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Tauck details Douro river expansion plans

Tauck has revealed details of three Douro river cruises to be offered on a new ship in 2020.

The company has been finalising details of the new itineraries since announcing plans in January to expand to the river in Portugal.

The hull of new Douro river boat MS Andorinha has been completed at the Vahali Shipyard in Serbia and was recently transported by tug to the Netherlands for final outfitting.

The new ship will carry 84 passengers in 42 cabins, including 12 suites.

Tauck said it was intentionally limiting the vessel’s capacity to just 84 passengers – far fewer than other Douro ships of similar size which accommodate up to 112 passengers – “to ensure a relaxed and intimate ambiance”.

The new-build will be staffed by a cruise director and three guides, as on Tauck riverboats in the fleet. A dedicated host will join on what is being claimed as the first family river cruise itinerary on the Douro, a five-night sailing combined with two nights in Lisbon with prices starting at £3,150 per person plus air fare.

The two adult-only itineraries are an eight-day sailing leading in at £3,080pp cruise-only and a seven-day cruise combined with two-night stays in Lisbon and Madrid starting at £4,770pp.

Prices include all shore excursions, gratuities, beer, wine and spirits and airport transfers.

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