette of golden tones create an ambiance where time itself seems beautifully suspended. Every corner of the ship invites guests to savor each passing moment in perfect tranquility.
Sunlit decks and open-air serenity
The sun deck of the MS Andorinha is a true sanctuary of relaxation, harmony, and exquisite beauty. A heated pool, Balinese beds, and elegant loungers facing the river offer a peaceful interlude above the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Douro Valley. Between golden light, gentle breeze, and shimmering reflections, guests experience the pure fullness of a timeless and truly unforgettable voyage.
Flavors and gourmet moments aboard the MS Andorinha
Tables of Portuguese inspiration
In the restaurants of the MS Andorinha, every meal becomes a tribute to the Douro. The Compass Rose offers elegant gastronomy blending international cuisine with local specialties, served in a bright and soothing setting. The terrace restaurant Arthur’s, located on the upper deck, serves panoramic lunches and dinners under the stars. Its open kitchen highlights fresh market ingredients for an experience that is both gastronomic and authentically memorable.
A sensory journey between land and river
The MS Andorinha celebrates the richness of the regions it sails through. Fresh fish, port wine, and olive oil from the upper Douro, every flavor reflects the passing landscapes. The menus evolve with each stop, creating a deep connection between taste and discovery. The service, always attentive and warm, transforms each meal into a shared experience, where Portuguese traditions blend beautifully with refined international cuisine.
Bars and evenings by the water
When night falls over the river, the MS Andorinha takes on a softly elegant atmosphere. The bar in the Panorama Lounge becomes a cocoon where guests share a drink to the sound of gentle melodies. On the upper deck, the open-air bar offers a magical view of the illuminated riverbanks. Evenings unfold gracefully with wine tastings, soft music, and friendly conversations, ending each day in an ambiance of charm, intimacy, and connection.
Discoveries and emotions along the Douro
Soulful and traditional stops
The MS Andorinha sails through the heart of the magnificent Douro Valley, connecting Porto to Salamanca via Pinhão and Régua. Each stop reveals historic quintas, hilltop villages, and UNESCO-listed panoramas. Guests discover Portugal’s rich wine culture, take part in private tastings, and stroll through colorful lanes adorned with azulejos. The Tauck Cruises itinerary combines authenticity and comfort, allowing travelers to experience Portugal differently, in harmony with the peaceful rhythm of the river.
Well-being and river tranquility
Aboard the MS Andorinha, time stretches gently and gracefully. Guests enjoy a dip in the heated pool, a moment of relaxation on shaded terraces, or quiet meditation facing the Douro. The wellness area offers treatments inspired by the scents of Portugal, sweet almond oil, lavender, and citrus. The balance between nature, silence, and radiant light makes the ship a true floating sanctuary of serenity.
Evenings of elegance and emotion
Each day aboard the MS Andorinha ends like a suspended, poetic, and luminous moment. As the hills ignite under the setting sun, guests enjoy an aperitif on the sun deck before gathering in the Panorama Lounge for a concert, a screening, or a cultural encounter. Tauck Cruises favors refined entertainment focused on discovery and genuine connection, the art of traveling with grace, authenticity, and timeless beauty.
River dreams and landscapes of the MS Andorinha
The river of a thousand reflections
The MS Andorinha sails gracefully along the Douro on exclusive itineraries of 8 to 12 days, unveiling the gems of northern Portugal and the Spanish borders. Each voyage offers exceptional and breathtaking views of terraced vineyards, stone-built villages, and historic bridges. Designed for smooth and quiet navigation, the ship features a modern and eco-friendly propulsion system, ensuring a journey that is both peaceful and beautifully sustainable.
Flavors and discoveries in Portuguese lands
The MS Andorinha connects the pleasures of the palate with the richness of cultural heritage. Travelers explore lively local markets, visit family-owned wine cellars, and take part in authentic Portuguese cooking workshops. Every stop becomes a vivid sensory experience, linking the cruise to the heart of the Douro’s traditions. The Tauck Cruises philosophy favors genuine human connection and gastronomic discovery, creating an inspiring immersion into the true essence of Portugal.
Morning lights and evening silence
At dawn, the Douro’s waters shimmer with gold; at dusk, they mirror the mauve hills of Trás-os-Montes. The MS Andorinha follows these gentle shifts of light with grace, inviting quiet contemplation. Passengers savor these precious moments from their balcony or the sunlit upper deck, where the murmur of the river turns into music. These moments of wonder, suspended between sky and water, embody the poetic essence of an unforgettable Tauck cruise.
The elegance of personalized travel
Tailor-made expertise and refined guidance
Traveling aboard the MS Andorinha with Voyages Aqua Terra means choosing a fully personalized service: selecting the ideal suite, arranging transfers, creating private excursions, and receiving expert advice on Douro itineraries. The team accompanies each traveler with care, ensuring seamlessness and comfort before, during, and after the cruise. This bespoke approach transforms every stay into an extraordinary and memorable experience.
Exclusive advantages and Tauck privileges
Guests aboard the MS Andorinha enjoy a truly all-inclusive concept: excursions, beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and cultural entertainment are all included. By booking with Voyages Aqua Terra, you gain access to exclusive privileges, upgrades when available, special offers, and personalized benefits, all enhanced by the renowned expertise of Tauck Cruises. Every journey is crafted with care, ensuring comfort, discovery, and unforgettable memories along the serene Douro.
Soulful memories and eternal moments
When the voyage on the MS Andorinha comes to an end, it leaves the trace of a rare emotion, the feeling of an authentic Portugal experienced from the heart of its river. The landscapes, faces, and scents become unforgettable memories. With Voyages Aqua Terra, every moment spent on the Douro transforms into a precious memory, a fragment of timeless beauty forever engraved in the travelers’ hearts.
