TORONTO — Avalon Waterways will make its Douro debut with a new itinerary and Suite Ship – the Avalon Alegria – in 2024.

Says Pam Hoffee, President, Avalon Waterways: “We’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust vacation portfolio and that day has finally arrived.”

She adds that inviting Avalon guests to sail the Douro for the first time means “we’re bringing the Suite Ships of Avalon, the grandest views in cruising and whim-powered itineraries to southwestern Europe. And we couldn’t be more excited.”

‘Alegria’ in Portuguese means ‘happiness’.

Avalon’s all-new, eight-day cruise begins and ends in Porto and is filled with Avalon’s signature (and included) ‘Classic,’ ‘Discovery’ and ‘Active’ excursion choices. Excursions run the gamut from ancient Amarante – in the picturesque Minho region, known for its golden church that dates back to 1530 – to the sandstone architecture in Salamanca, Spain, and from rock art to riding bikes from Porto to the sea.

Avalon Alegria, like the rest of the Avalon’s fleet of Suite Ships, will feature Panorama Suites on two full decks. Each suite provides guests 200-square-feet of living space, open-air balconies and beds facing the views. Avalon Alegria will also offer a pool on the Sky Deck.

The ship – built exclusively to sail the Douro – will have a total of 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, accommodating 102 guests and 33 crew members.