Advice / Ship review: MS Estrela

Ship review: MS Estrela

Written by

Will Payne

Last updated

30 April 2025

Read time

3 min read

4.3

Our Score

Out of 5

Will Payne

We joined APT Travelmarvel’s first purpose-built vessel on the Douro River, MS Estrela, for its christening ceremony in Porto. Here’s what we discovered.

120

Passengers

2024

Launched

80m

Length

We take a closer look at APT Travelmarvel’s first purpose-built ship on the Douro River, MS Estrela, during a three-night sailing return from Porto via São Martinho and Régua, following the ship’s christening ceremony.

The vessel boasts four decks and has capacity for 120 guests across 60 cabins, supported by 60 crew members. Onboard you’ll find a restaurant and lounge bar, as well as a sun deck with sun loungers, pool, sunken BBQ area and putting green. The ship is sleek and simple and encourages travellers to relax and unwind while sailing along the Douro, which makes it a great option for the over-60s market.

Style & character: 4/5

Earthy tones contribute to the rustic aesthetic of this ship | Credit: APT Travelmarvel

Having made its debut last year, MS Estrela has a subtle yet sleek look with light panelling, earthy tones and wooden flooring throughout. Plants in the bar and restaurant and wicker furniture, paired with the beige tones, are in keeping with the Douro’s rustic aesthetic.

Cabins: 5/5

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer pleasing views of the Douro's banks | Credit: APT Travelmarvel

Cabins are very spacious and allow for plenty of room to move around comfortably. Beds are large and each room has a seating area for working or reading. Bathrooms are stocked with enough amenities to last the duration of your cruise, and there is more than enough storage space for two travellers. Suitcases can be stored under beds and floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the banks of the Douro. There is also a safe, hairdryer, robes, minifridge and large TV with local and international channels. Options include window staterooms, French balcony suites and the Owner’s Suite.

Food & drink: 3/5

There is a notable range of options aboard this ship | Credit: APT Travelmarvel

There’s a wide range of food options onboard. In the main restaurant, breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner is a la carte. Options include fish and meat dishes, as well as vegetarian and vegan alternatives. You’ll also find an omelette station during breakfast, with cooked and cold options available.

In the lounge bar, snacks like biscuits, fruit and finger sandwiches are available to keep you going throughout the day. We recommend taking breakfast and lunch as soon as possible each day, with the lack of heating lamps causing the food to go slightly cold on occasion.

Drinks include top-shelf liquors, Super Bok beer, wines, soft drinks and hot drinks. There’s a self-serve coffee machine in the lounge, as well as a fountain which offers still and sparkling water.

Service & facilities: 4/5

Passengers can take a dip in the pool while the Douro slips by | Credit: APT Travelmarvel

The crew are attentive, fun and helpful. All public areas are spotless, and there is always someone on hand to help if needed. My laundry order was taken almost immediately, and the crew were more than happy to offer recommendations on food, drink and excursions.

The swimming pool is large for a river ship, and the putting green at the back of the vessel is a nice addition to help pass the time during sailing days. The sunken BBQ, meanwhile, is a great option for a top-deck dinner when the sun’s out.

Entertainment & excursions: 5/5

Guests can enjoy visits to quinas | Credit: APT Travelmarvel

Onboard entertainment includes hosted parties, where you get the chance to meet fellow passengers, live music from local performers, presentations from experts and quizzes.

Excursions are varied, with options for all abilities and tastes. In Régua, you’ll have the chance to visit a local quinta and take part in a port tasting, where tour guides talk you through the delicate process of making port before you get to try four different varieties of the popular Portuguese tipple.

Value for money: 5/5

This ship offers guests excellent value | Credit: APT Travelmarvel

MS Estrela is the first ship to operate both APT and Travelmarvel cruises, with the former being a five-star brand and the latter a four-star proposition. When the company’s second Douro ship launches in 2028, MS Estrela will be repositioned to sail exclusively Travelmarvel cruises, with the new ship sailing APT itineraries.

This means Travelmarvel customers are getting a ship designed for a five-star market at four-star prices. Costs are competitive and packages are available for Travelmarvel guests to upgrade their drinks. APT offers all-inclusive as standard, with meals, tips and drinks included.