River cruise ship Douro Serenity will next year join German cruise line Nicko Cruises – represented in the UK by river cruise specialist Light Blue Travel.
Light Blue Travel offers commission and hopes to offer fam trips to travel agents shortly.
Douro Serenity will offer 36 cruises through Portugal’s Douro valley to the Spanish border.
Built in 2017, the ship can carry 126 guests in 63 cabins.
The eight-day round-trip cruises from Porto will visit Régua, with a guided excursion into the pilgrim city of Lamego; Pinhão with its Baroque Mateus Palace in Vila Real; Vega Terron with a day trip over the border to the Spanish university town of Salamanca; and the historic sites of Barca d’Alva.
Rupert Thomson, managing director of river cruise specialist Light Blue Travel, said: “Last year we saw a surge of interest in cruising on Portugal’s river Douro and despite the travel disruptions we are seeing encouraging bookings for 2021 and some even for later this year.
“Cruising in Portugal is tranquil and very relaxed and of course the Portuguese are so friendly and welcoming.
“Nicko already has the Douro Cruiser on the river and the addition of the Serenity will give us double capacity.”
A cruise on Serenity costs from £1,395 including flights, transfers and excursions.