Avalon Alegria

Intimate ship Bliss scored

Avalon Alegria from Avalon Waterways cruises the Douro River through Portugal and Spain and features two decks of suites 30% larger than the standard stateroom as well as open-air balconies.

102guests
9,999gross tons
6cruises now
$4,650fares from

A Douro River bridge near terraced hillsides in Portugal.

At a glance

Avalon Alegria is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Avalon Waterways, in service since 2024. It carries 102 guests and 33 crew (3.1 guests per crew member) at 9,999 gross tons. It is the 17th largest of 22 Avalon Waterways ships by guest capacity. On Cruiseable's Bliss scale it scores highest for romantic (10/10) and lowest for entertainment, family friendly, party and spa & fitness (5/10). It has 6 cruises on sale, with lead fares from $4,650 to $6,798.

Builder's plate

Specs

Guests: 102
Crew: 33
Gross tons: 9,999
Decks: 4
Length: 256 ft
Beam: 38 ft
Maiden voyage: 2024
Space ratio: 3.1; Gross tons per guest
Guests per crew: 3.1
Outside rooms: 51

Bliss scores

What Avalon Alegria is best at

Ten dimensions scored by our editors on a 10-point scale. The Cruiseable app ranks every cruise against the mix you care about.

Active 7.0
Adventure and nature 8.0
Cultural 8.0
Dining 6.0
Entertainment 5.0
Family friendly 5.0
Party 5.0
Romantic 10.0
Spa and fitness 5.0
Staterooms 7.0

Our review

Avalon Alegria: A stellar wine cruise along the scenic Douro River

There are few better ways to experience the scenic landscapes and storied traditions of the Douro River Valey of Portugal and Spain than on Avalon Alegria from Avalon Waterways. Famed for its wine and terraced vineyards, the valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 102-passenger ship launched in 2024 as Avalon's first river vessel in Portugal. The "Suite Ship" has been purpose-built to sail on the River of Gold. The ship is a smaller version of the line's mainstream European ships and feature all the same amenities and excursion options.

Sailings focus heavily on the wine culture of the region, offering guests visits to vineyards and opportunities to sample local wines, especially the renowned Port wine from Portugal's Douro Valley. The cruise experience is designed to immerse passengers in the local wine heritage while also showcasing the picturesque landscapes and charming villages along the Douro River

Where Avalon Alegria sails

Avalon Alegria features a 7-night "Portugal Vineyards and Villages Along the Douro" itinerary with an optional three-night land tour. The cruise from Lisbon to Porto includes stops at several river towns along the Douro, including Pinhao and Salamanca.

Read the full review

A view of Miranda do Douro (Portugal) from the Douro Natural Park straddling the border between Spain and Portugal. Guillén Pérez / Creative Commons BY-ND

Amenities

Onboard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, an Adventure Center with complimentary active gear, and an Avalon Adventure Host to assist with active excursions and onboard fitness classes and activities.

Relax and watch the world go by in the Observation Lounge for the perfect vantage point to take in Portugal's stunning Douro Valley and vineyards. Stretch out on the Sky Deck with a swimming pool, premium lounge chairs and shade system to relax while sailing through Portugal's most spectacular views!

Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows
Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs and shade awnings
Fitness Center
Non-smoking interior and staterooms
Convenient elevator service
Elegant, contemporary design
Outside viewing deck
Headsets for guided shore excursions in Europe
Friendly, English-speaking crew and cruise director
Sightseeing with certified local guides
Onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment

Dining

Enjoy onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh menu options, premium coffee and spirits, and versatile FlexDining venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill or the upscale glass-walled Dining Room. Guests can relax in the Club Lounge with a variety of coffees, teas, cold beverages and pastries while settling in with a selection of books, cards and board games.

Staterooms

Choose from 14 deluxe staterooms or 37 Panorama Suites featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into a unique open-air balcony. The 200-square-foot Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, with Avalon's signature window-facing "Beds with a View."

Interested in a cruise on this ship?

For pricing, itinerary information and to reserve your spot on Avalon Alegria, contact a Cruiseable travel consultant by email or by calling 1-877-322-3773.

SEE ALL AVALON ALEGRIA SAILINGS

On board highlights

Palácio Nacional de Sintra Lisbon
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso Porto, Portugal
Douro River bridge Douro River Valley

Photos

Inside and out

Destinations 2

A Douro River bridge near terraced hillsides in Portugal.
Muro dos Bacalhoeiros, a historic block in Porto, Portugal

More photos 2

The Douro River as it winds through a picturesque stretch of irrigated farmland in Pinhão, Portugal.
The 102-passenger Avalon Alegria launches in 2024 with Douro River sailings through Portugal and Spain.

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